1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6

Before we get to far into the details of this next car, I've got to point out the major elephant seal in the room -- this thing has a slushbox auto.  But maybe that is okay in a car that was never designed to clip apexes or let you heel-toe.  This is a car built for cruising down the highway at something moderately near the legal limit.  This is not a Fitbit Versa 2 or an Apple Watch 5...this is a TAG Heuer...it is mechanical beast that is equal parts jewelry and status...and certainly not something you'd want to get wet.  And the red pin stripe interior is wicked.  Find this 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.6 offered for $4000 in Ladera Ranch, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

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.

15k Mile Ragtop: 1992 Chevrolet Corvette C4 Convertible

There is something about an older car that is free from dirt/grime that just makes me happy...and it probably has something to due with the fact that most of my classics have been well used and abused.  This next car is shockingly clean on the underside for a 27 year old car and has about 500 miles per year on the odo...and the price is great?  What's the catch? Oh, its a C4 Corvette...which I'm sorta starting to like these days...am I getting old? Find this  1992 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible offered for $12,950 in Omaha, NE via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Straight-6 Slushbox: 1963 Ford Falcon Convertible

I'm gonna put my flame suit on and say the following: the V8 and 4-speed is overrated. Every other classic '60s American car that I see running around car shows is powered by a thumping V8 and many have the lauded 4-speed manual. Oooohh...ahhh...pssshaa, meh!  Those hot rod upgraded powertrain combos are great if you plan to go vintage racing or like to head to the drag strip, but most classic cars are just putted around town by old guys, so why not get something that'll get good fuel economy and isn't as common as pimples on a teenager.  Like a straight-6 mated to a..errr..2 or 3...let's just say several speed slushbox. Find this 1963 Ford Falcon Convertible offered for $15000 in Port Orchard, WA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Double Trouble: 1986 vs 1988 Ferrari 308 Mera Fiero Clones

Wow.  What are the chances?  We got a hot tip on a Fauxrarri 308 clone (that uses a Pontiac Fiero chassis and some Ferrarieqse body work) powered by a Caddy V8 and then another tip came through...and I thought...wow, must be the same car.  Nope.  TWO DIFFERENT CADDY POWERED FIERRARIS AT THE SAME TIME.  First up is this 1988 Ferrari 308 Clone offered for $15,450 in Virginia Beach, VA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

The Art of War: 1981 Porsche 911 with Cadillac V8

The ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu said a lot of things...but my top three have to be (1) "All warfare is based on deception." (2) "Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance." and (3) " It is better to drive Porsche with fake luggage engine cover that goes like a scalded cat than Porsche that handles like a Cadillac." Those ancient Chinese philosophers sure said some wacky stuff, but it sure makes a good t-shirt. Find this 1981 Porsche 911 here on eBay with Cadillac V8 bidding for $15,000 reserve-not-met with 9 days to go, located in Corona del Mar, CA. Tip from Rod S.

HP Sauce: 1980 Porsche 924

People ask me why I'm such a freak when it comes to cars.  I don't have a good answer, but my mom always says that I wasn't dropped on my head and that I was obsessed with cars at a young age, but for whatever reason...I like them odd.  Wierd.  Brown.  Slow.  Horrible.  Yup...winner, winner, liver & onions dinner.  Find this 1980 Porsche 924 offered for $2000 in Ventura, CA via craigslist.  Tip from Sean S.

Nice Paint Scheme: 1971 Ford Pinto

My old man always said that if you are going to do something crazy, do it right...wait...that's not what he said.  He said if you can't be smart, be colorful.  Which brings us to this next car, which is one of the nicest examples of a slushbox equipped Ford Pinto that you'll ever see.  Colorful, indeed.  Find this 1971 Ford Pinto offered for $5,900 in Thousand Oaks, CA via craigslist. Tip from Sean S.

POSaab: 2004 Saab 9-3 Arc Convertible

This next feature came from Scott who left a new comment on the MId Week Match-Up: Best Junker For $1k feature and writes:  I was ready to give up till I found this ad:  Find this 2004 Saab 9-3 Arc Convertible POS SAAB offerd for $1,000 near Boston, MA.

Slushbox: 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco

In a typical DT post we complain about how you can't find nice manual transmission versions of certain cars because most were sold with autos when new (lookin at you Corvette buyers!) but today the situation is flipped.  Most Sciroccos came from the factory with manual gearboxes, and it is very strange to see one with a slushbox.  Find this 1987 Volkswagen Scirocco offered for $7,995 in Baton Rouge, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

Appliance Racing Grey: 1993 Acura Legend

 The 2nd generation Acura Legend was released in 1991 and likely ignored by the clueless US based auto manufacturers (I can't imagine any of the bean counter driven big 3 would have looked twice at this car and seen a threat).  However, there were likely a few German horseless carriage builders who did a collective freak out (and you should see German engineers freak out...it ain't pretty) when they discovered the fit-finish-and-finesse of the Acura Legend.  Find this 1993 Acura Legend offered for $3,350 in Forest Grove, OR via GroveAutoCenter. Tip from Kendall.

Explosive! 1986 Chevrolet Corvette C4

The C4 generation Corvette was a big styling change from the previous C3 Vette.  Gone were the stingray inspired fender humps and instead the car featured Lotus Esprit meets a door style styling.  It might be the bourbon speaking, but the C4 is starting to grow on me. Find this 1986 Chevrolet Corvette here on eBay offered for $9,990 buy-it-now or make-offer located in San Marcos, CA.

Herr Kermit: 1989 Porsche 928

The Porsche 928 is an evil temptress.  She has beautiful curves, a powerful V8 under the hood, and Porsche badging, all with a narcotizing waft of affordability.  However, if you've got a decent set of tools, an internet connection, and (most importantly) a can-do attitude, you can drive one of these things everyday without being a member of the Trump family.  Find this 1989 Porsche 928 offered for $5975 in Clear Lake, MN via craigslist.  Tip from Michael.

Low Miles AutoBox: 1994 Alfa Romeo 164

Nineteen Ninety-four was a good year for cars. You could get a Buick Roadmaster Estate with the LT1 V8, or a Mk IV Supra with the 2JZ-GTE, or an NA MX-5 Miata with the bigger 1.8 liter BP-ZE inline-4 -- but for some unknown reason I find myself inexplicably drawn to this next Alfa like a moth to a hadron collider.  Find this 1994 Alfa Romeo 164 here on eBay bidding for $3,550 reserve-not-met with 4 days to go, located in Fairfield, NJ.

High Class Glass: 1964 Studebaker Avanti

For a brief period from June 1962 to December 1964 Studebaker produced only 5,800 Avantis.  They were ahead of their time in both styling and engineering, but production problems and the decline of Studebaker itself would make their run short. We are happy to see that such a rare and beautiful car can still be found under the DT price limit. Find this 1964 Studebaker Avanti for sale in Southeast, MN for $19,500 via craigslist.

Excellent Shape: 1992 Acura Legend

Another minty clean Honda/Acura with an automatic?  Sure, why not -- it isn't like you find mint condition cars from 1992 with only 45k miles on the odometer everyday...so I think the slushbox can be forgiven.  Find this 1992 Acura Legend offered for $13,000 in Fremont, CA via craigslist.  Tip from KBZ.

Mint Condition: 1980 Honda Prelude

The first generation Honda Prelude (SN) is a pretty boring car to drive compared to the stuff available today, but back when new it was lauded by the likes of Brock Yates who once wrote in Motor Trend "by any sane measurement, a splendid automobile. The machine, like all Hondas, embodies fabrication that is, in my opinion, surpassed only by the narrowest of margins by Mercedes-Benz. It is a relatively powerful little automobile by anybody's standards." Fast forward 35 years and Mercedes-Benz is no longer a benchmark for anything other than the triumph of brand over sense, but this little Honda is an amazing time capsule.  Find this 1980 Honda Prelude offered for $6,000 in San Francisco, CA via craigslist.  Tip from Safety Fast.