By Robert Emslie
Welcome to Craigslist Crapshoot, our weekly search for the most bizarre, awesome, and/or terrible vehicles that the online classifieds has to offer.
I’m your ice cream man, stop me when I’m passing by… You know, Ice Cream Man is not one of Van Halen’s greater works, but I’d still aver that it’s better than anything done by Van Hagar. If you heart the ’80s then you’ll no doubt agree. Last week we went looking for the Ice Cream man, and you all did find some rides that were not just cold but also very cool. We’ll see the tastiest treat in a sec, but first, this week’s conquest.
Sticking with the ’80s theme, this week we’re going to be looking for some ’80s cars. If you were around this morning – and why wouldn’t you have been? – then you likely participated in the Hooniverse Asks question of the day regarding under-appreciated ’80s cars and trucks. If so, now is the time to go out and find some of those that are for sale.
As always, we want your finds to go down in infamy and not in the site’s spam filter. Since we’ve changed commenting systems, you may need to update your commenter account. Make sure you have a Disqus account – they’re free and easy to get – and then comment away.
You know, when I first set up this contest I was fully expecting terrifying clown pictures and creeper vans full of children’s stolen dreams, and yeah, we got that. What I wasn’t planning on was the number of really cool trucks that you also found. This fully restored 1954 Chevy Pickup Ice Cream truck found by CrusinTime is very fetching, and surprisingly, there were a number of non-creeper vans and Jeep-based entrepreneurial opportunities as well.
The winner however was not a van, but a trike. This 1993 Cushman Truckster is so twee that it’s like the vaccine for evil clowndom. Found by Age_of_Aerostar, it’s available in Detroit, albeit in non-running condition. Hopefully the cracked flexplate that the ad notes is made of unobtainium can actually be repaired because I’m starting to feel both a little overheated and a mite bit peckish. Congrats, Age_of_Aerostar, and thank you all for participating!
Jeff Glucker
Even with all of the junk tacked on to the body, the rubber-baby-buggy-bumpered Alfa Spider is a perfectly cromulent roadster.
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5095367231.html
I have never been bothered by the later cladding. I would rock that so hard.
2 doors, V8, rear wheel drive – what’s not to love? Only $2500 asking price shows just how under-appreciated this classy Electra is
http://images.craigslist.org/00i0i_eLhcTVLQryy_600x450.jpg
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/csw/cto/5098822695.html
Or a platform mate Pontiac Bonneville with questionable customization.
http://images.craigslist.org/00I0I_6hEOoHZkzNw_600x450.jpg
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/5096118950.html
Shouldn’t that say Donkin’ Donuts?
(Even though I’ve been in California for seven years, I do not miss Dunkin’ Donuts one bit.)
I sense a new LeMons theme in the works.
shouldn’t that car say Donkin’ Donuts?
carp! batshitbox beat me to it
In a world where old Nissan Hardbodies (does that sound vaguely sexual to anyone else?) and Toyota pickups command outrageous numbers of dollars for beater examples, one Japanese minitruck can still be had for a bargain price.
And it has the best name, to boot.
The Mitsubishi Might Max. An ’88 Dodge-branded was my first vehicle as a 16-yo, and I beat the snot out of it, as you do. It handled dirt roads, sliding backwards into ditches, getting air over RR crossings, and innumerable 1st-powershift-2nd burnouts with only the alternator complaining (probably because it was overstressed by my bleeding-ears stereo).
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5091148686.html
CTRL-C, CTRL-V
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=76039&endYear=2016&modelCode1=LTD&showcaseOwnerId=64298695&startYear=1981&makeCode1=FORD&searchRadius=0&mmt=%5BFORD%5BLTD%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D&listingId=402776509&Log=0
http://images.autotrader.com/scaler/544/408/images/2015/6/11/402/776/42108412562.402776509.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.564×421.jpg
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5028861054.html
1980 MGB – $5000
From the advert:
1980 mgb, I purchased this year. I have decided to sell for exactly what
I have in it to purchase a motorcycle. This is my lowest break even
number. Here is a breakdown of what I have in the car.
3500 purchase
600 tires/alignment
800 vintage stereo/Polk speakers <———————–
175.92 car repair
218.33 repair
500.00 repair
71.65 Victoria British stainless mirrors
Yeah- this guy doesn't know who this works, does he?
http://images.craigslist.org/00i0i_4NqRs9m9JXf_600x450.jpg
Nope. Putting $2,365.90 into a $3,500 car makes it a nicer $3,500 car. Ain’t a damned thing on that list that actually increases the value of the car. Well, maybe the new tires, but you’re not getting a 1:1 return on those, either.
1982 Buick Regal Convertible
http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_3VecQrQbAQx_600x450.jpg
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/5097300170.html
These were sweet cars
1988 Z24 Cavalier
http://images.craigslist.org/01717_iDqL5PyVdf2_600x450.jpg
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/cto/5025785938.html
Do I get the cooler, too?
1989 Isuzu Amigo – $2000 (Long Beach)
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/5104450186.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00E0E_jRatbEGBrJ2_600x450.jpg
I wanted one of these so badly in high school.
Here’s another, 10 years newer, diesel (common over here)… known as an Isuzu MU (Mysterious Utility) here in NZ… Probably a Japanese import though.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/isuzu/auction-909623341.htm
The Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe’s lesser known cousin the Pontiac 2+2
http://images.craigslist.org/00R0R_kbTIR0ISETk_600x450.jpg
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/5047642439.html
Had to include this Grand Prix just for the tow truck shot.
http://images.craigslist.org/00404_3l1AoTZIXTQ_600x450.jpg
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/5043592555.html
How about a 1980s Neo-Classic I have never heard of a 1988 Johnson.
http://images.craigslist.org/00r0r_gZwndLBAZDj_600x450.jpg
Complete with 1980static Pontiac Trans Am interior
http://images.craigslist.org/00w0w_dyIvJlJfjae_600x450.jpg
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/5093361515.html
That’s the biggest Johnson I’ve ever seen.
/lolwut?
How about a Jeep CJ3B with a twist. Made by Mistubishi with a turbo diesel!
http://images.craigslist.org/00707_hPtBcb9iN2v_600x450.jpg
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/5031039349.html
$18,995 for a Nissan truck!!??!! With 139k miles no less!
http://images.craigslist.org/00V0V_8pLdZrWDIda_600x450.jpg
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/ctd/5078852998.html
Looking at my local Craigslist you would think Dodge only made trucks and vans in the 1980s, but I did find this:
http://images.craigslist.org/00j0j_g0qitAQ2Tgv_600x450.jpg
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/5071708291.html
Seems decent for the price.
I see your black with red trim 80’s hot hatch, and raise you another:
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDYwMA==/z/MsQAAOSw9N1Vmx1I/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/1983-volkswagen-gti-hatchback/1085511576?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
While these are actually quite well appreciated, I actually would rather own any GLH. I just had to post this one because of the perfect pair these two make.
1987 for $5500 http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/5086536279.html
This was too easy in my neck of the woods – lots of cheap but cool 80’s vehicles such as a 85 Porsche 944 for $5495
http://images.craigslist.org/00L0L_llp5AszKz38_600x450.jpg
http://springfield.craigslist.org/cto/5079308899.html
And way too many cheap C4’s to list.
The value of any C4 is instantly doubled when driven, thanks to the gold around said driver’s neck.
100% agreement on the 944s. Seriously under-rated.
1985.5 Porsche 944 – $3500 (Brunswick)
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/5089899087.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00u0u_dYIlqIBMSRz_600x450.jpg
What things are valuable/desirable right now?
-Any car associated with Carroll Shelby
-Dodge Daytonas
-Japanese “Z” cars
What happens when you put them all together? Well, this:
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/M9gAAOSw~gRVlMsp/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/edmonton/1988-dodge-chrysler-daytona-shelby-z/1084381860?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
Is it valuable? Well, not yet…
lowest price I could find on a CJ8 Scrambler. http://greenville.craigslist.org/cto/5061010818.html Dang it they are expensive… Lowest price one that looks good so far.
not bad either ….http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5101066388.html $8500 and some paint and decals.
So is that a truck bed or seats in the back? I thought all CJ8s were two seat trucks.
I have seen the full soft top models with the jump seat and carpet – most the Australian versions, the Overlander, have full hard and soft tops, carpet or mat, and jumpseats.
Look how neato these are ………..
I’d say they’re pretty well appreciated then, wouldn’t you?
Oh yeah,, that tan one listed above in Dallas almost has my name on it …
yep – appreciation, rather have a CJ8 any day to most of the eurotrash listed so far. The cool factor weighs heavy. Almost… the 944’s with alternate engines are meano …
How about an Italian exotic 3 series. http://images.craigslist.org/00L0L_eYxtcjiS8zt_600x450.jpg
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/5112477130.html
Maybe I missed it on the previous post… but did we over look the El Camino??
https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/5076836003.html
We used to see many of the late “SS” types here in TN back in the day that were built in Chattanooga, have not seen one in a looong time… cool
I considered the Rampage… but yeah, car/trucks have surprisingly been left out.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTk3WDgwMA==/z/2C8AAOSwjVVVkpkZ/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/medicine-hat/rare-dodge-rampages/1083936608?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
One of my (many) favorite Archer quotes:
Sterling Archer: The El Camino is not a car…
Ray Gillette: Truck, whatever!
Sterling Archer: …nor is it a truck, it’s a…
Lana Kane: …vehicular hermaphrodite?
811 Original Miles???
https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/cto/5069105920.html
In 1986 they only made 200 Aerocoupes so folks thought they were going to continue to be really rare and I guess someone squirreled one away. They made 6052 in 1987, not quite as rare.
Because it’s Portland, an 84 VW Westfalia
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/5112277429.html
image attached since CL pics can’t be linked
34000 mile Seville for $2000! It’s like a puppy staring at me through the cage bars at the animal shelter. I want to take it home! I’ll fix its antennae and sunroof, and I’ll hug it and squeeze it and name it George.
http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/cto/5108306402.html
Always had a thing for these. I never could figure why they stopped production of these and kept on with the XJ.
http://images.craigslist.org/00D0D_ed5ZNm1dDvz_600x450.jpg
Six cylinder M/T – engine needs sorting $1k. If I had more space, this would be rotting in my garage instead of his.
https://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5101992899.html
I always blamed this guy:
http://www.mxdwn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/michael1.jpg
There’s a joke revolving around the Comanche that goes:
“The good news is, we sold 12,000 Comanches. But the bad news is also that we sold 12,000 Comanches…”
[and that many fewer XJ’s]
Index of Effluency GOLD!
1988 Peugeot 505 GLS (Station Wagon) – $150 (Marysville)
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/5111883769.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00x0x_8L4cHOBNpi4_600x450.jpg
’85 X-11. Alas, it’s an automatic.
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5110962263.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00h0h_9g0dKP5e63x_600x450.jpg
Hmm, I haven’t had issues with C/L images before… Phooey
1980 Greenwood Corvette, under $6500. Again, an automatic:
http://columbus.craigslist.org/ctd/5111399852.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00v0v_6p4f8WyChxP_600x450.jpg
(Curse you Craigslist images!)
1986 Daytona with louvers & a stick.
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5100514836.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00M0M_g8337FOfw1s_600x450.jpg
(So, what’s the secret to embedding C/L images?)
The secret is just to be patient with Disqus. Sometimes it takes a few minutes for it to show up as an image instead of a hyperlink.
Yeah, I noticed that they were appearing – eventually.
mmmm…. louvers…
The factory hot rod that no one remembers:
http://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/5063538973.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00i0i_6m2fxgFOSki_600x450.jpg
Drive it home for $1000. You can’t get much more unappreciated than that.
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5085990256.html
http://images.craigslist.org/01111_etKKexXhOS0_600x450.jpg
Dodge Ramcharger. Just saying that out loud is making my chest hair grow its own pair of balls.
Maybe… http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/mercedesbenz/auction-913353231.htm
http://trademe.tmcdn.co.nz/photoserver/full/391842827.jpg
This crabshoot has such generous guidelines that it’s possible to find entire boatloads of cool cars. Here are my highlights.
A 1989 Mazda 929 from the first owner with all the bells and whistles, the top end 170hp 3.0L V6 engine and 86k miles for … $880.
http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=207701279&lang=en
A 1982 Rover SD with merely 57k miles, garaged in recent years, classic plates approved (requires a solid condition), passed last inspections without a fault, $2800 negiotiable.
http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=209571789&lang=en
And perhaps the most fascinating of all, a 1989 fire truck with 12k miles (that’s right, twelve thousand) and a 6.1L turbodiesel making 160hp and probably more than enough torque for $5500.
http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=208386668&lang=en