A Selection of Classic Germans on eBay

Commonality and exceptions are everywhere. Chocolate and vanilla are strangely seen as opposites, but both of them are delicious flavors for ice cream. Oil and water don’t mix despite the fact that they’re both liquids. Fire and ice are as dissimilar as two things can be, yet they’re both potentially lethal. Although the following vehicles–a sedan, a convertible, a rear-engined coupe, a two-door with its motor up front, and an SUV–may seem wildly different from one another they are alike in two respects: All of them were produced at least a quarter of a century ago wearing the badges of German manufacturers. 

The car: 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL

Price: $95,000 (BIN)

Location: Los Angeles, California, USA

Seller’s Info: Click here

A restoration is not enough for some car buyers. The person who purchased this convertible in 2010 states, “I wanted it perfect, so I redid everything basically. Car has brand new interior, all metal (chrome) is brand new (not re-chromed … or re-finished), [and the] paint is brand new (car was stripped down to bare metal and done right).” The rust-free undercarriage, trunk, and hood look brand new. This Teutonic two-door’s bumpers, tires, and exhaust/pipes are just a few of many fresh parts.

The car: 1989 BMW 635csi

Price: $10,750 (BIN)

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

Seller’s Info: Click here

This is another three-owner car wearing the famous BMW roundel. Its current title-holder has owned it since 1997; in that time, he has only put 29,000+ miles on it, bringing the total to 144,167. According to him, “The motor is very solid, doesn’t burn any oil, [and] runs cool… – even on 100-degree days with [the] A/C on.” He recently changed the oil, serviced the transmission, and installed new brake pads on this black Bavarian.

The car: 1966 Volkswagen Beetle

Price: $16,700 (BIN)

Location: Big Bear Lake, California, USA

Seller’s Info: Click here

The current owner of this bug–a long-time national show car judge–makes sure to repeatedly point out that it’s NOT restored. That doesn’t mean its original parts and trim haven’t held up well, though. The original seats, door panels, and chrome embellishments are near mint. Both the wheels, which are in “very good” condition, and the body of this California VeeDub are covered in their original coats of paint. “The last long trip [on which] it was driven was about six years ago on a 400[-]mile journey” during which it “drove without any problems.”

The car: 1970 BMW 2000

Price: $6,200 (current bid; reserve not met)

Location: Huntington, New York, USA

Seller’s Info: Click here

One trait vintage automobiles share is the necessity for tender loving care. This Bimmer has received some of it. According to its seller, “The engine has just received a top end overhaul with reconditioned cylinder head, valve adjustment, all new gaskets, ignition components and a tune-up.” Its automatic transmission was swapped out for a four-speed manual by a “BMW specialist.” This three-owner “Neue Klasse” sedan has 78,757 miles on it, and its original interior–but no rust. It even comes with “full mechanical documentation … from the day it was born.”

The car: 1980 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Price: $15,988 (current bid; reserve not met)

Location: Kaunas, Lithuania

Seller’s Info: Click here

Looking at things from the other side, this German rig from the 1980s certainly has its similarities to the above vehicles, but it’s different from them in a substantial–and heavy–way. A company armored this 280 GE against certain types of ammunition all the way down to its wheels. It features mounts for weapons, such as MP5 submachine guns. A 2.8-liter I6 transfers its output to the road (or trail) through a four-speed gearbox, four-wheel drive, and new run-flat tires.

If you know of a great, stylish car for sale and would like us to feature it, please let us know!

Petrolicious makes no claim as to the accuracy of the information contained in the car’s original listing, nor will it be held responsible for any errors in said information. If you’re interested in any of these cars, do your homework and research extensively before you buy.