Hunting eBay: Motoring & More

Between 1967 and 1971, Mercedes-Benz brought just under 24,000 280 SLs stateside. Originally introduced in 1963 at the Geneva Motor Show as the 230 SL, the W 113 (chassis parlance for MB enthusiasts: the “W” stands for wagen) is unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. However, the iconic design was actually penned by Paul Bracq, a Frenchman who also designed the beloved TGV trains and, later, the 1973 BMW Turbo. Powered by a 2.8 liter inline-6 engine with 170 horsepower (20 more than its predecessors) mated to a 4-speed automatic, the 280 SL exemplifies how the W 113 grew from its original roots as a sports car into a more comfortable grand tourer (it even sports air conditioning). There are myriad advantages to owning a vintage Mercedes-Benz, but one of the greatest is the widespread availability of parts to cars — even for those over 30 years old, meticulous records are kept at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Car Center.

Outside of the 911, the Porsche 356 remains one of the most identifiable Porsches on the road. It’s also the venerable company’s first production model, and though half of the original 1948 models are still on the road, they remain a rare sight to behold. But who says you can’t pay homage at home with a fine cutaway poster?

Another fine specimen from 1976, the International Harvester Scout holds the title of America’s original civilian SUV, despite the ubiquity of Jeep. Manufactured from 1961-1980 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Scout’s humble origins belie a storied 24-month development cycle that included a last-ditch concept down to a fast-paced production schedule. During its 19-year life cycle, 7 variants of the Scout were created, ranging from the original production model to a soft top, hard top and even a pickup truck . This particular Scout, a Scout II Traveler, is in showroom condition — having undergone a full 4-year frame-off restoration.

Right off the dashboard of a rally car, this manual-wind chronograph measures a hefty 58mm in diameter not including its crowns and pushers. A relic of a bygone era in mechanical time measurement in racing, not to mention a notable epoch in timekeeping for Heuer, this Super Autavia is destined to be a talking piece for any motoring or racing enthusiast. There are no boxes or papers, not unsurprisingly for a timepiece with this particular provenance, but it’s guaranteed for authenticity and functionality by its seller for a full year.

No, it’s not an actual car, but the Can-Am does boast some incredible specifications. It’s the most powerful side-by-side recreational vehicle ever with 85 horsepower (it can tow 1,500 lbs), and it even features power steering, locking front-differential and meaty 27-inch tires for when the going gets tough. In an all-black livery, the Can-Am Commander X 1000 looks downright sinister — good for buddy bragging or apocalypse credentials alike.

Chris-Craft makes a wide range of boats, but its 19-foot Capri may be its most recognizable. The last of the mahogany runabouts Chris-Craft produced, the 1955 Capri’s streamlined design makes it look fast, even when docked — no doubt aided by its (new for the time) wrap-around windshield and distinctive clipper bow. Up for auction, this 19-footer still has all its original wood with zero rot. Restored to original livery and specification, it even has two rare options of the time: a spotlight and twin-horn. Whether you use it to tool around the lake on the weekend or just for show, this is a remarkable example of boating heritage.

If you’re sensing a pattern in chronology, your suspicions are correct. Many motoring classics hail from that year, and this rare 1976 Ford Bronco Ranger is no exception. A ground-up restoration that took 4 years, the model has only logged 139 miles since the completion of its restoration. It also includes rare details like a steel cab top, factory air conditioning and even an AM radio, in addition to original ancillaries like the spare wheel and jack and hood scoop. A fine looking machine, the Bronco is painted in a ’60s-era Ford Caribbean Turquoise and Ford Wimbledon
White livery.