Another round of the "what car" game...

Ok, first of all, the answer is NOT miata...I've owned 3, I love them, but its not scratching this itch.

Im not even sure what is.

Just sold off my Studebaker, fun classic which was utterly boring to drive.

I have a DD, I have other toys, the target vehicle needs to meet no particular purpose.

What I do want.

Power...my old LT1 corvette runs throught my mind here. I DD a smart, which is a fine, competent little car but dang it I want something I can step on the go pedal and feel some go...doesnt need to be warp speed go but just a good feel of oomph. So most likely Im looking for something V8ish.

Not going to track it or anything so stellar handling is not a concern, Im feeling something more in the muscle car or land yacht cruiser here.

Old caddys light my fires, I'd actually like something thats bagged and riding low....yeah, Im wierd.

The thought of a 70s mullet mobile (camaro, firebird, etc) is oddly appealing but probably out of the target budget.

Not really sure what Im looking for, mostly a cruiser, that has a modicum of comfort, AC would be good, could be used to commute (70mi) to work without issue, but not a dedicated commuter, just something to break up the monotony once or twice a month.

Target budget would be about $2500 but exceptions could be made. Should be old enough to qualify for historic registration and insurance.

Just got an itch and Im not sure what's gonna scratch it, looking for odd ideas :)

V8 in the wartburg?

this!

http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1860116060.html

Want to buy the YFH? I'm ready.

I'm ready to do some cleaning.

I've also got:

• A 5spd SVX (Nice car, I'd need a bit more than $2500)

• 323GTX

• Restorable (though it will take some effort) Lotus Europa

• 2nd Lotus Europa body chassis only (drop it on something fun)

• Geo Metro (great car)

• Almost running Justy (waay under your budget)

• '67 Corvair (almost running, restorable project)

• Almost running Mercedes diesel powered Miata (well under your budget)

• 1960 El Camino (nice car- well over your budget, but I thought I'd mention it)

Surely something here has GOT to tickle your fancy- you're the only guy I know who's tastes are more eclectic than mine!

thatsnowinnebago wrote: V8 in the wartburg?

Actually the wartburg scratches the "need for speed" itch without needing a V8, its stupid fast already. But after GRM its coming off the road for probably 2 years to rework it to the point where it can be a cruiser/driver. It is painful to drive right now, its a race car and carries with it all the harshness one might expect. Eventually it will become the car Im looking for but it will be long term and Im looking for an interim toy while that happens.

SVreX wrote: Want to buy the YFH? I'm ready.

You know I would love to have that car back but its not streetable (unless you managed to get a title) and if/when I do another Yugo its going to be under Lemons rules to prove to those guys that a Yugo isnt the joke they think it is. I think I can put together a Yugo that will place well at a Lemons event. The west coast guys missed their opportunity when Dave Benton was selling one of his toys for $500. Had all his magic touches on the drivetrain and suspension but took a rear hit so he was selling cheap.

oh and the 60 El camino....drool....if it was a 59 I'd go over budget...love them cat eyes. Unfortunately El Camino/Rancheros are the only thing that meets with SWMBOs disapproval almost as much as hearses (I really want a hearse)

And the diesel powered miata begs to be a Lemons car :)

I have a title for the YFH.

My wife was no fan of Elky's either, until she saw this one! It's a member of the family, but taking up space.

You'd look good in that 'Vair (It's a convertible). Do a bit of a restoration, then flip the rear end and drop a V-8 in the middle. Drive it now, race it later!

And yes, my plan was to do Lemons (or BABE) with the diesel Miata. Still might, but it will be a while. I'd rather the space.

dunno why but 'vairs have never really tweaked my interest. I had a corvair van for awhile...that was kinda ok. A wagon might appeal but the basic 'vair never did it for me.

That diesel miata would be a Lemons sweetheart for sure.

Tried to talk my team into letting me swap an entire Alfa Milano drivetrain into our MGB (next Lemons car) this week and they all rightly vetoed the idea. It's destined to fail but somehow soooo darn right.

I've also got a Spirit RT. You'd dig that car.

Extremely fast sleeper. Bag it, and you'd have everything a feller could want.

Well, something in the Lincoln mark series, thunderbird, or cougar would certainly work.

threadjack:

SVreX, if you have a Spirit R/T you want to get rid of, I may be interested. Assuming JThw8 is not. I had one several years ago and I have always regretted selling it.

/threadjack

And JThw8, they are a hoot. Absolutely the best factory-stock sleeper you'll ever find. They don't have a lot of oomph until you get the turbo spooled, but once it does all anybody will see is your overly-square rear bumper.

Historic needs to be what, 25 years old?

The first thing that comes to mind in that range (pre-86) is an E28 535i. You could probably find a decent E34 cheaper, especially the oddball 530i V8 which can be had for rocks and pocket lint, but it's not going to be old enough.

psteav - dont worry about stepping on my toes, you go get it if it works for you! I'm still in a "can't figure out what I want" phase. Although I agree, that's an awesome sleeper and could be loads of fun.

sanman - old lincolns work for me like old caddys do, t-birds and cougars not so much. Well a 68ish cougar might but they aren't really in my target budget range

02Pilot - yep, 25 years or older for historic around here. Actually collectors insurance can go on almost anything as long as I limit my use but the historic registration is for 25 years, I could go without the registration as long as the car can pass inspection.

while a 70s mulletmobile may be out of your budget (look harder) an 80s should be in the range, plus you can then get TPI.
Since I don't know the area where you live I can't accurately gauge prices. I do know that $2500 around here can get some silly stupid cars.

FWIW the 93 STS with the N* can be had cheap and they haul once moving.

Forget about sensible old street cars, you need to apply your special skills to another ridiculous project:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/200x-classifieds/formula-ford-formula-grm-project-for-sale/23443/page1/

Woody wrote: Forget about sensible old street cars, you need to apply your special skills to another ridiculous project: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/200x-classifieds/formula-ford-formula-grm-project-for-sale/23443/page1/

That is tempting, if for no other reason than I've often considered building a formula Vee with a subaru motor, this chassis would work for that too. But I learned the hard way Im a street car guy now. Too claustrophobic for a full face helmet which is keeping me off the track now.

SVreX wrote: I have a title for the YFH. My wife was no fan of Elky's either, until she saw this one! It's a member of the family, but taking up space. You'd look good in that 'Vair (It's a convertible). Do a bit of a restoration, then flip the rear end and drop a V-8 in the middle. Drive it now, race it later! And yes, my plan was to do Lemons (or BABE) with the diesel Miata. Still might, but it will be a while. I'd rather the space.

SVreX, How much are you asking for the YFH?

What you want is an old convertible Caddy with the 500cu inch V8. Something kinda like what boss hog had minus the horns and plus side pipes. or a Trans Am.

96DXCivic wrote: What you want is an old convertible Caddy with the 500cu inch V8. Something kinda like what boss hog had minus the horns and plus side pipes.

Yes, but finding those in my target price range is difficult, heck doesnt even have to be a convertible. I shoulda kept the 68 Caddy I bought for BABE last year then ditched in favor of the 69 Delta 88 Convertible (another car that would fit the bill right now I guess)

As I see the requirements...
Must be 25 year or older (1985)
Likely V8 and should have some grunt when asked.
Does not really need to corner.
Priced low so it can not really be a desirable/collectable make.

My thought go to "play the fringe."
Mustangs are cool but too desirable = Ford Torino for the fringe or build up a Ford Fairmont.
Camaro would be cool = Nova or Malibu 4 door.
AMX = Hornet/Gremlin

Little for the 80's had any real V8 power. I think that may push you back to 60's/70's.

jrw1621 wrote: As I see the requirements... Must be 25 year or older (1985) Likely V8 and should have some grunt when asked. Does not really need to corner. Priced low so it can not really be a desirable/collectable make. My thought go to "play the fringe." Mustangs are cool but too desirable = Ford Torino for the fringe or build up a Ford Fairmont. Camaro would be cool = Nova or Malibu 4 door. AMX = Hornet/Gremlin Little for the 80's had any real V8 power. I think that may push you back to 60's/70's.

Im a "fringe" kinda guy anyway. Just heard from my Studebaker lovin neighbor. He just bought another hawk off a local lady who is selling off a bunch of stuff. He mentioned she had a few AMCs for sale and my ears perked up. "Nothing good like a Javlin or AMX...just Gremlins and Pacers and junk" he said. Oooooh. Sadly she just sold the Gremlin but she also has a load of old VW parts so I need to investigate this further.

Also looked at a project 58 Bug today....which I might bastardize with a subie motor. ;)

Here is a suggestion slightly from left field, but because I know you want one and because it meets your needs as you state them, I'll remind you

Honda PC800. In the price range, fast, can be commuted with if needed, cheap to run and insure, and as a bonus, it doesn't take up much room

Aside from that, just get a camaro with a blown motor and head over to York and see if Mr. Nelson can perform his magic voodoo on a 350 for you.

Sonic wrote: Here is a suggestion slightly from left field, but because I know you want one and because it meets your needs as you state them, I'll remind you Honda PC800. In the price range, fast, can be commuted with if needed, cheap to run and insure, and as a bonus, it doesn't take up much room Aside from that, just get a camaro with a blown motor and head over to York and see if Mr. Nelson can perform his magic voodoo on a 350 for you.

Yeah, Im still hunting a PC800 and the right one at the right price will end the discussion (cause it will deplete my budget)

The big positive to all this (for you as a teammate of mine aspect) is the first thing that happens when the check clears for the Stude is a 10x16 shed is being delivered to my backyard and we can reclaim all the shop space!

Of course I may be ready to mount the fight with SWMBO and go for one of my "must haves".

I've even recruited one of her friends who shares my appreciation of the morbid to help me in this battle.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-SILVER-Superior-HEARSE-Antique-Vintage-Car-/270612082401?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3f01bcaee1#ht_7299wt_1165

Would she be more receptive to a Flower Car? They are approximately a million times cooler than a hearse.