I think the generations getting into new collectibles have little to no nostalgia for an aeroback, it is at an odd point in time where it is too old/dull for the youth, not enough "look at me" for boomers. When I hit driving age, the car would have been a curiosity, but few would have cared.
I remember some years ago visiting my GM dealer on a Sunday when they were closed. Normally at their new-car showroom site the only used cars they have are a handful of dealer demos/loaners and a few primo trade-ins, as most of their used cars are sent off to their main used car facility at another location. But this day they had a '78 Cutlass 2-door slantback sitting there. I hadn't seen one in forever so I walked over to check it out.
It was in remarkable condition for this climate (most of the downsized A-bodies rusted out their rear frames and rear bumpers here in just a few years) and had relatively low mileage, so I assumed perhaps it was owned by an elderly person who didn't use it much and kept it garaged. I was intrigued until I saw scrawled across the windshield in grease pencil: "DO NOT DRIVE - NO BRAKES!!"
I suspect they had just taken it in on trade for next to nothing and didn't even test-drive it. Bet the yard guy had a thrill ride the first time he went to move that!
@fintail At this point, I know you cannot simply type in html and have it recognize it to create a link in your post. I'm pretty certain it has to do with the Code Block function in the quote menu to the left of the comment box, but I'm getting clarification on that, so hang with me!
@fintail as usual, it was right under my nose. Just highlight the text you want to turn into a link and you'll see the hyperlink choice in the editing tools. Paste the url in and you're good!
True, but the maw is undeniable. Overall, a good design choice given the limited space otherwise available to allow things to actually enter the generous hold of the trunk.
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 had an 04 Focus sedan for about 4 years. Nice little car, power moomroof, heated seats, 5 speed stick, larger 2.3 engine. Could hit 40 mpg on a trip.
2024 Ford F-150 STX, 2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
I can't tell a lie, I like that C140 a lot. I assume with this many miles the wiring harness has been done, although there's a lot that can still go wrong, maybe other things have been put right, too . Speaking of two tone, later examples had two tone seating, which really worked well with the car.
Oscar, your link is missing the first "h" in the web address. Likely the sluggish new editor here caused that as I have also had issues with copy/paste while trying to use it.
That Cutlass truly is in remarkable condition. For me the most unexpected thing to see is that the red interior seems to show virtually zero sun fading. Most of those only needed to be out on a few sunny days to start to turn from red to pink.
The owner tossed the stock Toyota engine in favor of a heavily modified (stroked and turbo'ed) Honda S2000 job, added a S2000 instrument cluster, a Ford rear end, and all sorts of other mods. Some talk about upwards of 400HP but who knows.
Now that's how to equip an aeroback. The interior is both loud and kind of cool at the same time - I don't hate it.
When I was a kid, there was a 442 aeroback in town. It was pristine, as it was maybe only a 10 year old car at the time - I want to say it was black over gold. I'd see it every blue moon, usually parked. Eventually it came up for sale for some insane price like 10K. Haven't seen it in years, but as things don't change much in those small towns, it could still be around and is probably just as clean.
Sometimes I swear BaT is being used as a money laundering front or something similar. Do the tech/financebros really have that kind of throwaway money and just not care? I know this is a new era of dynastic wealth too, but it just doesn't add up sometimes.
Well, there were a few bids that took it up over $5K, then one dude came along and bid $20,000 which kind of shut the whole thing down. I suspect he will either be the winner or banned from BaT for non-payment.
"Do the tech/financebros really have that kind of throwaway money and just not care? I know this is a new era of dynastic wealth too, but it just doesn't add up sometimes."
I have a question for you guys. Please do not take as any kind of an ad I just want your opinion.
I have 2 1983 Porsche 928S same colors same configuration (auto). I also have a 32v 5L engine from an '86 928 with harnesses and computers. Plus a set of period correct aftermarket 3 piece wheels.
One car is complete and in very good condition. The second is not in bad shape but the interior not so good. They both run but not road legal.
The reason I want to sell is because I got an '88 928S4 with manual transmission.
I was thinking of selling it as a package do you guys think I would be better off selling as a package or individually?
Those are some really nice MBs on BAT. My favorite was the 280SE 3.5 coupe, absolutely beautiful. Who is crazy enough to bid that much on the white 560SEC .
Regarding the wagon; I thought that those E320 had a bad reputation. These came out at a time when MB was in cost cutting mode to compete with Lexus et al.
I have a 2004 CL500 and I love how it drives but I still can't figure out what all the buttons are for. I tried setting the time and after half an hour I gave up. Ditto for the navigation system.
A 560SEC like that would bring more in Europe, but a US spec car will carry a significant deduction in price there. I think speculators/"enthusiasts" see the C126 as the next best thing to a V8 W111 coupe like that 280SE, and have bid up the best of the best survivors just a little. You can still get really nice cars for 10-15K though.
The 210 series cars do have a bad rep, some of it fair, some not. I think their worst aspect is rust - both chassis and body can go in harsh climates. Not a risk for those of us in pleasant areas, but I would be leery of one from the rust belt/northeast/much of Canada. Some of the material quality seems a little crude these days, definitely a cost cutting car , and I've heard of electrical quirks. But the powertrains are stout if they are maintained, and they depreciated to nothing. I see 210s well past 200K all the time now. Regarding Lexus, I think Lexus helped MB, and didn't intend to. MB was forced to improve in some areas, and because of this, has a better product line now. Sales show a lot, too, Lexus has a hard time keeping up even in this market, and is blown out of the water in others.
A CL500 of that era has a rep worse than a W210. Those are very complex cars where the owners kind of beta test the tech. Lovely when sorted, but issues are a matter of when rather than if. 04 is probably easier to live with than a 00-02 model, I think those had the most problem areas, the facelift for 03 updated some systems, I think.
Around 2000ish, were all MB models, or just a few models that suffered from a wiring harnesses that self destructed in the name of being environmentally green? I understand that could be a $5k job to replace and confirm all is well. I liked the front end styling of the 210s and think they look good today.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
210s are generally too new - the wiring harness issue IIRC impacts all models made from maybe late 92 to early 96. Maybe the very first 210s might have it. 140s are notorious for it, as that was probably their highest production timespan. I am not aware of a model that is immune. The wiring coating was made to degrade after a long time. Unfortunately, someone misplaced a decimal point or something, and it started falling apart after only several years. I think there is also something similar with soldering on printed circuits from the same era.
210s seemed like a revolution back in the day, I remember the launch, it was like looking at a new dawn. MB carried the light theme for around 15 years, then dropped it. 210s have a bad rep, so nice ones can be found cheap - around here they pop up out of estates etc now and then. Assuming it has been maintained, I wouldn't be scared of one.
We got started on the van project today. So far, removed the drum assemblies, cleaned up the spindles, and installed one of the caliper brackets. I need to get hold of some longer lugs and install them in the wheel hubs before we can assemble the rest of the system, but it's a good start. Bolts not removed in fifty years have a way of being VERY stubborn to remove! Thankfully, seven of eight came out with the impact driver well enough, and the last one, while incredibly stubborn, could not withstand building pressure from my 1/2" breaker bar being pressed with my leg.
My son, who acquired his learning permit on Wednesday, was quite excited to undertake this project!
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
a good start. should make it a lot safer. And looks like a classic "while you are in there" situation. All that dismantling, might as well replace the front suspension stuff. Certainly all the rubber parts that wear out.
Ah, the twin I-beam suspension Ford made such a big deal of, certainly better for ride than the solid front axle that Dodge was using. Your upgrades will transform that van. Kudos.
Does the Econoline have shoulder belts? I believe lap belts were standard by then. Seat belts are so important. About two weeks ago while we were on vacation a boy my daughter knew from high school was driving his 65 Mustang ran a Stop sign and somehow hit another car head on. He was thrown from the car and has since passed after two weeks in the hospital. The other driver, an 18 year old was not injured. She was driving a modern RAV-4. Life is so precious.
According to the report the Mustang did not have seat belts as they were not required yet in 65.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
For only 150K + purchase price you can have a car worth maybe 100K when you are done (220SE cabs are the lowest value of all soft top W111). How can I say no?
My devious mind is wondering if these folks have some kind of tax scheme going on. It doesn't take much car knowledge to figure out that nobody in their right mind is going to pay those outrageous prices for what is essentially scrap metal.😎
a good start. should make it a lot safer. And looks like a classic "while you are in there" situation. All that dismantling, might as well replace the front suspension stuff. Certainly all the rubber parts that wear out.
Funny enough, I replaced all the rubber stuff a few years ago. I needed to put a new steering idler arm bushing on it, which was a total PITA, so while I was in there popping pieces apart, I just did all of the tie rod boots, etc., at the same time.
I thought about putting new shocks on there, but I cannot find anything nowadays that compares to the quality of these, and I honestly don't think there is anything wrong with them. This van has such a smooth ride to it.
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
Ah, the twin I-beam suspension Ford made such a big deal of, certainly better for ride than the solid front axle that Dodge was using. Your upgrades will transform that van. Kudos.
Does the Econoline have shoulder belts? I believe lap belts were standard by then. Seat belts are so important. About two weeks ago while we were on vacation a boy my daughter knew from high school was driving his 65 Mustang ran a Stop sign and somehow hit another car head on. He was thrown from the car and has since passed after two weeks in the hospital. The other driver, an 18 year old was not injured. She was driving a modern RAV-4. Life is so precious.
According to the report the Mustang did not have seat belts as they were not required yet in 65.
It had no seatbelts at all until 1993, when I was in the process of rebuilding it. I have never felt comfortable in a vehicle without a seatbelt, so I added them. I was told at the time that I should not try to convert it to shoulder belts, because the structure of the van was likely not built to support them. The grizzled mechanic I spoke to about them had apparently suffered a rather traumatic event in the past because he had a good friend with whom he built a 1940s era rod, and they retrofitted it with shoulder belts. Later, his friend wrecked it on a drag strip, the shoulder belt ripped loose from the car, and it tore his friend's neck in the process (killed him).
So, that was enough convincing for me: Lap only. Still a greater risk of injury, but they at least keep you in the vehicle.
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
Yes, I bought them in June 1995. I know, typical for the era. Those were the only ones offered by my local Les Schwab.
I remember "Modern" wheels all over the high school parking lot ca. 1994. Les Schwab did (and does) a huge business in that small town. My mom generally won't go elsewhere.
Regarding seatbelts, the fintail has lap belts, only in front, which I think were installed at the dealer when new. I probably should get around to replacing them, but I like the airplane style clasp mechanism, and don't want to lose that - passengers really notice it.
In retrospect I consider myself very fortunate. My first car that I bought from a friend for $100 in 1977 was a 62 Ford Galaxie 2dr Town Sedan. It was basic, 292 V8, 3 speed manual column shift, non-syncro first gear, manual brakes and steering, one speed (electric, yay!) wipers, no washers, no back up lights, no door mirrors, only ceiling mounted review mirror, metal dashboard and NO seat belts. To add to the fun, three mismatched tires, one was a retread, a master cylinder that leaked some and brakes that pulled hard to the left in hard braking manuevers. No matter, I drove the heck out of it and it was reliable. It was ugly, but it was independence!
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
...3 speed manual column shift, non-syncro first gear, manual brakes and steering, one speed (electric, yay!) wipers, no washers, no back up lights, no door mirrors, only ceiling mounted review mirror, metal dashboard and NO seat belts...
Add "manual choke" and substitute vacuum wipers for electric and then it sounds a lot like the family '50 Chevy which I drove until getting my own car in my H.S. senior year.
"It was ugly, but it was independence!" Yep. Good times!
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.
Comments
I think the generations getting into new collectibles have little to no nostalgia for an aeroback, it is at an odd point in time where it is too old/dull for the youth, not enough "look at me" for boomers. When I hit driving age, the car would have been a curiosity, but few would have cared.
Looks like this new editor is...special.
That XJS - lots to comment on in the ad, but at that low of a price, he gets a pass.
That Essex - there are 'rat rods' and there are 'ratty rods'. What's with the stickers on the dash?
What's with all the HTML I'm seeing in Fin's post?
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
The 510 needs some work, but someone will snap it up.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It appears manual HTML isn't supported.
Just checking that now fin! Hang on for a little
I remember some years ago visiting my GM dealer on a Sunday when they were closed. Normally at their new-car showroom site the only used cars they have are a handful of dealer demos/loaners and a few primo trade-ins, as most of their used cars are sent off to their main used car facility at another location. But this day they had a '78 Cutlass 2-door slantback sitting there. I hadn't seen one in forever so I walked over to check it out.
It was in remarkable condition for this climate (most of the downsized A-bodies rusted out their rear frames and rear bumpers here in just a few years) and had relatively low mileage, so I assumed perhaps it was owned by an elderly person who didn't use it much and kept it garaged. I was intrigued until I saw scrawled across the windshield in grease pencil: "DO NOT DRIVE - NO BRAKES!!"
I suspect they had just taken it in on trade for next to nothing and didn't even test-drive it. Bet the yard guy had a thrill ride the first time he went to move that!
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
@fintail At this point, I know you cannot simply type in html and have it recognize it to create a link in your post. I'm pretty certain it has to do with the Code Block function in the quote menu to the left of the comment box, but I'm getting clarification on that, so hang with me!
@fintail as usual, it was right under my nose. Just highlight the text you want to turn into a link and you'll see the hyperlink choice in the editing tools. Paste the url in and you're good!
Followup... the new editor does NOT recognize html if you type it in.
<b>Trying to bold this</b> doesn't do it. You use the tools in the editor
True, but the maw is undeniable. Overall, a good design choice given the limited space otherwise available to allow things to actually enter the generous hold of the trunk.
You use the tools in the editor
OK, I'm going to be that guy: what editor and how do you find them? I can't see it.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
First test:
The 90s
You have to enter your text first, then highlight it, and the editor becomes available. Some hot keys for bold/italic etc also work.
That sure is subtle on the two-tone paint. I'd rather have either a bigger contrast, or none at all.
Subtle, indeed! It has the look and feel of a pinstripe (though, not in a bad way).
I had an 04 Focus sedan for about 4 years. Nice little car, power moomroof, heated seats, 5 speed stick, larger 2.3 engine. Could hit 40 mpg on a trip.
Ford had a good thing going with the Focus, then I think they blew it with the troublesome dual clutch transmission.
I can't tell a lie, I like that C140 a lot. I assume with this many miles the wiring harness has been done, although there's a lot that can still go wrong, maybe other things have been put right, too . Speaking of two tone, later examples had two tone seating, which really worked well with the car.
Here is another GM G body slant back but much nicer than the Buick from a few days ago.
https://knoxville.craigslist.org/cto/d/greenback-1978-oldsmobile-rare-5-speed/6897545754.html
Oscar, your link is missing the first "h" in the web address. Likely the sluggish new editor here caused that as I have also had issues with copy/paste while trying to use it.
That Cutlass truly is in remarkable condition. For me the most unexpected thing to see is that the red interior seems to show virtually zero sun fading. Most of those only needed to be out on a few sunny days to start to turn from red to pink.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
5 speed has to be really rare in one of these.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Oscar, your link is missing the first "h" in the web address.
Fixed it
Edmunds Price Checker
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I would wager that Olds is probably one of one remaining in that config and condition.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Here's the kind of project that you don't see every day:
The owner tossed the stock Toyota engine in favor of a heavily modified (stroked and turbo'ed) Honda S2000 job, added a S2000 instrument cluster, a Ford rear end, and all sorts of other mods. Some talk about upwards of 400HP but who knows.
So many questions, so few answers... 😯
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Pretty cool build. Why on Earth would they have used a fragile Ford 8.8 (think Panther and Fox) when a Ford 9” would have been so much more robust.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
"The 17″ BBS wheels wear a combination of Michelin, Falken, and Waterfall tires. " Well, that speaks of high-quality!
As always, the bids are going into crazy mode on this thing. I guess if you "gotta have it...."
Now that's how to equip an aeroback. The interior is both loud and kind of cool at the same time - I don't hate it.
When I was a kid, there was a 442 aeroback in town. It was pristine, as it was maybe only a 10 year old car at the time - I want to say it was black over gold. I'd see it every blue moon, usually parked. Eventually it came up for sale for some insane price like 10K. Haven't seen it in years, but as things don't change much in those small towns, it could still be around and is probably just as clean.
Sometimes I swear BaT is being used as a money laundering front or something similar. Do the tech/financebros really have that kind of throwaway money and just not care? I know this is a new era of dynastic wealth too, but it just doesn't add up sometimes.
Some other BaT picks:
This is how you want to find them
C126 getting good bids
Maybe a good driver, these are underrated cars provided you live in a low rust area
Super rare in this color, assuming it is original (location doesn't bode well)
Maybe the coolest one, a tribute car but very well done, and I am saying that while not liking red cars
Well, there were a few bids that took it up over $5K, then one dude came along and bid $20,000 which kind of shut the whole thing down. I suspect he will either be the winner or banned from BaT for non-payment.
"Dude! DUDE!! What were you thinking, man?!?" 😨
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
fintail said:
"Do the tech/financebros really have that kind of throwaway money and just not care? I know this is a new era of dynastic wealth too, but it just doesn't add up sometimes."
Where are those guys when I am selling.
I have a question for you guys. Please do not take as any kind of an ad I just want your opinion.
I have 2 1983 Porsche 928S same colors same configuration (auto). I also have a 32v 5L engine from an '86 928 with harnesses and computers. Plus a set of period correct aftermarket 3 piece wheels.
One car is complete and in very good condition. The second is not in bad shape but the interior not so good. They both run but not road legal.
The reason I want to sell is because I got an '88 928S4 with manual transmission.
I was thinking of selling it as a package do you guys think I would be better off selling as a package or individually?
Thanks
From what you have stated, it does not sound like any of the items are any help to the other items, so I would separate.
'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
Those are some really nice MBs on BAT. My favorite was the 280SE 3.5 coupe, absolutely beautiful. Who is crazy enough to bid that much on the white 560SEC .
Regarding the wagon; I thought that those E320 had a bad reputation. These came out at a time when MB was in cost cutting mode to compete with Lexus et al.
I have a 2004 CL500 and I love how it drives but I still can't figure out what all the buttons are for. I tried setting the time and after half an hour I gave up. Ditto for the navigation system.
A 560SEC like that would bring more in Europe, but a US spec car will carry a significant deduction in price there. I think speculators/"enthusiasts" see the C126 as the next best thing to a V8 W111 coupe like that 280SE, and have bid up the best of the best survivors just a little. You can still get really nice cars for 10-15K though.
The 210 series cars do have a bad rep, some of it fair, some not. I think their worst aspect is rust - both chassis and body can go in harsh climates. Not a risk for those of us in pleasant areas, but I would be leery of one from the rust belt/northeast/much of Canada. Some of the material quality seems a little crude these days, definitely a cost cutting car , and I've heard of electrical quirks. But the powertrains are stout if they are maintained, and they depreciated to nothing. I see 210s well past 200K all the time now. Regarding Lexus, I think Lexus helped MB, and didn't intend to. MB was forced to improve in some areas, and because of this, has a better product line now. Sales show a lot, too, Lexus has a hard time keeping up even in this market, and is blown out of the water in others.
A CL500 of that era has a rep worse than a W210. Those are very complex cars where the owners kind of beta test the tech. Lovely when sorted, but issues are a matter of when rather than if. 04 is probably easier to live with than a 00-02 model, I think those had the most problem areas, the facelift for 03 updated some systems, I think.
Around 2000ish, were all MB models, or just a few models that suffered from a wiring harnesses that self destructed in the name of being environmentally green? I understand that could be a $5k job to replace and confirm all is well. I liked the front end styling of the 210s and think they look good today.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
210s are generally too new - the wiring harness issue IIRC impacts all models made from maybe late 92 to early 96. Maybe the very first 210s might have it. 140s are notorious for it, as that was probably their highest production timespan. I am not aware of a model that is immune. The wiring coating was made to degrade after a long time. Unfortunately, someone misplaced a decimal point or something, and it started falling apart after only several years. I think there is also something similar with soldering on printed circuits from the same era.
210s seemed like a revolution back in the day, I remember the launch, it was like looking at a new dawn. MB carried the light theme for around 15 years, then dropped it. 210s have a bad rep, so nice ones can be found cheap - around here they pop up out of estates etc now and then. Assuming it has been maintained, I wouldn't be scared of one.
We got started on the van project today. So far, removed the drum assemblies, cleaned up the spindles, and installed one of the caliper brackets. I need to get hold of some longer lugs and install them in the wheel hubs before we can assemble the rest of the system, but it's a good start. Bolts not removed in fifty years have a way of being VERY stubborn to remove! Thankfully, seven of eight came out with the impact driver well enough, and the last one, while incredibly stubborn, could not withstand building pressure from my 1/2" breaker bar being pressed with my leg.
My son, who acquired his learning permit on Wednesday, was quite excited to undertake this project!
a good start. should make it a lot safer. And looks like a classic "while you are in there" situation. All that dismantling, might as well replace the front suspension stuff. Certainly all the rubber parts that wear out.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Ah, the twin I-beam suspension Ford made such a big deal of, certainly better for ride than the solid front axle that Dodge was using. Your upgrades will transform that van. Kudos.
Does the Econoline have shoulder belts? I believe lap belts were standard by then. Seat belts are so important. About two weeks ago while we were on vacation a boy my daughter knew from high school was driving his 65 Mustang ran a Stop sign and somehow hit another car head on. He was thrown from the car and has since passed after two weeks in the hospital. The other driver, an 18 year old was not injured. She was driving a modern RAV-4. Life is so precious.
According to the report the Mustang did not have seat belts as they were not required yet in 65.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Another offering from our friends in LA
https://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/d/los-angeles-1965-mercedes-220se/6915922305.html
For only 150K + purchase price you can have a car worth maybe 100K when you are done (220SE cabs are the lowest value of all soft top W111). How can I say no?
xwesx - wheels from ca. 1993?
My devious mind is wondering if these folks have some kind of tax scheme going on. It doesn't take much car knowledge to figure out that nobody in their right mind is going to pay those outrageous prices for what is essentially scrap metal.😎
@fintail Yes, I bought them in June 1995. I know, typical for the era. Those were the only ones offered by my local Les Schwab.
I thought about putting new shocks on there, but I cannot find anything nowadays that compares to the quality of these, and I honestly don't think there is anything wrong with them. This van has such a smooth ride to it.
So, that was enough convincing for me: Lap only. Still a greater risk of injury, but they at least keep you in the vehicle.
I remember "Modern" wheels all over the high school parking lot ca. 1994. Les Schwab did (and does) a huge business in that small town. My mom generally won't go elsewhere.
Regarding seatbelts, the fintail has lap belts, only in front, which I think were installed at the dealer when new. I probably should get around to replacing them, but I like the airplane style clasp mechanism, and don't want to lose that - passengers really notice it.
In retrospect I consider myself very fortunate. My first car that I bought from a friend for $100 in 1977 was a 62 Ford Galaxie 2dr Town Sedan. It was basic, 292 V8, 3 speed manual column shift, non-syncro first gear, manual brakes and steering, one speed (electric, yay!) wipers, no washers, no back up lights, no door mirrors, only ceiling mounted review mirror, metal dashboard and NO seat belts. To add to the fun, three mismatched tires, one was a retread, a master cylinder that leaked some and brakes that pulled hard to the left in hard braking manuevers. No matter, I drove the heck out of it and it was reliable. It was ugly, but it was independence!
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
Add "manual choke" and substitute vacuum wipers for electric and then it sounds a lot like the family '50 Chevy which I drove until getting my own car in my H.S. senior year.
"It was ugly, but it was independence!"
Pretty cool and very slow car
Lots of unobtanium parts
Not many left even this decent
Patina
Uncommon, quite a price
No Corinthian leather
Rare Camry, I don't say that often
E9
These never appreciated