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.
Diving into the vintage car market, you’ll find a spectrum that ranges from junker project cars described as “in need of care” or “ran when parked” to shining examples of preserved automotive history that look as if they just rolled off the factory floor. At both of those ends of the market, you should expect to be spending the most money, either on the parts, labor and time needed to fix and finish the project, or on the rarity of a car in such great condition. Somewhere in the middle, you can find pretty good deals on restored or refurbished cars. They may not be Concours-winning examples, but a good restoration or refurbishment can bring a car back from the brink of certain abandonment. Plus, it means someone else has done all the work for you, so all you have to do is enjoy the car.
1974 Alfa Romeo GTV
What we like: This Alfa definitely lands on the more meticulously-wrenched-show-car end of the spectrum. It’s near brand new but isn’t exactly factory-spec, which would turn away some collectors — but that only works in your favor in keeping the price down.
From the seller: Cosmetic work included new paint in original Amaranth Red, fresh interior pieces, and Alfaholics GTA wheels. Mechanical freshening included a rebuild of the 2.0L twin-cam four and refurbishment of the SPICA injection system as well as other drivetrain, suspension, electrical, brake and fueling work.
Mileage: 38,000 (TMU)
Location: Malvern, Pennsylvania
