Sorry to here of the loss.

My '79 245 is the yardstick by which I measure all other cars so I understand. That being said, the corrosion resistance of the later models is the main reason I prefer them. That is counter-balanced by the fact that most of them have clear-coat issues.

Maybe what you want is a 1990 DL wagon. Crank windows, no cruise or other amenities. Only thing "automatic" about it is could be the tranny and the locks.

Locally a number of pretty decent cars have popped up but most are sedans. Can I suggest making a road trip of it? Find what you want in states without road salt, fly in with a 40#'s of the tools and drive it home leisurely.

I have never followed my own advice but I have flown in, repaired and ridden home a motorcycle and driven home a car. The car was easy (my 1990 760 turbo wagon) but the bike was nerve wracking (BMW R80 G/S)!