From the archives of 1980s hot hatches comes one of its more surprising contenders: the Isuzu I-Mark RS. Packing a Lotus-tuned suspension, Recaro seats, factory body kit and a slick-shifting manual transmission, these were formidable packages back in the… more»
• For Sale • 29 Comments
The Other GTI: 1989 Suzuki Swift GTi
There are certain cars that I will absolutely concede are past the point of saving – even cars that I love. It’s easier to make this determination when thinking about production volume, and how many of a certain model… more»
• Uncategorized • 28 Comments
300 Antique Cars Total, All $1200 And Under
Long ago and far away, one of the first steps to completing a restoration was finding a parts car. Sometimes a restorer bought a parts car and put it out back for the purpose of combining the best pieces… more»
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Getting Over Bataan: 1971 Datsun 521 Pickup
What’s a Datsun? Well, for you younger readers, it was one of the first Japanese car companies to successfully market cars in the United States. Along with Toyota, and to a lesser extent Mazda, Honda, and Subaru, these companies… more»
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Cab Plus: 1991 Mazda B2600i SE-5
I’m guilty of it, too: trying to sell a vehicle without first doing a couple of seemingly-simple and inexpensive things to it first to really make it pop. (like, finding a missing “E” for the Lincoln, for one). This… more»
• For Sale • 17 Comments
Cruel Climate: ’85 Toyota Corolla GT-S
Mention the letters AE86 to any Toyota fanboy and their eyes will grow wide as they’ve just been told there is a Santa Claus. Yes, the rear-wheel drive Corolla is the hot hatch you’d pine for if the GTI or Escort… more»
• For Sale • 7 Comments
Near Perfect Wagon: 1980 Datsun 510
“Near perfect” is a strong description for this clean 1980 Datsun 510 wagon, but it may not be too much of an exaggeration. Mileage is low at 47,000 and the seller claims there is no rust – a rarity… more»
• Uncategorized • 26 Comments
Barn To Backyard: 1977 Toyota Celica GT
Many people have big dreams of discovering a barn find of their own. The idea may seem good, but sometimes the reality isn’t that pleasant. Rust, dirt, and mice droppings are not usually words associated with fun. Well, some… more»
• Uncategorized • 21 Comments
Frozen in Time: 1986 Nissan 720
I have a thing for these early Datsun pickups, the square, four-headlight, pre-Hardbody/D21 designs. They’re so utilitarian, harkening back (hey, I’m an architect, we always use flowery language) to a simpler time when trucks were trucks. What a concept,… more»
• For Sale • 21 Comments
Near Extinct: First-Gen Nissan Pathfinder
The 1980s saw Toyota and Nissan build some pretty capable body-on-frame sport utility vehicles, back when the term SUV actualy meant something. Only problem is, most example have lead hard lives and are either beaten, rusty or both. This… more»
• For Sale • 8 Comments
Not Many Left: 1986 Isuzu P’up Turbodiesel
An Isuzu P’up is nearly impossible to find these days, but add features like the turbo diesel powerplant and a long bed and you have a recipe for unobtanium. This 1986 model shows incredibly well, with a rust-free body,… more»
• For Sale • 17 Comments
39K Miles From New: 1987 Honda CRX
First-generation CRXs aren’t necessarily as loved as the CRX that followed in the late 80s, but finding an unmodified survivor is often just as difficult. This 1987 CRX isn’t the hot-hatch Si; it doesn’t even have a manual transmission…. more»
• For Sale • 14 Comments
Rare Turbodiesel: 1986 Toyota Camry
It’s not uncommon to find older Toyota trucks utilizing diesel power; my very own 1981 HiAce project relies on an old-school 2L diesel powerplant. What is unusual is to find such mechanical sorcery in an old-school Toyota Camry sedan… more»
• For Sale • 16 Comments
RHD and 4WD: 1988 Toyota Corolla Wagon
A few months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting one of more established importers of Japanese-market vehicles to the U.S. He specialized in Mitsubishi-branded military Jeeps, but also had an eye for other unusual JDM cars and trucks…. more»
• Auctions • 21 Comments
BF AUCTION: 1974 Toyota Chinook RV
From George G. – A running (sort of) 1974 Toyota Chinook RV! Yes, it’s a bit of a project, but there just aren’t that many left anymore and think how cool this would be with a modern multi-valve fuel… more»
• For Sale • 20 Comments
Never This Nice: 1989 Toyota VanWagon
These spaceship-like Toyota Vans (also known as the “VanWagon” or the “LiteAce” overseas) will never cease to intrigue, what with their flat noses and glassy four-eyed stare. More uncommon is to see one that has been maintained and even… more»
