Agreed.... great post.

As for the question at hand though...

If you want a safe, reliable, boring car that'll last forever with only the most minimal of maintenance, go with a early 240. That is, one that is not turbo, and has the Kjet injection. '76-early'82. With a 4 speed that is. You can skip the O/D.

If you want a fun car, and you like 140s more, gitcha one. They are great too, but definitely will require a little more fussing over.

Personally, I prefer the 140 series. I like the looks, handling, interior, and overall feel more. But that's partly because I've very familiar with them, and I like stuff I can fix roadside if need be. (I tend to avoid fuel infection and electronic ignition) If I were in the market for a reliable commuter that always started, and always ran great, and I never had to open the hood... I'd get a $200 junker '78 240 in a heartbeat. Them things just don't die...

-Matt
'70 145 and others.