First Two-Seater?
There is considerable banter between historians about which American made car was the first two-seater sports car produced here in the U.S. Was it the Chevrolet Corvette or did Kaiser beat Chevrolet to the punch with the 1954 Kaiser Darrin Roadster? Both cars are of historic importance to the American automotive industry. But, if truth be told, the Kaiser Darrin was the most interesting, and the rarest for collectors today.
It is a fact that a prototype of the Kaiser Darrin was introduced in September of 1952 at the Los Angeles Motorama. That was a full two months before GM introduced the 1953 Corvette. The Kaiser Darrin was well received again at the New York Auto Show in 1953, so Kaiser Motors announced that it would be available by that fall, which would have beaten Chevrolet’s Corvette to market. However, the Darrin was stalled in production until January of 1954. Yes, the Corvette actually beat it into production. But the controversy over who was first is still argued today.
This week Gullwing Motor Cars out of Astoria, New York, has listed a 1954 Kaiser Darrin Roadster for sale. It has been acquired out of single-family ownership, and they say it is the “most original and honest example you will come across. Never restored, yet a very presentable driver that’s mechanically excellent.” It comes with a white exterior and red interior which still looks good in the photos (see more photos at the link.) They say it starts right up and drives smoothly. The fiberglass body is in good condition and the chrome still shows well. Although it is not shown in the photos, they say the underside is very clean. Only 435 of these historic cars were produced. We assume this one is a “161” numbered car, but you will have to call to verify.
Not many of these cars come up for sale each year. This one is significant because they are asking the lowest price we’ve seen in years for one that runs and drives well. This epic sports car is an incredible opportunity for a top collector to add to his collection. It is a rare and iconic American sports car.
New Listings
New Listings Page
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Classic Car News This Week
Amelia Island Concours
Even before the spring collector car market opens, we are at the Amelia Island Concours this weekend to take in all the automotive wonders that surround one of the top car shows in the world. Elegant old vintage motorcars abound here as we wait for the top cars to compete in the judging for the concours event. The cars will be on the showfield on Sunday, March 3, with a huge crowd watching as they announce the winners. Click here to read our car show coverage on the ClassiCarNews blog site. In the time leading up to the big Concours on Sunday there are several important collector car auctions happening this weekend. Our photo journalist Bob Boberg of eClassicAutos.com will be on hand to bring you photos and videos of the action so you can absorb some of the Amelia experience.
Prices at the GAA Classic
We hope you were able to follow all the action at the GAA Classic Winter Auction 2024 last weekend as we covered the event for our readers. We were pleased to find out that collector car prices are holding steady for this year. Top cars continue to bring top money, and there are still a lot of medium priced cars that the rest of us can afford. Click here to read our report on the cars and prices from last week’s GAA Classic Auction in Greensboro, North Carolina. You can also follow the story on our Facebook page. We had an “auction watching party” for our Facebook followers last Saturday as some of the top cars were crossing the auction floor. The comments were interesting. Our readers may already know that this 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition sold for $700,000 at the hammer. You can read all about it at the link above.
This Weeks Featured Stories
2022 Ferrari SF Stradale
History is often made in layers, much as with the introduction of the 2022 Ferrari SF90 Stradale. It was the first full plug-in electric hybrid sports car produced by Ferrari. The HEV also uses an internal combustion engine integrated with three electric motors, two in front and one in the rear between the engine and the transmission. In the sports car world there are what are considered super cars (like the Ferrari 488 GTB), and then there is an upper stratos of “hyper cars” like the newer SF90 Stradale. The SF90’s top speed is 211 miles per hour and it will go 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds. This rare example was just listed for sale at Earth MotorCars in Carrollton, Texas. It has the adaptive suspension with suspension lift. The paint package on this one costs $32,000 alone. It is white with a Nero roof. Only 500 such cars were built by Ferrari guaranteeing that it was collectible from the day it was produced. With the three extra motors it is capable of generating 986 hp.
Rickenbacker E Series
Eddie Rickenbacker was a World War I ace pilot and an American race car driver. Following the war, a group of entrepreneurs figured they could capitalize on his name by branding a car company after him. Enter the Rickenbacker Motor Company of Detroit, Mighigan circa 1922-1927. Rickenbacker’s automotive knowledge became the innovative energy of his company. He was the first to offer four-wheel brakes as standard equipment on a moderately priced car. This 1926 Rickenbacker E Series Brougham Sedan is an excellent example, according to the Classic Auto Mall. They test drove this car and recorded that it was “an amazing experience.” “No rattles or squeaks” they said. They believe this car had been well cared for and is ready for your collection. It is truly an excellent find for a high end collection or museum.
1953 Buick Skylark
The 1953 Buick Skylark Convertible was created so that Buick could “show off” and “brag” about being one of the pre-eminent car makers of the era. They say Buick actually lost $10,000 for every one of them they sold just because the innovative technology used in producing the Skylark was that expensive. The car was way ahead of its time on so many levels. The body lines and ride height were so stunning they were copied by other automakers for decades. This was Harley Earl’s Dream Car that Buick entered into the GM Motorama shows which were criss crossing America in 1953. Power steering, power brakes and the smooth Dynaflow automatic transmission were standard equipment on the Skylark. This one has a power bench seat. You will find this excellent example being offered this week for sale at Ellingson Motorcars in Rogers, Minnesota. They say the convertible top is in “fantastic condition” going up and down at the push of a button. The ’53 may be the most sought after Buick ever made. Only 1,690 were produced. They were all convertibles.
Video Ads
1967 S Code Mustang GT Fastback
Cruisin Classics out of Columbus, Ohio has a truly incredible find this week. They posted this video on a 1967 Mustang GT Fastback, a real S Code 390 ci V8 car. It doesn’t get much better than a big block Mustang. Click the video window above for a walk-around tour and hear it run. It is the product of a two-year restoration with no detail left undone. You will be impressed.
Have you seen our CarsOnLine.tv Classic Car Video marketplace? To feature your car on CarsOnLine.tv, just add a video to your Cars-On-Line.com ad. Video ads have become the most important development for internet sellers. Just upload your video to YouTube and we’ll embed your video in your Cars On Line.com ad at no extra charge.
Here are a few more ads with interesting videos:
Collector Cars with Low Miles
1960 Desoto Fireflite
Orlando Classic Cars has this low mile 1960 Desoto Fireflite Hardtop for sale this week. They say it has just 38,000 miles. Our readers know that Orlando Classic Cars specializes in low miles collector cars. They say this one was in a Ford dealer’s personal collection for 40 years. It is equipped with a V8 engine, automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes. Look through the photos and you will concur that it is “in outstanding condition throughout.”
Here are more recent Low Miles additions:
1970 Mercedes-Benz 280SL, Daniel Schmitt & Co, 35,822 miles
1978 Cadillac Seville, North Shore Classics, 34k orig miles
1990 Porsche 911 Carrera, Daniel Schmitt & Co, 18,800 miles
1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL, Daniel Schmitt & Co, 15,533 miles
You’ll find these and hundreds more in our Low Miles Section online now.
Project Vehicles for Restoration
1962 Triumph TR4
Here is an “easy restoration to finish” as noted by Gullwing Motor Cars in New York. They say the body and paintwork on this 1962 Triumph TR4 Roadster are already done. Just out of storage, and not yet cranked up, it will need someone to finish the interior. Gullwing says it will be a fun project to complete. The undercarriage is said to be “clean and solid.” They are offering it for sale at a bargain price. Check the listing to see how inexpensive it would be to take on this project.
The following are just some of the cars available in the Project Car Section this week:
1951 Oldsmobile 98, Country Classic Cars, IL
Find hundreds of project cars for sale in the Project Car Section.
Price Reduced
Camaro Pace Car
Here is an interesting 1982 Camaro Z28 Indy Pace Car that has gone overloaked on our website for too long. The private party seller from Ohio has just dropped his price. He says it still has just 39,000 original miles on it. It is a real good buy at this price. He was asking $26,900 (not too bad a price to begin with.) But just this week he asked us to mark it down to $21,900. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about.
Here are more vehicles with price cuts this week:
| Vehicle For Sale | Original Price | Reduced To |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Hot Wheels Camaro | $45,500 | $42,000 |
| 1955 Chevrolet 210 Custom | $75,000 | $70,000 |
| 2003 Cadillac DeVille | $17,000 | $13,999 |
Pro Touring and Resto Mods
See more great deals in the Street Rod Section, or watch the the New Listings page.
Rock n Roll 50’s
Off Road, 4x4s, and Jeeps
Find more in the Off Road Section on Cars On Line.com. There’s even more on the New Listings page!
Future Collectibles
Find more in the SUV Section online. You can see all the fresh ads on the New Listings page.
Fresh ads appear first on the New Listings page.
Classic Luxury
You can see all the fresh ads as they are listed each day on the New Listings page.
You can see all the fresh ads as they are listed each day on the New Listings page.
You can see all the fresh ads as they are listed each day on the New Listings page.
Chevy Muscle
Find more in the Camaro Section of our website.
Chevelle
Ford Muscle Cars
Find more in the Ford Muscle Car Section, or watch the fresh listings as they appear on the New Listings page.
Check the Mercury Muscle Car Section. Or you can see all the fresh ads as they are listed daily on the New Listings page.
Check the Pontiac Performace Section for more. See all the fresh ads listed on the New Listings page.
Check the Oldsmobile Muscle Car Section . See more listed each day on the New Listings page.
Check out the Buick Muscle Car Section. More listed daily on the New Listings page.
You’ll find many more modern sports cars listed by year in the Late Model Sports Car Section.
Scroll through the Trucks & 4x4s Section for more. The newest ads come in on the New Listings page.
You’ll see more for sale in the Customs Section and on the New Listings page.
Imported Sports Cars
Pro Street
You’ll see more for sale in the Pro Street Section, or on the Cars On Line New Listings page.
See more for sale in the Truck Section or watch for fresh listings on the New Listings page.
See more great deals in the Luxury Section or on the New Listings page.
See more great deals in the Mustang Section and on the New Listings page.
Muscle Car Clones
1964 Plymouth Sport Fury
Mopar fans will thrill to see the condition of this Ruby Red 1964 Plymouth Sport Fury Hardtop. Dressed up like it was a 426 Hemi car, this one is really special. The ad says it has a 413 ci V8, but also mentions a 440, so you will want to clarify. But hurry! You can see from the photos that the undercarriage is beautifully detailed. Click here to view a video walk-around tour of the car. You’ll be proud to have this one in your garage.
The following are more recently listed Muscle Car Clones:
1968 Camaro, East Coast Classics, NC, SS tribute
1971 Pontiac GTO, Streetside Tampa, Judge Tribute
1971 Chevelle, Streetside Tampa, SS tribute
Make sure you watch our New Listings page for daily updates. There’s even more in the Muscle Car Section.
Deals of the Day
1967 Buick GS400 Convertible
Well, Country Classic Cars out of Staunton, Illinois has done it again. They are simply dominating the DEAL of the DAY listings again today. Here is a 1967 Buick GS400 Convertible. Yes, you would not expect such a popular muscle car to be listed here in the bargain priced offerings. But here one is. Finished in blue over a black interior with a black power convertible top, this Gran Sport is powered by a 455 V8 engine mated to a TH400 automatic transmission and a posi-trac 3:55 rear end. Click here to view a walk-around video and hear it run. It will be our DEAL of the DAY on Saturday because the askiing price is $29,900. You don’t see a lot of muscle cars in this price range.
1955 Ford Thunderbird
Do you have the phone in your hand yet? This one is gonna’ go fast. Jewel’s Auto Body, nationally known Thunderbird expert, has just listed a 1955 Ford Thunderbird replica for sale. Yes, this is a fiberglass reproduction by Regal Roadsters. They say it has a 302 ci V8, automatic transmission, rack n pinion steering, disc brakes and Flowmaster exhaust. You will want to give Jewel a call right away to get the entire story. It will be our DEAL of the DAY on Sunday. Their asking price is $18,000.
1962 Rambler Convertible
Here is another one from Country Classic Cars. You don’t see these very often anymore. It is a 1962 AMC Rambler American Convertible. AMC only made about 13,500 of these that year. Not many have survived. They indicate that this one may be an average driver quality ride. It was restored some time ago, but they say it still has a good body. “The top is in good overall condition and the interior has been refinished,” they tell us. The chrome is also thought to be in good condition. Click here to view a walk-around video. It will be our DEAL of the DAY on Monday. Their price: $19,900.
2013 Dodge Ram 1500
It was a real surprise to find this 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup truck in our New Listings yesterday for such an affordable price. Not only is it a four-door crew cab, but it is also comes with the Big Horn Edition package, a highly sought after add-on. It also sits smartly on chrome 20-inch wheels. The Ram truck is powered by a 5.7L Hemi V8 engine. And, of course, it is a 4-wheel-drive pickup with “Dodge tough” rating. Although it has over 100,000, Country Classic Cars tells us it runs and drives “excellent.” It will be our DEAL of the DAY on Tuesday. I think you will agree that this is a lotta’ truck for the money. They are asking $16,900.
2000 Jaguar XJ8 L
For better or for worse, Jaguar was owned by Ford Motor Company after 1999. You could see some production changes in those years. Here is a 2000 Jaguar XJ8 L Sedan which has a rare longer wheel base. It is being offered for sale at the Classic Auto Mall in Pennsylvania. You can see from the photos that this one looks clean inside and out. The Jaguar wood trim and leather upholstery are iconic. The elegant styling of the XJ8 is classic. This might be the one worth checking out. It will be our DEAL of the DAY next Wednesday. The asking price is $14,000.
2005 Chrysler Crossfire
Chrysler’s experiment with producing a two-seater sports car was a great chapter in automotive history. Designed by Mercedes, the 2005 Chrysler Crossfire Convertible was a “mini Mercedes” in sheep’s clothing. Today this white edition was listed by North Shore Classics out of Mundelein, Illinois. They say it was adult owned and has only 49k miles. Check out the leather interior in the photos. For such low miles this one is very affordably priced. It will be our DEAL of the DAY later next week. Their asking price is $13,900.
1998 BMW M3 Convertible
The M series BMW convertible is a top quality built luxury sport with Euro sedan presence and a performance reputation. It is not often that we see one in the bargain price category. But this black over tan 1998 BMW M3 Convertible from Country Classic Cars kind of breaks the mold. The 3.2 Liter 6 cylinder is nicely mated to the 5-speed manual transmission. Sirius XM and Harman Kardan speakers enhance the driving experience. Click here to view a walk-around video. It will be our DEAL of the DAY late next week. The asking price is $19,900.
Often there are more cars that deserve to be in the DEAL of the DAY than we can schedule for our front page feature. Here is a list of cars that just missed the cut for the DEAL of the DAY this week. Remember, you saw them here first:
| 1998 Cadillac Allante | $15,000 | Orlando, FL |
| 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD | $16,900 | Staunton, IL |
| 1976 Chevrolet Nova | $19,900 | Staunton, IL |
Cars for under $10,000:
| 2000 Jaguar XK8 Convertible | $6,200 | Staunton, IL |
| 2001 Mazda Miata MX-5 | $9,900 | Staunton, IL |
Cars On Line features vehicles here based on their listed price. We are not endorsing these vehicles. We have not inspected or appraised any of the above vehicles. We are only pointing out that these vehicles are priced at a discount to the market. When you buy from a private party the purchase is always “as is” and “where is.” There is no warranty implied or given on any of these cars by Cars On Line. It is your responsibility as the buyer to protect yourself from misrepresentation of any car advertised. We strongly recommend having a vehicle inspected as one precaution before you buy. Click here to purchase a detailed vehicle inspection.
NEW Free Parts Ads Section
… NOW FEATURING PHOTO ADS FOR PARTS
Check out our NEW Parts For Sale Section with Photo Ads. We think you’ll really like using our FREE Parts Listings. It is now much easier to place your ads. Have some old but valuable parts you want to sell? Cars On Line Parts Ads are FREE. And we just added photo capability. It is the best of both worlds.
You can run Parts For Sale ads for FREE! Check it out. Just click go to the Parts Section. Once there, look for the FREE Plan, and click “Get Started Now.” We also have ad plans for vendors at a very modest cost.
Thank You
Thanks for reading Cars On Line ads. We really appreciate the community of car enthusiasts who read our website daily to keep up on what’s for sale. This newsletter is designed to make your efforts a little easier and give you a shot at the great deals when they first hit our pages.
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DISCLAIMER: Readers should be aware that the editiorial comments made in this newsletter are strictly the opinion of the author, Larry Kolb. Mr. Kolb offers his editorial opinion of the marketability of these cars based on information provided by the sellers. Neither Mr. Kolb nor Cars On Line.com has seen or inspected these cars. These comments are not to be mistaken for advertising, nor should they be considered an endorsement of any product. They are strictly editorial in nature. Neither Mr. Kolb nor Cars On Line will profit from the sale of any of the cars mentioned here. No warranty of these vehicles is implied or given. It is strongly recommended that anyone interested in the purchase of these vehicles should have them inspected before the sale.
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