I'd probably run steelies with color coded caps, or bundt wheels. In 1980 the hubcaps were still standard, with bundts optional, I am pretty sure. That or maybe a set of AMG monoblocks or pentas.
Nah, the seller screwed that up too. They came with the 200 cid straight six standard and the 250 cid straight six optional, in addition to the 302 and 351 V-8s.
Not to me, but maybe to some nut. I'd definitely want a ton of paperwork and pics of him in it, to prove it. I don't know many who'd care past "oh, cool" as they keep walking.
Looks very nice cosmetically anyway, the headlight bezels look like new - it's either a well cared for very low mileage car, or they have been replaced.
@texases said:
Would this big Benz be worth $30k without the 'Cash'...
Now that time is marching on, newer cars can be brought in under the arcane and arbitrary 25 year private import rule (as far as I know, hugely the longest in the developed world)
I always wondered what one of those Granadas or Monarchs would be like with the 351? Back in the early 90's I dated a girl who had a '77 Granada 4-door with a 302, and it didn't seem like a bad car. The 200 seems like it would be horribly underpowered in something this size. I'd imagine that most of them at least had the 250?
@fintail said:
Now that time is marching on, newer cars can be brought in under the arcane and arbitrary 25 year private import rule (as far as I know, hugely the longest in the developed world)
Fin, I don't think there's a blanket exemption for importing cars over 25 years old. Any car imported has to meet US EPA regs in effect at the time of manufacture, regardless of age. No way around that, as far as I know.
@fintail said: 25+ year old cars are exempt, classified as "antique" Unfortunately, anything newer is still off limits, because you get the laws you pay for, no doubt with scores of fat salaries and pensions to enforce them. In Canuckistan, it is 15 years.
You're right, I was relying on the EPA vehicle import page which lists no exemptions: "These standards apply to all vehicles and engines including imported motor vehicles, heavy-duty engines, nonroad engines, and recreational vehicles, whether they are new or used, manufactured domestically or abroad. "
It's the EPA. Probably not a textbook definition of logic and accountability.
And really, you can technically bring anything in if you are able to federalize it and have a few detached clueless "authorities" give approval, but that's usually so expensive, it might as well be an outright ban on those under 25.
$8000 bucks on a good day, if it was really really nice. It's just a used car, not a collectible in most people's eyes---you can tell this by the fact that the new models sell for more than the older years--which is the opposite of how most collector cars behave.
That is true with 126s - the late cars bring the most. The only exceptions might be absolutely mint V8 Euro cars...I suppose a nice earlier Euro 500SEL could be up there with a 560. Even diesels are worth less than thirsty 560 series cars, due to the former being less posh, perhaps. The small V8 and I6 cars are the least expensive.
The ad for the Cash car irks me - no year, no details, no detailed pics. sale being conducted by an antique shop...none of that bodes well. It looks good, but both the car condition and ownership need paperwork, and it would have to be something with like 500 miles on it and literally no needs to come within light years of the asking price.
if the celebrity's name isn't on the registration/title, and if there are no photos of the celeb driving the actual car, you got nothin'. A license plate? Weak provenance at best. The sellers need to step up here.
@andre1969 said:
I always wondered what one of those Granadas or Monarchs would be like with the 351? Back in the early 90's I dated a girl who had a '77 Granada 4-door with a 302, and it didn't seem like a bad car. The 200 seems like it would be horribly underpowered in something this size. I'd imagine that most of them at least had the 250?
A friend of a friend had a blue 1977 Granada with the 302 V-8. Dad's car had the 250 six.
@andre1969 said:
I always wondered what one of those Granadas or Monarchs would be like with the 351? Back in the early 90's I dated a girl who had a '77 Granada 4-door with a 302, and it didn't seem like a bad car. The 200 seems like it would be horribly underpowered in something this size. I'd imagine that most of them at least had the 250?
A Granarch with a 351 might be relatively fun, since the 351 was a stroked 302 and therefore the car would not be especially front heavy. Your comment about the 200 is likely true; it wasn't even available in California (probably had to work so hard it was snorting out pollutants.)
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
I actually like both of the Fox bodies, both are in nice shape. That CavaCaddy must have been pretty loaded to have a CD player in 87. The first car I remember having a CD was an 89 Town Car my Grandpop test drove.
I didn't notice the CD player being stock - sure looks like an OEM unit. Interesting, that's one of the oldest applications of one I've seen, too.
I remember a friend of mine in high school had a later Cimarron for his first car, this was back around 93-94. I think he inherited it - it was immaculate, and had fog lights, but I don't recall if it had a CD. He took pretty good care of it.
I couldn't make the list all worn out 124s and 126s. Shifty
@tjc78 said:
I actually like both of the Fox bodies, both are in nice shape. That CavaCaddy must have been pretty loaded to have a CD player in 87. The first car I remember having a CD was an 89 Town Car my Grandpop test drove.
I need to learn to just say no. Just got a call from the mechanic today, and he talked me into getting the front and back bumpers on my '57 DeSoto re-chromed. My first thought was hell no, but then the more I thought about it, it's cheaper to do it now while the car's all pulled apart, than after it's put back together!
I also learned that the mesh in the lower bumper/grille is made out of aluminum...never knew that before. Doesn't seem very smart, in my opinion, to make something like that out of aluminum...I'd think it would be picking up rocks and road debris on a regular basis and get all banged up. I'm surprised mine is still in good shape.
I haven't seen one of those single-headlight LTD's in awhile. IIRC, they were just the base model, and after a couple years they all went to quads? I still see an occasional "flying brick" Panther prowling the streets.
I kinda like that 1980 Electra, although I'm not too crazy about that gold color. You don't see the coupes that often. I wonder what engine it has. I think in 1980, an Olds 307 was standard, with a 350 being optional...Buick in the 49 states, Olds in Ca/high-altitude areas.
With the Camaros, the early 70s are really high and the rubber bumper ones have risen. Guys will probably start looking at the 74-77s and figure sames car for 10 grand less than a 70-3.
@andre1969 said:
I need to learn to just say no. Just got a call from the mechanic today, and he talked me into getting the front and back bumpers on my '57 DeSoto re-chromed. My first thought was hell no, but then the more I thought about it, it's cheaper to do it now while the car's all pulled apart, than after it's put back together!
You realize this is the beginning of the end, right? sadly shakes head in pity for Andre
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I'd pay that $1 asking price for a 1980 Buick. Well, I might haggle.
As for the MB 450 SLC, run away like your hair was on fire.
Late 2nd gen Camaro Z-28s are on the move, definitely---a nice one can bring $15K-$17K if it was super sharp, 4-speed with power steering and AC. These cars aren't that fast, but not bad, and they handle quite well on a flat track.
@MrShift@Edmunds said:
I'd pay that $1 asking price for a 1980 Buick. Well, I might haggle.
I've probably asked this before, but by that time, there isn't much of a premium on the coupe versus sedan, is there? With a lot of cars, by this time I actually prefer the 4-door to the coupe!
@andre1969 said:
I've probably asked this before, but by that time, there isn't much of a premium on the coupe versus sedan, is there? With a lot of cars, by this time I actually prefer the 4-door to the coupe!
Those old 2 doors are so odd by today's standards, that I don't think that they demand a premium at all. I'd imagine that there is a cult following that loves them to death, but premium? Nah
I think by that late 70's/early 80's period, the main premiums placed on these types of cars are to have the biggest engines, most options, more desireable colors, etc. So, I could see a 1980 Electra Park Avenue sedan, fully loaded, 350 V-8, in a nice midnight blue fetching more than a base Electra 225 coupe with a 307 and painted up in Gonorrhea Green.
Yes, the single headlight LTD was the base model. LTD-S is the technical name. They are sort of the holy grail on the Panther sites.... They also came as a wagon. I've never seen one on the flesh.
@andre1969 said:
I think by that late 70's/early 80's period, the main premiums placed on these types of cars are to have the biggest engines, most options, more desireable colors, etc. So, I could see a 1980 Electra Park Avenue sedan, fully loaded, 350 V-8, in a nice midnight blue fetching more than a base Electra 225 coupe with a 307 and painted up in Gonorrhea Green.
Actually the price guides agree with you, but it's a slim marginal gain. Perhaps 10%.
@andre1969 said:
I haven't seen one of those single-headlight LTD's in awhile. IIRC, they were just the base model, and after a couple years they all went to quads? I still see an occasional "flying brick" Panther prowling the streets.
I kinda like that 1980 Electra, although I'm not too crazy about that gold color. You don't see the coupes that often. I wonder what engine it has. I think in 1980, an Olds 307 was standard, with a 350 being optional...Buick in the 49 states, Olds in Ca/high-altitude areas.
I had a taxi that was one of those single headlight LTDs which was one year only - 1979. After that, all went to quads.
@tjc78 said:
Yes, the single headlight LTD was the base model. LTD-S is the technical name. They are sort of the holy grail on the Panther sites.... They also came as a wagon. I've never seen one on the flesh.
Dang! Had I known that, I'd have held onto my taxi!
My mechanic says that it should be done by sometime in the spring. That used to be an ongoing joke though, because he's been saying that for several years. Of course, he never said spring of which year! But, at the rate he's going, it might just be this year!
And, initially it wasn't supposed to be all that intense of a restoration. But, the more he tore into it, the more he found, the more he talked me into having done. And now that he pulled the frame off the car, it's just cheaper and simpler to get a lot of stuff done while it's all apart.
Once it's all back together, it's not going to look all that radically different at a quick glance, since I'm not having it painted. And it might look a bit awkward, because I'm having the front bumper/grille and rear bumper re-chromed, but nothing else. But, if anybody looks under the hood, underneath the car, or inside, the difference should be pretty noticeable.
Sounds great, I'm sure it's going to drive a lot better too. While he was in there is he putting all new bushings, etc? I'd also make sure he puts new bushings/isolators when dropping the body back down. I'm sure that rubber is well past it's prime.
Comments
Frankenbenz - I like the attention to detail, period correct air box.
I find it amusing that a Mercedes mechanic did this conversion. I wonder what he took the engine out of.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I love it. Except the wheels. Hate those. Slap on a nice set of AMG wheels maybe, and have a true sleeper.
This must me way more usable in the real world than the dog of an original engine.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'd probably run steelies with color coded caps, or bundt wheels. In 1980 the hubcaps were still standard, with bundts optional, I am pretty sure. That or maybe a set of AMG monoblocks or pentas.
Would this big Benz be worth $30k without the 'Cash'...
http://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/4278012118.html
Yeah, I knew that, and was just being cynical.
Not to me, but maybe to some nut. I'd definitely want a ton of paperwork and pics of him in it, to prove it. I don't know many who'd care past "oh, cool" as they keep walking.
Looks very nice cosmetically anyway, the headlight bezels look like new - it's either a well cared for very low mileage car, or they have been replaced.
Now that time is marching on, newer cars can be brought in under the arcane and arbitrary 25 year private import rule (as far as I know, hugely the longest in the developed world)
This could be fun, mind you it is an EVO, not a plain 16v/Cosworth car
I always wondered what one of those Granadas or Monarchs would be like with the 351? Back in the early 90's I dated a girl who had a '77 Granada 4-door with a 302, and it didn't seem like a bad car. The 200 seems like it would be horribly underpowered in something this size. I'd imagine that most of them at least had the 250?
Fin, I don't think there's a blanket exemption for importing cars over 25 years old. Any car imported has to meet US EPA regs in effect at the time of manufacture, regardless of age. No way around that, as far as I know.
25+ year old cars are exempt, classified as "antique" Unfortunately, anything newer is still off limits, because you get the laws you pay for. In Canuckistan, it is 15 years.
You're right, I was relying on the EPA vehicle import page which lists no exemptions: "These standards apply to all vehicles and engines including imported motor vehicles, heavy-duty engines, nonroad engines, and recreational vehicles, whether they are new or used, manufactured domestically or abroad. "
I assumed "all" meant "all"...silly me...
It's the EPA. Probably not a textbook definition of logic and accountability.
And really, you can technically bring anything in if you are able to federalize it and have a few detached clueless "authorities" give approval, but that's usually so expensive, it might as well be an outright ban on those under 25.
Even more amusing "all converted to GM releability" (sic)
$8000 bucks on a good day, if it was really really nice. It's just a used car, not a collectible in most people's eyes---you can tell this by the fact that the new models sell for more than the older years--which is the opposite of how most collector cars behave.
That is true with 126s - the late cars bring the most. The only exceptions might be absolutely mint V8 Euro cars...I suppose a nice earlier Euro 500SEL could be up there with a 560. Even diesels are worth less than thirsty 560 series cars, due to the former being less posh, perhaps. The small V8 and I6 cars are the least expensive.
The ad for the Cash car irks me - no year, no details, no detailed pics. sale being conducted by an antique shop...none of that bodes well. It looks good, but both the car condition and ownership need paperwork, and it would have to be something with like 500 miles on it and literally no needs to come within light years of the asking price.
if the celebrity's name isn't on the registration/title, and if there are no photos of the celeb driving the actual car, you got nothin'. A license plate? Weak provenance at best. The sellers need to step up here.
John Voight can vouch for them.
A friend of a friend had a blue 1977 Granada with the 302 V-8. Dad's car had the 250 six.
A Granarch with a 351 might be relatively fun, since the 351 was a stroked 302 and therefore the car would not be especially front heavy. Your comment about the 200 is likely true; it wasn't even available in California (probably had to work so hard it was snorting out pollutants.)
2009 BMW 335i, 2003 Corvette cnv. (RIP 2001 Jaguar XK8 cnv and 1985 MB 380SE [the best of the lot])
1984-1989 Craigslist fun:
These are still everywhere here, lasting forever
These too, this looks like a good survivor
Way to detail your car
Cleaner JDM box
Now rare turbo
Aero sibling
Marty McFly might like it
Not many of these left that are relatively clean
Replacement for the above car
The Germans were shaking in their boots
Unfortunate looks
Ghastly
Taurinental
Needs more details about that claim
Grandma's car
Grandma's ritzy car
Grandpa's truck
Very rare one
Pic of the day
Oh, the 80s....
I actually like both of the Fox bodies, both are in nice shape. That CavaCaddy must have been pretty loaded to have a CD player in 87. The first car I remember having a CD was an 89 Town Car my Grandpop test drove.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I didn't notice the CD player being stock - sure looks like an OEM unit. Interesting, that's one of the oldest applications of one I've seen, too.
I remember a friend of mine in high school had a later Cimarron for his first car, this was back around 93-94. I think he inherited it - it was immaculate, and had fog lights, but I don't recall if it had a CD. He took pretty good care of it.
I couldn't make the list all worn out 124s and 126s. Shifty
How do I bookmark this conversation?
Click on the star at the top of the discussion next to the name of the topic. It will turn gold and that means it is bookmarked.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
That gold star will also show up on your report card which you can show to your parents.
My parents' neighbors have a brown 1986 Sedan DeVille similar to that blue one.
I need to learn to just say no. Just got a call from the mechanic today, and he talked me into getting the front and back bumpers on my '57 DeSoto re-chromed. My first thought was hell no, but then the more I thought about it, it's cheaper to do it now while the car's all pulled apart, than after it's put back together!
I also learned that the mesh in the lower bumper/grille is made out of aluminum...never knew that before. Doesn't seem very smart, in my opinion, to make something like that out of aluminum...I'd think it would be picking up rocks and road debris on a regular basis and get all banged up. I'm surprised mine is still in good shape.
Reliving the 70s in NY
Frankencar, could be fast
EuroBenz
Really nice but big money for a small block Chevelle
This will appeal to some of you guys. Best offer!
Rated for 10 second runs! Imagine if it had an engine
These off year Camaros may be on the rise a little
Don't see these much anymore
I haven't seen one of those single-headlight LTD's in awhile. IIRC, they were just the base model, and after a couple years they all went to quads? I still see an occasional "flying brick" Panther prowling the streets.
I kinda like that 1980 Electra, although I'm not too crazy about that gold color. You don't see the coupes that often. I wonder what engine it has. I think in 1980, an Olds 307 was standard, with a 350 being optional...Buick in the 49 states, Olds in Ca/high-altitude areas.
Those single light CVs do seem uncommon these days.
It seems late 70s garish Firebirds have taken off, disco Camaros could do so too.
SLC is a money pit, but cheap enough.
With the Camaros, the early 70s are really high and the rubber bumper ones have risen. Guys will probably start looking at the 74-77s and figure sames car for 10 grand less than a 70-3.
You realize this is the beginning of the end, right? sadly shakes head in pity for Andre
I'd pay that $1 asking price for a 1980 Buick. Well, I might haggle.
As for the MB 450 SLC, run away like your hair was on fire.
Late 2nd gen Camaro Z-28s are on the move, definitely---a nice one can bring $15K-$17K if it was super sharp, 4-speed with power steering and AC. These cars aren't that fast, but not bad, and they handle quite well on a flat track.
I've probably asked this before, but by that time, there isn't much of a premium on the coupe versus sedan, is there? With a lot of cars, by this time I actually prefer the 4-door to the coupe!
Those old 2 doors are so odd by today's standards, that I don't think that they demand a premium at all. I'd imagine that there is a cult following that loves them to death, but premium? Nah
I think by that late 70's/early 80's period, the main premiums placed on these types of cars are to have the biggest engines, most options, more desireable colors, etc. So, I could see a 1980 Electra Park Avenue sedan, fully loaded, 350 V-8, in a nice midnight blue fetching more than a base Electra 225 coupe with a 307 and painted up in Gonorrhea Green.
Yes, the single headlight LTD was the base model. LTD-S is the technical name. They are sort of the holy grail on the Panther sites.... They also came as a wagon. I've never seen one on the flesh.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Actually the price guides agree with you, but it's a slim marginal gain. Perhaps 10%.
I had a taxi that was one of those single headlight LTDs which was one year only - 1979. After that, all went to quads.
Dang! Had I known that, I'd have held onto my taxi!
One of my BIL's had one of the single light LTD's. He loved it. It is the car I will always associate him with.
If anyone's curious, here are some of the latest pics I took of the DeSoto-in-progress, as of Friday evening...
And, here's something Lemko would like, that the mechanic is working on...
Wow, I didn't know you were doing that deep of a restoration!
My old beast goes into the shop week after next to have a couple new brake lines installed, and to have the parking brake serviced. Inexpensive.
Nothing that $100000 wouldn't fix
Wow, body off resto! Any idea when it will be done? The engine looks great and the frame appears to be done.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
My mechanic says that it should be done by sometime in the spring. That used to be an ongoing joke though, because he's been saying that for several years. Of course, he never said spring of which year! But, at the rate he's going, it might just be this year!
And, initially it wasn't supposed to be all that intense of a restoration. But, the more he tore into it, the more he found, the more he talked me into having done. And now that he pulled the frame off the car, it's just cheaper and simpler to get a lot of stuff done while it's all apart.
Once it's all back together, it's not going to look all that radically different at a quick glance, since I'm not having it painted. And it might look a bit awkward, because I'm having the front bumper/grille and rear bumper re-chromed, but nothing else. But, if anybody looks under the hood, underneath the car, or inside, the difference should be pretty noticeable.
Sounds great, I'm sure it's going to drive a lot better too. While he was in there is he putting all new bushings, etc? I'd also make sure he puts new bushings/isolators when dropping the body back down. I'm sure that rubber is well past it's prime.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic