Craigslist Crapshoot

The World’s Worst Car Is For Sale On Craigslist
Welcome to Craigslist Crapshoot, our weekly search for the most bizarre, awesome, and/or terrible vehicles that the online classifieds has to offer. 
You might not want to pony up for any of the pony cars found last week. We were looking for examples from the form’s nadir, the late ’70s and early ’80s, and there were some slim pickings to be had—freaky, but slim. We’ll pick the winner in just a sec, but first this week’s quest.
There’s been a lot of buzz about the new Miata hardtop convertible, which debuted yesterday and wasn’t at all what everyone was expecting. Since that was the case, and perhaps it’s still not everyone’s cup of sake, let’s have a look at some earlier Miatas, and see if we can’t find modded ones that we might actually like. Price is no object.
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.

Got that? Good, now giddy-up.


The genre of the pony car took its name from its inceptive model, the Mustang. Interestingly, while it carried a galloping steed as its mascot, that car wasn’t exactly named for the horse. Instead it was named after the P51 Mustang, which was one of the greatest and most iconic fighter planes ever conceived.
We’re not noting a ‘Stang this week, but our notable pony does also have an airplane connection to its name. This street/strip Gremlin, found by mrh1965 takes its sobriquet from the mythical troublemakers that WWII bomber crews imagined vexed them in flight. This Ford-powered AMC might vex a few competitors and looks pretty sweet too.
Congrats to mrh1965, and thank you all for your pony-car postings!
1977 AMC Gremlin street/strip outlaws

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22 responses to “Craigslist Crapshoot”

  1. engineerd Avatar
    engineerd

    I live in the Detroit area, but grew up in Southern California’s Inland Empire. As such, when I go Craigslist surfing I will occasionally check the IE Craigslist to see what gems I can find amongst the BroTrucks, badly stanced everything, and minitrucks. Though, I do like a well modded minitruck…
    All that being said, I found this today and can’t unthink it. I kind of want it. The price is not bad, either.
    1990 Miata with tasteful mods for $5250 in Corona. You SoCal MX5philes would be remiss to pass on this.
    http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/5502503199.html

  2. GTXcellent Avatar
    GTXcellent

    It’s still winter here – There are no Miatas? Miati? Not a single Miata, let alone multiple for sale around. So, I’ll post this instead:
    http://images.craigslist.org/00D0D_fvdbM43kvOI_600x450.jpg
    http://bemidji.craigslist.org/snw/5452390002.html

    1. dead_elvis, inc. Avatar
      dead_elvis, inc.

      I’ll take “Not ‘Why?’ but ‘Why the Hell Not?!’ ” for $1000, Alex!

  3. Guest Avatar
    Guest

    This guy’s asking about double what I’d want to pay for a Miata, but this one embodies the British roadster ideal pretty well, with RHD, BRG, and an AC Cobra-style rollbar.

    The hard-top, turbo, and intercooler all sound like nice additions as well.

    Unfortunately, pictures are par for the course for Craigslist/Kijiji.

    http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/DFIAAOSwh-1W3QPd/$_27.JPG

    http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/calgary/1992-mazda-miata/1145621810?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

    1. BigRedCaveTroll Avatar
      BigRedCaveTroll

      I see that’s the rare FWD version of the Miata. And why right hand drive?

      1. dukeisduke Avatar
        dukeisduke

        Imported from Japan into Canuckistan?

      2. Guest Avatar
        Guest

        His guess (^) is the same as mine.

        There is a surprising amount of Japanese imports in the Western provinces, especially BC’s. This is most likely because of proximity to Japan, as well as a 15(?) year rule, instead of the 25 year rule Americans are subject to.

        Mitsubishi Delicas, and Diesel Toyota Hilux Surfs (4Runners) are especially commonplace.

      3. dead_elvis, inc. Avatar
        dead_elvis, inc.

        Better to ask why NOT, regardless of where you’re driving! The WTF factor will make up for it. (Or maybe you’re a USPS rural route driver with few addresses or they all have Amazon Prime/UPS for packages.)

        1. Vairship Avatar
          Vairship

          Just have your dog sit in the left seat, for ultimate WTF…

  4. discontinuuity Avatar
    discontinuuity

    This one has Viper stripes and a Eunos badge, both of which add 10 horsepower 😉
    The leather seats and Nardi steering wheel mean that it probably also has the optional limited-slip differential.
    http://images.craigslist.org/00T0T_kk67s6GEgVi_600x450.jpg
    http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/5446988012.html

  5. acarr260 Avatar
    acarr260

    Do you like your Miata with a turbo and other go-fast goodies? Have a spare $8k sitting around?
    http://images.craigslist.org/00U0U_hrfWZdB34sS_600x450.jpg
    Source: http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/cto/5492737208.html

    1. BigRedCaveTroll Avatar
      BigRedCaveTroll

      My dad works in Fort Wayne and had a friend who was thinking about selling his turbo Miata. I wonder if that’s the same one.

      1. acarr260 Avatar
        acarr260

        That’s the only turbo Miata on sale near Fort Wayne, at least on CL. It looks to be very well done.

        1. BigRedCaveTroll Avatar
          BigRedCaveTroll

          It does look really nice, and the price isn’t too bad either. I don’t think it’s the same car though (I talked to my dad and he said the guy had already sold it).

  6. engineerd Avatar
    engineerd

    Here’s Flyin’ Miata FMII turbo car with all kinds of other go-fast bits. Only $26,500.
    https://www.flyinmiata.com/us/for_sale/small/Voye003.jpg
    https://www.flyinmiata.com/miata-performance-parts/cars-for-sale.html

    1. BigRedCaveTroll Avatar
      BigRedCaveTroll

      $26,500 can buy a lot of car, and I don’t know if I’d want to spend all of that on a Miata (although he did say the sky is the limit).

  7. salguod Avatar

    The only mod’ed Miata on the local Craigslist. Long list of go fast parts. $5900
    http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5461722042.html
    http://images.craigslist.org/00404_lJNByRS8twP_600x450.jpg

  8. mrh1965 Avatar
    mrh1965

    I don’t think I’ll win with this but found on the Washington DC (my new home) Craigslist is this SCCA prepped Miata with a Mazda Speed crate motor, whatever that is exactly. Lots of parts for $12,500?
    Dark Green 1997 Spec Miata
    Mazda Speed Crate motor – broken in and raced 6 times
    SCCA Current log book and title
    Annual Tech inspection
    New Limited Slip Differential
    Team Dynamic Silver wheels with Hoosier SM6’s – raced twice
    Team Dynamic Black wheels with Toyo RA1’s – raced twice
    Tunnel Notched for larger seat, Currently has a Kirky Seat
    Belts are new, 5/2014
    On board Fire system
    https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/5442902488.html