My lovely MGA roadster, pictured below, has been running rough at idle for a couple of months now.  The engine seemed to smooth out at higher rpm’s, so in my inevitable optimistic way, I did nothing.  Err, that is, until several weeks ago when, on a short trip from shop to house, the engine suddenly developed a significant miss.  Clearly from the sound, the engine was just running on three cylinders.

I go...

There is hardly a classic car out there which doesn’t cry out for some sort of paint work.  It seems that interiors, if well cared for, can last for decades without issue, and even mechanical items, especially for a low mileage car, can retain their youth far into the future.

Not so with exterior automotive paint.  Of course, the paint on a car is most exposed to the elements, and so is more susceptible to degradation.  Even for cars carefully stored indoors however, paint just seems to have its own life span, measured in years, not decades.

So it...

I normally shy away from promoting any specific business on this blog.  I generally  want the blog’s content to be “influence-free”.  However, I have been so enamored with one online presence that I just felt compelled to share the knowledge with my fellow gear heads.

Although my buddy...

If you are a regular visitor to this blog, most likely you’re a Car Guy (/Girl).  And, if that’s the case, then almost certainly there have been occasional dreams of having a shop, larger than a residential garage, to house and maintain your mechanical works of art.

Such was th...

There is most likely no other place in the states that offers the beauty and diversity of back country roads that rivals the Texas Hill Country.  Central Texas driving enthusiasts here have an incredible selection of roads to explore, many well maintained yet remote and sparsely traveled.

At least once every generation there comes a technological breakthrough so significant that it brings the world’s attention.

Such was the case in the motorcycling community when, in 1979, Honda introduced its CBX 1000 Supersport. This bike slammed all competition with its double overhead cam, 4 valves-per-cylinder 6 cylinder engine. The engine got its roots from Honda’s very successful 6 cylinder 250cc Grand Prix bike.

Honda’s goa...

It is rare to see a Morgan automobile around Austin.  But when one pops up, almost assuredly the owner will be a passionate Anglophile, at least where automobiles are concerned.  Such is the case for Austinite Duncan Charlton, who has had a long-time love affair with Morgans.  He recently acquired a racing Morgan with a genuine winning provenance.  

Sure, the Formula 1 races at our own Austin track are spectacular, and, of course, currently COTA is the only US Grand Prix race venue.

But, for my money, if I had to choose, I’d opt for the Vintage GP races.  This year (2014) the Vintage GP race weekend is October 8-12.

What is so great about Vintage GP?

• An incredible variety of GP race cars dating from the ‘teens to the seventies
• Ticket prices are a fraction of Formula 1 costs
• Access to the pits is included in your ticket cost, so you get up close and personal with the cars
• Crowds are minimal, allowing fans to sit anywhere around the track

Enjoy image...

Sure, there’s eBay, Hemmings, and other national sources to find that perfect classic car you are looking for.  But purchasing a car sight unseen, and/or from a distant location, has its obvious disadvantages.

Sometimes we overlook the obvious in our own backyard:  Austin’s local edition of Craigslist.  During the past decade, Craigslist has completely taken over the local classified auto advertising segment, leaving the “Classifieds” section of the local paper a mere skeleton of that of yesteryear.

There can be many advantages to being able to purchase that gem of your dreams locally.. you get to see, inspect, and drive the object of your affection; you can haggle the price face-to-face with the owner; and, there are no shipping costs to get the car to you.

Every week on Austin craiglist there are any number of ‘Cars of Interest‘ appearing for sale from somewhere the Central Texas area.  We present a few of those below.

Important!  Craigslist, as well as any other online marketplace, is awash with scammers.  Any communication or transaction through Craigslist must be approached employing extreme caution, exercising prudence, and using due diligence.  Austin Motor Scene makes NO representation as to the validity of any of these listings.  Any comments by the editor regarding any of these vehicles are strictly personal opinion, and do NOT in any way imply a professional assessment of vehicle condition or value.  The buyer alone takes sole responsibility in determining if any of these listings represent an appropriate purchase for the buyer.

Finally, due to the ephemeral nature of Craiglist, some of the vehicles featured here may be no longer available, or may have been removed from Craigslist.

1984 Mercedes 280SL Roadster

This is a rare find indeed.  A Euro-version 280SL (meaning, no ugly DOT rubber barge-bumpers).  With the ever-increasing values of earlier “Pagoda” SL’s, and even the lowly 190 SL, these later model 280SLs are coming of their own as investment grade cars.  The overhead cam 6 cylinder engine is smooth, and relatively easier and less expensive to maintain than the V8 lumps of the same era, yet offer almost as much power.  This particular example appears to be in beautiful condition, and at just over 100k miles could give a new owner many more happy miles of bullet-proof Mercedes driving pleasure.

We think this is a real bargain at under $15k, and should be snapped up, unless there are hidden gremlins!

VIEW LISTING HERE

Barn Find – 1962 Hawk GT

The Hawk GT’s are starting to show up on the collector car radar.  At first glance of the opening picture, this car looks like a tired little doggy indeed.  Yet, the interior pictures, combined with the seller’s description of a 66k mile original, does pique the interest.  Naturally any car that has been sitting for so long (evidenced by flat tires) will have MANY needs.  But, at well under ten grand, it is possible that a set of new treads and some elbow grease could breathe new life into this classic.  We say well worth investigating.  VIEW LISTING HERE

2010 Lotus Evora – A Supercar in your garage?

This car has always been widely acclaimed by critics worldwide as one of the best handling cars around.  With its upgraded Toyota V-6 engine, reliability should not be a problem.  At near Fifty large asking, we’re meeting or exceeding used Porsche territory.  However, although not a steal, the price asked seems to be competitive with other similar Evora’s around the country, and with only 16K on the clock, this could very well be a deal.    If a Lotus poster is on your wall, here is a rare chance to view and drive one locally.  It just may very well have your name on it!  VIEW LISTING HERE

XKE in your Garage? 1971 V12 coupe

Anyone who has ever owned an XKE will tell you it was one of the best cars ever (including the editor.. a silver gray Series one coupe).  Classic Jaguar roadsters and coupes of all ilk seem to be very high on the collector car wishlist at this time, and of course that timeless classic shape only gets better and better in these days of shapeless boxes.

The seller of this car appears anxious, as the price has just been reduced some $3,000.  The V12 XKE’s have never been the favored model, and as well the 2+2 “humpback” coupe is generally considered the least desirable.  Likewise, few enthusiasts would opt for the automatic slushbox tranny, albeit this was a very common option on the V12’s.  Finally, most all XKE engines have a propensity to overheat, and not the least that huge hunk of metal known as a V12.  Regardless of these concerns, the asking price appears fair, if not perhaps a bargain, to own a genuine slice of British history.  Well worth investigating!  VIEW THIS LISTING

Corvette Anyone? 1986 ‘Vette

Let’s face it.  Any certified car guy MUST own at least one Corvette at some time or another.  This silver gray example of America’s Sports Car seems to check all the boxes.  At only 33k miles (according to the seller) and well under the magic ten grand price, this baby may very well find a place in your garage.  Hurry, it probably won’t last long!  VIEW LISTING HERE

Yes, spring in Texas is for driving.  And there are no greater driving enthusiasts than the members of the Texas Hill Country Alfa Romeo Owners Club.  The Austin club is renowned for its inclusiveness.  Don’t have an Alfa?  No worries.. if you’re a car enthusiast and love to get together with other like-minded gearheads, then you’ll find yourself welcome in this group.

The Austin Alfa Club meets regularly for coffee on the first Saturday of each month at Mozart’s Coffee House on Lake Austin Blvd, around 8:30 or so.

 If you are a newcomer,...