THE EXPERT: Adrian van Hooydonk
Head of design, BMW Group

THE ENDORSEMENT: "I used to own one. It's a fairly boxy thing, but I appreciated it for that."

THE BACKSTORY: Introduced in 1961, the 4L, as it's also known, embodied the kind of versatility taken for granted by RAV4 and Escape drivers as one of the first economical, durable hatchbacks.

THE COST: They're rarely seen in North America, but excellent European examples range from $3,000 to $5,000—expect to pay an equal amount in shipping, however.