Cool classic muscle car 3500 or less

Ok you guys, throwing another in the mix - what do you think of a 72 lemans sport coupe? Has engine replaced with 400 and TH400.

As someone who did the same thing almost exactly a year ago I'd say the car type isn't that much of a deal breaker. The biggest concern should be the condition. Decide if you want a smaller or bigger car then search in your price range for the cleanest car you can find with the best kept records.

Yup! I still reference that thread. Tons of great information.

In reply to Aimcat:

Another fine choice.

Aimcat wrote: Ok you guys, throwing another in the mix - what do you think of a 72 lemans sport coupe? Has engine replaced with 400 and TH400.

Pretty much the low buck cousin of the GTO. If it's not rusty, a great choice. It would probably go over better if that's a Pontiac 400 and not a Chevy 400.

The Lemans is a Pontiac 400, originally it had a 350. It needs some rust issues addressed around doors, and fender wells in back. Then a paint job pretty bad. Interior needs dash, back pad, and headliner, it runs, but does need brakes fixed they don't stop like they should. This car could be bought at 3500. The same guy also has a Olds Tornado in almost excellent body condition, but interior is a mess. It runs well, needs tires and few things like that. What is the reception on these....?

I say no to both. In your price range you're just going to find basket cases like those two. For your price range you gotta look outside the box. Four door variations of popular cars or cars that are generally looked over.

Really intrigued by the Toranado. Are these rare?

Late to the show, but have always had a soft spot for the late 60s Buick Riveras.

Toronado is front wheel drive.

In reply to Coldsnap:

I remember that muscle car search thread of yours. What did you end up getting?

It being a fwd is that bad?

fasted58 wrote: In reply to Coldsnap: I remember that muscle car search thread of yours. What did you end up getting?

A clean early 70s four door nova. Front end is my picture :) Paid $1,600. 350 engine.

In reply to Aimcat:

Muscle cars are rear wheel drive.

Coldsnap wrote:

fasted58 wrote: In reply to Coldsnap: I remember that muscle car search thread of yours. What did you end up getting?

A clean early 70s four door nova. Front end is my picture :) Paid $1,600. 350 engine.

Cool, sorry I didn't follow up on it. Thnx.

Coldsnap wrote:

fasted58 wrote: In reply to Coldsnap: I remember that muscle car search thread of yours. What did you end up getting?

A clean early 70s four door nova. Front end is my picture :) Paid $1,600. 350 engine.

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So the toranado looks sporty and muscle car like even though fwd? What is it considered? Is a galaxie rwd?

Aimcat wrote: So the toranado looks sporty and muscle car like even though fwd? What is it considered? Is a galaxie rwd?

It was a "personal luxury" car like a T-bird back then. Muscle car torque with the 455 and classic looks but it really depends on what you consider a "Muscle Car". Only the Toro and Eldo were FWD in the 60s.

Galaxie is RWD. The Toronado was considered a personal luxury coupe. Big floaty comfortable highway cruiser. I like them but they are no muscle car. I hate four door cars. How much work are you guy's willing to put into this? For that budget your going to have to find a hell of a deal or settle for a little bit rougher car to start with. 5k would put you in a much better car to start with.

The Toronado needs an interior? Good luck with that. If they reproduce anything, I'll be surprised. Rare car when new, even less popular now. Not a bad car, but I don't think it's really what you're looking for.

I think your right - PASS on the TORO.

I know a Pinto might seem kinda oddball but this one looks in good shape, well under budget and comes with a 289 v8. Its a manual though: http://swva.craigslist.org/cto/4236926358.html

62 Buick Special: http://swva.craigslist.org/cto/4260555072.html

Not sure how far this is from you, asking price and its not a v8 but it looks in good shape. 63 Valiant: http://tricities.craigslist.org/cto/4229804020.html

73 Nova: http://tricities.craigslist.org/cto/4203176431.html

78 Nova: http://tricities.craigslist.org/cto/4213674502.html

Aimcat wrote: Ok you guys, throwing another in the mix - what do you think of a 72 lemans sport coupe? Has engine replaced with 400 and TH400.

I had a convertible, one of 35 built with the 455 HO engine and it had heavy duty suspension. I actually took it around my local track on a practice night and the handling wasn't as atrocious as I'd thought they'd be, though far from ideal, but the brakes were crap - faded and no feel at all. I was faster than the Ferrari Daytona that came out (also a street car)but I think that was more a matter of relative risk levels the drivers were willing to take than anything inherent in the mechanicals. Basically all these old cars sucked at handling and stopping, but excelled at acceleration in a straight line.

If that is what you are after, the Pontiac wouldn't be bad for the money, even though many modern econoboxes would out accelerate it as well as out handle it.

I would think a 1975-81 camaro or firebird could be found for your budget in decent shape.

wspohn wrote:

Aimcat wrote: Ok you guys, throwing another in the mix - what do you think of a 72 lemans sport coupe? Has engine replaced with 400 and TH400.

Basically all these old cars sucked at handling and stopping, but excelled at acceleration in a straight line. If that is what you are after, the Pontiac wouldn't be bad for the money, even though many modern econoboxes would out accelerate it as well as out handle it.

Actually many modern econoboxes would out accelerate as well as out handle almost any car discussed in this thread. If you like the noise and look of a muscle car buy one. Just don't get sucked into stop light races by kids in rice burners!