A Poors man’s list (the photos are examples, the 450SL is the actual car for sale).

I have friends—yup, I really do—that range from those who are near to living in their cars to those literally worth more than millions. I fall very much nearer the former than the latter.

One thing we all have in common is the love and appreciation of automobiles and related automobilia items.

I discovered Hagerty this year and wish I had decades ago. I always have old cars but I never thought I would have cars that qualify for Hagerty “status.” I was wrong and now have several cars insured with them.

Hagerty puts out a beautiful magazine. The articles are all car-related of course, and they also put out a list of future or affordable classics. I am still in the “po’ boy” category and even Hagerty’s affordable classics would limit me to just one car and stretch my budget. So here is my list of cars that are “po’boy” affordable, unique and are out there for the buying. These are all cars I have seen for sale in the last 6 months.

As I write this I am looking at an ad and it was actually the impetus to write this story. So here’s my poor man’s list of desirable cars.

1. 1975 Mercedes Benz 450 SL

Both tops, 128K and in the most desirable color…red. How much? The advertised price is $5995. I have owned many MB’s including this vintage SL and they are a joy to drive. The style is iconic and these are definitely a “feel good” car. At the asking price, it is hard for me to think that you would ever lose a dollar after enjoying the car for years. I actually believe you could drive this for 5 years and make money.

2. 1975 Bricklin SV-1

I found this Bricklin on ebay. It was in running condition and within 500 miles of me. I did contact the owner about a question I had and this was a legitimate car for sale, with NO RESERVE. The car sold for $3765. This is a rare, head turning car that would be great to own. I think with Bricklins you may end up tinkering a bit but the drive and ownership would be well worth it.

3. 1989 Buick Reatta

These are unique ( yes, I know, weird) but still a car that you seldom see and never find with everything working. The present owner went to great lengths to make everything work. I went and looked at this car. It needs paint, has a couple very small dents and could use shocks. The asking price is $1395. REALLY! I may still go buy this.

4. A Shay Rumble Seat Roadster

Shays are a modern, factory made, replica of Model A’s. I have owned both a rumble seat roadster and a roadster pickup. These are great fun and easy to keep as the running gear was Ford Pinto / Mustang II. I found a Shay in Seattle. It was running and driving but definitely had been “rode hard and put away wet.” Needed paint and some miscellaneous. Asking price was $7295. This is about 1/2 of what a nice one is going for and these can be upgraded to Hot Rod status with a V8 and some other mods.

5. 1982 Corvette Collector Edition

I have coveted this model of Corvette since the first time I saw one. To me this is one of the most attractive Corvettes ever offered. Subtle but still different enough to be a head turner. Sold on ebay at $7700.

6. Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 1966

I have owned a Rolls. I loved just having it. The older ones will always need loving repairs (think Jaguar) but are worth the fun of ownership. Be sure and have a jar of Grey Poupon with you when you go for a drive. Running and driving $5995.

A Poor Boy’s List

This is my poor boy’s short list of fun and unique cars that I can afford to own and enjoy.

People often ask me if I had a large amount of money to spend on a car what would I buy. I always say I would buy a handful of fun and unique vehicles instead of just one stellar car.

Go forth and enjoy the drive. Keep on cruisin’.

Always Another Mile—Always Another Story