Tag: Rear-engine

  • BMW “Corsetta”

    BMW “Corsetta”

    What’s a Corsetta, you ask?  It’s nothing BMW or Iso ever designed or built, but it is a 70s project involving a 1957 Isetta and a Corvair flat six.  The seller estimates current output at 150 horsepower, which is than a tenfold increase versus the original single-cylinder motorcycle engine. At the bottom, you will see…

  • Not Factory, but Cool: Squareback Pickup

    Not Factory, but Cool: Squareback Pickup

    If a VW Squareback isn’t unusual enough for you, in and of itself, why not drive one that’s been converted to a pickup? The seller says this is one of 15 whice were “costumed” in CA in the 70s.  We think costumed is a fruedian slip in this context.  Anywho, various interweb VW sources indicate…

  • 359: The Porsche that Never Was

    359: The Porsche that Never Was

    The seller is this oddity says it’s a rare Porsche 359.  Considering that’s not a Porsche, that means this is some sort of kit car – in this case with some Speedster and some 959 styling cues.  We assume this is based on a VW, as the seller says it’s a 1971 model and it…

  • Rare in the US: Fiat 126

    Rare in the US: Fiat 126

    The 126 was Fiat’s early 1970s replacement for the aged 500, which had been around since the late 1950s. These never officially came to the US, so they’re rare here. This car’s 126p designation means this Italian-engineered microcar was made in Poland. Yes, this is a microcar and it gets extra points for its rear…

  • Der alte BMW

    Der alte BMW

    Most enthusiasts are well aware of the BMW 2002, which has always been sought out for its driving experience.  The 2002 was basically the ultimate version of the “BMW New Class”, which started with the 1500 in 1962.  Before that, though, BMW had the 700, which was a rear-engined, near-microcar. Despite the rear engine, the…

  • The  Flintstones’ Autobianchi

    The Flintstones’ Autobianchi

    Yes, here we have yet another bottom-feeder mircocar.  Autobianchis were ‘upscale’ microcars based on Fiat 500s back in the day.  They had unique sheetmetal and upmarket interiors, at least as compared to basic Fiats.  This Bianchina Transfomabile is a coupe with canvas sunroof, which is the ‘transformable’ part.  This one was used as a display…

  • The Nicest Fiat 850 Spider?

    The Nicest Fiat 850 Spider?

    Fiat 850 Spiders aren’t particularly hard to find.  It seems we have one or two at any time in the local classifieds (which means Craigslist, these days).  What’s remarkable here is claimed extremely low mileage and what appears to be perfect condition.  Rustbucket 850s are a lot easier to find than nice ones. As noted,…

  • Eastern Bloc Cars are Like Cockroaches

    Eastern Bloc Cars are Like Cockroaches

    …or at least it appears this one survived Katrina. This is a rare NOLA Oddimobile, but if it was there for Katrina, it was stored away nicely in someone random-ass collection, as it appears to be in great shape.  The seller claims ridiculously low mileage – so low that one would have to ask why…

  • In Case the Renault R8’s Front is just too Ugly for You.

    In Case the Renault R8’s Front is just too Ugly for You.

    We bring you the Renault R10!  This was the only somewhat changed successor to the larger-engined “R8 Major”, which means you get an 1100cc engine and, well, a non-kinked front end. This is a claimed low mileage, unrestored car and there is no mention of trying to start it or whether the engine is seized.…

  • Extremely Rare Wagon: Corvair Lakewood

    Extremely Rare Wagon: Corvair Lakewood

    Not everyone knows that the Corvair was more than a two-door sedan and convertible.   There were vans and pickups, as well as this wagon variant. These don’t come around often, and I can only imagine not many were made.  This one’s in good driver condition, though the seller refers to some amateur rust repair…