Fuel of Slowtan: 1983 Nissan Sentra Diesel

I've owned and driven some slow cars in my time...so I don't say this lightly...but this next car is slower than a herd of snails on a plate of peanut butter.  The basic gasoline powered Sentra was slow with its 1.6 liter gasoline 4-banger drooling to 60mph in about 14 seconds, but the 1.7 liter CD17 non-turbo diesel was an absolute boat anchor and would have possibly gotten to 60 in less than 18 seconds with a strong tail wind.  But...if my experience owning an '81 Rabbit Diesel taught me anything...it is that slow can be exhilarating -- just try merging on the freeway and tell me your pulse rate doesn't skyrocket like a snail trying to cross the racing surface during the annual Bonneville salt flat speed week.  Find this 1983 Nissan Sentra Diesel offered for $3500 in Cerritos, CA via craigslist.

Basic Transport: 2006 Saab 9-2X Linear

The Subaru WRX was a suped up version of the standard base Subaru Impreza  -- the WRX added a turbocharger and some fun sometime in the 2001 model year.  In 2005 Saab got into the all-wheel-drive fun game and launched the 9-2X which was available in WRX-turbo Aero version and in the basic non-turbo Linear model.  This next car is the slow and steady non-turbo and slushbox equipped Linear, but the asking price is almost scrap value low. Find this 2006 Saab 9-2X Linear offered for $1800 in Maynard, MA via saabnet.com. Tip from BarbPaddles.

BumbleBe1: 1987 Nissan Be-1

I love it when a seller tells a story.  And this next seller does deliver the goods.  Not only does he do a good job of articulating his reasons for selling the car (which aren't really necessary in the sale of a vehicle) but he also goes to great lengths to show that he is indeed a 61 year old man who just purchased a new Ford Ranger and even includes a selfie of said self and Ranger.  The last part of the story that I love is the fact that he is both reasonable in his asking price and firm in his conviction -- so don't send him a text message with a random and un-substantiated offer.  Personally, as a used car seller on the web, the thing I hate the most are random low ball SMS offers that have zero actual substance.  I usually reply with a "yes, I will take $xxx offer, but only if you immediately send me $1000 non-refundable deposit."  Never had a taker. Find this 1987 Nissan Be-1 offered for $4328 in Portland, OR via craigslist.

Three On The Tree: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 220D W115

This next car comes from tipper Art who first writes: 3 on the tree 220 Deeeeeee! Kinda just rolls off the tounge, huh? Lotta cool for 5K... quick glance through looks clean. Can these stay cheap forever? Maybe, since they never die...And a few minutes later wipes a film of coronavirus repelling axle grease off his screen and sends us another message; I mean, minus the cost for a respray....Haha my phone screen was low, didn't notice the last few pics of the paint... still .... this kinda does it for me, be the only one on your block!  Yup, you got it right Art. I drove one of these things for a few years and can tell you two things with certainty--(1), the interior build quality is second to none and (2) they are slower to 60mph than the Belarusian response to the coronavirus.  Find this 1971 Mercedes-Benz 220D offered for $4999 in Fairlawn, NY via craigslist.

Two Wheels Good, Three Wheels Better: 1981 Tri Magnum

It's hard to remember that there was a time before those disposable rideshare electric scooters were a plague on cities across this country.  It was a simpler time when someone had to find something else to make a total fool of himself in front of the world...and I can't imagine a better way to do it than sitting in a hammock with your knees above your head as you are slowly macerated in a sweaty fog of unburnt fuel, combustion blowby, and shame.  Yes.  It was 1981 and you are driving an enclosed trike -- a fiberglass middle finger to all those who might judge you...coffin sized and ready to be lowered into your final resting place. At least then, nobody will see you. Find this 1981 Tri Magnum offered for $5500 in Piggott, AR via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Burn It With Fire: 1984 Mercury Lynx

The lynx rufus (commonly known as the North American bobcat) is a medium sized wildcat that hits the scales at somewhere in the sub 40lbs range and can top 30 mph in sprint.  The Mercury Lynx is a small sized econobox that hits the scales at 2200 lbs and can hit about 86 mph...but I'd guess that having a real live bobcat in your garage would be far less dangerous than a Mercury Lynx.  Find this 1984 Mercury Lynx offered for $999 in Placida, FL via craigslist. Tip from Dascpcu.

Sem Potência 2: 1973 Volkswagen SP2

Up until the 1990s Brazil (the world's fifth largest country by population and geography) did not allow imported automobiles -- and as a result, major OEMs around the world set up local manufacturing centers.  In the beginning, the local plants built vehicles designed and engineered from the parent company's home country, but eventually the locals starting building unique vehicles, particularly Volkswagen of Brazil. The SP2 was built on the Type 3 chassis from 1972 through 1976, during which time VW do Brasil assembled about 10,000 of the sporty looking coupes.  The lack of sales was blamed on the poor performance of the steel bodied SP2 and the nickname Sem Potência (Portuguese for without power) became common.  This next one looks good at first glance...but the seller mentions something about "full rust beyond layers and layers of bondo" ...errrr...tread carefully. Find this 1973 Volkswagen SP2 offered for $10,000 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Tip from Rock On!

Tortoise Style: 1960 Vauxhall Victor Super

Vauxhall Iron Works was founded in the UK way back in 1857, but it wasn't until 1903 when they built their first car...a small 5 horsepower buggy with 2 forward gears and a tiller style steering setup.  Fast forward to 1925 and Vauxhall was acquired by General Motors and it was slowly (but surely) GMified to the point that today it sells badge engineered Opels into the United Kingdom...but there was a time when a Vauxhall was a cool piece of metal that was sold into European markets. Particularly cool was the Victor, which had the styling of a '55 Chevy but at a 7/8ths scale and with a 1.5 liter engine.  This is one of the few cars that will make a Volkswagen Beetle feel fast. Find this 1960 Vauxhall Victor Super offered for $3900 in Bangor, PA via craigslist. Tip from ME.  

The Real Luftgekühlt: 1958 King Midget III

The King Midget is not a child's toy that someone sneaked past the dimwits at their local DMV, but a micro car that traces it roots all the way back to 1946.  The initial versions were kit cars offering the unbeatable value of a 500 lb car for $500, but later the guys at the Midget Motors Corp offered fully assembled King Midgets...which is a strange name for a car powered by a single cylinder aircooled Wisconsin motor that pushed out 9.2 horsepower into a 2-speed...royal indeed. Find this 1958 King Midget offered for $11,500 in Northwest CT via craigslist. Tip from Cory.

Tectonic Acceleration: 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240D W123

One of my favorite automotive memories was driving a vintage Mercedes oil burner through the hilly streets of San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. The 2.4 liter inline-4 cylinder non-turbo diesel engine didn't have much punch, but it did have enough torque to lug up seriously steep hills will very minimal throttle (errr...rack) input. Few cars have a similar ability to be started in first gear without the use of a the go-pedal up a hill...but you could just dump the clutch and go. I don't miss the tectonic acceleration...but I do miss a few interesting details on that old Benz.  Find this 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240D offered for $3,200 in Sevastopol, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

White Fish: 1980 Chevrolet Chevette

Chevy's Chevette was a lightweight pipsqueak with two-digit horsepower and a big chip on its shoulder due to all the abuse it got in Jr High school. Chevette owners will say "just wait till the bad ones are gone and the good ones will be worth a fortune" but I'm not holding my breath on that one. But if you want a Chevette in your driveway...I think this next example is the way I'd go...clean...low miles...stock...and cheap. Find this 1980 Chevrolet Chevette offered for $3000 in Baltimore, MD via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Strangely Appealing or Strangely Appalling? 1979 Triumph TR7

The wedge shaped Triumph TR7 launched in 1974 by the infamous British Leyland Motor Corp.  The TR7 was billed as "The Shape of Things to Come" - which was apt as British Leyland's sales followed an sharp angle...directly into the ground.  The TR7 styling was penned by Harris Mann (known for his Austin Allegro and Princess work) and while it won't win any beauty contests, it certainly checks all the boxes if you want something that is strangely appealing if you ask me. Find this 1979 Triumph TR7 offered for $6,500 in Los Angeles, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Slow: 1981 Isuzu I-Mark Diesel

If you enjoy driving fast, you'll probably want to skip this next feature. Yeah.  You.  Just fly right by and head to the next thing that has an LS6 swapped into a dune buggy chassis.  Ok.  Its now just you, me, and CFlo reading -- he loves the slow stuff too.  The Isuzu Gemini was originally sold in the US market as the Opel by Isuzu, changed to the Buick Opel and finally in 1981 became the Isuzu I-Mark.  It was a rear drive Japanese classic holdover from another era and used a rear-drive setup, but could be powered by a  1.8 liter 4-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel engine that puts out 51 horsepower.  You might struggled to keep up with traffic on a mild grade, but the smiles and questions from strangers when you fill up at the green pump will be worth it. Find this 1981 Isuzu I-Mark Diesel offered for $5,800 in Bellflower, CA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Looks Good In Red: 1972 Porsche 914 1.7

The Porsche 914 was originally conceived as a dual purpose range topping Volkswagen and low-end Porsche, to replace the Karmann-Ghia and 912, respectively. The initial plan of marketing the 6-cylinder version as Porsche and the 4-cylinder as Volkswagen was eventually canned and lowly 4-banger version got a Porsche crest too -- and today, the easiest way to get in a fight with a 914 enthusiast is to call his car a Volkswagen.  Instead of picking fights with people who like driving slow cars, why not join them by picking up this 1972 Porsche 914 1.7 offered for $7500 in Mesa, AZ via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Sheep In A Wolf's Hoodie: 1966 Land Rover Defender on Pontiac Grand Prix Chassis

If you've ever spent time under a car, you know what you can get with a little hard work and a pair of donor cars.  All manner of crazy beasts start with a simple thought from some a mad scientist...but this next car is so perplexing that I'm going to have to give it the official Bearded Spock award and just hope it gets swallowed up in the next black hole to dimension Z.  Find this 1966 Land Rover Defender on a Pontiac Grand Prix Chassis offered for $2,500 in Taunton, MA via craigslist. Tip from Gregg. 

Meanwhile...In Soviet Florida: 1990 Trabant 1.1

When I get a tip from one of DT's regular tippers (you guys know who I'm talking about) I always pay attention.  But when I get a tip from TWO of DT's regulars...well...I have two choices -- one is to drop everything and buy the car -- and the second is to write it up.  My wife would kill me if I bought a Trabant...so I'll have to write it up for one of the other future divorcees in the audience. Find this 1990 Trabant 1.1 offered for $3800 in Naples, FL via craigslist. Tip from Dascpcu and Rock On!

Ain't Easy Being Green: 1967 Toyota Corona 1900 Deluxe

I'd always rather buy a nicely restored or original condition survivor than a car that has had a cheap respray or is a pile of parts...but this next car appears to be a running/driving example of an unusual classic that just needs a paint job and some TLC.  How bad could it be? Find this 1967 Toyota Corona 1900 Deluxe here on eBay bidding for $1,175 reserve-not-met with 2 days to go, located in Moreno Valley, CA.