Yep. And besides that, they have to live in the shadow of the Fab 50s and the reflected light of the 30s, with their coachbuilt cars and V12s and V16s and of course Ford's Flattie, which until 1949 was the only V8 you could buy in a domestic car.
A car from that era I don't often see at old car shows is the 52-54 Ford. I'm a bit surprised because you sure saw a bunch of them back in the 50's, at least in the Chicago suburbs. They seemed to run a long time too as they often became a family's second car. Kind of similar to the early post war Mopars that way.
Well, to me anyway the four doors are pure Americana. Those are the cars I remember walking to elementary school. Oh, sure there were a few two door sedans and hardtops but the majority were 4 door sedans. I can remember hearing people talking about the trouble of having to "climb out of the back seats" on the two doors.
So, I don't mind them and in my mind anyway I don't think a two door sedan is a whole lot more desirable.
I was happy however when I was in high school and my parents bought a brand new Buick Skylark 2 door hardtop! I always wondered why some car manufactures offered both two door sedans AND hardtops?
A car from that era I don't often see at old car shows is the 52-54 Ford. I'm a bit surprised because you sure saw a bunch of them back in the 50's, at least in the Chicago suburbs. They seemed to run a long time too as they often became a family's second car. Kind of similar to the early post war Mopars that way.
Well, growing up in So. California where rust didn't happen I still remember a couple of "old timers" (they may have been 50 at the time) talking about Fords vs. Chevys and hearing about how Fords rusted and Chevys didn't.
Well, to me anyway the four doors are pure Americana. Those are the cars I remember walking to elementary school. Oh, sure there were a few two door sedans and hardtops but the majority were 4 door sedans. I can remember hearing people talking about the trouble of having to "climb out of the back seats" on the two doors.
So, I don't mind them and in my mind anyway I don't think a two door sedan is a whole lot more desirable.
I was happy however when I was in high school and my parents bought a brand new Buick Skylark 2 door hardtop! I always wondered why some car manufactures offered both two door sedans AND hardtops?
That's just what the market "thinks", that 2 doors and converts are more attractive and more collectible, but on the other hand, 4-doors are being re-defined in the market as "entry level" collectibles. So if that idea catches on with younger collectors, then the market for old 46-54 four-doors might improve. One problem though is that younger collectors don't even know what that third pedal on the floor is for.
I once knew a kid who bought for a very low price a PRISTINE 1949 Dodge! It was a crying shame what he did to that old car. It had belonged to some old guy and it had something like 25,000 miles on it.
This kid decided he could "speed shift" the old Fluid Drive. I have to say, it was amusing at first but the old fluid drive unit didn't like that kind of abuse. It quickly became a clunk o matic!
One night, he was bound and determined to see it hit 100 MPH! I'm glad I wasn't in the car that night.
He didn't hit 100 but he did manage to get it over 90. It didn't like that either and shortly after that, it developed a profound rod knock. He drove it until it finally threw that rod and it ended up in the junkyard.
What a shame....it was in every bit as nice shape as the Plymouth in that Ebay ad when he got it. I think he paid something like 75.00 for it.
Well, to me anyway the four doors are pure Americana. Those are the cars I remember walking to elementary school. Oh, sure there were a few two door sedans and hardtops but the majority were 4 door sedans. I can remember hearing people talking about the trouble of having to "climb out of the back seats" on the two doors.
So, I don't mind them and in my mind anyway I don't think a two door sedan is a whole lot more desirable.
I was happy however when I was in high school and my parents bought a brand new Buick Skylark 2 door hardtop! I always wondered why some car manufactures offered both two door sedans AND hardtops?
Did you see a recent article someone wrote about the '17 Honda Accord V6 Coupe being the last American Muscle Car.
They have to make about a dozen long-winded arguments to get to that conclusion, but it was a fairly decent article. Still, "doesn't handle that well" isn't exactly a "positive attribute" about old muscle cars, nor the new Accord coupe.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I once knew a kid who bought for a very low price a PRISTINE 1949 Dodge! It was a crying shame what he did to that old car. It had belonged to some old guy and it had something like 25,000 miles on it.
This kid decided he could "speed shift" the old Fluid Drive. I have to say, it was amusing at first but the old fluid drive unit didn't like that kind of abuse. It quickly became a clunk o matic!
One night, he was bound and determined to see it hit 100 MPH! I'm glad I wasn't in the car that night.
He didn't hit 100 but he did manage to get it over 90. It didn't like that either and shortly after that, it developed a profound rod knock. He drove it until it finally threw that rod and it ended up in the junkyard.
What a shame....it was in every bit as nice shape as the Plymouth in that Ebay ad when he got it. I think he paid something like 75.00 for it.
Are there any old cars you don't have to baby around and drive like a Grandpa or they'll just fall apart?
Even in my mechanic's 30 year old Audi, I remember he warned me it didn't stop and brake like a 2006 Audi, and that you want to push the buttons and turn the knobs and switches with a gentle touch. I do remember a radio button falling off (guess I don't have a gentle touch). Also, I needed a lesson on how to start the car. Pretty much, floor the accelerator, don't worry about flooding it, and turn the key. Lastly, if you want to be able to start it later, don't forget to turn the radio off when you get out, as it isn't circuited to the car being on
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
You generally have to baby anything with 6V electrics and a flathead engine. Between vapor lock and a weak battery, it's not pretty. And those tiny drum brakes overheat pretty quickly.
But some old cars you can beat the crap out of---most 60s domestics for instance. Or an MGB or an old Porsche. They're tough. A VW bus---not so much.
You generally have to baby anything with 6V electrics and a flathead engine. Between vapor lock and a weak battery, it's not pretty. And those tiny drum brakes overheat pretty quickly.
But some old cars you can beat the crap out of---most 60s domestics for instance. Or an MGB or an old Porsche. They're tough. A VW bus---not so much.
My brother's had some late 60's GTO's when he had a fascination with GTO's; they weren't what I would call reliable. Maybe they were just on their last leg, or modified poorly, but a blown engine was among the causes of one breakdown. This would have been the mid-90's. He did end up crashing and wrecking one (totaled it). Not the car's fault, other than the questionable handling that led to it. Then again, my friend wrecked his first BMW too. Of course, I grew up in a family of Toyota's, so maybe they were pretty reliable, I'll have to ask my brothers first hand opinion.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I think some old MBs can hold up under abuse - well, you'll want to maintain the engine by the book, but you don't have to baby them. I've driven my fintail relatively hard on many an occasion, It still runs, so it has that going for it
No doubt. My definition of "abuse" for an old car though, would be "daily driver" My fintail was my daily work car. Of course, I had a front row seat at the Mercedes technical school at the time
No doubt. My definition of "abuse" for an old car though, would be "daily driver" My fintail was my daily work car. Of course, I had a front row seat at the Mercedes technical school at the time
Well, the last few car manuals I've read do define "severe conditions" for driving to be about what I experience in my daily commute. The only thing I have going for me on my daily drive is that it isn't a short stint, so at least the car has a chance to warm up fully.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
And a fintail then wasn't quite the vintage ride it is now
I used mine as an everyday car for several years (although not always driven every day as I was a student). But not long after I was out of school and working, it was time for something made after I was born, and to give the old car a rest.
No doubt. My definition of "abuse" for an old car though, would be "daily driver" My fintail was my daily work car. Of course, I had a front row seat at the Mercedes technical school at the time
Well let's see...back then when the wooly mammoth roamed Montvale New Jersey, my fintail would have been about....15 years old? So yeah, not vintage. Did I ever tell you that my fintail was once owned by an officer on the nuclear submarine U.S.S. Nautilus? Maybe that's why my dashboard lights were always so bright.
That suits the car. My car was originally owned by a doctor. I suspect doctor-engineer-professor types were the vast majority of MB customers back in the day.
That suits the car. My car was originally owned by a doctor. I suspect doctor-engineer-professor types were the vast majority of MB customers back in the day.
You forgot wall street financiers/bankers, and of course Hollywood stars.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I think in 1960, most MBs weren't flashy enough for the flamboyantly well-to-do. I suppose some of the coupes and cabrios might have had appeal, but the sedans were still either old fashioned-looking, or austere (or both). Showy money still went to Cadillac and Lincoln, or maybe Rolls-Royce if really loaded.
Mercedes didn't make a serious grab for the U.S. luxury car market until the late 70s, early 80s. They had to catch up on producing efficient "gadgetry", and they didn't have enough "bling" for American tastes of the day.
I saw one of those 50s Jeep Wagons the other day--that might make a nice project....2WD, flathead engine, kinda funky/fun.
Russian gentleman just took away the volvo for his unenthused daughter. I gave it to him for $800 since nobody else seemed to be interested. At least he is very familiar with them and knows all about their needs and problems. Also, like me, really likes the '98s as being the best car they ever made. I'm sure she'll get plenty of use out of it.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Russian gentleman just took away the volvo for his unenthused daughter. I gave it to him for $800 since nobody else seemed to be interested. At least he is very familiar with them and knows all about their needs and problems. Also, like me, really likes the '98s as being the best car they ever made. I'm sure she'll get plenty of use out of it.
Was '98 before Ford ruined Volvo? Or at least before a negative influence rubbed off?
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Russian gentleman just took away the volvo for his unenthused daughter. I gave it to him for $800 since nobody else seemed to be interested. At least he is very familiar with them and knows all about their needs and problems. Also, like me, really likes the '98s as being the best car they ever made. I'm sure she'll get plenty of use out of it.
Be very careful to report that sale ASAP! A lot of car flippers or curbstoners out there. If the daughter was not excited it maybe because she knew the car wasn't for her!
I attended a VW Car Shop today. It wasn't near what I expected and I guess I'm getting too old to appreciate the cars that others think are somehow cool. Slammed older bugs with "patina" meaning lousy paint and rust just don't do anything for me.
I guess the price of older bugs and busses has literally gone through the roof. I wish I had filled a warehouse full of them back in the time 500.00 would buy a nice one and 1000.00 bought one that was like new.
As an example, someone had a 1970 VW bus for sale. Photo wouldn't post?
This was a total pile of garbage! Rust bucket thick with Bondo. Interior was shot and rust everywhere. No idea how it ran. 3750.00 was the asking price and it had a lot of people looking at it!
Russian gentleman just took away the volvo for his unenthused daughter. I gave it to him for $800 since nobody else seemed to be interested. At least he is very familiar with them and knows all about their needs and problems. Also, like me, really likes the '98s as being the best car they ever made. I'm sure she'll get plenty of use out of it.
Be very careful to report that sale ASAP! A lot of car flippers or curbstoners out there. If the daughter was not excited it maybe because she knew the car wasn't for her!
Report it to whom?
I'd imagine she was unenthused to be getting an $800 volvo.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I usually turn the plates in, just to have it on record. I worry because I sign the title and take the cash, but have no idea if the buyer bothers to register it, and I don't want the hassle.
Actually, NJ has started getting on the ball about plates. Both after trading the mustang and selling the VW, after those registrations came up for renewal, I have gotten notices that they will suspend my registration priveleges if I don't re-register those cars or turn the plates in.
I still have a large stack of plates from past vehicles, however.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Russian gentleman just took away the volvo for his unenthused daughter. I gave it to him for $800 since nobody else seemed to be interested. At least he is very familiar with them and knows all about their needs and problems. Also, like me, really likes the '98s as being the best car they ever made. I'm sure she'll get plenty of use out of it.
Be very careful to report that sale ASAP! A lot of car flippers or curbstoners out there. If the daughter was not excited it maybe because she knew the car wasn't for her!
Report it to whom?
I'd imagine she was unenthused to be getting an $800 volvo.
Report that sale to the DMV or wherever you register your cars! Otherwise they will still think you are the owner! You could get held responsible for parking tickets etc. Ask me how I know! Hopefully you have their name address etc.
There are a huge number of "Curbstoners" out there! These people scour the ads and try to buy cars that may be undervalued. They may or may not clean the cars up or maybe fix something to make the car more attractive. then they will try to sell it without ever putting their name on the title.
When you call they will say something like..." I just bought it for my daughter but she didn't like it"
Or..." I'm selling it for a friend or something like that.
This is why the first question I'll ask is " How long have you owned it?" I was recently involved in finding a cheap car for an elderly friend and you have no idea how much of that I ran into. This is how some people make or supplement their income.
Now, in states where the license plates stay with the seller this may be more difficult. I don't know.
Russian gentleman just took away the volvo for his unenthused daughter. I gave it to him for $800 since nobody else seemed to be interested. At least he is very familiar with them and knows all about their needs and problems. Also, like me, really likes the '98s as being the best car they ever made. I'm sure she'll get plenty of use out of it.
Be very careful to report that sale ASAP! A lot of car flippers or curbstoners out there. If the daughter was not excited it maybe because she knew the car wasn't for her!
Report it to whom?
I'd imagine she was unenthused to be getting an $800 volvo.
Report that sale to the DMV or wherever you register your cars! Otherwise they will still think you are the owner! You could get held responsible for parking tickets etc. Ask me how I know! Hopefully you have their name address etc.
My plates didn't go with the car
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
So, if someone buys a used car from a private party in a state where the plates don't stay on the car, what happens? does the seller take the plates off and the new owner drives off in a car with no plates?
Sure seems simpler to do what they do here! Just leave the plates with the car! Maybe I'm missing something?
yup. When I sell privately, I take the plates off, and sign the back of the title and take the cash. Sometimes people bring a set of old plates, sometimes they don't care and drive without. A few times they actually took the title and went to DMV to register the car first before taking it away (with the newly registered plates on it).
So, if someone buys a used car from a private party in a state where the plates don't stay on the car, what happens? does the seller take the plates off and the new owner drives off in a car with no plates?
Sure seems simpler to do what they do here! Just leave the plates with the car! Maybe I'm missing something?
Nova Scotia is a "plate to owner" jurisdiction so when you sell a car you take your plates off. Registrations get rebated here for unused months so there is an incentive to let the DMV know you no longer have the car.
In Alaska, you can take the plates or leave them. If you leave them, the new owner can register the car for $15 (title transfer fee) and not need to re-register the vehicle until the current tags expire (this is typically $100). In addition, there is strip across the bottom of the title on which you write down the buyer information. It used to be a requirement to turn that into a local DMV or mail to the state office, but now they have an online form that you can use.
It takes two minutes and you're done.
I almost kept the plates from our 2010 Forester, but decided that I didn't need another couple pieces of junk lying around.
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 was hoping it was a link to a cool car at the place by me. I would have offered to hang on to it for you for a few months, And give it plenty of exercise.
If all I cared about was performance, I'd just buy a GT500. Not a great fan of the '05's and up because they are so large. I like these cars because there weren't many made and they are somewhat unique. There is a nice registry for them. Don't really want to pay 19k.
Comments
So, I don't mind them and in my mind anyway I don't think a two door sedan is a whole lot more desirable.
I was happy however when I was in high school and my parents bought a brand new Buick Skylark 2 door hardtop! I always wondered why some car manufactures offered both two door sedans AND hardtops?
This kid decided he could "speed shift" the old Fluid Drive. I have to say, it was amusing at first but the old fluid drive unit didn't like that kind of abuse. It quickly became a clunk o matic!
One night, he was bound and determined to see it hit 100 MPH! I'm glad I wasn't in the car that night.
He didn't hit 100 but he did manage to get it over 90. It didn't like that either and shortly after that, it developed a profound rod knock. He drove it until it finally threw that rod and it ended up in the junkyard.
What a shame....it was in every bit as nice shape as the Plymouth in that Ebay ad when he got it. I think he paid something like 75.00 for it.
They have to make about a dozen long-winded arguments to get to that conclusion, but it was a fairly decent article. Still, "doesn't handle that well" isn't exactly a "positive attribute" about old muscle cars, nor the new Accord coupe.
Even in my mechanic's 30 year old Audi, I remember he warned me it didn't stop and brake like a 2006 Audi, and that you want to push the buttons and turn the knobs and switches with a gentle touch. I do remember a radio button falling off (guess I don't have a gentle touch). Also, I needed a lesson on how to start the car. Pretty much, floor the accelerator, don't worry about flooding it, and turn the key. Lastly, if you want to be able to start it later, don't forget to turn the radio off when you get out, as it isn't circuited to the car being on
But some old cars you can beat the crap out of---most 60s domestics for instance. Or an MGB or an old Porsche. They're tough. A VW bus---not so much.
I used mine as an everyday car for several years (although not always driven every day as I was a student). But not long after I was out of school and working, it was time for something made after I was born, and to give the old car a rest.
I saw one of those 50s Jeep Wagons the other day--that might make a nice project....2WD, flathead engine, kinda funky/fun.
https://charlotte.craigslist.org/cto/6108657012.html
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I guess the price of older bugs and busses has literally gone through the roof. I wish I had filled a warehouse full of them back in the time 500.00 would buy a nice one and 1000.00 bought one that was like new.
As an example, someone had a 1970 VW bus for sale. Photo wouldn't post?
This was a total pile of garbage! Rust bucket thick with Bondo. Interior was shot and rust everywhere. No idea how it ran. 3750.00 was the asking price and it had a lot of people looking at it!
Anyone?
Report it to whom?
I'd imagine she was unenthused to be getting an $800 volvo.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I still have a large stack of plates from past vehicles, however.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
I'd imagine she was unenthused to be getting an $800 volvo.
Report that sale to the DMV or wherever you register your cars! Otherwise they will still think you are the owner! You could get held responsible for parking tickets etc. Ask me how I know! Hopefully you have their name address etc.
When you call they will say something like..." I just bought it for my daughter but she didn't like it"
Or..." I'm selling it for a friend or something like that.
This is why the first question I'll ask is " How long have you owned it?" I was recently involved in finding a cheap car for an elderly friend and you have no idea how much of that I ran into. This is how some people make or supplement their income.
Now, in states where the license plates stay with the seller this may be more difficult. I don't know.
My plates didn't go with the car
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Sure seems simpler to do what they do here! Just leave the plates with the car! Maybe I'm missing something?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
It takes two minutes and you're done.
I almost kept the plates from our 2010 Forester, but decided that I didn't need another couple pieces of junk lying around.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=455451294&zip=06034&referrer=/cars-for-sale/searchresults.xhtml?zip=06034&showcaseOwnerId=1359953&startYear=1981&sortBy=derivedpriceDESC&incremental=all&firstRecord=0&endYear=2018&modelCodeList=MUST&makeCodeList=FORD&searchRadius=200&trimCodeList=MUST%7CMach+1&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&firstRecord=0&endYear=2018&modelCodeList=MUST&makeCodeList=FORD&searchRadius=200&makeCode1=FORD&modelCode1=MUST
I'm pretty interested in it, although not my favorite color.
Looking at temporary storage to hide it from my wife for a couple of months.
Eh, I don't see the point. For $19k, you could get a more recent 5.0 v8 and run circles around that car.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Not a great fan of the '05's and up because they are so large.
I like these cars because there weren't many made and they are somewhat unique.
There is a nice registry for them.
Don't really want to pay 19k.
@stickguy, Sorry it's pretty close to me.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2017/05/10/hemmings-find-of-the-day-1964-plymouth-belvedere-four-door-sedan/?refer=news
Bonus points for being cheap and could easily be a daily driver.