Tag: Forbidden Fruit

  • JDM Coolness:  Nissan Laurel

    JDM Coolness: Nissan Laurel

    The Nissan Laurel was a luxury car based on the Bluebird.  The two-door coupe versions had some engine upgrades available, but this four-door sedan came with a 1.8L four cylinder. The seller claims very low miles on this classic, and the condition may just support that.  I’d hate to see someone buy this an modify…

  • Super-rare in the US: Honda City Turbo II

    Super-rare in the US: Honda City Turbo II

    Honda hasn’t, so far, been known for turbochargers, but this tiny hatchback is an exception to that rule.  This is not officially a Kei car due to size, but, trust me, it’s small. I’ve never driven one, but would love to – a tiny, turbocharged engine in a really tiny car. What’s not to love?…

  • Not a lotta Lada

    Not a lotta Lada

    I love the Lada Niva. After all it’s a shitbox hatchback with real off-road capability and Soviet charm.  The were never sold in the US, but were available in Canada for some time.  Unfortunately, this one isn’t as good underneath as it looks on top. The seller warns this one is good and rusty underneath.…

  • Skoda 135GLi

    Skoda 135GLi

    Here’s another example of wonders available in Canada but never sold here.  These days, Canada pretty much rubber stamps EPA’s actions, but it seems certain models are still sold there that the US doesn’t get.  Back in the day, there were whole companies selling in Canada that didn’t sell in the US.  Skoda was one…

  • ARO Spartana.  Romania’s Best?

    ARO Spartana. Romania’s Best?

    Here we have a rare-in-North America ARO Spartana, made by the Romanian Aro company. The ARO 10 was sold in a variety of body configurations from around 1980 into the 2000s, and the Spartana was the topless version.  ARO went from ‘public’ ownership to private and managed to solider on for quite a while, but…

  • Quickie: Rare, manual R107 280SL

    Quickie: Rare, manual R107 280SL

    Most famous among the R107 Mercedes SL is the 560, as it offered the largest displacement and highest horsepower and torque ratings.  It was also the primary offering throughout the second half of the go-go 1980s.  All US-spec SLs, however, came with automatics gearboxes in this generation, so that means some others are quite desirable…

  • Not for US consumption: 1998 Mistubishi Pajero Jr. "Flying Pug"

    Not for US consumption: 1998 Mistubishi Pajero Jr. "Flying Pug"

    We’ve never seen one of these and probably won’t for years. This 1998 can’t be registered in the US for almost ten more years. This supposedly isn’t an official kei car due to size, but it’s in the same vain.  The Pajero Junior was a small SUV for the Japan market and this Flying Pug…

  • Rare in US: BMW E30 wagon!

    Rare in US: BMW E30 wagon!

    Here at Oddimotive, we love E30 BMWs.  I, your host, once had a 1988 325ic in the household fleet and thoroughly enjoyed it, although I’d prefer a coupe if I was daily driving it.  Here we have a body style never offered in the US, the Touring (AKA wagon) variant.  The seller says this is…

  • (Unmodified) Photo without caption

    (Unmodified) Photo without caption

  • Rare in US: BMW Z1

    Rare in US: BMW Z1

    This car likely needs no introduction and we’ll bet most of you already know it was never sold in the US. Z1 + in US + very90s paint = win! Click for eBay ad Anaheim, CA $45,000 BIN or offer Update:  SOLD for undisclosed offer! Ad text: 1990 BMW Z1 Roadster A short history of the BMW…