Which classic car?

My '60 Elky is like a '60 Impala, only cooler.

You can seat 4, but it's 4 across!

I'd sell for less than your budget.

BTW- there are 2 completely different body styles for '59 Imps:

The Bubble Top:

and The Flat Top:

Which one do you like better?

I know the owner of this one:

It runs 9's, even though it tips the scales at over 5000 lbs!

Way out of your budget, but lots of fun to look at!

In reply to ValuePack:

I love those Hudsons. Amazing look to those cars, and the step-down design is great.

In reply to bastomatic:

Yep, they're at the top of my list to tote the family around in if I ever get a garage and disposable income.

Commodore 6 or 8? I can't decide, I want both!

the e-type was the right direction, but not the right car for the job description. Try this...

Will wrote: Falcons and even early Mustang coupes (not fastbacks) should fit your price point, and enjoy a ton of aftermarket support. Personally, I'd choose a 66 Fairlane hardtop. Already has a small block or FE, 4-speeds were an option, and a 5-speed swap is easy.

Always liked the fairlane. Very clean muscular lines. But even with this model I'd be looking for an earlier year. Like the 61. Btw can someone clear up the diff between the galaxies, starliner, fairlane for me please?!

JamesMcD wrote: I like the early Forward Look stuff:

'55 desoto!?!!!! No way that's in the price range!! It's pure sex!! If I can get one and it fits I'll get one!

In reply to SVreX:

Bubble top. I'll settle for any of the gm brand bubble tops.

ValuePack wrote:

Studebaker commander has been on the list even before this list!!!! These things used to clean house in the Carrera Panamerica!! Plus they look sexy!! I read some where that they weigh in close to 3000 lbs. is that true?

mguar wrote:

NOHOME wrote: the e-type was the right direction, but not the right car for the job description. Try this...

No manual versions of that imported to US same with the XJ-S Not all that hard to get a manual gearbox into one..

The final year of the XJ-S (1996) got a manual with the 6-pot. Was lucky enough to drive one -- it really transformed the car.

I'm going to go in a different direction here. Olds Cutlass. 2nd and 3rd generations have a big enough rear seat for real people. Many options on motors and suspension, Comfortable interiors, and a good aftermarket.

I like the cougar too but the rear seat is tight for real people.

Someone mentioned the Pontiac Tempest...what about GM's other 4 seater IRS 1960's wonder, the Corvair? Manny trannies were popular, good fuel economy, instant celebrity wherever you go!

thunderzy wrote:

JamesMcD wrote: I like the early Forward Look stuff:

'55 desoto!?!!!! No way that's in the price range!! It's pure sex!! If I can get one and it fits I'll get one!

I don't know anything about this place or if this ad if for real, but here's an ad for a nice looking one that is in the price range:

http://www.swopevintagecars.com/used/DeSoto/1955-DeSoto-Firedome-569cd88440463891005367af6c79da75.htm

I'm positive though, that if you can settle for a 4-door, you can find a nice one in the price range.

volvoclearinghouse wrote: Someone mentioned the Pontiac Tempest...what about GM's other 4 seater IRS 1960's wonder, the Corvair? Manny trannies were popular, good fuel economy, instant celebrity wherever you go!

Good call. Surprised I didn't have it on the list already. Rather unique vehicle and super light from what I understand. Also I've seen some ls swaps that open up all kinds of performance potential. But can the 2 door really hold 4 adults?

Also noticed no one has mentioned the Lincoln continental.

That desoto is gorgeous. I have to question the parts availability and aftermarket support for it though as its a rather rare brand. Please show me otherwise!!

thunderzy wrote:

ValuePack wrote: Studebaker Awesomeness in pictures

Studebaker commander has been on the list even before this list!!!! These things used to clean house in the Carrera Panamerica!! Plus they look sexy!! I read some where that they weigh in close to 3000 lbs. is that true?

According to:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1953-1954-studebaker-commander-regal-starlight-starliner.htm

and

http://www.oldride.com/library/1953_studebaker_commander.html

Yes, they do weigh just a hair over 3000 lbs. And the Champion Regal was supposed to weigh about 200lbs less.

ScottRA21 wrote:

thunderzy wrote:

ValuePack wrote: Studebaker Awesomeness in pictures

Studebaker commander has been on the list even before this list!!!! These things used to clean house in the Carrera Panamerica!! Plus they look sexy!! I read some where that they weigh in close to 3000 lbs. is that true?

According to: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/1953-1954-studebaker-commander-regal-starlight-starliner.htm and http://www.oldride.com/library/1953_studebaker_commander.html Yes, they do weigh just a hair over 3000 lbs. And the Champion Regal was supposed to weigh about 200lbs less.

Thats really impressive for that year and size of vehicle. And thanks for introducing me to Oldride.com. That site will come in handy.

When you start digging through old road test articles, you might find many of the cars we like to think of as "tanks" weigh less than one might expect.

Ian F wrote: When you start digging through old road test articles, you might find many of the cars we like to think of as "tanks" weigh less than one might expect.

You're right. I'm learning that as I look up vehicle specs.

I'm going to have to add the 69 Ford Torino and 66 Dodge charger to the list. This list is starting to get out of hand!!! Any opinions on either of these vehicles?

thunderzy wrote: '55 desoto!?!!!! No way that's in the price range!! It's pure sex!! If I can get one and it fits I'll get one!

Another one:

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/cto/3157334775.html

In reply to JamesMcD:

That is a STEAL

bastomatic wrote: In reply to JamesMcD: That is a STEAL

That's what I thought, if it's legit. If the OP bought that, he'd have another $6k to gussy it up!