LeMons Ready: 1995 Ford Probe

The Ford Probe was built based on the Mazda GD and GE platforms in two generations, the first from 1989-1992, and the second from 1993-1997.  It was originally planned to be a Mustang replacement, but enthusiasts and rational people demanded that the Mustang remain rear-whee-drive and V8 powered, so the Probe lasted for a few years as a domestic alternative to the Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Celica, Volkswagen Corrado/Golf, and Nissan 200SX.  Find this 1994 Ford Probe GT offered for $1,500 in San Jose, CA via craigslist.  Tip from SafetyFast.

Coffee Brake: What's the Everyman's 911 Alternative?

This Coffee Brake brings a challenge to readers seeking maximum explosion per monetary input, as the popular saying goes. Our fellow cost-conscious gear head, Rod, writes:

"My question is for DTers is: what car can the everyman acquire and maintain that offers most of the 911 experience but without burning your life savings?"

German GT-Four: 1995 Holden Calibra Turbo

By Michael B. The Holden Calibra was a handsome German coupe that was much more fashionable than most other GM products, which is a shame, because no one bought them Down Under. Essentially a coupe version of the staid Vectra/Cavalier sedan in Europe, it utilised the same platform, engines, and gearboxes. Plans to export the car to the States as a Saab never materialised, but it would have been interesting to see Americans’ response to such a svelte GM product. Find this 1995 Holden Calibra Turbo for $5000 AUD ($3835 USD at the time of writing) in Warner’s Bay, NSW, Australia via gumtree.com.au

DOHC Oddball: 1975 Chevrolet Cosworth Vega

This next feature was inspired by a tip from David, who sent us in a project '76 Cosworth Vega, but I wasn't really in the mood for a project after soccer practice with the kids (I must be getting old) so I searched for an example that didn't need as much restoration.  Find this 1975 Cosworth Vega here on eBay bidding for $1,325 reserve-not-met located in Saukville, WI with 4 days to go.

Automatic Roundie: 1973 BMW 2002

 Something isn't right here.  A '73 round tail-light BMW 2002 with decent paint offered for a bit over $5k -- did I just jump back in time?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  Take a closer look for yourself at this 1973 BMW 2002 Roundie offered for $6,000 in Ventura, CA via craigslist.

Thursday Twister: Blackberry'd

Anybody who was somebody back in the early 2000s had a BlackBerry phone that was designed by the company formerly known as Research in Motion (RIM).  The BlackBerry got so big that the company changed its name from RIM to BlackBerry...but it wasn't enough to stop the onslaught from Apple (iPhone) and Google (Android).  Yesterday, RIM BlackBerry announced they were ending production of their legendary keyboard equipped smartphone lineup to focus on software, a wise choice considering that the only BlackBerry purchases in the past 2 years were from people who forgot to lock their iPhone before handing it to a toddler.  Regardless, the BlackBerry died because it refused to evolve in any meaningful way, and what was great in 1999 was no longer so impressive in 2013.  For today's Thursday Twister, I want you to tell me what car pulled a BlackBerry.

6-Speeds, 10-Cylinders, 2-Doors: 2007 BMW M6

If you want a fast luxury 2+2 Grand Tourer from the mid 2000s there are a number of good looking cars to choose from -- Mercedes SLK, Jaguar XK8, Aston Martin DB7, Audi A5/S5, et cetera...but if you want something with a manual gearbox and a Bangle-butt, there is only one choice -- the BMW 6-series.  Find this 2007 BMW M6 here on eBay bidding for $15,400 reserve-not-met located in Atlanta, GA.

Ibentarod: 1980 Ford Fiesta

The Cologne Germany built Ford Fiesta is generally given the dubious honor of being Ford's first successful mass market car to use a front-wheel drive layout.  It wasn't the fastest thing at the dealer, but it was probably better assembled than most of the junk from Ford of Detroit in the late 70s.  Find this 1980 Ford Fiesta offered for $995 in Anchorage, AK via craigslist.  Tip from Zach.

All Show and a Little Go: 1999 Peugeot 406 Coupe

Pininfarina has a long standing relationship with Ferrari, having designed all of their models since the 50s (apart from the Dino 308 and the LaFerrari), but they also have a close relationship with Peugeot, the French manufacturer known for being your weird grandfather’s car. But after Peugeot raised the white flag in 1994 in the US, Pininfarina made what is one of the prettiest coupes of the 1990s, the 406 Coupe. Find this 1999 Peugeot 406 Coupe for $6500 AUD ($4965 USD at time of writing) via gumtree.com.au.

Mid Week Match-Up: Modern Manual Sedan

DT E-i-C Vince: Today's mid week match-up is actually me looking for ideas for a special feature that I'm writing -- but the task is simple, find the best 2006-2007 model year manual transmission sedans that will seat 5 human beings.  Four door is preferred, but not essential, but it needs to seat 5 and be 10 years old.  Fast is good, too.

Luigi Lusso: 1971 Fiat 550 L

Post WWII saw European automobile manufacturers racing to develop and produce economy cars for the general population.  Getting people moving throughout Europe again was a top priority and viewed as healthy for the economy.  Many offerings were rear engine air-cooled models, but none were revered as much as the Fiat 500.  Find this 1971 Fiat 550 L for sale in Ventura, CA for $13,500 via craigslist.

Peyote Chariot: 1974 Mercedes-Benz L508D Motoroam

Looking like the cross-pollination of a Philippine Jeepney, a Dekotora bus, and the infield at Darlington, this Mercedes-Benz camper promises a classy place for illicit activity of any kind. Want to spend all of your money on a mobile drug den for the sole purpose of having no money left for substance?  Find this 1974 Mercedes Motoroam for sale in Fountain City, WI for a high price of $14,700 via craigslist.
Tip from Lou Weinert

Wait for It: 1975 Trabant 601S DeLuxe

Especially after surreptitiously planting their music on all of our mobile devices, it can be generally agreed that the best thing U2 ever did was bring the Trabant into the view of the masses. Once being a brand new 20-year-old car requiring a 20 year wait, the Trabbi is now a cultural icon.  Find this 1975 Trabant 601S for sale in Everett, WA for $3,400 via craigslist.

CT scan: 1973 Honda CT70

I have fond memories of trailer camping in the 1970's.  We'd load up the trailer, put the Honda Trail 90 on the front of the pickup and bungee the two Kawasaki's in the truck bed.  In the campground, most campers would have at least one motorcycle to use for getting around, and  a good many of those camp bikes would be a Honda CT70.  Find this 1973 Honda CT70 for sale in Salem, OR for $1,750 via craigslist.

Crazy Camry: 2007 Toyota Aurion TRD 3500SL

By Michael B.-- Toyota Australia seems to be the crazy escape pod from the conservative Japanese mothership. The Toyota Aurion was based on the Camry – all it had was a redone interior and new front and rear fascias – and replaced the Avalon in Australia. The TRD version added a supercharger to the already potent 3.5L V6, so it produced 323hp and sent that power to only the front wheels, making this the most powerful production FWD car ever. Find this 2007 Toyota Aurion TRD 3500SL offered for $15k AUD ($11,437 USD at writing) in NSW, Australia, via gumtree.com.au.

Decision 2016: Ford vs Chevy

Somebody mentioned something about a debate the other day, so I did some research and discovered that the Ford versus Chevy discussion had gone a bit nuts.  This next feature is a live debate between this 1957 Ford F-250 versus this 1971 Chevrolet C20 Truck -- enjoy!!

Italian Style: 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6

Cars from the mid eighties continue to be a sweet-spot for a combination of speed and style at a bargain prices and the Giorgetto Giugiaro designed Alfa Romeo GTV is a perfect example of that paradigm.  Find this 1985 Alfa Romeo GTV6 offered for $6,200 in Poway, CA via craigslist.  Tip from FuelTruck.

What Am I? Manual

It is Monday, time for another episode of DT's weekly What Am I? challenge, where the winner isn't always the first person to solve the puzzle. 

The Other, Forgotten GTI: 1988 Peugeot 205 GTI 1.6

During the hot hatch wars of the 80’s and early 90’s Volkswagen Golf GTIs squared off with Honda Civic SIs in the United States each with a dedicated following. It looks like with the Ford Focus ST now joining the two well-known models and what seems to be and arms race of horsepower in the hatchbacks there may be a resurgence in the market. But there are hatchback models that never were modified by flat brimmed teens with street glow and stanced to a level where they scrape their oil pan on the paint while changing lanes. Here is the chance to own an unmolested beauty that was imported recently and appears to be intact and correct. Advertised on the list that is Craig’s, located in Newport News, Virginia this 1988 Peugeot 205 GTI  is yours for the mere price of $7,500; beret and baguette not included.