Back to Basics: 1988 BMW 325i E30

I love featuring random crazy kit cars and super well preserved malaise era boats as much as the next guy, but there are times when you've got to get back to basics when it comes to finding your "daily turismo".  Let's rewind the clock to July 17th, 2012 when this little website was first launched, and some dude (me) wrote that cars on DT would be; Fun (which was loosely defined as: 1) Manual transmission 2) Rear wheel drive 3) Fast) and Cheap.  That's it.  So here is something that gets back to basics. Find this 1988 BMW 325i E30 offered for $3300 in Phoenix, AZ via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Will It Run in Peoria? 1991 Volvo 240 Sedan

There was an old saying in in Vaudeville that was particularly embraced by the instantly recognizable Groucho Marx -- "will it play in Peoria?" This figure of speech asks if something will be acceptable to redneck...errr...hillbilly mainstream America -- and the Volvo 240 asked that exact same question when it was released in 1975.  And the answer from the coast to coast was a resounding yes because Volvo sold 2.8 million examples of the 240 produced from 1974-1993 for sales around the globe, with a large percentage sold in North America.  If it played in Peoria when new, does it still play? Find this 1991 Volvo 240 Sedan offered for $2999 in Peoria, IL via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Mom Car: 1972 Plymouth Valiant Sedan

This next car comes from Doug who writes: Looks like a nice easy project if someone wanted to take this car to the next level. It's surprisingly handsome for a boxy 'mom car' from 72. Not a fancy interior but with a 318 it should have plenty of get up and go. The rallye wheels really set it apart from the rather boring original wheels. Working AC, good looks and only 3000 bucks with only 70k on it. Looks like a very reasonably priced deal to me.  We couldn't agree more! Find this 1972 Plymouth Valiant Sedan offered for $3000 in Phoenix, AZ via craigslist.

Mary Kay: 1959 Edsel Ranger Sedan

This next car comes as a tip from DT tipper SecondMouse who writes: Do you know a Mary Kay lady who needs a new whip? Trying to find a car to match those plastic pink flamingos you put in the yard? Look no further than this 1959 Ford Edsel Ranger, sensibly priced at $12,500 OBO.

1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super Berlina

Tipper Erik202 sent in a tip the other day and included the suggestion that DT does an "Italian" week special...and I thought to myself, this is a great idea, but I need to make sure that my team of editors agreed to this suggestion.  So, I turned to the teddy bear on my left and the bottle of Jim Beam on my right and then realized that I didn't need their permission to do an Italian week and I'm pretty sure the teddy bear is trying to horn in on my gal.  I might have to loosen his lips with a few pints of JB before he admits it, but I've got nothing but time...because, after all, it is Italian week.  Find this 1967 Alfa Romeo Giulia Super Berlina offered for $8000 in Escondido, CA via craigslist. Tip from Erik202.

From The Pen of Giugiaro: 1972 Mazda 1800 Luce Sedan

The Mazda Luce isn't just another random Japanese classic from the early 70s...because it was styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone Design Group and looks more Lancia than Mazda. Unfortunately the car was a flop when it was new and only a few where imported and a smaller number have survived the rust over the years...so I'm pleasantly surprised the few remaining are so cheap. Find this 1972 Mazda 1800 Luce sedan offered for $2200 in Olympia, WA via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

One Owner Classic: 1967 Volvo 122S Amazon

The Volvo Amazon (called the 120 series outside of Sweden) was the more practical, more upright older sibling of the P1800 "sports" car, to which it donated its engine, transmission, and suspension option list (mostly). Today the values of the 1800 series coupes and 1800ES shooting brakes have started to tick up, leaving the Amazon behind slightly. But now we're starting to see some action on the nicely preserved examples of the pre-brick Volvo sedans & wagons, for good reason - they are solidly built, fun to drive, look great and should live forever. Find this 1967 Volvo 122S Amazon offered for $4100 in SF Bay Area, CA via craigslist.

Thorsday Bluebird: 1991 Volvo 240 Sedan

Production of the Volvo 200 series started way back in 1974 (1975 in the USA) with a squared off shape penned by Volvo's master designer Jan Wilsgaard (known for his Volvo Amazon, P1800ES shooting brake, 164, 140, 740...you get the picture). The sedan version of the 240 might not be as "sporty" as the 2-door or as "cool" as the wagon, but they were built in huge numbers and offer a great combination of passenger room and secure storage space.   Wagons get all the glory for having extra storage space, but everybody can see the antique vases and dismembered corpses -- unlike in a sedan, where the junk in your trunk stays away from prying eyes. Find this 1991 Volvo 240 Sedan offered for $2000 in Washington, IA. Tip from Zach.

Quadrato in Stile: 1972 Alfa Romeo Berlina 2000

I'm going to admit that I've always found the styling of the Alfa Romeo Berlina (1750 or 2000) to be a bit on the awkward side. There is something wrong with the way the rear window sits -- perhaps a bit too flat and upright.  It doesn't need to be crazy like a Rover SD1, but the GTV is such a hauntingly gorgeous car that I expected Kate's sister to look more like Pippa and less like Camilla.  Find this 1972 Alfa Romeo Berlina 2000 here on eBay bidding for $7,100 in Miami, FL. Tip from Zach.

Straight Eight: 1952 Packard Sedan

The Packard Motor Car company of Detroit started rolling out cars way back in 1899, but it didn't go belly up until 1958 when the last badge engineered Studebaker rolled off an assembly line with a Packard badge...not a bad run for the average car company...quick, somebody tell Elon his little startup needs to last till 2064 before we believe it'll make it!  Find this 1952 Packard Sedan here on eBay bidding for $2026 reserve-not-met with a few hours to go. Tip from Hugh.

The Glass Is Half Fulvia: 1970 Lancia Fulvia Berlina

Today is the day after the 4th of July -- the day when the inevitable Independence Day hangover rears its ugly face and we clean up the discarded piles of sparklers, spangles, and banners.  Around here we use it as a reminder of why you should be proud to be an American, but that you don't always need to drive an American car.  Maybe you'd be better served by an Italian car.  Find this 1970 Lancia Fulvia Berlina offered for $9,500 near Austin, TX via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

Acacado Sleeper: 1968 Chevrolet Impala Sedan

The real trick about building a sleeper is to start with a car that is predominately driven by old geezers (sorry, no offense to the geezers in the audience...it's the truth) and then keep it simple.  No racing slicks or monster exhaust, just a vinyl top and enough carburetion to feed a B-17 Flying Fortress at bombing altitude.  Find this
Find this 1968 Chevrolet Impala Sedan offered for $13,700 in St. Cloud, FL via craigslist.  Tip from Rock On!

Rocket V8: 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88

Headlights are the eyeballs of automobiles -- and in the world of those eyeballs there are a few strange looking examples.  For instance, the Morgan Aero8 has a cross eyed look and the Mazda RX-7 has always looked sleepy with pop-ups, but this next car is seriously confused.  Find this 1972 Oldsmobile Delta 88 here on eBay offered for $4,500 near Phoenix, AZ via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

V8 Auto: 1963 Ford Falcon Sedan

The Falcon was Ford's small car offering from 1960-1970 and was available as a coupe, sedan, and wagon; it shares its major components and chassis with the Mustang. Chassis sharing with the Mustang means that the aftermarket is plentiful and cheap, and asking prices for the Falcon are good.  Find this 1963 Ford Falcon Sedan offered for $5,000 in Los Angeles, CA via craigslist.

Temperature's Rising: 1954 Mercury Sedan

The 1954 Mercury sedan was slightly massaged version of the Mercury introduced in 1952, which isn't a bad thing at all because the Mercury is a sweet looking classic with an overhead valve Ford Y-block V8 up front.  Find this 1954 Mercury Sedan offered for $8,999 in Eastern CT via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Auction Watch: 1940 Ford Sedan Delivery

Find this 1940 Ford Sedan Delivery here on eBay offered for $18,500 buy-it-now with 2 days to go, located in Champaign, IL.

Dusty Rope Drive: 1961 Pontiac Tempest

The early 1960's were a time of experimentation for GM.  One only needs to recall how radical the newly released Corvair was to understand what was going on in the design halls at Detroit iron.  While the Corvair went on to a 10 year production streak, the equally radical Pontiac Tempest only managed a 3 year run before converting back to conventional power train configurations.  Find this 1961 Pontiac Tempest for sale in Tulsa, OK for $2,250 via craigslist.