It’s not every day you stumble across a classic drop-top that has already taken home a trophy from a judged car show, and this unique project is ready for its next chapter. Offered at an asking price of $12,000, this classic rear-wheel-drive cruiser features a straight body wrapped in bright yellow paint. Available here on craigslist out of Hillsboro, Oregon, the seller claims to have invested around $35,000 on new components including a rebuilt engine, transmission, brakes, shocks, interior seating and a new fabric top.
The most intriguing detail of the specific build is under the rear decklid, where the mechanical configuration tells an unusual story. The badging says it is a factory Spyder which was defined by a turbocharged engine. However, this one sports a naturally aspirated, newly rebuilt flat-six powerplant which was available on the base model. Purists might raise their eyebrows at the lack of forced induction, but that may not necessarily be a bad thing. The turbo versions, while exciting, were known to be temperamental, and a properly rebuilt naturally aspirated unit can be a more reliable everyday companion. With an estimated 6,000 miles on all components, it sounds like this one was done correctly.
The body is described as straight with minor rust noted at the wheel openings, which on a 60-year-old open car is very encouraging. Yellow is a great color on these as it suits the Spyder’s sporty personality better than the subdued tones often seen on them. The new interior and fabric top also suggest the previous owner wanted a complete driver-quality car. It also removes the usual headaches associated with cabin restoration. It even got a win in a judged show class, meaning someone with a critical eye approved of the car.
While the overall sheet metal is remarkably straight, potential buyers will want to carefully inspect the small spots of rust bubbling up around the wheel openings before committing. Check the lower front fenders, rocker panels behind the doors, and the trunk floor since these convertibles usually collect moisture in those areas. Ask for the engine and transmission receipts to verify the 6,000-mile figure refers to the rebuilt components or just the chassis. A cold start drive and a look underneath will tell you everything you need to know. The missing turbo means it will never command a Spyder’s premium, but it also means you can drive it without worrying about costly forced induction repairs. At $12,000, with this level of investment and available financing on approved credit (OAC), the math works in the buyer’s favor. Would you give this naturally aspirated cruiser a chance, or does a Spyder absolutely need the turbo to belong in your driveway?
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