I have a 1988 manual 740 estate which I want to keep running for around another two years.
I have found a 1987 automatic 740 estate which the owners just wants to get rid of.
Both cars have the same engines so would everything else be the same on the two cars except the gearboxes.
It's hard to refuse a free gift horse, but it is probable that there will be differences. You really need to examine the other car and compare it. Bonnets, grills, headlamps and front light clusters, and interior trim are likely candidates for being different.
Mechanically, other than the gearbox, the thing most likely to be different is the rear suspension - whether it has independent rear suspension, or a solid axle setup. I believe there were two different versions of the steering rack, and I think there may be options on the make of brake system, not forgetting the possibility of ABS.
The engine may be carburettor fed, or it may have K-Jet injection.. The auto box will also have an oil cooler in the radiator, though this doesn't stop you using the radiator on a manual version.
If you have the space to store it, a spares car is a very good idea, but make sure you don't get one that is little use to you and ends up being a liability.
What's your question? Virtually everything should be identical between the two cars, what's wrong with the '87? I always hate to part something out that could be fixed.
It seems to be abandoned, at this time only the drivers window has been smashed. The car has only done 129k
Dang, I'd pop a new window in it and be done.
James, where are you located
Seattle, WA area, so I'm afraid the car's not much use to me. I have been looking for a cheap fixer-upper 700 wagon (estate) though.
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