SODO-Moto

Another container loaded this week. Needed to shift the 1971 Porsche 911T for from RoRo at the last minute - nice to have containers I the queue and Tomo’s expertise loading.

- 1995 Cappuccino EA11R Monster Sports
- 1971 Porsche 911T Coupe
- 1996 Rover Mini green
- 1999 Rover Mini Heritage black
- 1991 Rover Mini teal
- Daihatsu Hijet 4WD

More info http://sodo-moto.com

Container loaded with a few goodies for Seattle. Thanks to Tomo / for the hard-work.

- Leyton House F3000 (this one sold - another available)
- Porsche GT3 Cup
- Alfa Giulia (sold)
- R32 GT-R (sold)
- Mini Sportpack (sold)
- CBR250RR (deposit)
- Honda DAX (sold)
- Magni (sold)
- Honda Dream 50 (new)

More info: http://sodo-moto.com

Fun video on the Motocompacto with a cameo of my VAN Motocompo and shop.

Thank you FortNine for coming down to Seattle for the Motocompo.

https://youtu.be/WQAe7EtVi-4?si=s_PIYd9glFl-tEK6

————-

I do have two Motocompo in-stock in Seattle right now - easy shipping in the Continental USA $350.

https://sodo-moto.com/listings/honda-motocompo-12/

https://sodo-moto.com/listings/honda-motocompo-13/

$1000 Honda Suitcase - Motocompacto Review Rent a motorcycle affordably on your travels or make passive income renting yours out through Riders Share : https://www.riders-share.com/welcome/fortnineA s...

1971 Porsche 911T Coupe – 9111101955 / 6117363.
(Pending sale)

Equipped with Air Conditioning; Fuchs wheels; 5-speed transmission. USA car imported to Japan in the early 1970’s and never road-registered. Shows 31,890 miles reported to be original.

Very dry car and shows no rust to speak of in battery tray / floor pans / body. Recommissioned in 2022 with engine and transmission service; brakes; updated engine cooling fan; repaint in original 🫒 Olive 39.

Flaws include – crack in dash; tear in driver’s seat; peeling vinyl on glove-box; door pockets removed.

Presently in Japan in prep for July container loading for Seattle arrival August / September, 2024. Pre-arrival price incl. transport / USA entry / WA title.
Build / options
9111101955
911 114
6117363
7119165
UA – Los Angeles
June 1, 1971
39 – olive
11 – Leatherette black
C02 – USA
440 – manual Antenna, 4 loudspeakers
470 – Comfort Options
568 -Tinted glasses
975 – fuchs 5,5×14
Michelin


More info https://sodo-moto.com/listings/porsche-911t-4/

1985 Autobianchi Abarth A112 – ZAA112B0001542899. Odometer shows 31,414 km.

Italy’s answer to the Classic BMC Mini and the original hot hatchback. Like the Mini Cooper, the A112 Abarth takes a fun to drive car and gives it a little extra kick. 70hp in a ~1500 lb car is a lot of fun.
Exterior – looks good with rally-inspired body-kit and livery.

Interior – nice condition with nice dash / door panels / carpets. Upgraded driver’s seat – Sparco racing bucket. Driver’s power window regulator needs repair / replacement.

Engine / Drivetrain – Runs and drives well. Good power and responsive engine. 1st and 2nd gear syncros weak.

More info: https://sodo-moto.com/listings/autobianchi-a112-6/

Tommykaira ZZ EV - w/ 2939 kilometers this car presents like a new car.

Reported to be the 7th made. Exceptional condition – paint / trim / lights / aluminum / seat-fabric / tires / dash – all look fantastic. Upgraded Spoon brakes.

Presently in ibaraki, Japan. Worldwide shipping is easily arranged. Give me a call or drop me a line to discuss.

More info: https://sodo-moto.com/listings/tommy-kaira-zz-ev/

Always a good read, Alex!

Kyle - similar to our conversation yesterday about commercial vanagons in Canada.

Now here’s something you never, ever see: a commercial-spec Toyota Van in practically showroom-new condition. Thanks to their stiff price, Toyota sold very few of these in the U.S., and most that were sold were worked really hard. A few of them are still earning their keep, but ones as nice as this are truly rare. “Van” was its actual name, but it’s better known in other markets as the TownAce or MasterAce Surf. It was an entirely new type of production for Toyota’s U.S. operation when the first ones rolled off the boat in late 1983.

Toyota had already conquered cars and small pickups, and Chrysler’s Minivans arrived around the same time. The Van was a product Toyota had on the shelf that could easily play to the same buyers as both the forthcoming Minivans and Volkswagen’s Vanagon, if not big vans like the Ford Econoline.

Primarily aimed at families, it vaguely resembled the Vanagon but was quite different in layout. Quite surprisingly, Toyota was also not afraid to launch a commercial version, even though it would be hit with the full force of the 25% “Chicken Tax.”

Imported commercial vans were quite rare after that long-ago retaliatory tariff, itself the result of a long-simmering dispute over industrial chicken farming. (Chicken was a luxury item before the 1940s, and European farmers did not have the scale to match American agribusiness after the war. They imposed tariffs on American poultry, and the result was the UAW helping lobby for tariffs on European trucks). This much-despised tariff ended up backfiring for U.S. consumers and manufacturers, who’ve missed out on lots of light trucks as a result.

The Toyota Van CRG was, curiously, one of the very first post-1970 imported commercial vans to be sold to mainstream customers in the USA.

Although they became rarer later, in the 1980s many manufacturers planned commercial versions of their new minivans, including the “Dodge Mini Ram,” (later Caravan C/V) and the Ford Aerostar. GM’s more truck-like Vans, the Chevy Astro and GMC Safari, would end up primarily as work vans later in their lives. The Toyota was, for a time, the most unique of all these. It was also the rarest and hardest-worked version of the Toyota Van.

The “Van” was a product brought to the USA on the cheap, in a sense, as it was something Toyota had off the rack that it could try out without too much re-engineering and grab a toehold in the van market.

Toyota’s original LiteAce had debuted in 1970 and been a big success at home and abroad, though sales were mostly confined to Asia. By 1982 the “Ace” line had split into three different trucks, the larger M20-series LiteAce and TownAce truck, and the smaller R10-series TownAce van, which was redesigned into the R20/R30-series for 1983 in Japan.

Like its predecessor, it was a forward-control van with the engine up front between the front seats, *almost* front-mid-engine. The U.S. model had just one engine, the 2.0-liter, 87 horsepower 3Y four, and for the first 9 months or so, it was available only as a passenger van with an automatic. That wasn’t much power, but the van only weighed 3,000 pounds, and it was more than some of VW’s Vanagons.

In mid-1984 a five-speed option was added and the CRG version arrived as a 1985 model. A cargo version with window cutouts for custom van and camper builders soon followed. In 1986, they got a nice upgrade to the 102-hp 2.2L 4Y engine.

CRGs used beefy leaf springs in place of the regular Van’s multi-link and coil spring rear for additional load capacity, about 350 lbs. extra over the regular vans, and it had a flat load floor where “civilian” vans had some extra panels. Despite the tax, the CRG was actually the cheapest of the Toyota Vans, though it came without any of the creature comforts of the “civilian” Deluxe and (especially) LE trims.

Not particularly popular or widely marketed, the CRG was a rare bird, but a hard-wearing van that got far better MPG than full-size vans (about 22 mpg). Despite it’s high price, its economy and durability did make it a pretty solid value. But price matters and it cost a couple grand more than a Chevy Astro van.

The Toyota Van’s forward control setup did not endear it to many U.S. customers, who preferred the conventional front-engine arrangements of the domestic alternatives. But it did earn a loyal following among those who wanted such a van, just like the Vanagon, and it generally sold better than the Vanagon.

The “civilian” versions could be ordered with all sorts of plush interiors and accessories, including an integrated mini-fridge. Of course, in Japan, the MasterAce Surf had even more optional doo-dads and skylight roofs that the USA never got. The 1984-1986 Toyota Vans were all rear-wheel drive, but for 1987 they suddenly gained a 4WD option, first on the CRG and LE and later on all models, with locking hubs and real capability
By then Mitsubishi and Nissan had also launched U.S. versions of their JDM vans. Still, only Mitsubishi offered a rival commercial version (called, rather uncreatively, the Mitsubishi Van, based on the Delica).

The Toyota Van was replaced in 1990 by the futuristic, mid-engine Previa (bit.ly/33h1r48), which did not come with a proper cargo van version.

Honda Motocompo Bring a Trailer auction ends TODAY.

No Reserve: 1982 Honda Motocompo Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 1982 Honda Motocompo at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #138,664.

Leyton House March F3000 with Mugen Honda MF308 power. More info later today - anyone interested? Call / TXT Adam (206) 419-9295

1990 Nissan Sunny DX – GB122-052626 w/ 58,776 miles / 94,880 km. Powered by a 1.2 liter gasoline motor driving the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. A/C; aftermarket stereo – lovely shape inside and out.

More info: https://sodo-moto.com/listings/nissan-sunny/

1988 Alpine Renault 2.5 GT Turbo D501-135-J.

1980’s performance GT as only the French can do it. Attractive fiberglass body; stylish 2+2 interior; 2.5 liter PRV V6 – turbocharged and mounted in the rear. Some liken it to a French take on the Porsche 911. The result is an engaging grand touring car with unmistakable French panache. The French follow no-one; and no-one follows the French.

More info: https://sodo-moto.com/listings/renault-alpine-6/

JDM / Euro - February / March container loaded 02/13/2024 with a few rarities.

- Porsche 964 C2 Signal Green - assisting a client with his purchase
- Mercedes Unimog U300 - ‘it’ll fit’
- Caterham BDR w/ 1600cc Cosworth BDX (first example - no. 001)
- Honda RVF400 / NC35
- Suzuki ‘Street Magic’

Thanks to Fuji Vehicle Export Co. Ltd. and team for the challenging and timely load here.

More info on each of these http://sodo-moto.com

Ducati F3 - two more Euro / JDM Ducatis arrived this weekend.

- 1988 Ducati F3 750cc - Campagnolo wheels; aluminum tank; 750cc motor - minty-condition

- 1989 Ducati F3 400 six-speed; Verlicchi swingarm; Brembo Goldline brakes; neat bodywork

More info: http://S**O-Moto.com

1988 Bimota YB7 YB7-00207 – 400cc version for Japan using the lovely FZR400 power plant.

Nice shape with 6541 kilometers (4055 miles). Good battery / fresh fuel and it starts right up and runs well. New owner should plan on oil change and new tires.

More info: https://sodo-moto.com/listings/bimota-yb7-2/

1992 Yamaha TZR250 RS / 3XV | 3XV-080965 – w/ approx 4866 miles (7849 km). New arrival – Japan-spec bike in very nice original condition.

$12,500 or near offer.

2-stroke V-twin 250GP race-replica with adjustable suspension and dry-clutch. Starts up easily and runs and rides well.

More info: https://sodo-moto.com/listings/yamaha-tzr250-2/

Neat article on the Honda S600 and Honda Beat with some nice photos. Thanks for the article, Victoria Scott.

Both vehicles are S**O-Moto imports / sold…

https://www.motor1.com/features/705250/honda-s600-beat-retro-review/

1998 Toyota Caldina GT-T – ST215-3030433. w/ ~108k miles (174,439 km).

Good value at $9950 + tax & license

More info: https://sodo-moto.com/listings/caldina-gt-t/

Neat car with AWD drivetrain very similar to the Celica GT-Four ST205 but with a tiptronic transmission.

Interior and paint have held up well however some thin paint on the black plastic bodywork – particularly bumper covers & rocker trim.

3S-GTE Gen 4. The fourth generation was produced from 1999 to 2007. This engine was used in the Toyota Caldina GT-T (ST215) and GT-Four (ST216).

1996 Subaru Sambar KV4-144119. Cute little van with only ~56k miles (91k kilometers).

$8500
More info: https://sodo-moto.com/listings/1996-subaru-sambar-van-4wd/

Dias trim-level has some nice features – AC; side step; rear heater; nicer cloth interior with dual buckets and arm-rest in the rear. Equipped with part-time 4 wheel drive and GoodYear ‘Cargo’ stud-less snow tires so ready for 4-season fun.

Clean interior with nice carpets and seats. AC blows cold.

Exterior looks very good – nice blue paint / clean body / nice glass and trim.

Engine runs well with good power and smooth shifting / clutch. Steering and brakes feel like they should – overall good road manners.

Negatives: driver’s rear-view mirror wants to fold-back at 60MPH; Goodyear Cargo studless snow-tires have good tread and traction however date to 2012.

1987 Honda Acty 4WD TC-1219892.

SOLD - but just got its twin in - > https://sodo-moto.com/listings/honda-acty-26/

These 1980’s Acty are a neat design with rugged 2-cylinder 550cc engine- essentially 1/2 the Goldwing GL1100 motorcycle engine – mated to a conventional 5-speed manual transmission.

Nice condition inside and out. Other Acty of this generation which we’ve imported – have good power – able to travel up ~65MPH. But kei-trucks are better suited to secondary roads where it should deliver 40+ MPG.

Pickup bed has fold-down sides for unusual loads and rack for security your cargo against the cab.
Cool vintage look and lots of utility in a compact package and good value for the fun & utility it offers – use around town or as a neat alternative to a UTV around the farm / garden / ranch / cabin.

1998 Honda Integra Type R DC2-1300580 w/86k miles (139,254 km).

More info: https://sodo-moto.com/listings/honda-integra-type-r-4/

Runs and drives excellent and looks very good. Upgraded exhaust manifold and aftermarket body-kit. This is a lot of car for the money.

1998 Honda Integra Type R | 98 Spec R – DC2-1301748 w/ 103,327 miles (166,656 km).

Runs and drives fantastic. This car is nicely tune and has excellent steering / brakes / transmission / clutch and overall dynamics. This is a very responsive car that’s a hoot to drive. No leaks or creaks and ready to enjoy.

More info: https://sodo-moto.com/listings/honda-integra-type-r-6/

Good looking exterior with striking yellow paint and clean interior – cold A/C; Type R floor mats.
Tasteful upgrades – Bride seats – the drivers seat is a carbon hard-back 7 passenger seat reclines for access to the rear seat; APEXI FC commander; carbon intake; lightweight fiberglass (carbon?) hood; aftermarket front & rear bumpers; Nardi steering wheel; aftermarket coil-over suspension feels good.
As with all Integra Type R, the DOHC VTEC 1800cc B18C features hand-polished ports. The chassis is strengthened and seam welded and extra braces. The power is sent through a close-ratio transmission with Torsen L*D. Unnecessary sound-deadening is removed and thinner windshield glass is used to reduce weight. More power / less weight / chassis tuning – the result is a FF canyon-carver par excellence.