I’m really digging these JDM vehicles that have been appearing on AutoHunter. Maybe I currently don’t need a right-hand drive truck, but anything different from the usual adds variety to the collector car world, and there’s always a tuchus for every seat, right?
The below AutoHunter Picks include a funky JDM van with 4WD as well as classics from Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Porsche. You have utility, style, muscle, and gran turismo from which to choose, all from different decades. Which one hits your bongos?
1992 Mazda Bongo 4WD
How could you not want to own a vehicle called a Bongo? Named after a type of antelope, these mini minivans also were sold as the Ford Econovan and Spectron, though not in the U.S. as Mazda brought the MPV to our shores instead. Of course, many truck configurations were used on this platform, but there’s something endearing about a tiny cab-over van when making a liquor run.
This 1992 Mazda Bongo is a 4WD version that just so happens to be powered by a 2.2-liter diesel inline-four backed by a five-speed manual with two-speed transfer case. Air conditioning is a welcome option, as are the two sliding doors. Three folks can sit in the rear seat, and there is plenty of luggage space behind. The perfect airport van for Uber?
1956 Pontiac Safari
Everyone knows the Nomad, so why does the Safari get left in the dust? Is it because Chevrolet styling was so strong and Pontiac’s was just alright? Whatever the case, the Safari exemplifies everything that was great about General Motors styling in the 1950s. Hot rodders and purists alike have been a fan of this two-door hardtop wagon for ages.
This gray and cream 1956 Pontiac Safari leans more to the hot rod side as it features a carbureted 350 small-block backed by a 700R4 four-speed automatic. The paint scheme is complemented by a modern leather and cloth interior that also features power windows, power seats, custom center console, and even a built-in ice chest in the spare tire compartment.
1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Before I had my license, it was not uncommon for a kid to pick up a Cutlass Supreme (probably from the original owner), jack up the rear, soup it up with headers and Cragars, add some 4-4-2 features, and think he was hot doodie. When the light turned green, said teenage driver would smoke ‘em and take off. I found it exciting, but the surrounding adults probably thought the kid was on drugs and needed the cops to dispense some justice.
This 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme looks like it came from the 1980s, though I don’t recall anyone back then applying W-Machine stripes to the sides. The W25 hood is a great addition, and the 350 is now fuel-injected to give the small-block the suds it never had new. Other features include 4-4-2 rear bumper, console, air conditioning, AM/FM radio, racing mirrors (with driver’s side remote), and that awesome Custom Sport steering wheel.
1987 Porsche 928 S4
My dad had one of these years ago, so I have an affection for them even though some don’t consider them a “real” Porsche. The ’87 was the first year for the facelifted S4, which still looks good today. My dad swears this is the most comfortable car he has ever driven, though its height makes ingress and egress somewhat difficult for some.
Take a look at the wine-colored interior of this 1987 Porsche 928 S4 and you can imagine Dad was right – it looks as comfortable as he claims. Features include a sunroof, forged aluminum wheels, Alpine stereo, power windows and door locks, cruise control, air conditioning, among others. Aside of GPS, this 928 S4 could be your daily driver as it has everything you’d need for modern driving, including a throaty V8.
