The cool thing about my AutoHunter Picks is that no one forces me to choose anything, but I’m always forced to choose something based on what’s currently listed in the auction. That means the possibility for an eclectic selection is always great, and this week is no different. So what if I didn’t choose, say, a memorable 383-powered 1955 Chevrolet 3100 pickup?
This week’s picks feature a modern car, an old car masquerading as a modern car, and two classics – it doesn’t get more eclectic than that, especially considering none of them are uber popular. But that’s what ‘s so cool about the opportunity to select. Which would you choose?
1969 Volkswagen Transporter Pickup
If I develop a side gig and make house calls to visit clients, I’d drive something like this. It has plenty of room for tools and whatever else I have, it has a manual transmission, and it’s collectible, with the latter being the perfect rolling billboard for my business (which remains to be seen what it would be). Sure, there’s no back seat, but my dog won’t mind.
This attractive 1969 Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter Pickup appears to have originally been from another country, maybe Brazil. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four with a four-speed manual (naturally). Pop-out windshield panels, chrome 14-inch wheels, and four-wheel independent suspension are but some of its features. This VW gives me California vibes for the other 49.
2011 Audi S4 Premium Plus
My interest in new cars started to subside around 15 years ago. It wasn’t because they were boring, mind you, yet I have no explanation. As a result, my memory is lacking on the specs of many vehicles from the not-too-distant past, including the Audi S4. I will admit it comes as a complete surprise that the 2011 S4 was equipped with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6, in this case one that puts out 333, which sounds like fun for a daily driver.
This Ice Silver 2011 Audi S4 has the Premium Plus package, which included 18-inch wheels, LED taillights and headlights, Bluetooth, sport seats, and more. However, this S4 features 19-inch wheels plus the optional Bang & Olufsen stereo for added premium content. If you have a difficult commute, the dual-clutch automatic will be appreciated, especially if you dig sunroofs under a sunny sky. No boring drives with this one!
1965 Pontiac Tempest Custom Convertible
Pity the Pontiac Tempest! After the introduction of the GTO, the Tempest has been completely overshadowed. You don’t see Chevy folks lacking interest in regular Malibus or Dodge folks going “meh” over a Coronet 440, so cars like this Pontiac Tempest Custom (a step up from the base Tempest) are somewhat of a novelty. The Tempest also featured a different grille and taillight trim compared to a LeMans and GTO.
This restored 1965 Pontiac Tempest Custom convertible is one of 8,346 built. The 326 two-barrel is what you’d expect in most of them, though the three-speed automatic is a welcome upgrade since the two-speed auto was what it was built with. An interesting option for this car is the tilt steering column, plus it has a factory clock in the instrument panel. If you want an affordable convertible with classic styling, you have found your car.
2000 Subaru Outback Limited
Is it odd that a station wagon from the Millennium has gotten me more excited than many of the vintage vehicles on AutoHunter? I can reconcile that! When’s the last time you’ve seen one of these on the street? In this nice condition? I don’t live in Vermont, so that may be part of it, but it’s so refreshing to see an honest Outback wagon and not the behemoths Subaru is producing under the same nameplate today.
This one-owner 2000 Subaru Outback is a Limited, which means it was the high-spec version of the wagon. Originally sold new in Colorado, this Subie has only 60,115 miles and is powered by the reliable 2.5-liter flat-four. It is equipped with leather interior, woodgrain “kit,” 16-inch aluminum wheels, fancy-pants stereo including cassette and CD player, All Weather Package (which included heated seats), moonroof, and more. I’d sign up for this and drive it every day, even if it doesn’t have GPS.
