Categories / eBay watch

eBay watch: 1972 Fiat 500

Fiat500

It's back on the market in a modern form, but nothing compares to the charm of an original Fiat 500. This being a particularly fine example.

Dating back to 1972 and with just under 53,000 miles on the clock (which is nothing), the car has been on the receiving end of plenty of work, including new suspension swinging arms, new brakes, wheel bearings, king pins and bushes, plus new track rods, steering rods and a new sun roof. The interior, thankfully, is still in original condition.

Talking of condition, the seller says the body work in places needs a 'little attention but nothing to affect MOT', so bear that in mind. It's currently on eBay for £3,500.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Cars and Bikes, Design and Interiors

’50s car doormat at Urban Outfitters

Car doormat

Unashamedly fun, add a touch of retro glamour to your doorway with this 1950s car doormat from Urban Outfitters

Yes, they've produced a doormat in the shape of a classic vehicle that most of us can only dream about driving. To fuel your fantasy, you even get a choice of finishes, as the mat comes in green, pink or red. The only problem is whether you'd actually want to wipe your feet on it. 

The mat costs £16. 

Buy it online

Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: Fully restored 1950s BMW Isetta 300 bubble car

Bubble

Not exactly the sexiest car on the road, but if you were to drive round your local car in this BMW Isetta 300, you'll get more attention than any other BMW around.

Originally dating to 1958, the car was bought in the UK, then shipped over to Poland for professional restoration. Check out the pictures on the site for many shots of the finished vehicle, it really does look like something special. It's even got the original number plate.

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Categories / Cars and Bikes, eBay watch

eBay watch: 1970s Lotus Esprit S2

Lotus

Here's a car that will turn heads at the petrol station. Indeed, if you buy this 1978 Lotus Esprit S2, you'll probably be spending a lot of time down the petrol station.

It's a car that pretty much screams the 70s, motoring excess oozes from every corner. And with so many sharp edges on the design, that's an awful lot of corners. This second-generation Esprit has a 1,973cc engine, a mileage of just 49,000 and a good amount of work done on it, to the point that it drives well enough, without any 'smoke or rattles', says the current owner. On the downside, it apparently needs painting, some minor bodywork repairs and some work to the windscreen, not to mention new tyres.

So a mixed bag, but if you're prepared to do a bit of work (or to get someone else to do it), this Lotus Esprit S2 could be a car to impress. After all, a first-generation Lotus Esprit was good enough for James Bond in The Spy Who Loved Me. Although sadly, this one doesn't turn into a submarine. £1,320 is the current price.

Find out more at the eBay website

Categories / Cars and Bikes, Design and Interiors, Homeware

‘Old time’ car desk accessory by Troika

 

Troika car
 

Got the retro car bookends? Complete the look of a high-flying executive office with Troika’s old time car desk accessory.

It’s described as ‘old time’ and I’m afraid I’m also no closer than that to recognising the model of car this might have been based on. However, it’s definitely got a glamorous retro look, suitable for adorning (presumably walnut) writing desks. It’s also vaguely useful too – as it’s magnetic you can use it for storing up paper clips or having other office based fun with metallic items.

It’s perfectly priced for a gift at £25.

Buy it from the Liberty website

Categories / Design and Interiors

Rocket 80s-style cassette deck shelf

Rocket2

How useful it is I don't really know – but for impact, you can't really fault this Rocket cassette deck shelf.

Rocket is the name of the designers rather than the product (which I think is simply called 'shelf'), but is part of a wider collection based on the two designers' 'common infatuation with rock n roll and disco culture'.

In this case, an 80s-style, in-car cassette deck that mixes 2D and 3D elements, specifically wall vinyl and the wooden 'cassette' shelf. The entire design is around 42 inches wide, the shelf part covering 11.7 inches. Two colour options, both available online for £95.

Find out more at the Yoox website