1987 Porsche 928 S4 5-speed

While I realize my last post also featured a 1987 928 S4 5-speed, I just couldn't resist doing it again for a couple of reasons.  First, I still believe these cars represent a great value at anything below $20k. Second, they have unique styling, incredible driving experience, and a Porsche V8.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again - if you ever wanted one of these now is the time to get one.  This particular car has 67k miles on the clock with the timing belt/water pump replaced at 60k.  While the seller doesn't have extensive records prior to his ownership, it appears he has taken care of the expensive stuff when needed.  The 5-speed manual cars are the ones to own and will appreciate more than the automatics.  While the color combo wouldn't be my first choice, it is classic and appears in pretty good shape.  It's all I can do not to click the Buy-it-now button at $19k, and it absolutely ought to be bought.

1987 Porsche 928 S4

This 1987 Porsche 928 S4 with a very rare 5-speed transmission recently sold for just above $20k.  With a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, silky smooth V8 located just behind the front wheels, room for 2 adults and 2 kids, and a classic and unique design these cars are set to appreciate.  For those of you who grew up pining for one of these after watching Tom Cruise race around in Risky Business, you now have the ability to afford one.  The later cars, S4, GT, and GTS are the ones to own - in 5 speed form only.  Condition and maintenance are the absolute key as deferred maintenance and parts are Porsche and that equals expensive.   This example meets all the criteria for a great 928 with dark blue over Linen leather.  These cars drive well, look great, will appreciate and ought to be bought.

1961 Alfa Romeo Sprint 2000

This is one of only 704 102 Series Alfa Romeo 2000 Sprints made and only 4 are known to be roadworthy today.  With timeless body styling by Guigiaro, the rev-happy 2000cc engine with twin Del'Ortos, a 5-speed gearbox, fully independent suspension, seating for 4, a factory sun-roof, and electric windows this car was at the top of Alfa's range in 1961.  Later versions of this body were fitted with Alfa's incredible 2600cc inline 6 and with many available are not nearly as expensive.
This particular car has been carefully maintained and tastefully enhanced with engine improvements giving it 143hp over the standard 115hp.  Still wearing its original leather interior, radio, and all brightwork, this car is one-of-a-kind.  Priced at $65k it is a bargain no matter how you look at it and ought to be bought.

2000 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL R WIDEBODY

At nearly 6200 pounds, 17.5 feet long, and nearly five feet in height the Bentley Continental R Widebody is a serious piece of automotive art.  Until you have stood next to one, its hard to grasp its shear size and presence. This particular example is #3 of the 10 Mulliner Widebody Millenium editions produced in 2000.  This special edition gets the a sportier suspension, Le Mans style side vents, widebody wheel well extensions, special wheels, green starter button, matrix grill, and lower sill skirts.  The interior of the R model is not as racey as the T with its engine turned dash, but looks the part of a car originally priced at over $300,000 with a forest of veneer and perfect, unblemished leather hides.  Moving this behemoth to 60mph in just under 6 seconds is a turbocharged V8 producing 385hp and a whopping 553ft pounds of torque at just 2000rpm.  While not as reliable as your Camry, for a Bentley these cars have few known issues to worry with.  These cars are just beginning to reach full depreciation and will be highly collectible given their rarity, beauty, and performance.  This car is currently on offer at $69k, and while not as desirable as the Le Mans or R420 editions offered through 2002, it ought to be bought.  Actually, it ought be be in my garage.

2001-2002 BMW M COUPE

The BMW M Coupe was first introduced in 1999 fitted with the S52 engine.  Only 2,180 of these coupes were built for the North American market between 1999 and 2000.  In 2001, the S54 engine, with 315hp - 75hp boost over the S52 - was added.  This increase in power transformed the 3,100lb. car from a quirky shooting brake to true "M" status.  With near perfect weight distribution, extremely rigid chassis (especially if ordered without the sunroof), and the ability to propel itself from 0-60 in 4.3 seconds to a top speed in excess of 180mph - faster than a Shelby Cobra - the 2001-2002 M Coupe is an incredible performer.  Things to watch for are the rear strut braces and rod bearing failure/wear.
Only 690 North American market cars were built over two years making them extremely rare beasts.  Market prices have risen in the past two years from an average of $27k in 2010 to $35k today.  Further, the number of these cars trading hands has decreased sharply in the last year which is another possible indicator of model appreciation.  With those who lusted after these cars when 18 now in their 30s, these cars will soon rise further in price.  The 2001-2002 M Coupe is definitely a car that ought to be bought.

1966 Mercedes 230SL Pagoda Euro 4-speed

The value of these little Mercs have soared over the past two years.  With 190SL prices nearing $200k, 300SL prices near $1M, these seem quite the bargain.   Market values are anywhere between $50-100k according to several price guides. With perfect proportions, rock solid mechanicals, and that huge Mercedes trident on the front, these cars will do nothing but appreciate.
The fact that this car is a European version without the US DOT add-on sidemarker lights and bumpers increases its value.  The four speed transmission is rare, although not as much so as the ZF 5-speed also offered.  While red isn't the best color for this model and as the interior appears a bit tired and faded, even if the seller's statements are 50% accurate, priced today at $37k it 'ought to be bought.'

1971 Lamborghini Jarama GT

These V12, 2+2 Lambos are just coming into their own nearly 40 years after production with classic 70s styling, and that incredible growl from its 4.0 litre normally aspirated 60 degree V12.  While not as powerful as the Jarama S at 365hp, the 350hp in this car is more than adequate to propel a quite hefty 3480lb car.  With only 176 Jaramas and 152 of the S models for a total run of 328 units built between 1970 and 1976 you are likely to never see one on the road or at your local car show.  The 2+2 body styles of the Jarama and Espada, plus those from Ferrari such as the 365GT 2+2, 365GT4, 400, 400i, and 412 have never been on the most-wanted-by-collectors list.  However, recent sales and for-sale offerings show a growing interest as the same engines that powered the great Countach and Daytona may be had for a fraction of the price in these models.
The car presented here has covered only 40k miles and like most cars presented on this site has had loads of money thrown at it - over $65k according to the seller.  At the listed price of $69k, and with a known service history with records "from day 1" this is a car that will appreciate and it ought to be bought.  Find it here on Catsexotics.

AUGUST 22,2013 UPDATE:
Just a little over a year since this post was written a 1972 Jarama (VIN:10322) sold at RM Auctions in Monterey for $112,750.00.  The car they sold was an equal to the one I mentioned above - VIN: 10200.