In a weird way, work events and personal life have been in a vicious conspiracy throughout 2018. I’m not in the field nearly as much while at work, thus not finding very many cars, and I’ve had enough goings-on at home to prevent very much free time for writing.
But it doesn’t mean I’ve given up.
So in a cocktail of equal parts optimism and naivety, here’s a few cars that still remain on my bucket list to find somewhere, somehow in 2019. These are in no particular order.
1971 to 1974 Dodge Coronet
Don’t ask why this is, it just is. Any example would be welcome regardless of trim and whether it’s a sedan or wagon.
While there isn’t an overwhelming number of fans for this body style, there is something refreshing about it. While the number produced was modest, the survival rate seems to be nearly nonexistent. While my bucket list isn’t in order, this is the exception.
1971 GM B-body
While these are still uncommonly plentiful due to so many having been produced, this one needs a huge qualifier. I want to find one of the few produced with a manual transmission. Manual transmissions had only a partial year availability for Olds, Buick, and Pontiac although Chevrolet kept a manual behind the 250 cubic inch straight six until 1973.
Unsurprisingly, very few were equipped with a manual in 1971. Despite the stereotype of these all having a V8 with an automatic, there are some exceptions. Stumbling upon one would be a highlight for 2019.
1973 Ford Torino
Another qualifier is needed here; it needs to be a base model as exemplified by the white one in the middle of this picture. My parents purchased a new a tobacco brown metallic base model 1973 Torino sedan and it left a huge impression on me. Finding one to better convey the story would be the bee’s knees.
Mercury LN-7
The LN-7 was the Mercury derivative of the Ford EXP, which was itself a derivative of the North American Ford Escort. The simple rarity of it does indeed make it a dream machine.
1974 AMC Ambassador
With the name of Ambassador enduring for so many years, finding one of the last year examples would only be fitting. This last year Ambassador is also unique by being the only year for this particular front end.
The Ambassador is also testimony that when Dick Teague got things right, he got things right. And, conversely, when he got things wrong, he got things wrong.
Thus my Question Of The Day: What car(s) would you like to find in 2019?
On the road:
Chrysler 180 or 2 litre, Talbot Tagora, Alpine and Avenger.
Jaguar XJ-C and Rover SD1 of course
Aston DBS V8
Any old Alfa saloon – Alfetta, Giulietta, 1750/2000, Six, 75, 90
or an Alfasud
Panhards are always fun as well…..
…….the list goes on
I like your list Roger. I thought one of the most attractive small cars available in the UK in the late 70s was the Chrysler Sunbeam. Made even more attractive in Talbot Sunbeam Lotus trim. As cute as the Ford Fiesta.
Sometimes likened to a mini-Range Rover, though if you made the windows shallower and the bodyside deeper it might pass for an Evoque…
If you really want a ’71-’74 Coronet (um, why?), go for the ’74 because that’s the only year with the odd, drop-centered grille. Ugly or beautiful?
Why? Don’t ask why this is, it just is. 🙂
Jason-
While I appreciate that your need to find one may not be based on any particular attribute, my father owned a 1972 Dodge Coronet when I first got my license, so I’ll take this opportunity to weigh in on these models.
The driving dynamics were typical American car, the 318 V8 and torqueflite automatic were actually pretty decent, but the bench seat would not have made a good living room couch.
Without a doubt, it was the most uncomfortable seat I ever rode on, making the car almost undrivable. A shame too, because with the 360, these cars probably performed nicely.
Thank you for the first-hand experience!
My need to find one is hard to articulate and borderline irrational as I’ve already written up a ’71 and ’72 Satellite – and there was no real, tangible difference between the two.
But for many of us our automotive passion is hard to articulate and borderline irrational, so perhaps it’s a good fit for me!
Mercedes S124.
However – not a diesel and not a 4MATIC. M103 or M104 gasoline engine. So this is a 300TE or an E320 wagon from ’88 through ’95.
I can be tempted by the newer and bigger Mercedes S210 but I prefer the inline six of the 124s over the V6 of the 210s.
Having shot and written up a King Midget and an Amphicar, I don’t know how much deeper down the rabbit hole I can go!
Yet I’m always on the lookout for orphans and widows – that is, brands that no longer exist and brands that are no longer imported to the US.
Whoa! Exchange the Catalina badge for Grand Ville and you’d have the spitting image of my first real car. Purchased for $400 in the fall of 1980.
The car I’d most like to find in 2019 would be a 1946 to 48 Fluid Drive DeSoto Custom like my dad drove when I was about 5. Runner-up would be a 1948 Chrysler Windsor like one of our neighbors had.
It wasn’t the unicorn manual, but the pictured ’71 Catalina was in our lives for quite a few years. Bought new by my grandparents, it would be their last Pontiac – my Uncle (who was a WWII flight instructor at Tuskegee, AL) converted them to Mercury as he ran a service department at a dealer in Auburn, AL and offered them a good deal on a year-old Marquis.
They gave the Catalina to us when our ’68 Country Squire LTD died, and Mom kept it when Dad divorced her in the early 1980s. She only kept it a year or so after that, as the 400 c.i.d. was a gas guzzler. A Chevy Citation replaced it (out of the frying pan…).
I remember it being a slow (with a 400?!), floaty, wallowy car and avoided driving it if I could.
In the past month, I saw two (!) Saab 9-4X’s in Rhode Island in the same week and a Toyota Mirai in Attleboro, MA with Michigan Plates (IIRC, they aren’t sold outside of California because the planned hydrogen infrastructure in the Northeast still hasn’t come to be). It’s going to be hard to top that, but I’d like to see a clean Lincoln Mark VII or VIII. Haven’t seen one in a very long time. Maybe a running Dodge Spirit R/T as well.
What would I like to find? Something, anything interesting. Not too much noteworthy at the curb lately, especially at this time of the year.
What I’d like to find for me; I have an idea that requires a Mustang convertible. I’d also like to find an Epiphone Emperor Regent guitar, but not too likely to find one curbside 🙂
Nice list Jason. I would probably consider the LN7 somewhat of a car spotting unicorn, even when new. I always thought the ‘bubble’ liftgate glass on the LN7 and Capri, were a neat touch. There is a YouTuber located in Kansas who recently bought an ’82 EXP, and he is documenting its restoration on his channel. He’s also restoring a Dodge Shelby Rampage right now as well. Cool channel.
In the last several months, I spotted a local online ad for an ’85 Dodge Lancer. A 2.2 liter in medium gold. A popular color for the K-based Lancer when launched. I have seen a Lebaron GTS in the last 10 years. Even longer, since I’ve seen a Lancer.
When my wife and I started dating in 1993, there was a LN7 parked on her parent’s place. It belonged to a cousin and it had hit a tree. That’s the only one I know of having ever seen but I’m hoping to change that!
I wish you much success! Given they were produced in such limited quantities for a two year model run, makes them a chance of a lifetime car. Up there with the same vintage Plymouth Scamp. I remember picking up a brochure for the ’82 LN7 at the time. Which I kept for a number of years.
Excellent question!
In no particular order:
– Chrysler R-body (any)
– Audi V8
– 1990 Chrysler Town & Country
– Lincoln Versailles
– 1987-1991 Pontiac Bonneville
– 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada
To name a few 🙂
You have two (the R-body and Bonneville) I had thought about putting on this list but thought it wise to scale it back for what’s seen here.
While not sure about you, this list of mine could change tomorrow. Except the Coronet.
Even around Lansing a 1st gen Bravada is a rare sighting these days.
I don’t have a list – I just take what comes, and enjoy the moment.
I’ll have to think about my own “wants,” Jason. Meanwhile, here’s the closest thing I can find to your AMC–ready for another devoted owner:
https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/amc/ambassador/2107488.html
I remember seeing this ad a while back. The color isn’t for everyone but I rather like it. And that’s likely why it’s still around by the sound of it.
“A new furnace.”
That’s funny. Not bust your gut funny, but still funny, just more subtle.
72 Torino 2 door hardtop base. I simply like the base grille better than the fish mouth of the high end Torinos in 72. Personal taste, I know. A 73 Grand Prix. an 87 Lemans Can Am, a An Audi Fox. Had one, I know, but as an occasional driver, they are fun, Same with an early 80s Audi 4000. Coupe or sedan. same reasons. An 82 Pontiac J2000 coupe…Once again, I know. But I like the looks So sue me. 87 through 91 Buick Sabre 2 dr, Underappreciated and quite rare, even when new. A bas model 81 or 82 Thunderbird… Hear me out, without all the broughamtastic period gingerbread, they were not bad looking. and can be outfitted with a lot of the same things that make fox bodied mustangs do better., There are others. But this has gone on long enough. Used to be Thunderbirds, all the time and had a bevy of them at one time….A little more small “c” catholic in my car searches, today.
Agree on the Thunderbirds. I have two and would welcome more, any year will do. The 80 – 82 models are fine, interesting cars, given the blend of design priorities they represent. My advice for those who don’t like them is not to buy one. Leaves more for the rest of us 😉
You get to park it in a darkened garage and sit inside it while you drive. The rest of us have to look at it.
Thank you Jason, an intriguing start today at CC.
By the way, I appreciate the Coronet too.
Here are my picks:
1989-1993 Buick Riviera
A postwar De Soto
Dodge 400
Studebaker Champion, Avanti
Alfa Romeo Romeo Van
Alfa Romeo 6
Autobianchi Primula
Auto Union 1000 SP
FIAT 1400 sedan /1900 Granluce
Lancia Super Jolly Van
Panhard PL17
Simca Ariane
1976-1981 Honda Accord Hatchback
A dream list, I guess
Happy New Year to all
A Simca Ariane lives a couple of streets from me, only survivor in the country
I’m not actively looking for any cars but if one of the following were to suddenly park themselves in my driveway, I wouldnt throw them out:
Any Hellcat Challenger
Any Duster 340
70-72 Vista Cruiser
71-72 Riviera
67-70 Cougar
71-73 Mach 1
66-72 Country Squire or Colony Park
Jason there happens to be a green 71 Coronet sitting not far from my house. Just sayin’
You tempt me. Last time I was in Virginia is when my sister lived in Blacksburg, and that’s been a few years.
If you were to get pictures that would be the next best thing, wouldn’t it??? 🙂
I got the hint 😉 I’ll get some this week. Up until about a year ago, I saw it around town pretty regularly, then I saw it at a shop for a couple of weeks, now its been parked at the (I assume) owner’s house since then so theres probably some mechanical issues going on that he couldn’t or wouldn’t fix but the body looks pretty good. I don’t know what engine or anything like that but I’ll see what I can find out.
I can see your email address. I’ll drop you a line so you’ll have mine.
No pressure or hurry at all. Goodness knows I’ve got enough other things at this point….
Got it! Your problems can easily be solved with a new Coronet in your driveway.
I also just realized that in the late ’70s, my parents had the corporate twins to 2 of your dream sheet cars-my Dad had a gold 1971 Satellite sedan while at the same time my Mom had a blue 1972 Montego coupe.
The Montego does indeed make a fine addition to my dream list. The last one I saw, the first in many years, was at Country Classic Cars for the CC Meetup in September.
Incidentally, CCC was hit by a tornado quite recently so there is a chance that Montego was damaged.
As pictured on Christmas Day 2018.
I hope it inspires a story. It is indeed a
proud 1974.
Sweet! Thank you.
Ha, the exact color scheme of the brand new ‘73 Satellite (no, not Coronet) that replaced the green ‘72 Ford for the last day of my Driver Training class, in the fall of 1972.
Nice 1974 Coronet. My first police department used 1974 Coronets in an odd scheme for a police car: white roof, over dark metallic green. The town about 20 miles south had 1974 Coronet patrol cars, too: metallic blue.
They both were powered by 318s, through Torqueflites.
Both departments’ patrol cars are now in standard black-and-white.
Dayum fine choices, LT Dan!
I’ve had the Duster 340, ’71 Riviera, ’66 Ford Long Roof.
Wish I had ’em ALL back, for what I sold ’em for, in the condition they were in when I so foolishly let ’em go.
Nice! Ive had a 340 Duster, Demon and a Dart (all 4 speeds) so you know why I want another one. I also had a ’69 Cougar with a transplanted 351C; not the fastest or best driving but one of the prettiest cars ever.
I’m looking for an affordable Lincoln Mk V. I’ve owned one since ’93, but it needs work. It may become a parts-donor if I find a better one. If not, I’ll rework what I have.
But its a low priority. I have 16 other cars to enjoy, and not enough free time to do so.
How about a roll call of your fleet? Happy New Year to All!
Hey, it’s cheaper than a therapist.
An old Fiat or Lancia. There are a bunch of new 500s zipping around here, but I’d love to see one of the classics again.
Hmmmm. Like you, life has been throwing enough at me that I have become an infrequent contributor here. I have a few things partially written and hope to find time to get them finished.
I have gotten pretty picky about what I will stop to photograph nowadays, but any of these would make the cut:
A 74 Luxury LeMans sedan. Fat chance, right? They were never common but my first real driving (and first accident) was in one and I would love to write it up.
A Stutz. This has been on my list for a few years, and the odds are against me. But they built them all in my city, so there is hope that I might come across one.
A plain-Jane H body LeSabre coupe. I have a piece ready to go in my mind and all that is missing is this car.
An early Dodge B series passenger van with the extra window behind the front door.
And finally, I have hit most of my Studebaker wish list, but a 55-58 wagon would be cool, as well as one of the late-pre-war big Commanders or Presidents.
Meanwhile I look forward to reading about the serendipitous finds of the other contributors here.
Off-topic, but I think we all have that phase in our lives in which we are bombarded with crap. It comes at different times for everybody, but I think I’m there. In fact my sister just contacted me about a major one.
On Christmas Eve we got a good one. The water company called and said I have a likely water leak on my side of the meter as I’ve used 19,000 gallons of water this month. I pointed out five ways in which that is wishful thinking on their part but it’s still another distraction.
19000 gallon of water? That’s gonna be some bill! Seriously, I hope you get that straightened out.
And with a dry front yard. See why I’m skeptical?
You may need to jiggle the toilet handle a bit…
Don’t be so sure. Like me, you have a teenager in the house…at least change the shower head to a low flow..
That being said my older Laramie rental (built in 1871) has the water supply pipe for it as well as the neighboring house on one line with a separate handle marked “Do not touch” for the neighbor’s feed. Apparently there is a supplemental meter downstream. Anyway when I first got the place I kept getting hit with 8000 gallon water bills. Since mine was vacant and winter it obviously wasn’t right. After some investigation it turned out to be a billing issue related to which meter billed to who. I don’t believe the neighbor has a clue that I could shut their water off at any time…
Your Laramie experience gets me to thinking….
My understanding is this house was the first built in this subdivision. Not by a lot, but it was supposedly first. The builder was the first owner of this place (I’m the third owner of this dwelling). So there could be some goofy stuff going on.
That describes our 2018 perfectly. Wife lost her Mom in March, and her Dad on Dec. 7. My Dad passed (end-stage dementia) Dec. 13, so we had back-to-back funerals in GA and FL. Right before that, the elder son (with two grandkids) calls to tell us they’re divorcing. Have an ongoing huge stressful project at work on top of all that. Really hoping for a calmer 2019…
Hang in, guys. It’s all part of life, you’ll get through it til you don’t. Enjoy the distraction that an old car (in a sea of silver SUV’s) or a pretty girl can provide. Ommmm.
You got a cat?
A few years ago a guy had a huge water bill. Turns out his cat kept flushing the toilet.
https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2017/06/30/Man-investigating-high-water-bill-discovers-cat-flushing-the-toilet/2311498842106/
We do have a cat! But my wife is a stay-at-home mother so she’s here all day to know. Kitty is more fascinated with plastic sacks than toilets, thankfully.
That’s a great article. Thank you!
I saw this Stutz a couple of times last summer.
The catch is, it’s a new handbuilt replica, 10% oversize to use a V8.
Close, but no cigar.
JP: I have a few pics of an ’89 LeSabre coupe if you’d like them for your article (one is attached).
This neighborhood gives me frequent sightings… just this year I’ve seen a ’41 Champion, a ’53 Cheviac, and a ’32 or so Ford AA Pickup, all on the road, a parked Minor, and a trailered Datsun Fairlady.
A couple of unsatisfied wants: Simca Aronde, Panhard Dyna. Both were fairly common when I was young but haven’t seen them in decades.
1962 Plymouth Belevedere/Fury/Sport Fury 2 door sedan or hardtop. 318/361 engine, Torqueflite, power steering factory A/C.
1980 AMC Concord Limited wagon with the rare St. Lauren deep plush velour fabric seats, only offered one year and I’ve only ever seen one Concord and one Eagle with these in the early ’90s. This fabric is very similar to what Lincoln offered on the Town Cars in 1979.
That ’74 Ambassador would be a neat find too!
A fastback Sunbeam Rapier.
Isn’t that the same as an Alpine GT ? I know where one is, and the owner could probably be persuaded to sell it .
There was a version with the Alpine name, but obviously there’s potential for confusion with the two-seater sports car. Unfortunately I’m not in the market for a car, just a sighting!
I hope this isn’t too far off topic. It seems to me that what we are discussing here is posts that we are likely to see in 2019 and beyond. I always enjoy the vintage car reviews and do hope that whoever has been doing them will continue.
Google books has a complete collection of Popular Science going back to 1870. Every issue has interesting automotive related stuff. Sometimes it is review a particular car and sometimes they have general automotive stuff like “Shall Speed Laws be Abolished?”.
I believe that clips from Popular Science would enhance a lot of posts or would make fascinating stand alone posts as well. If someone can show me how to extract individual page(s) I will produce a few myself.
Here is the link for Popular Science:
https://books.google.com/books/serial/ISSN:01617370?rview=1&loc=contentwell&lnk=clicking-on-this-google-books-link&dom=section-1
Happy New Year to All!
Fortunately, my automotive interests are broad enough that the sighting of virtually any 30+ year old car is cause for excitement. But that said, my top wish-list finds would be:
1) Mazda 323GTX
2) 1st generation VW Scirocco
3) Any 2-dr. GM A-body
Though that list could change at any time. A few weeks ago I took pictures of a mint-condition ’88 LeBaron convertible for instance, a car which caused me almost as much excitement as the three listed above.
Yesterday, 1/1/19, saw a burgundy Buick Century coupe! Was beat up, but is rare to see any FWD A body 2 door these days. Not only that, but it was the later 1990 era slant back window, instead of the ‘formal roof’.
The CC effect strikes again! During my holiday travels, I saw a Mazda 323 GTX sitting curbside down the street from a friend’s house.
Unfortunately, said friend lives 1,100 miles away in Wheatridge Colorado…
WOW! I haven’t seen a GTX since I sold mine in 2003. And believe me, I’ve been looking. I guess Colorado fits the GTX well.
Back about 2001 the Monster Trucks come to town and they had an open “run what you brung” tough truck contest–one guys shows up with a 323GTX and blows away every truck in time. He flew over the berms where the trucks front ends hit the next berm. Funny as Hell
Sterling
Merkur Scorpio
1985-87 Pontiac Grand Am
1980-83 Lincoln Continental (Mk VI) four door Sedan
A 1987-1989 Nissan Stanza sedan. Only because an ’88 was my first car, and it’s been several years now since I’ve seen one on the road.
Perhaps not as rare in some parts of the country, but up in snow country the salt was not kind to these cars.
I’m a bit older than you. Already experienced most on your list.
Mom had a 72 Gran Torino 4 door “pillared hardtop”
Gramps had a 73 Coronet 4 door sedan. Pretty much a rerun of the Torino, except the materials and build quality weren’t as good.
When I was working at Radio Shack in the 80s, a guy wanted my help with his car stereo installation, or some such, so I had a few minutes of seat time in his EXP. Felt like sitting in the dark hole of Calcutta, as the beltline seemed very high.
The foundry I worked at in 75 had a 74 Ambassador wagon. That Amby went very well and I drove it all over southern Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and one trip to Edgerton, Wisconsin, with a side trip to Kenosha to tour the AMC assembly plant.
Even had a bit of seat time in an early 70s B body: the neighbor’s car, I think his was an Olds, had a dead battery, so he reved his wife’s car while I spun up his. Only impression I had was of a massively huge amount of room in the front seat.
What would I want? I’m plumb out of ambition. Let the other guys spend the money and search the world for parts. I’ll enjoy the results at the Motor Muster or one of the shows at the Gilmore.
Nissan Figaro.
BMW 700 (or 600 for that matter)
Panhard 24
NSU Ro80 (I only recently learned these were sold in the U.S. I’ve never seen one)
1978 Chevrolet Monza S
I can dream….
Also, any ’60s through ’80s American car with oddball interior trim options. Like the 1982 Ford Escort with the sheepskin-and-leather upholstery, 1979 Bonneville with that patterned upholstery that replaced the Valencia striped velour – what was that called?, the ’67-’68 Imperial with the Mobile Director reverse seat and table, ’80-’82 T-Bird with Recaro buckets, and various funky upholstery patterns in Mopars and AMCs.
Being in saltland USA I’ll echo the “anything I can get” comments. But I’d like to see:
– any 79/85 Riviera.
– Taurus SHO
– Early 60s Cadillac
We live just east of chicago’s Puerto Rican neighborhood so I get to see my fill of amazing American hardware in the summer. Impalas all day. Plus some G Bodies. It’s one of the pluses of living here.
Oh boy. Where to begin?
A few on my wishful thinking list: Alfa Romeo Alfetta, Austin Marina, any Edsel, Fiat 131/Brava, Fiat Strada, Ford Cortina, Isuzu Bellel, Lancia Beta, NSU Ro80, Plymouth Cricket, Toyota Crown, Triumph 2000 (sedan), and any Simca. These might seem impossible, but then again I did just run across an Audi 100 LS (which was formerly on this list), so you never know.
On the (slightly) more possible side: Audi V8, Chevrolet Vega, Dodge Mirada, Merkur XR4Ti, Mitsubishi Diamante wagon, Pontiac LeMans (the Daewoo one) Studebaker Avanti, Volkswagen Quantum, Volvo 262C (Bertone) and any type of Renault. Oh, and a Yugo.
Since starting my search eight years ago, I’ve found 17 US-market Peugeots and even 4 US-market Citroëns, but nary a Renault is to be found anywhere that I’ve looked. There’s got to be one somewhere; maybe I’m just looking in the wrong places. Perhaps 2019 will be the year I turn one up.
Any Renault would be a great find. I thought about putting one on my list, but around here you might as well look for a narwhal in the Potomac. Maybe there are a few in sunnier, warmer places.
I saw a two door Renault Alliance in the dead of last winter in Ottawa, Canada. Road salt aplenty on the streets at the time.
A late-’80s Citroen CX imported by “CX Auto” would be high on my list as well… that was a very odd effort to reintroduce Citroens to the US, and (rather predictably) had a short lifespan, but there were a number of examples sold in the US for a year or two.
There are plenty of Renaults around the US. Over the last 6 months there was an 18i wagon and a Medallion aka R21 wagon both on offer. I have seen an R-10, R-8 and an R-16 on offer, a couple Dauphines and several Caravelles.
There was a guy near Cleveland that had his entire stash of Alliances, about 5 of them, 3 being GTAs on offer. Several other Alliances, almost all converts, were on offer before the snow flew. There was an Encore with the electronic instrument panel offered too.
An acquaintance just put his 85 Fuego on the market.
I was thinking lustful thoughts of this 85 Alliance that was offered in Racine a couple months ago.
This 86 in Florida is still being advertised.
I lean toward the 86 as the 86s have a revised instrument panel, which I quite like.
My guess (and it is just a guess) is that the ’80s Renaults were not strong sellers in Southern California where other small imports already had a strong foothold in the market, and were more popular in areas where their AMC connection was more of a selling point to buyers. And then there just aren’t that many pre-AMC Renaults left — I’m sure there are are a few Dauphines still around, but most of them I see for sale on LA Craigslist seem to be sitting in the desert somewhere, and have been for decades. I do know of one Renault 16 that was still around as recently as five years ago, but I never tracked it down for pictures and it appears to have moved on.
I’m confident I’ll find one eventually: maybe I just need to take a vacation to Kenosha.
And then there just aren’t that many pre-AMC Renaults left
There weren’t that many around when they were new. iirc, in 78, just before the hookup with AMC, Renault sold some 13,000 cars in the US. Peak Renault was in 84, when the Encore joined the Alliance that had come out in 83: 208,000 sold.
This R-16 is listed in the San Francisco Craig’s List, but the car is in Oklahoma City.
According to my stats, Renault sold around 550,000 cars in the US from 1949-1978. A significant number of these were Dauphines in the late ’50s and early ’60s: a Dauphine was a fairly common sight back in the day (my grandfather actually owned one at one point); they just didn’t stand the test of time on US roads. But yes, by the 1970s, Renault was no longer a major player in the American market.
No classics on the wants list at the moment – have to sell first.
However I have been thinking about replacing our Jaguar X-type 3.0 Estate. A very good car but the design is a bit boring. Either go bigger (XJ X300 orX350) which I would like but as my wife use the modern most it is probably too impractical. So a little smaller. I had a Subaru Legacy Estate (first gen) in the past and loved that (written off). Two months ago I discovered in the USA there was a Saab version of the Subaru WRX, called 9-2X. Available for two years only (2005/6), not a bestseller, a bit more luxurious and better looking (IMO) than the Subaru version. Never available in Europe which makes it even more interesting: there is just one Saab 9-2x registered here. So if I can find a very good 9-2X Aero (turbo version)…. export/shipping is not really a problem.
Saab aficionados will probably hate the Saabaru, as will the Subaru lovers but that is just fine with me.
I had an X-type followed soon after by a new 9-2x Aero. See my COAL list/directory. Fun car but more a novelty than anything else, I think a 9-3x wagon would be a better choice. Or one of the last 9-5 wagon prototypes (never actually sold before Saab folded) of which several are registered in Europe.
In any case if you do get a 9-2x be aware that all the driver side airbags are suspect and subject to recall as part of the Takata fiasco.
I’m looking for a 1986/1987 Cavalier Z-24 coupe and a decent quality Dodge Intrepid ES. I know neither of these are exciting, but they are cars that relatives of mine had when I was a kid that I aspired to.
Specifically a first gen Intrepid ES.
LT Dan Is it a similar type of Montego like this one I saw at a car show in the UK about 18 months ago? I know it’s not a coupe, but I’m pleased I remembered that I’d seen one at some point in my life!
That’s very close. That’s a ’73 with the massive 5 mph front bumper, and Mom’s was a pre-govt regulated ’72 like this one, except it was navy blue with a white top.
It always amazed me that after all the money spent in tooling for body panels to differentiate the Montego from the Torino, Ford used the same stupid wheelcovers as used on Mavericks and Torinos, with a teeny emblem in the middle as the only change.
Late to the party here, but for me it would be a 1977 Chevrolet Concours. This was the first car my Dad ever bought off of the showroom floor. It was also his first ‘fancy car’ – one with lots of options.
Ours was a 2 door coupe, deep red metallic (Firethorn Red, maybe?) with a matching red velour interior. No vinyl top or rally wheels, but lots of other niceties, including a 305 V8. This car was a lot more fun to drive than the old ’73 LTD we had.
According to this link below, only 75,000 of the 365+K Novas that were made were Concourses…
https://auto.howstuffworks.com/chevrolet-nova16.htm
…who knows how many were coupes vs sedans? I did not see many back in the day when they were new, and don’t think I ever saw another one like my Dad’s.
I know it was “just a Nova”… but it was “the Caprice of Novas”. The extra taillight on each side, arranged in “Impala” configuration gave this car away from the lesser Novas, with their lowly Bel-Air-like taillights. And that broughamtastic chrome grille! This car was a real looker.
I’d like to see a final year ’79 Nova, with 1 year only square headlights. It’s now been 40 years since last sold. The last RWD X body was built in Dec. 1978, actually.
BTW: I’m sure there will be ‘celebration posts’ on CC this spring of 40th Anniv. of the FWD X car, right? ;–)
A girl I dated back then had a light blue one. Hers was called a Nova Custom. It was supposed to be the Concours’ successor, but it seemed de-contented compared to our family’s ’77. Gone were the extra taillights in the back, and while the square headlights were interesting, I thought that the smaller rectangular dual headlights on my new at the time ’79 Ford Fairmont Futura looked nicer.
Finding one of those ’79 Novas probably would be a bigger unicorn than spotting a Concours, but the last time I saw ANY Nova of this generation was at the cars & coffee style Baltimore CC Meetup back in August. And that was the first time I’d seen one in almost two decades.
As to the 40th anniversary of the Citation… I just about fell off my chair laughing at that one. ;o)
The ’78 Nova Custom *was* decontented compared to the Concours, intentionally so as not to step on the toes of the new Malibu which was now about the same size but more expensive. The Concours started out as the Nova LN (for “Luxury Nova) in 1975 before becoming the Concours in 1976. Then in ’77 it got distinct front and rear styling to differentiate it from the Nova. After trying to separate the images of the two cars, reverting to a less-plush Nova Custom for ’78 seemed a step backward.
Regarding a ’74 AMC Ambassador, may likely see one at an AMC show in spring/summer. AMO has annual shows; sometimes in Kenosha WI.
Cool list Jason. There are still quite a few base model Torinos around, but they are getting harder to find. I know of one fellow with a ’73 Base Torino and a 351CJ. Most were sixes and 302s though. I also know of a ’72 Base Torino wagon with a 250 six and a 3 on the tree. Although last I heard he was swapping in a 302 HO.
I remember years ago when I was in a Station Wagon club a an owner had a 71 Clamshell wagon with a three on the tree. I think it was a Buick, but it was a long time ago so I could be mistaken.
As for me, I don’t have a specific list. I am happy finding any pre 1980 car on the road. I like them all.
That’s some unusual iron, although the three-speed Buick is a double bonus of sorts.
I know where there is a 74 Amby sedan parked here in ABQ. If you want I can get some pix….
If you are up for it, that would be terrific!
I don’t have room for another vehicle, but here is my wish list.
’73 Ranchero, I had one back in the ’80’s and loved it. I especially like the grille treatment.
’75 El Camino. I had one of these too and loved it.
’55 Imperial two door hardtop or Limo
’53 Studebaker Starlight Coupe
’63 Studebaker Daytona with the Avanti supercharged engine and four speed
’68 Torino Cobra with the formal roof and vinyl top. I have never liked the fastback
’60 Edsel two door hardtop or convertible
’60 Meteor ( Canadian) two door hardtop ( Starliner type)
’89 Mustang LX police package
’64 GT Hawk
’78 Jim Rockford Firebird Espirit
’70 AAR ‘Cuda
W-body Buick Century with bucket seats.