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I spotted an (insert obscure car name here) classic car today! (Archived)

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Comments

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    The blue one was a $500 car, right? I'd say that was a fair deal.
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    Yep, $500, bought back in May 2007. It has its issues, but at that price I can't complain. The cream one was $900, purchased back in October 2001.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,280
    Speaking of blue Chryslers, this one is spectacular, but so is the asking price. Too bad the underbody doesn't look as good as the rest. Good luck to the seller given that.

    https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/chrysler/new-yorker/1904073.html

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  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,579

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  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,107
    $90k??? Shifty, what's a reasonable price? Half that?
  • andre1969andre1969 Member Posts: 26,023
    I'm not exactly blown over by the quality of the seats and door panels of that '61 Chrysler either...at least, not at that price point! Now granted, this isn't a '65 Mustang or '57 Chevy, where you can order everything you need for it. But, that stuff can still be replicated, if you pay enough. I learned that with my '57 DeSoto.

    And yeah, the underside does look kind of messy. Looks to me like they tried to spray some kind of rustproofing crap on it real quick, without really taking it apart...although to be fair, you can't pull a Unibody car apart like you can body-on-frame. My DeSoto got rust-proofed, but it also got pulled apart to do it.
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,860
    edited January 2017
    Yeah, for a New Yorker, that seat trim doesn't even look like Newport quality.

    On first-impression, exterior stuff, I'm wowed, but I don't know accuracy of small points like I would a Studebaker or Chevy, or even Pontiac of that era.

    For value, I think it'd be hard to peg (although seems ridiculous at what they're asking; typical dealer). It's not like it's a two-door hardtop; what kind of history could there be on cars like this selling, AND in this condition?
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,675
    edited January 2017
    andre1969 said:

    The Chevy 350 is the lightest of all the various GM divisional 350s I believe.

    Did you find a weight comparison somewhere? I looked but didn't find. I bought a '77 Cutlass with the 350 and recall that I read that it was lighter, but maybe that was only in one comparison to one other GM engine OR I just remember wrong. I always thought the slight lesser weight gave a slight advantage in performance.

    Was that the year when GM had those special V8's that some salesmen sold to people that only had 6 sparkplug wires? IOW, they told people they were getting the V8 in a full-size Olds but it was a 6-cylinder instead. That along with the sharing of engines between divisions was another scandal of the era. The popularity of the Olds 350 in the Cutlass meant the supply was smaller for other cars.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    90K? LOL Very cool car, but come on. We'd need about 5 years of 20% inflation in great again America for that to happen.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,280
    I was very dubious about the weight of the Buick 350 being the lightest of the various GM 350s because the number being thrown around was always from the same site and that site provided no citation for where they got it. I figured it could be one of those "it's on the internet so it must be true" kind of things that results in truth decay. But I found someone on a Buick forum that tore down a 350 and weighed each set of components that validated the 450 lb figure. I find it hard to understand since the Chevy is such a physically tiny engine by comparison but whatever. Oddly I could find no reference to tear-down weighing of a SBC, which you'd think someone would have done.

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  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    I think quality issues were killing Chrysler sales by that point. It was a shame because I thought they were nice looking boats, but that hurt them too because they were selling to mostly older buyers.

    GM got caught shoving Chevy 350 engines in other vehicles - the old Chevymobile scandal. GM wasn't prepared for the rapid success of the Cutlass leading to an Olds 350 shortage. The Buick intermediate and full sized cars were also selling well, so they couldn't take them from there. Chevy had the most production capacity.

    IIRC, Nance who was the head of Packard when it went down ended up over at Ford and was involved in the Edsel and that era Mercury. I also recall door latch mechanisms being a general problem area on many cars from the mid 50's as they aged.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Saw an early Saturn today - didn't have body color bumpers etc. For the amount of grief that the brand can receive, the old ones seem to be able to take a lot of miles, and knowing the demographic, maybe a bit of neglect, too.
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,860
    Speaking of Barrett-Jackson earlier here, '57 Golden Hawks, a Studebaker that doesn't do a whole lot for me, continue to bring big bucks for fine examples. This one went for $95,700 (including buyer's commission) yesterday.

    http://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1957-STUDEBAKER-GOLDEN-HAWK-199547
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  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Well, it's a nut and bolt, stem to stern, with supercharger, and with standard transmission, so probably the buyer bought the restoration and got the car for free. It seems seriously over-market, although when you deduct 18% in commissions, then the selling price rationalizes for a concours car that a collector really prizes.

    Now we'll watch every beater Golden Hawk dragged out of the back 40 and brought to auction, with sellers shocked to only receive a $12K bid.

  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,860
    edited January 2017
    There've been several Golden Hawks ('57's) that have brought in the 80's over the past several years at auctions. I wouldn't say this one is an anomaly or anything. But I'll take that silver '64 GT and pocket the $60K!

    The ad for the Golden Hawk calls it a "frame up".

    I remember the guy who restored my Lark Daytona said to me on the phone once, "It's only (fill in the blank) bolts away from a frame-off!". I reined him in on cost, as I had to. He was great to work with and did a great job within my money limitations at the time. He's still in business and has done several AACA Senior Firsts.
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  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    It's a pretty spectacular car judging from the photos. Actually GH prices seem to be declining right now, which is normal after a small "bubble" of sorts. Many classics do this. They're off about 5-10%. I'd put the market price for this car at around $65-$70K right now, for the best of the best.

    There's a '57 GH right now in Hemmings that needs a total restoration, for $8000. Probably pretty nasty.

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited January 2017
    Here's a company in Coalport PA that makes a Hawk out of a Chrysler. I suppose that's meant to be flattering, not sure.
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,860
    I'm not sure if they made more than one. I saw that gold one at a meet in South Bend probably ten or fifteen years ago.
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  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I think they were called the Shrock Brothers. Has anyone ever made a fiberglass Hawk replica?
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,860
    Those guys are known for making miniature Studebaker truck and car models over the years. Really detailed, and pretty expensive.
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  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Gee you'd think they'd have better taste than that "thing".
  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,860
    2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Got behind an old Mazda based Mercury Tracer today. Haven't seen one of those in ages. I think they were from the 80's, early 90's at the latest.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    88-91 Civic Wagovan (didn't look like a 4x4), and I am seeing an 85 Camry every day at work - someone is really using it. I see it off and on. 32 year old Camry, seems odd to say.
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,280
    Here's one for @Fintail:

    https://t.co/CSymB7qkSn

    I can only imagine how much this gets up to by the end of the auction.

    Seller cannot be accused of not providing enough photo documentation. I find the "rear seat" to be comical.

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  • texasestexases Member Posts: 11,107
    5 190SL sold at B-J, for $77/87/104/104/137k.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,338
    That 190 looks like it should have been at one of he big auctions. Will be interesting to see how the BaT auction results compare.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited January 2017
    I wouldn't try to sell a car like this at B-J. Should be worth $150K on up if it's everything they say it is.

    These aren't really sports cars--slow, heavy and kind of charming in a feminine way. BUT...a whole lot cheaper than Big Brother 300SL roadster, the latter being a car that can deliver on its looks.
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    edited January 2017
    Wow amazing pics, that's a nicely done car, even with the color change. I wonder that restoration cost. I like the luggage, too, that's worth a pretty penny. I wouldn't change a thing but the license plates. Also looks like it has the same tires as my fintail.
    ab348 said:

    Here's one for @Fintail:

    https://t.co/CSymB7qkSn

    I can only imagine how much this gets up to by the end of the auction.

    Seller cannot be accused of not providing enough photo documentation. I find the "rear seat" to be comical.

  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,579
    berri said:

    Got behind an old Mazda based Mercury Tracer today. Haven't seen one of those in ages. I think they were from the 80's, early 90's at the latest.

    If you got the version with the Mazda DOHC engine, they were fun and quick cars. I had a '93 LTS that I thoroughly enjoyed. Traded it on a '95 Jetta GLX VR6.


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  • roadburnerroadburner Member Posts: 18,325
    I think I mentioned that I wanted to buy an LTS and all the idiot salespeople in Louisville tried to talk me out of a manual(because they didn't have any). So I walked.

    Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
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  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,579
    The LTS was a surprisingly good, well balanced car. Great engine, trans, comfortable, solid handling and rode well. No issues in the 30k that I put on it. The only real thing I didn't care for was the automatic shoulder seat belts. Gosh, it seems like yesterday when I had it yet that was 24 years ago!

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  • xwesxxwesx Member Posts: 17,681
    sda said:

    The LTS was a surprisingly good, well balanced car. Great engine, trans, comfortable, solid handling and rode well. No issues in the 30k that I put on it. The only real thing I didn't care for was the automatic shoulder seat belts. Gosh, it seems like yesterday when I had it yet that was 24 years ago!

    /facepalm

    Way to make us all feel old! :'(
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  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    It was the version before that based on, and pretty similar to, the 323. But I liked those early 90's Escort and Tracers like you posted - very clean lines. So did you have good luck with the Jetta?
  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Roomate of mine in school had a 95 Jetta when it was a late model car. Lots of issues, I remember wheel bearings being especially problematic. I recall taking him to the shop (in the fintail) more than once.
  • berriberri Member Posts: 10,165
    Reminds me back in the 80's while in FL and two guys I knew; one Jeep, the other Porsche - many trips taking one or the other to the dealer service department. But then my Olds wasn't exactly a model of reliability either.
  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,579
    fintail said:

    Roomate of mine in school had a 95 Jetta when it was a late model car. Lots of issues, I remember wheel bearings being especially problematic. I recall taking him to the shop (in the fintail) more than once.

    I owned it during a period where I traded cars every 12-18 months, though in this case someone rear ended it and the repair was unsatisfactory so I got rid of it around 24k. It was trouble free while I had it.

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  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,946
    The LTS was sharp looking. My Mom's 96 Thunderbird was the same color "Pacific Green" IIRC.

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,280
    Here's what is surely a rare beast: a '68 AMX.

    http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-amc-amx-2/

    Not perfect by any means and the hood fit at the front would drive me nuts, but still nice. I would immediately install the original parts in place of the aftermarket stuff on the interior. Price seems good so far.


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  • uplanderguyuplanderguy Member Posts: 16,860
    I always loved the exterior of the '68-70 AMX, but I dislike the interior almost as much.
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  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 53,338
    I always liked those AMX model. Should have put in a rally pack when doing the resto.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • sdasda Member Posts: 7,579
    A clean first gen Chrysler LHS, forest green.

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  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    That AMX rocks, interesting color combo. Matte black hood to show everyone it's a hot car - I'd prefer the main color of the car instead, though. 4-speed stick is cool...if it didn't have a great stereo I'd have one installed within a day or two. Price seems reasonable.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Kind of a quickie restoration but as you say, for the price (so far) not so far out of line. Would be good to drive it before bidding though--sometimes these "restorations" turn out awful when you put them on the road--they just aren't sorted properly.

  • iluvmysephia1iluvmysephia1 Member Posts: 7,709
    edited January 2017
    I still think of that '68 Datsun 411 Bluebird that sold at auction in OKC for only $3,100 about 6 months ago. I wonder how it drove out on the road. They had a video showing it sitting still, with the engine running, and riding on the road. They wanted $12,900 for that little orange one. A Datsun 510 is a lot more common, but there's not that many of either around any more.

    2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick

  • tjc78tjc78 Member Posts: 16,946
    sda said:
    A clean first gen Chrysler LHS, forest green.
    Did they come in any other color?  

    2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic

  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    Saw a red Saab 9000 and a diesel W123 in traffic this evening.
  • jwm40517jwm40517 Member Posts: 303
    The 68 AMX 390 4 speeds when set up for Super Stock at drag races could about stand straight up at the starting line. I remember some of them at big races.
  • tifightertifighter Member Posts: 3,785
    Here's one for Fin; a silver C36. Can't remember the last time I saw one, but it appeared to be in nice shape. I like the understated look of these and the W208 CLK 55, but they have to be stock stock stock.

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  • fintailfintail Member Posts: 58,415
    edited January 2017
    Those are neat little cars. Definitely at the bottom of their depreciation curve, not going anywhere yet, but they'll be a special interest car someday.

    I had a C43 for a couple years, maybe slightly less rare, but maybe crazier with the V8 shoehorned in. It felt like a go-kart coming from a W126. I traded it on the W210 E55 I had for many years - the C43 was a tad small inside, and occasionally had a cold engine tick that scared me, but it had no real issues otherwise.

    image
    tifighter said:

    Here's one for Fin; a silver C36. Can't remember the last time I saw one, but it appeared to be in nice shape. I like the understated look of these and the W208 CLK 55, but they have to be stock stock stock.

This discussion has been closed.