By ERIC YANG
To this humble writer, eBay remains one of the last bastions of great finds. Sure, there’s a trove of new listings that hit eBay every minute, but for me, the hunt remains nearly as fun as the buy. Recently the good folks at eBay asked if I could throw in with their eBayFinders initiative to share some of my finds.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing several posts to round up a variety of good things ranging from motoring to style to electronics. If you read GP regularly, then you know we like to chase down the stuff at the crossroads of gear and design, but in our free time (okay, a lot of my free time), you’ll often find us whiling away lunch breaks scouring for the vintage and esoteric. Few make it to the pages of GP, but this is a perfect chance to do just that.
If you’re half the scavenger we like to think you are, then you probably have a good sense of how to find the necessities and readily available goods; but what about some of the loftier gets? Well, our first roundup, which focuses on motoring, includes a few to get you started. But remember, auctions have timelines, and some of these end soon — so if you’re interested in a 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL, a 1976 International Harvester Scout, or maybe just a cool vintage Heuer chronograph, we recommend you take a hard/longing look at your finances (and PayPal accounts) and hit the jump.
1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL
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.
Bid Now: Here
Vintage Porsche 356 Poster
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?
Bid Now: Here
1976 Jeep Wagoneer
There are rumblings that Jeep plans to reintroduce the Wagoneer, but in our minds, nothing will replace the original. Today, a fully restored Wagoneer can be had — but it will cost you a pretty penny. This restored Wagoneer features the handiwork of Norbert at Grand Wagoneer (grandwagoneer.com), a renowned restorer, and sports a significant amount of work ranging from a rebuilt V8 engine and ancillaries right down to the headliner. It’s not perfect, but this well-maintained JGW has the potential to go for an achievable price for the enthusiast — the wood grain trim, bright chrome work, tan leather and blue paint look great. That’s not to say there aren’t a few flaws, like scratches and electric quibbles, but the current owner has taken the time to document everything via photos.
Bid Now: Here
1976 International Harvester Scout
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.
Bid Now: Here
Heuer Stop Watch Rally Car Dashboard Vintage Chronograph Super Autavia
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.
Bid Now: Here
Bombardier Can-Am Commander X 1000
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.
Bid Now: Here
1955 Chris-Craft Capri 19
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.
Bid Now: Here
1976 Ford Bronco Ranger
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.
White livery.
Bid Now: Here
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