Found: 5 Lightly (and Tastefully) Modified German Sports Cars

When done right and in good taste, a little light modification here or there can actually make a great car even better.

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Editor’s Note: We love scouring the internet for reasons to spend money we don’t have on cars we daydream about owning, and these are our picks this week. All prices listed are bid amounts at the time of publishing.

When it comes to buying modified used cars, it’s not very often the previous owners show any sort of restraint with upgrades or take into consideration that their ‘tastes’ may not line up potential future owners. Overzealous power and performance upgrades, gaudy body kits and paint jobs are all too common and can make what was once a fantastic car is now unbearable. But, when done right and in good taste, a little light modification here or there can actually highlight the best parts of a great car and make it even better. Here are five lightly modified German sports cars that manage to keep it classy.

1989 BMW 325is

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What we like: The E30 3-Series wasn’t lacking in performance or handling for its day and can still hold its own. The minimal upgrades likely do a great job of enhancing the stock driving experience without going completely overboard.
From the seller: Now showing just under 152k miles, this E30 is described as largely stock with a handful of mild upgrades including M3 control arm bushings, a Z4 short shifter, and a Momo steering wheel.

Mileage: 151,617
Location: Port Charlotte, Florida

1989 Porsche 944 Turbo

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What we like: Along with regular servicing tune ups and replacement parts, the only true upgrade this 944 has is a chip to squeeze out a little more power. Other than that, everything is relatively stock, so what you’re left with is a 944 with the power it deserved, back in ’89.
From the seller: The Guards Red [paint has been] partially refinished on the roof and hood, while modifications include a Lindsey Racing chip, aftermarket stereo, and r134a A/C conversion.

Mileage: 105,000
Location: Morris Plains, New Jersey

1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

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What we like: When it comes to the 911, the looks and handling are what made it famous. Simple upgrades like a better air filter and an exhaust can help a car breathe and sound better without spoiling any of the original looks or performance.
From the seller: This 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet is finished in Grand Prix White over Mahogany leather and has been modified with wide body fenders as well as front and rear spoilers. Mechanicals are said to remain stock apart from a B&B muffler and K&N air filter.

Mileage: 82,800
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

1991 BMW AC Schnitzer850i

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What we like: It’s easy to go nuts with aero packages and performance chips. Luckily the AC Schnitzer body kit and Dinan performance chip arent overzealous in any way. If the wasn’t already a striking car, this 850i would make a great sleeper car.
From the seller: Has Schnitzer Aero package and Dinan stage-one tuning chip for extra performance.

Mileage: 58,723
Location: Ellicott City, Maryland

1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe

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What we like: Okay, so this 911 doesn’t exactly qualify as ‘lightly’ modified, but it’s too damn gorgeous not to include. It’s pretty much a race car underneath but credit to the owner for keeping it classy and looking relatively stock (to the untrained eye.).
From the seller: The original owner performed a wide body conversion and installed a 3.6L flat-six from a 964. Work included rebuilding the five-speed transmission, adding new body components and paint, upgrading the suspension and brakes and refurbishing the interior with race seats and roll bar. The mechanicals were refreshed by TRE Motorsports with a new air intake, headers, exhaust system, and numerous Rennline components.

Mileage: 192,000
Location: Reseda, California