Oppo advice: American classics that can still be had on the cheap

". ." (xllx) 08/29/2013 at 12:33 • Filed to: advice, oppo help, muscle car, car buying

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I'm looking into buying a classic American automobile, probably from the 60's or early 70's (although that's not definite as long as the car is nice), and since I'm just a university student, I'm not exactly swimming in cash. I don't have very specific requirements for what the car has to be. I'm fine with it being a pony car, a full on muscle car, a grand touring personal luxury coupe, a cool American saloon car or even a nice pick up truck or estate car. What it has to be is cool, very American and relatively inexpensive to purchase.

Are there any cars like that left?

I remember that not long ago Rancheros could be bought by very little money because everyone was going crazy about El Caminos, while forgetting about the original ute from Ford. Unfortunately, lately Ranchero prices have skyrocketed and it's no longer the bargain it used to be.

I also remember that a few years ago late 60's Rivieras could be purchased within a reasonable budget. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore either.

I've noticed that there are fewer and fewer cars from that period that don't cost a fortune to buy (which I guess is understandable). A few months ago I checked ebay for Plymouth Satellites (which often tend to be overlooked by classic car fans for some reason) and they were very, very cheap. Unfortunately, prices on those are starting to rise quite rapidly too.

My main concern is the cost of purchase, although parts availability can't be completely disregarded either. After all, if parts are hard to come by even in the US, I'd stand little chance of being able to find stuff from thousands of miles away. Fuel costs don't matter in the slightest (as the car wouldn't be used for commuting).

So, Oppo, can you help me find the perfect car for me? Are there any commonly overlooked gems from that period? Or am I just being an idiot like those people who want their cars to be fast, fuel efficient, comfortable, sporty, spacious, reliable and cheap? Help me, Oppo!

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > . . 08/29/2013 at 12:39

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I paid $2400 for a 1961 Corvair that was running and driving with a new battery. It now runs and drives well without breaking the bank.

Decay buys too many beaters > . . 08/29/2013 at 12:40

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Around me Corvairs are still pretty cheap (under $5K), and they are one of my personal favorite american cars.

I'me really tempted to pick one up but I don't have the space for a 4th vehicle :(

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > . . 08/29/2013 at 12:41

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Oh, and here's a tip, Plymouth, Oldsmobile, and Mercury are GREAT alternatives to Dodge, Chevy, and Ford cars when you want to save some cash.

. . > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 08/29/2013 at 12:43

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I don't really care about the brand and I've been looking at pretty much any car I can think of. Still, it's not easy to find ones that are still somewhat forgotten (although the Satellite seems to be an example of such car).

Decay buys too many beaters > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 08/29/2013 at 12:43

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Beat me to it!

How is the handling on the first generations? My dad's '65 handled great (certainly not "dangerous at any speed")

SpeedSix > . . 08/29/2013 at 12:54

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GMC Sprints are technically rebadged Chevrolet El Caminos, but for a lower price because of its relative obscurity compared to the El Camino. You can probably pick up a good-quality Sprint for the price of a "needs some work" El Camino.

. . > SpeedSix 08/29/2013 at 12:57

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Thank you! That's exactly the sort of advice I was looking for!

daender > . . 08/29/2013 at 13:49

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I think AMC's are still on the low compared to other Muscle cars. Try searching for Gremlin X's, SC/Ramblers, "Rebel" Machines, and Javelins/AMX's. Personally, the 1971 AMX would get more attention than your standard Boss or Z/28.

Plymouth Satellites are cool because you can get the Roadrunner/GTX body without all the price (theoretically, you could option a Hemi with it), and then make a clone or go to town on it with customization.

And post-1970 Chargers, Charger fanboys don't like them because they're not Bullitt or Dukes of Hazard but damn them because it still looks evil.

JEM > daender 08/29/2013 at 14:01

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AMCs (and Studebakers and Ramblers, etc..) are still very affordable.

Finding parts can sometimes be a pain though. Buy one in as close to perfect shape as you can.

And I'd like DEFINITELY second the buying of any post-1970s muscle type car.

Sure the horsepower was down from the factory but a few parts from Edelbrock will take care of that pretty well, and have probably already been applied.

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > . . 08/29/2013 at 16:07

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I am in the same boat as you except I just graduated from college. This article gave me some good ideas.

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0912p…

Makoyouidiot > . . 08/29/2013 at 20:16

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Corvair. They still carry that "unsafe at any speed" bullshit stigma, so folks ignore them for the most part...the only older American car I would spend my money on.

Makoyouidiot > Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. 08/29/2013 at 20:24

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Bah, didn't notice your post before I made mine, Demon. Corvairs are awesome, I love the sleekness of the 2nd gen.

Makoyouidiot > Decay buys too many beaters 08/29/2013 at 20:25

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Didn't notice this one either...but nice to see Corvair love!

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > Decay buys too many beaters 08/30/2013 at 12:06

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My '61 has the '64 rear suspension, so it handles remarkably well and balanced.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > . . 09/03/2013 at 11:53

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If you are considering Ford I recommend looking towards Mercury. I'm not sure if the brand was sent over seas or not though, maybe you can find one imported.

I have a 68 Mercury Montego. It's basically a Ford Torino but because pretty much nobody knows they exist the guy I got it form had a hell of a time selling it. Who looks up a Montego on craigslist or ebay?! They are much more rare, yet normally less money. Perfect combination in my opinion.

Oh and it looks/drives great:

. . > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 09/03/2013 at 11:54

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I'd definitely be importing. Thanks for the tip!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 09/03/2013 at 11:58

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That's a great list! I loved it.

I like the emphasis they have on the now orphaned brands like Mercury and Plymouth. People tend to forget about them and it drives the prices down.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > . . 09/03/2013 at 12:00

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Happy to help. The Popular Hot Rodding link that was provided had a great list!

Also to give you an idea I got this car for $2,500. It was all original with only 61,000 miles. I even got the original window sticker. With the option and set up there were (I believe) less than 1,000 of these made in 1968.

2,500 bucks. I spun the tires all the way home...