Classic face-off is a feature where we show you a couple of similarly priced classic cars from the same era, and you vote for the one you find most appealing.
Today’s light-hearted competion features a couple of European cars, one German, and one British. Both are characterful little vehicles, and both display shiny red paintwork. But from there on out the two start to go their own separate ways. One is a hardtop, the other a drop top. One has the engine up front, the other has it tucked in the back. One looks almost concourse, the other has had some noticable modernisation.
Up first is this Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. A car which has more curves than a Möbius strip. According to the owner, while it’s been in his possetion it has had significant work done in order to make it both more reliable and more stylish. Personally I think its been rather tastefully done thorughout. The current owner is clearly quite fond of his ride, and the sale appears to be unforseen, meaning that expensive and time consuming work has been done on the car right up to the last minute. Including a costly overhaul of the entire electrical system. The gleaming red paintwork was done in 2010, and (again according to the seller) underneath it’s all metal. Performance-wise the little Ghia isn’t going to make your spine tingle. Even with the dual carburetors there’s still only 90 hp available from the 1,600 cc engine. But then who wants to go fast when you look this good? The only issue with the car is apparently a minor problem with the manual transmission which makes 2nd gear a touch difficult to engage during hard shifts. However the seller says he’s factored that problem into the asking price. Would it put you off? Buy it Now Price $8,300. eBay link here
In the other red corner is a pristine-looking Sunbeam Alpine of 1966 vintage. This car too has had a number of repair and maintenance jobs recently completed. Including transmission work, a rebuilt starter motor and alternator, and new tires. The all-important soft-top is in good condition and the plastic rear window is clear of the dreaded yellowing. But that’s not to say the car is a-ok. The back brakes are in need of some adjustment, and there’s a small ding near the gas cap. Otherwise the seller says there are some scratches on the bumpers and one of the front grille chrome pieces could do with changing. All pretty small stuff. In fact I imagine there would be many potential buyers who would be more than happy to live with these minor cosmetic imperfections. Like the VW, this isn’t a flying machine, and its 1,725 cc engine manages to develop just three extra ponies to provide a total of 93 horsepower. Should be enough to get your hair waving in the wind though? Buy it Now Price $8,125. eBay link here
Loading ...Source: eBay
It is a shame that these kind of cards are not manufactured anymore