This is the third year of the Great Beater Challenge and I am proud to have participated in all of them. The event saw huge growth again going from twenty three teams to a massive forty two. The variety of style and ages of vehicles was impressive as well. There were a few shocking old and/or terrible vehicles this time around. For this year’s event the start was held in front of a automotive parts store which many of us took advantage of to make sure last minute repairs. I am sure many a passerby was confused by what appeared to be the world’s most odd car show. Before we head off on the trip let’s take a look at most of the teams.
I arrived a little later than I had planned due to a few more last minute fixes and so the party atmosphere of the start line and judging was already in full swing. I parked next to this 1980 Triumph TR7 convertible. The team Dolls with Balls were certainly brave not only for fielding a TR7 but one with an engine they obtained for free.
This Radio Flyer themed 1986 Toyota 4Runner had a team name of Radio Flyer Bobcat Rescue Team which makes sense when you see what is on the other side of the tow strap …
The Big Bang Theory team was running a 1978 Mercury Bobcat equipped with a four cylinder engine and manual transmission.
The interior had some interesting design elements.
How about first generation 1982 Toyota Tercel named the The General Ree?
Team S***ter’s Full!! had a cousin Eddie from the National Lampoon movies theme with bathrobes and hats as well as this 1990 Plymouth Voyager minivan. Equipped with a V6 engine, wood paneling and auto-x specification tires. The team leader was returning for his third challenge stint.
Team Poor Man’s Vette went with a 1986 Chevrolet Chevette Scooter sporting mis-matched steel rims.
To prove that the event was not only about clapped out economy cars team Toxic bought along an incredibly rusty 1979 Chevrolet Camaro.
I am a big fan of this generation of Camaro and previous to the event wondered how they got one within budget. The answer is overall terrible condition of the car which lead to no one doubting the purchase price.
Rust? Oh yes. That is the interior you can see into behind the door. The doors were welded shut presumably so it did not fold in on its self.
It featured a different take on a two tone paint job.
We cannot have a Camaro without a Mustang. Challenge organizer, Peter, had this early Fox-body Mustang as his stead. A big step up power wise from the Pontiac LeMans he ran last year. The V8 gave him grief right up until a few days before the challenge.
Initial D helped make the rear wheel drive Toyota Corolla GTS famous so perhaps the team Initial Disaster can do the same for this 1988 Honda Accord.
Team Swede Speed brought a genuine classic in this 1968 Volvo 142S.
There were a few us in the no air bag camp but they proudly flaunted it. The reason for the trunk mounted generator became apparent later.
They were certainly well equipped although I am not sure if those racing slicks would fit in the Volvo’s fenders.
Another Swedish car was this Saab 900 returning from last year to defend its points win. This year the Saab shed its Starsky and Hutch theme for a home brew and external turbo. Note the blow off valve connected to a horn.
The set up apparently made 5psi. No word on lag.
Another turbo conversion was team Pacermaker with a 304cid V8 1978 AMC Pacer. The shopping cart on the roof allowed for extra supplies and tools to be brought along.
Seamless, almost factory like install.
Some teams like Ridin’ Dirty opted for the comfy ride of their 1995 Lincoln Town Car.
It would not be a beater rally without some old trucks including this trio of General Motors C/K series pickups. The Natural Disaster team above lost its hood even before we set off.
We have a Bobcat so how about its better known sibling? This 1975 Ford Pinto Runabout was brought by team Pinto the Bean.
This year there were a few motor homes including The Eh Team! with a Canada theme.
The #Rolling Divorce certainly got some laughs. Other teams were asked to add written messages to the side of the RV.
I was smitten by this uttering charming Chevrolet based mini RV. It even wears slot mag style rims.
Perris Cruiser is a new name to me and there is very little information on the marque out on the internet.
They put put a lot of work into the interior. Not much room left in there for sleeping in the interior though.
The Perris gave team Miles Away from Ordinary lots of issues including an engine replacement prior to the challenge.
Team Lone Ranger had this V6 powered 1987 Ford Ranger 4×4 as their trusty sidekick.
Father and son team Benz but Doesn’t Break had a great team name with their 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. This one featured powered seat head rests!
This diesel 2000 Volkswagen Jetta had a big rig inspired exhaust for team Jett-lagged.
Other teams had a massive investment in time building their rides like this 1973 Jeep Cherokee done up as a hillbilly rat rod.
It included wonderful details like this oil can tachometer casing.
Team Rattle Trap Prospecting had matching costumes.
Another Jetta ready for the road this time a 1986 model for team Brökeswägen.
Accident damaged vehicles are a good way to keep the budget low like this 1978 Ford F-250. With so many teams this year I never did find out the reasoning behind the team name of Christmas Miracle. (addition from the organizer – The Christmas Miracle was supposed to be a 1951 Mercury 1/2 ton, but it wasn’t able to make it in time, so he bought that 78 Ford F-250 the Thursday before the event as a backup.)
Another three time veteran bought this 1998 Nissan Pathfinder.
This Dodge pickup had a listing of the teams on its topper and was going to cross them off as they died. They started the day with a leaky heater core.
Pimtastic 1978 Lincoln Continental from team Weakest Linc.
Land Lover’s Party Barge brought a 1974 Dodge Power Wagon with a large attached structure. I suspect their fuel mileage was poor.
A classic Chevrolet panel truck.
I have left perhaps my personal favorite car to last which was team Over the Hill’s 1956 Hillman Mix.
The interior lost its stock rear seat to mice and three guys planned to make the full trip sitting three abreast in the front seat. If you have never seen one of these in person it is hard to comprehend how small they are. And narrow. At least the Hillman had a four speed manual on the column rather than a floor shift.
They also planned to make good use of the hand crank just because it was there.
There was certainly some doubts from other teams if the Hillman could make it as they were not really designed for long distance travel even when new.
We went with a Canada theme on our Canadian market Laurentian including this blanket which was an attempt to make the seats more comfortable. Or use for warmth if we ran into cooler temperatures since the heater was out of commission.
I once again brought my two older boys along for the trip. We had matching (and hideous) Canada themed shirts. If you look closely you can see I have a custom Honda necklace provided by last year’s challenge car. As some last minute preparation I bought some extra oil, checked fluids and replaced a few light bulbs in the parking lot. I had planned to purchase some wiper blades but they did not have the correct style so we left without and hoped for no rain.
I certainly missed a few teams in this overview but with the growth this year it was tough to catch them all. After a brief driver’s meeting our motley crew set off.
The whole Great Beater Challenge 2018 series
Wow David. That Camaro. And those shirts..
You could only do this in a jurisdiction that does NOT require safety inspections for vehicles. In Ontario it would have to be the $5,000 beater challenge.
I think David’s classic car insurance broker ought to have a look at that Camaro — then the Laurentian will seem like concours material!
David after what you went through to get licensed and insured it’s a surprise to see some of these wrecks made it through that gamut! DougD I agree with you about Ontario.
That Camaro indeed. That team may become one of the first casualties.
Good luck!
The camaro was the first team we’ve had on the event where I was genuinely concerned for their safety. They drove the car down from Edmonton (a 5-6 hr drive), and then back again at the finish. Somehow against all odds they made it, although being forced to cannonball about a day and a half of route and not stop for checkpoints after they lost 1st and 2nd in the transmission.
Technically Alberta does require insurance safety inspections, although they are somewhat simple, and required only by the insurance company, not the government.
French Cars Are missing here Renault 5s&Peugeot 504s would be perfect for long distance driving
French cars are tough to find here. Even tougher to find in roadworthy but cheap condition.
Hilarious writeup of a great event. You have to love the effort and sense of humor that goes into this.
A Chevette with mis-matched wheels, eh? I think we’ve found the culprit for that Army-green Chevette’s one missing wheel article a few days ago. 😉
This is so awesome, David. As always thanks for chronicling this annual event. This has become one of my favorite reads here!
I’d say good luck again, but I imagine if you’re writing this, the event is already done.
Love the Pontiac’s interior improvements!
I can’t help myself. I’m pulling for the Camaro!
I could swear that I saw a twin to that Jeep Comanche (?) just yesterday here in Florida. Something looking very much like it passed me on a County Road in north central Florida.
BTW, even though I am a regular reader here, I somehow missed the 2 previous installments. Looks like my kind of thing, tho.
This is very impressive David. The Beater Challenge is becoming quite an event. The competition is getting stiffer, more from quantity than quality of cars, but your prep work was likely significantly better than your competition’s. It helps to put some RainX on your windshield, you can manage without new wiper blades.
I wonder if there are any cars here that would interest you? Besides the Minx, maybe the PInto or Bobcat? The jacked up rear really improves the looks of the Tercel. For me, the ’74 Power Wagon is the most appealing pickup.
I love all sorts of the other cars involved. The Hillman was just my favourite. In hindsight Rain-X would have been a good idea.
Cut a potato in half rub it on your windscreen, rainx on the cheap and it works.
Props to your boys for allowing their picture to be taken, in public, and then broadcast over the Internet, standing next to one of their parental units. I suppose this is less public (for them) than Snapchat.
But where did someone find a ’65 Chevy Suburban that was not really, totally, most sincerely rusted out?
A good start!
Wow, I think I have now seen the rustiest Camaro under its own power I have ever seen. I think my favorite of the other teams is the Pacer Turbo. Typical AMC – the efficiency of a turbocharger and a hood ornament, all in one.
Is the Minx the only car older than your Laurentian?
Yes the Pontiac was the second oldest entry. There was supposed to be a 50s Mercury pickup but it did not make it.
Did you donate the Pleasurizer as a trophy?
I made one for our organizer. A pretty quick and dirty one though (just like our cars!)
Yowza! I bet that Pacer makes itself heard. And that Minx deserves some kind of award just for making it to the starting point.
I had some hopes of making it up there, towing my F100 behind the Promaster, but I’m behind schedule. Maybe next year. If it’s not over-subscribed!
I should start one of these events here. We have gobs of wonderful roads and scenery do do it on. But organizing it would probably take some doing.
Hey Dave,
The Rusty Creamsicle was the orange squarebody with the gold hood, the one that had it’s hood off and was towing the trailer was Natural Disaster (which fought with a ton of issues all weekend)
The Christmas Miracle was supposed to be a 1951 Mercury 1/2 ton, but it wasn’t able to make it in time, so he bought that 78 Ford F-250 the Thursday before the event as a backup.
The 68 Volvo 142S was team Swede Speed. They claimed the slicks mounted to the roof was the “Speed” portion of the name haha.
I look forward to reading the rest of your articles!
Thanks – I made those corrections.
Some great vehicles this year, love that Bobcat someone really spent some money on it years ago.
I do have to wonder if a few aren’t cheating a bit on the budget as there are quite a few cars that look like they are daily drivers still.
The Camaro is just scary looking, I don’t think I’d want to go more than around the block in it for fear one big bump might mean my butt is dragging on the ground.
Looking forward to the stories from the road.
My understanding of the rules is that you can exceed the budget but you are ineligible for any prizes. So some of those cars might just be there for the ride.
Around here, if it starts, runs reasonably well, drives, still looks decent, has no obvious safety issues – you’re probably already past the $700 budget.
Great cars, great team names! I love “The Missing Linc” for some reason. That Camaro looks like rolling tetanus. Love the creativity and spirit of these people – can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
Goodness, those are some awesome beaters! And I love all the clever team names. Looks like a super fun time!
Thanks, David, for your pics and descriptions. I’ve been looking forward to a report on the Beater Challenge since last year! Shout-out to all the teams for great names and awe-inspiring vehicles! Looking forward to later installments and hearing more about the Pontiac’s voyage!
Heck wit yaz all, I like the Hillman Mix!
Love the Minx, but you knew that already, I hope exports to Canada mirrored what we got because that would mean it has the OHV powerhouse 1390cc motor used in the first of the Audax and still in use in the last of the Arrow series, plus the retro fit just fine, actually with access to the right parts cars that Minx could be a real sleeper, Plus if your going to suffer a British car on this event those were the most reliable.
Well, it certainly has ‘the look’.
http://www.oddpla.net/blog/ads/55Hillman1.jpg
The rust on that Camaro. People forget, but that sort of corrosion used to be so common in some regions. Canucklehead talks about the heavy use of road salt and rust damage growing up in Quebec. It was the same in Ontario. Canadian Tire used to devout large sections of their auto department to bondo, fiberglass and spray paint as a feeble attempt to fight the ‘rusties’. Back when you had to get aftermarket rustproofing packages. As the factory rust protection was so limited.
You’re right David, about the Perris Cruiser. Very little info on the web. Its lines remind me very much of the step van bodies Canada Post used in the 70s and early 80s. With the cylindrical vertical rear windows as well.
It’s quite an eclectic mix, but your Pontiac stands out in a very good way. Fresh paint, and it would be fast out of the ‘beater’ class.
It’s still a very common sight in Chicago, automakers have made strides in rust resilience, but 10-15 year old cars still look noticeably ragged, biggest difference from the old days being the rust emerges from under plastic covers cleverly placed in high corrosion areas like rocker panels or the quarter overhangs the bumper covers cover. By the time you see that the structural metal underneath looks just like this Camaro
From my current anecdotal observation of cars in Southern Ontario, there are four manufacturer’s cars in particular that suffer from serious to severe rust in their oldest models on the road. Or more recent models, where the owner just neglected their cars, not washing salt off regularly, or not doing rust repairs. The four worst from what I’ve observed are: Chrysler, Mazda, GM, and Hyundai. In that order. To be fair to Hyundai, it tends to be older cars (over 8 to 10 years). Chrysler minivans being some of the worst examples, with serious 1970s type lift gate and lower body corrosion not uncommon on older models still on the road. Toyota and Honda seem to be the best.
Those match my observations exactly, though I may throw Nissan or Ford in interchangeably with GM’s place for a few models.
Toyota is impressive, their oldest models I see (90s) are usually among the worse for the era, but anything newer than say 2001ish holds up extremely well. My friend has a accident damaged 2000s era V6 Camry as a daily driver and it nearly looks like a car from the southwest underneath.
There is an early 90s Camry, and a late 90s Camry on my block, and they both look less than 5 years old. You’re right, Nissan and Ford are hit and miss, as you say. Largely dependent on the specific model, and/or whether they have a good owner.
The Chrysler minivans seemed to get just a little more rustprone with each generation. The biggest jump was going into the 4th gen (2001-2007). The 2008+ seem to be better.
The ones I notice most are certain Fords (Windstars, older Explorers) and certain GM cars (like Buick Centuries and LeSabres that get eaten up in the rocker panels). Dodge pickups of the Daimler-Chrysler era seem pretty bad too.
Amazing group of cars! My favorite would be the Minx as well, but I don’t have high hopes for her.
The TR7 is cool too, and as noted pretty brave to run that one for the distance being covered.
The rest, just wow.
Looking forward to the rest of the story.
Not sure if it’s related to the Perris Cruiser, but my uncle had a Perris Valley truck camper that was designed to fit a compact pickup like his ’73 +/- Datsun.
I was wondering that too. Perris Camper Shells were all over SoCal back in the 80’s.
It would make sense if they were related but I couldn’t find any solid information on it.
I really like that notchback Mustang, and normally I’m not a fan of that style of two tone paint(reminds me of 99% of Foose cars) but it just has so much character. The period centerlines, faded out old school Motorsport windshield sticker, the hole in the hood for a chrome air cleaner that doesn’t even stick out, it looks like a car that once would have graced the cover of a Mustang magazine, but now basks in faded glory, yet eager to set out for new adventure.
I love it! The whole thing is such inspired nonsense. I suppose it ends with a concourse de crepitude?
Somebody should have entered that $100 Mercedes W140 from yesterday. Might have been the cheapest car of the bunch.
Perhaps Brendan tried and is now stuck ten miles outside of Kearney, Nebraska on I-80 or some such place halfway to Alberta without a cell phone signal or the correct “special tool” to fix whatever needed fixing…I don’t think I’ve seen a comment from him for a couple of days!
If the experience of a former boss who had one of these W140 sixes is any portent, Brendan is stuck waiting for a tow truck because the key fob wouldn’t let him back into the car.
I had that thought. Great minds, etc.I wouldn’t even prep it besides checking the fluids.
If Brendan didn’t think about it this year he should for next year!
He said he likes to travel and seems like a pretty adventurous young guy.
And I’m sure something as interesting as the hundred dollar wonder Benz will cross his path.
Maybe that’s the next step up for the beater challenge…an international entry!
Soulless industrial location fits the theme perfectly!
Special thanks to (sponsor?) Alberta Broom and Cleaning Supplies!
Christmas vacation is one my go to Christmas movies. Randy Quaid is fantastic.
The team names are as whimsical as a lot of the pub-trivia team names I’ve seen.
What a blast. Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to read more.
Looking forward to what happened next to this motley assortment. My favourites are the Volvo and that blue Laurentian from somewhere.
The Minx? Well, not for me. I’ve attached a link to a piece called “Betsy”, a short chapter from the autobiography of Australia’s finest author, Tim Winton. It is the characteristically brilliant, and very funny tale of this exact model Minx and how it blighted his youth. It’s worth the 13 mins (it says) just for the vividness of imagery and character if nothing else. I hope folks here read and enjoy.
https://www.panmacmillan.com/blogs/literary/read-betsy-from-tim-winton-s-the-boy-behind-the-cu
Agree about the Minx *hides from Bryce*
Volvo 142 for me too, after that blue poncho.
hehehe!
BASIL: “Oh – Harold RobBINS? I thought you were talking about that awful, whatisname, Harold…Robinson..”
justy, thank you for posting that link, in the 60s & early 70s my mother drove a Minx of similar vintage and I used to be just as embarrassed to be seen in it as Tim Winton, this was in the era of real cars, Falcons, Chargers, Toranas etc.in all their brightly colored finery.
The one positive I can remember, was the instument panel lights at night, I believe they were quite bright with a gear change pattern and even a three spires of Coventry Rootes Group logo it up. plus of course I couldn’t be seen in it at night.
In a amazing coincidence, it was replaced by an Austin Lancer in a garish white over red two tone which unlike Tim, I despised as much as the Hillman, and was quite pleased when the front suspension collapsed, and it was replaced by a much more “proper” Torana.
Here is a pic of the Hillman, whose name, for reasons lost in time was Ermatrude.
I scrolled through those pics in absolute awe over the rear-end shot of that rusty Camaro. What sticks out, to my shock, is that the plastic fuel filler door is still in place. I can’t remember how many Camaros of that generation kept those things in place and operational past the first three years or so of ownership. The fact that this one still has that part in place in light of the overall condition of the rest of the car is amazing, for sure.
Of course I’m rooting for Dave’s Pontiac, but I can’t help but also support the Brokeswagon since I have an ’86 Jetta as a daily driver.
Good to see interest in the event has gone up. And some very interesting team names.
Surprised to see someone has a Hillman Minx on the road. Growing up in the sixties a neighbour had one sitting in the back yard for years which was typical of British cars back then which couldn’t cope with Alberta winters.