Classic imports gather in Phoenix

Roosevelt Street Arts District Downtown Phoenix is ​​home to some of the area’s most popular art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Unsurprisingly, it was named 26^th President of the United States. The Roosevelt Historic District is the first neighborhood in Phoenix to be designated as such. The area has since become a hotspot for car culture, and the Nine Club has hosted two successful gatherings here in 2024 to date. Here are the stories from September’s event.

At the end of November, everyone was back at it again with a bigger plan. Refreshments include boba tea and drip coffee from Joypop, while Stoop Kid offers delicious breakfast items for anyone with a craving. There was plenty of eye candy to sample, here are a few of my favorite vehicles in attendance:

1985 Porsche 911

Launched in 1964, the 911 has always been a favorite among collectors. The original iconic streamlined design is still popular today, and it’s hard to believe that a car like this one from the 1980s is some 40 years old. In 1985, the 911 was equipped with a 3.2-liter air-cooled flat-six engine, a five-speed manual transmission and four-wheel disc brakes. The car can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds, a strong performance in an era when many vehicles suffer from “uncomfortable” driving dynamics.

1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E

My favorite of the show is this family-owned red Mercedes sedan (with a five-speed manual transmission, no less!). I was lucky enough to speak with its current owner and he told me that his father bought the car new.

Black bumpers and simple wheel covers give it a clean, if not basic, appearance, and with only 92,000 miles on the clock, it’s original in almost every way. The “W201” chassis 190E was available with several different engine options, including a 182-horsepower 2.3-liter inline-six. Believe it or not, this car is currently being used as a daily driver.

1987 Toyota 4Runner SR5

The first generation 4Runner compact sport utility vehicle debuted in 1984 as the “N60”. It immediately gained notoriety for its all-terrain capabilities and long-term reliability. I like the wheels, tires and suspension setup on this SR5, as well as the retro-style gradient graphics on the exterior. For a convertible experience, the color-matched hardtop can be removed (similar to the Ford Bronco and Chevrolet K5 Blazer). Sign up for weekend camping with me.

1990 Audi Coupe Quattro

This 1990s three-door hatchback’s pearl white exterior gives it an upscale look, and it’s in incredible condition for the car’s age. The “B3” coupe was assembled in Ingolstadt, Germany, from 1988 to 1996. In 1990, the Coupe Quattro went on sale and was only available in 1990 and 1991. Power comes from a 2.3-liter inline five-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Audi’s legendary Quattro all-wheel drive system has been designed and refined specifically for racing.

1997 BMW M3

I’ve been a fan of the E36 since it was first introduced in the North American market in 1992. This compact executive car raises the bar for design and performance, and the M3 is at the top of it all. Facelifted models (from 1996) were powered by a 3.2-liter “S52” inline six-cylinder engine, mated to a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission. BMW claims, “The M3 is not just for car enthusiasts. BUILT go through them. “The clean silver paint, color-keyed sill panels, tinted windows and spoiler really make this car stand out.

1997 Toyota Supra Turbo

When the Deep Jewel Green Metallic Supra “Mk4” showed up at the Kyusha show, everyone turned to watch – and for good reason. It’s breathtakingly gorgeous from top to bottom, yet brutal to the ears. This rare “limited edition” features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, a six-speed manual transmission, a limited-slip differential and a removable Targa roof. The Supra is so beloved by enthusiasts that the market value of well-preserved examples has soared over the past decade or more.

1998 Nissan 240SX SE

In the tuning and “drifting” culture, the S14 chassis 240SX is easily one of the most popular cars in the world as a tuning platform. It has a lightweight chassis, rear-wheel drive, a powerful 2.4-liter engine and a five-speed manual transmission. Finding a 240SX in good condition has become extremely difficult these days, and this sleek black SE adds just the right personal touches including Blitz wheels, BFGoodrich tires, OEM spoiler, and tinted windows.

With the strong development momentum of the Nine Car Club, this gathering will surely become a grand event for car enthusiasts in the southwest region. We look forward to its vibrant future!