Miata Power: 1969 Datsun Roadster

The SPL311 generation Fairlady was the final version of the little ragtop as the sports car in the Nissan/Datsun lineup and in 1970 it was replaced by the 240Z.  The Datsun Roadster might not have been as rugged as the tractor powered MGB or as sexy as Alfa's Spider, but it offered a compromise between looks, durability, reliability, price and sportiness that was hard to beat.  And today's example has a boost of under-hood reliability that makes it particularly cool.  Find this 1969 Datsun Roadster offered for $4,300 in Chico, CA via craigslist. Tip from Terry.

Miataget: 1971 MG Midget with Mazda 1.6L

The MG Midget was a badge engineered version of the Austin Healey Sprite and shared mechanical components, sheet metal -- basically everything but the badges on the fenders.  With the low compression US spec 1275 cc inline-4 under hood, the little car seems like it has negative horsepower, but imagine getting that zoom-zoom feeling of modern power with the pre-Sabrina bumpers of the early 70s Midget.  Find this 1971 MG Midget with Mazda 1.6L here on eBay bidding for $78.00 reserve-not-met with a few hours to go, located in Birmingham, AL.

Teal Beater: 1992 Toyota Tercel 4AGE Swap

The 4th generation Toyota Tercel was a budget economy car with a reputation for being plasticy, slow, and not very fun...but at the same time they are reliable and able to absorb constant abuse.  Sounds like the perfect recipe for a beater, but what if you could find one where somebody turned up the heat?  Like this 1992 Toyota Tercel 4AGE Swap offered for $800 in Westchester, NY via craigslist.  Tip from Cory.

15k: Honda S2000 Power: 1986 Toyota Corolla GTS hatchback AE86

 The Toyota Corolla GT-S AE86 is the closest thing you'll find to an 80s JDM legend this side of something like a Skyline.  The AE86 was featured in something called Initial D, which according to wikipedia is a manga (Japanese comic book) but it also morphed into anime, cartoons and even arcade video console.  Regardless of Japanese pop culture fame, the AE86 is going to be a collectible someday (if it isn't already), even if the original drivetrain has been tossed aside for something from a Honda.  Find this 1986 Toyota Corolla GTS hatchback AE86 with Honda S2000 power offered for $15,000 CDN ($13,783 USD at time of printing) located in Saint-Lazare, QC, Canada via kijiji.ca.   Tip and translation from Jeff B.

15k: Seller Sumbission: 1970 MG MGB GT-S Twin Cam

If you are anything like me, you've drooled over many of the recent Reader Ride features and wondered how you could get something like that in your garage.  Today is your lucky day, because the GT-S twin cam powered MGB GT is looking for a new home.  Find this 1970 MG MGB GT-S Twin Cam offered for $15,000 in Monterey, CA via craigslist.  Seller submission from KC.

10k: Samurai Swapped: 1961 Morris Minor, Suzuki Inline-4 Power

Over 1.2 million examples of the Morris Minor were sold between 1948 and 1972.  The Minor was built by Morris Motors Limited in the UK and would be easy to dismiss for an Austin Mini imitator (family sedan built in bulk, many variants available, old styling lasting for decades), but the Minor predated the Mini and was designed for folks other than midgets. It used a front engine / rear drive setup instead of the Mini's front/front...which makes it much easier to swap in something odd.  Find this 1961 Morris Minor with Suzuki Samurai inline-4 power offered for $12,500 in Bensalem, PA via craigslist.  Tip from David K.

5k: Mistu Power: 1994 Hyundai Elantra 4G63 Swap

What's a Hyundai Elantra doing on this website? Good question. Let's answer it with another question: What's a sleeper? Is it a Dodge Dart wagon with a 426 Hemi in it? Or a SBC-powered Volvo 240? Consider your internal definition permanently readjusted by this unassuming gray FWD econobox... with about 321 turbocharged reasons to keep reading. Find this 4G63-swapped 1994 Hyundai Elantra for $4,200 in Seattle, WA.  Words by DT contributor slowcarSLOW-MPGlol.

10k: This Is What The CR-Z Should Have Been: 2000 Honda Insight K20 Powered

The Honda Insight was the first modern hybrid gasoline-electric vehicle to hit the US market, beating Toyota's Prius to the showroom by a few months back in the year 2000. Remember the year 2000?   Y2K?  Did you ever find another use for the bomb shelter and apocalypse hideout you built for your family?  Did you know that Spam does have an expiration date?  Anyway, first generation Insight didn't sell well compared to the Prius which is a shame because it was an actual driver's car, complete with manual transmission and proper feedback from the steering wheel.  The only real complaint you could have is that the combined gas-electric 73 horsepower won't thrill in the year 2014...but what if someone offered you a 200 horsepower Insight?  Find this 2000 Honda Insight with K20 power for sale in Clinton, CT offered for $12,500 or best offer via ebay.

2k: Swifty Swine: 1987 Chevrolet Sprint, 1.3L I-4 Swap

(9th-Dec-2013) Commenter Alex V pointed out that Swifty Swine is back on craigslist for $4,500, now in Sun Valley, CA and soon will be an option for investment in your company's 401k plan.

2k: SVOdditty: 1994 Ford Ranger Turbo 2.3 Power

We see countless engine swaps in our quest for cheap junk and most involve swapping a newer engine into an older chassis (with the notable exception of swapping carburetor equipped Chevy 350s of indeterminable origin into every manner of vehicle). It is unusual, for instance, to see an engine from an 80s Thunderbird shoved into a 90s pickup.  Find this 1994 Ford Ranger with turbo 2.3 power for sale in East Haven, CT for $2,500 via craigslist.  Tip from Cory. 

2k: For Reals? 1988 Plymouth Reliant Wagon, Turbo 2.4 Swap

The Plymouth Reliant was called the Reliant-K because it was based on the K-car platform, K being short for ye olde English spelling of krappe.  It was poorly assembled, ugly, slow...and can only be redeemed by life as a rusted out winter beater or having a proper engine swap.  Find this 1988 Plymouth Reliant Wagon with Turbo 2.4 swap for $2,100 via craigslist.

5k: Freshen It Again Tomorrow: 1971 Fiat 850 Sport Coupe, Restomod

The Fiat 850 was a funky rear-engined classic available as a sedan (berlina), sport coupe, familiare (bus), spider and wagon.  We've featured a number of these rear-engined 850s, because they offer the vintage charm of a much more expensive vehicle.  Find this 1971 Fiat 850 Sport Coupe for sale in Kent, WA currently bidding for $4,450 reserve-not-met with 3 days to go.

5k: Injected Style: 1969 Toyota Corona Mark II w/3SGE +6spd swap

The first generation Toyota Corona Mark II was an intermediate model between the luxury Crown and low end basic Corona models sold between 1968-1972.  We see Mark IIs from time to time, but most are rusty and powered by a version of the underwhelming Toyota R series cast iron boat anchors, but the one we have today is a bit of a hot rod.  Find this 1969 Toyota Corona Mark II with Altezza 3SGE + 6 speed manual for sale in Alhambra, CA for $7,500 via craigslist.

10k: Morris Monster: 1951 MG TD w/Volvo B18 and Disc Brakes

How can we possibly explain a Thorsday badge on an MG Feature? First imagine yourself as a member of the automotive upper class of a bygone era.  You've just selected a Mulliner Coachworks body for your Rolls Royce Chassis and drive train.  Too Much?  Step it down a notch, how about shopping for your car's coachwork at London's world famous Harrod's deprtment store then traipsing across town to find your drivetrain at an IKEA.  Save the former for later and the latter for today because this 1951 MG TD with Volvo B18 inline-4 and 4-wheel disc brakes is for sale in Chatsworth, CA currently bidding on eBay for $8,100 reserve-not-met with 2 days to go.

5k: Toyotumph: 1964 Triumph TR4 w/Toyota 22R

The Triumph TR4 was small sports car built starting in the early 1960s powered by an updated version of a tractor engine...so it was sporty for the day, but lacks motivation compared to modern cars.  This isn't a problem for the gear-head with tools, time and a spare drivetrain.  Find this 1964 Triumph TR4 with Toyota 22R engine for sale in Grants Pass, OR currently bidding for $4,720 via ebay.

15k: Sidekick To The Face: 1994 Geo Tracker w/ 512hp Turbo S2000 Engine

The last Geo Tracker (Suzuki Sidekick) we featured was a Ford V8 powered but stock looking beast, but today's Tracker puts that one to shame with an insane 512 horsepower turbocharged F20C swap from a Honda S2000.  This 1994 Geo Tracker is for sale in Earlysville, VA currently with zero bids on ebay at $14,000 minimum and a few hours to go.  Probably best to wait for this one to come back around again on ebay with a lower starting bid and reserve, but the idea of a 512 horsepower Geo Tracker has us intrigued.

5k Flash: Who Does Mister Two Work For?!: 1986 Toyota MR2 w/5SFE Swap

Toyota introduced its Japanese version of the Fiat X1/9 in 1984 as the MR2, a name shortened from Mid-engined Runabout 2-seater.  It was powered by a 4-banger taken from the Corolla and was relished in its day for handling and speed.  Find this 1986 Toyota MR2 with a 5SFE swap for sale in La Palma, CA currently bidding for $4,800 reserve-not-met with 3 days to go.  Bit thanks to tip from Rod S.