Welcome to winter in the Northern Hemisphere, where car guys with unheated garages hide indoors to drink hot beverages and consider what to do when the weather warms up.
So I’m just sitting here today with my coffee, considering my short list. The short list of CC-worthy cars I’d like to own someday. If I suddenly came into a quantity of money (and time and storage space and spousal goodwill) what would I buy? Let’s limit the list to four vehicles today:
1969 Triumph Spitfire
Having had an unsuccessful TR4 project I’ve always wanted a rematch. The Spitfire doesn’t get as much respect as the “big” Triumphs ( a relative term), but I quite like the MK III model with the original rounded back end, and raised front bumper. The photo is a MK II but I love the dark green with Minilite wheels.
1939 Dodge Luxury Liner
My Dad’s first car was a 1938 Desoto, and one of my uncles had a 1939 Dodge project when I was a kid, so I’ve always been partial to 38-39 Mopar products. All of them have a wonderful art deco dashboard, and there were both teardrop and rectangular headlight designs used depending on the model.
1965 Studebaker
I was manufactured in Hamilton just like a Studebaker. Although we were born in different facilities it would be cool to have a car made in my home town. The sweet spot for me is a 65 Daytona, which combines the upright greenhouse and four headlight front end styling with a Chevrolet 283 V8.
1970 VW Westfalia Camper Van
The big dollar item on my list, is this a vehicle choice or a lifestyle choice? Every so often I ask my wife “Is it time to buy a VW camper van yet?” Apparently it isn’t, the kids are still in high school and college is coming so we still need to work. This image is from bodeswell.org documenting a family of three who have been on the road in their 1970 Westy for six years. Recommended reading.
This list represents what I’d prefer given any choice, which must make me some sort of abnormal auto enthusiast. I’d prefer a Spitfire to a Lamborghini, rather a Studebaker than a Hemi Cuda. I guess I like to hold reachable dreams, I could find a nice example of any of these vehicles for under $15k. That’s the list today, it’ll probably change tomorrow but that’s easy fun while it’s cold out.
What’s the top four cars on your short list today?
87 Grand National with t-tops
69 Hurst /Olds.
Hellcat Challenger. With a 6 speed, not an auto even though I know the auto is faster.
4th is a toss up between a 69-73 Town and Country, a 71-73 Custom Cruiser, or a 68-78 Colony Park
If it’s in addition to the cars I currently own, my list would have to be.
1970-76 Triumph TR6. My uncle had a red ’75 when I was a kid. I was about 6 r 7 years old (circa 1991) when he bought it. He bought it at a buy here-pay here lot and my grandmother and I took him to go pick it up. I rode back with him and despite that it was a dreary, cloudy day, he put the top down. I’d never been in a convertible before and I thought it was just so cool. I thought that the straight 6 with the quad exhausts sounded like one of the race cars in the first Herbie the Love Bug movie (I’m the VW nut remember). He only had it about 6 months before a woman in a full size van ran a stop sign and that was the end of the TR6. I still love those cars and it’s a definite on my bucket list of non-VWs.
1986 Audi 4000s. My aunt Stacy had one in the early-mid 90’s. It was gold with a 5-speed and like the TR6 I just thought it was super cool then. I still think that they are very nice looking cars. Like the TR6, it met it’s demise in an accident (my aunt Stacy has never been a good driver, she’s wrecked most of the cars she’s owned)
1986 Merkur XR4ti. I had a Matchbox car (prob a knock-off) when I was a kid. One of my friends speaks fondly of the one he had in the 90’s. I like weird stuff. What can I say?
1953 Kaiser Manhattan. Again with the oddball stuff. I just think it is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Plus it’s an orphan and it’s weird.
I had an ’87 Audi 4000 quattro for 15.5 years, and it was one of the best cars I’ve owned. I knew a Stacy in ’95, but she drove a Subaru and had no nephews AFAIK.
That was a legit Matchbox if it was a 2-door. There was a 4-door version also made by Majorette, as well as (apparently) Corgi and then reissued by Hot Wheels. Just learned of the Corgi/Hot Wheels versions today.
1961 Valuant hardtop. I’d convert it to a T-5 5 speed, and mount a tach from a ’57 T bird in the top of the instrument cluster. Maybe some headers , gas shocks, sway bars, and performance radials on Torq Thrust wheels. Sweet.
Other 3: Chrysler TC by Maserati 5 speed, Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale, Pegaso Z102 with “Thrill” coachwork by Touring of Le Mans.
Replace the clutch in a ’97 Mazda B 2300.
Doug, as soon as I saw this I knew a ’39 Dodge was waiting close by.
This is a terrific question. So here goes, in no particular order:
1) An old Mercedes. I’m not picky on what, I just want an old Mercedes at some point. The less equipment and complexity (that’s undoubtedly relative) the better.
2) A C-body Dodge, Plymouth, or Chrysler between 1965 and 1977. Yes, that’s three generations, but with little exception (the ’72 Polara being one) they are all good looking cars.
3) A 5.0 Mustang with a five-speed between 1987 and 1989; I’m not picky if it’s an LX or GT. The ’90 to ’93 are being excluded due to lack of a tilt steering wheel. In this scenario, being picky is acceptable!
4) An ’86 – ’87 Buick Grand National or GNX. In black – is there really any other color for these?
Ask me again later and I’ll give you a different answer.
1962 Cadillac Sedan de Ville
1969 Imperial sedan with the 440
1969 Dodge Challenge RT with the 440
1964 Ford Thunderbird
A circa 2001-2008 Sienna is what I am looking for. I miss having Minivan practicality ever since my Caravan’s transmission blew.
A 1989 Pontiac Safari, 1970-1972 Dodge Dart, and a 1986 Saab 900 5 Door Hatchback are some vehicles I pine for.
’64 Thunderbird
another ’70 Toyota Corona Mark II 2 door hardtop
’79 Chevy LUV 4×4
and the dream continues…
I tend to obsess on one car at a time. And having shot a great ’64 Corvair Monza about a week ago, bought by a young woman who was just searching Craigslist for an “old Chevy” (she had no idea a Corvair existed or what it was), I’m back to one that’s probably been at the top of my list longer than anything else:
’64 Monza coupe, 4 speed and a ’65-’66 140hp engine (I’m a bit leery of the turbos), Spyder dash, Minilite wheels, and a bit of work on the suspension and brakes. Body doesn’t have to be perfect.
Volvo Duett
BMW 2000Ti (neue klasse)
Alfa Romeo Giulia Super
Peugeot 404
Silver with black vinyl top ’67 Continental 2 door, like the one we had new back in the day.
Early ’70’s 911 Coupe. A ’73 Carrera RS Coupe is perfect.
’69 Corvair 2 door 140 HP stick coupe
’70 Monte Carlo. What the hell, make it a 454 4 speed.
Looks like the 360 HP 454 SS only came with THM automatic. That would be OK, but maybe a better balance and handling choice would be going for the 300 HP barrel 350 and 4 speed, the 330 HP 400 is tempting but as I recall those engines had some issues.
I gave up my dad’s 1985 Riviera to the junkyard when its engine grenaded at 165k, having no money to fix the engine as well as the body and interior issues it was developing. I’d gladly take another one now.
Doug, did your uncle drive his Luxury Liner project around the Toronto area when you were a kid? I remember seeing one around town quite a few times back then. I thought it was an intriguing anomoly. Even though I saw it for just seconds, the memory stuck with me.
No, it was in west Hamilton. I never saw it run, but I’ve seen a picture of it driving. As of 5 years ago his partner with the car still had it in his garage, unchanged from it’s 70’s condition. I should look him up and see if he’s still got it…
1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Talisman in red
1970’s Lincoln Continental Mk V or Town Car
Late 60’s or early 70’s Imperial
78 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
I happen to wear my “Opel 4-door sedan fuel injected inline-6” hat today. Counting down from 4 to 1:
4. Opel Senator B 3.0 i 24v
3. Opel Senator A 3.0 E
2. Opel Commodore B 2.8 GS/E
1. Opel Diplomat B 2.8 E
You mean I have to narrow it down to four? Well, at the moment…….
An MGB. Even one with the rubber baby buggy bumpers sitting high.
A Triumph TR 4, 5 (250), or 6.
A stock Porsche 914. I’d like a 356, 912, and 911, too, but heck if I could ever afford one.
Lastly, a 1962 Buick Skylark coupe. With the hipsters going for the Falcons and Valiants, I’m going to go with this – I’ve loved them right from when they were new. I had hoped my grandmother was going to buy one and then pass it along to me, but it didn’t happen.
– Jaguar XJS V-12 with manual
-C-2 Corvette with a 4-speed (Coupe with A/C, or drop top)
-60’s-70’s Mercedes Coupe with A/C, non-diesel
-BMW 850CSi
-The brains, skills and patience to keep this fleet rolling. Those are the top four (for now). The full list is for another time.
70 Buick Riviera
30s era Packard
Newer tractor 12 spd 4wd step through platform
Decent single axle dump truck
(to maintain 1/2 mi private gravel rd)
Of course if I’m fantasizing about a big $$ windfall
I could skip the truck and pave the road.
I know a lady up the road from you on 79 that would likely give you all the rock you wanted.
4. 1972 Porsche 911 Targa, any model
3. 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Coupe with Mod Top
2. 1971 Mercury Capri 2.0
1. Lancia Fulvia 1.3 Coupe S, preferably a 1970-1973 series 2 as seen below:
1) 1st gen Miata MX-5
2) 1968 – 71 Karmann Ghia
3) 1968 Nova 6 cyl
4) 1971 Dart slant 6
But…if something ’70s was to come along without rust in good running condition that I could afford…
ooo, I love these questions. Life is always evolving, tastes are always changing, memories/ideas of better CC opportunities are always resurfacing/originating.
Short list 2017:
1981 Chrysler New Yorker, R body in black (not really a fan of black, but for this car I’ll make an exception and make sure the AC is tip top and install a backup compressor for good measure), otherwise gun-metal gray will do. Will most likely have to upgrade to a Magnum motor and OD automatic. Although… hmm, the hood is long enough for perhaps a V10??… Naw too much. Just a 360.
1989 Chrysler M body Fifth Avenue with the blue/white nautica paint scheme that looks kind of cool, but maybe I’ll just stick with the dark gray colour like the R body above. Of course, I’d have to lose the lean burn spark controller and retrofit a Magnum and OD as well.
1993 Ford Mustang 5.0 LX in Navy Blue, 2 door notchback only, with the 10 hole factory alloys mounted with 225/60/15s(?) most famous on these vehicles as well as factory tinted rear windows. I believe the stock exhaust is dual with chrome tips– perfect! Stock everything and driven previously by an intelligent but secretly feisty librarian who knows power but drives like a laid back big rig driver. Yup. Otherwise I’ll pass.
1978 Lincoln Town Car in silver with a dark gray vinyl top with the opera window. It shall have a professional tint and those factory Ford turbine rims. 460 engine only. And a chauffeur.
1990 Chevrolet Caprice wagon, dark gray again (solid colour only, non woodgrain) and loaded with all the features and velour upholstery. Blackwall tires, with those 6 hole disc wheel covers commonly seen on police packages before the silver hubcap-steelie wheel era of the mid 90s and beyond. Actually, never mind the wheelcovers, just keep em off. Who needs them. Obviously having a car like this would not be a status seeking venture, so it wouldn’t matter if I had exposed wheels or not either. Anyway, I believe the 305 TBFI is standard on these vehicles, otherwise a nice 307 4bbl would be fine as I’m a slow driver anyway. Actually the 307 would be standard since it’s lower tech…. Either way, I’d be happy, just so long as there is overdrive.
I guess that’s it. As for the modern era, I can’t arouse any interest driving anything other than the car I’m driving now. I’ve driven all different kinds of Accords, Camry’s, Mercs and Civics. A car is a car is a car, I’ve found. Even the Mercedes models — one can only get so much satisfaction from a car till they explode, then realise it’s like any other appliance (imo). How anti-climactic. It’s like finding out Santa doesn’t exist. “It ain’t no big thaang..” anymore. Anyway, I’m quite happy with my square edged Fusion. In a way, it’s like driving an updated boxy car from the 80s.
Ah, the Triumph 1969 Spitfire, you said, “The Spitfire doesn’t get as much respect as the “big” Triumphs ( a relative term).” My father often told me, ” Son, sometimes you are in paradise, and you don’t know it till later.” The Spitfire may be that for you.
I bought a ’73 914 in 1979 that I still own, and heard and tolerated much disrespect for my choice over the years. A funny thing happened along the way to the present. Many wonderful memories happened in that 914, like having my kids in baby seats in the car on the way to an autocross, for example. I have had other cars over the years in addition to my 914, some Porsche 911’s, Boxsters, etc, as well as other sports cars of varying other brands, but that 914 is still my favorite car, like a pair of old, worn, but comfortable shoes or hiking boots that always give me a smile–it is worth millions of smiles, miles of smiles, to me as I continue to drive it, about ten thousand miles just this past year, 2016, alone. That 914 has had an emotional hold on me, having enchanted me for about 38 years.
Who cares what other people think, therefor dream about and enjoy every pleasure that a 1969 Spitfire can give you and share with your kids now, while they still want to. It’s likely an affordable, driveable dream for you and your family, and I assure you, that you are right about it preferable to an Italian exotic. You maybe be in paradise without knowing it.
– 1961 Ford F100 Unibody w/292, just to know what it’s like to have my spleen knocked loose while trying to keep the doors from popping open when I’m driving.
– 1962 Ford Galaxie 500 w/ some kind of V8 that isn’t the 406, a car this elegant doesn’t need a racing engine.
– 1961 Ford Falcon Futura w/170, for obvious reasons.
– To conclude my Ford session and piss off Paul, 1971 Ford LTD Coupe w/429.
– 1965 Dodge D100 w/225-3sp
– Any pre-boxy IH pickup truck
– 1971 Cadillac Coupe DeVille w/472
– A 1976 Chevette/1976 Civic combo, I’ve always wanted to see how theses two compare (or how much they don’t, I guess).
– Any GAZ Chaika, they all look the same.
– 1993 Mitsubishi GTO, IMO the better looking bodystyle.
– 1948 Buick Fastback Coupe w/320 Inline 8, one of the sexiest cars of the era.
– 1953 Packard Patrician, just because of Shafer’s story.
As you can tell my list is pretty heavily influenced by this site.
I see now that I goofed, sorry everyone!
Nice picks, to be sure!
But on the Chaika, you should perhaps specify whether you want the one that look like a ’55 Packard (Chaika 13) or the one that kinda look like a fuselage Mopar (Chaika 14).
You say short list, I say fantasy garage, but let’s not call the whole thing off! 🙂
Lancia Fulvia Zagato
NSU Ro80
Mercedes 190 (W201, not W120/121!)
Saab 96 two-stroke with oil injection
Good choices
Interesting picks. Speaking of fantasy garage, I don’t think this poster would have sold as well with either of our selections in the bays: Hmm there’s 5 bays there, we’ll take Paul’s Corvair to round it out.
Ohh man, I got that poster with the light up LED tail lamps back in the day as a birthday present. I also got “Rosie’s Diner” to go along with it:
I’m dreaming about just having a garage.
I’m making a short list of what I’d like to get for a daily driver summer car. I’m totally happy with my current vehicle, ’97 Mazda MPV Allsport 4WD. An excellent winter vehicle. My choices aren’t as glamorous, as they need to be daily (long commute) drivers. 1998-2001 Chrysler LHS, 1995-99 Buick Riviera, Infiniti J30 and 1988-90 cutlass supreme coupe are at the top of my list.
Besides the cars I already have, which I am perfectly happy with, my list would be:
’55 Chrysler Imperial any body style including the limo
’60 Edsel two door hardtop
’68 Mustang fastback, Highland Green with Torque Thrust wheels ala Bullitt
’64 Studebaker Daytona with the Avanti supercharged engine, 4 speed, black with black vinyl top and Torque Thrust wheels
I like a lot of different cars for different reasons.
1. 1965 Corvair Monza 4DR hardtop with the 140HP/4spd powertrain (I’ve owned coupes and convertibles, want a 4DR now)
2. 1950 DeSoto Custom 8-passenger sedan (What Checker was, before Checker)
3. 1965 Lincoln Continental convertible sedan (loved my first one, want another one)
4. 1965 Rambler Ambassador 990 convertible (same as #3)
If I could list more vehicles and had the space to store them, several 1957-’58 models would be on the list as well. Also, I’d love a mid-1960s Alvis touring sedan.
1967 Cadillac Eldorado
1977-78 Lincoln Continental Mark V
1965 Pontiac GTO
Mercedes Benz W140
Probably no surprises there.
Cruel question. Ever since the weather started to close in last November, I have been particularly obsessed with ragtops. Fortunately, I have a 1 car garage and I’m not booting my 3 year old Jetta out into the weather.
But if we are dreaming…..maybe this 58 that turns up at the Gilmore from time to time.
1. 1956 Packard Patrician
2.1963 Pontiac Star Chief
3.1965 Chrysler New Yorker
4.1964 Imperial
My short list? Right now, keeping my 2012 Impala in good running condition, for I retire in 9 weeks.
After that, with no more 100-mile commute? Who knows? Cars I desire are no longer affordable for me.
A 1964 Chevy like the one I owned when in the air force would be at the top of my list, but that’s become a mere dream. Same goes for a 1957 Chevy and/or a 1970-72 Chevelle
Dreams…
@zachman, happy retirement when you get there in 9 fridays!
1. 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner (I’ve always been fascinated by it’s retractable hardtop, my idol owned one, too)
2. 1984 Ferrari Mondial Quattrovalvole (You read that right, I want a Mondial)
3. 1987 Maserati Biturbo Zagato Convertible (Black in colour, fuel injection please!)
4. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (Gold in colour, 5-speed)
This is my list as of now, number three and four are flexible but I’ve always been consistent on number one and two.
Points if you can name the music video I took this screenshot from!
List valid until end of business, 31 Jan 2017…
1 – Citroen SM
2 – 1952 Bentley Continental
3 – 1960 Sunbeam Rapier convertible
4 – Peugeot 504 Cabriolet
5 – 1976 Rover 3500 SD1
One too many, but surely at least one will be in the workshop at any given time? Or perhaps I can lend one to you?
Happy to help, Rog. I’ll borrow the SM.
And when you want it back, I’ll borrow the Bentley.
LOL!
Saw the photo of the 65 Stude and thought it was a 67 Humber Sceptre. Which seemed like an unusual choice.
I’ll have a late model Healey 3000, a 56 Imperial, a Rover P5B coupe and a Pagoda 280SL.
Meanwhile, here’s a pic of last of the Humbers:
I’m getting ready to retire and I have two ideas.
1. To have a pro look over my Elan, and make any repairs and adjustments. I just want to see if they can really make a difference.
2. I’d like to get a little open wheel race car that needs restoration. Something to putter with in the garage.
Okay since I get 4
3. I’d like to get some heat in the garage.
4. More money to deal with the above 3
1968 or 69 Barracuda with a 340, but can’t decide between a fastback or the other one
1965 Chevrolet Malibu 2 door V8
1968 Plymouth Satellite hardtop V8
1970 Plymouth Sport Fury
1987-1991 Honda Prelude with 4 wheel steering
1985-1990 Mazda RX-7
1990-1994 Chevy Cavalier Z24
1987 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
Some of them. Center: the Holy Grail, a white Mercedes 300-SL convertible with Euro headlamps; Berkley T-60 3-wheeler, 1955 Nash Rambler wagon, ‘Dodge 1954 Indy Pacecar without graphics, Chrysler New Yorker wagon, Lancia Fulvia, Prewar NSU Topolino roadster, ’34 DeSoto 2 door sedan, ’57 Chysler 300-C, Panhard Dyna Junior, Nissan Silvia, Facel Vega.
Very happy with what I have, and no desire for any changes (except more time to enjoy them), but here are four cars that I always check out in Hemmings:
1. Jaguar E-Type (always on my list, probably unobtainable)
2. Triumph TR-6 (wanted one since high school)
3. Lotus (several models, but lately a newer Elise)
4. 1970-1974 Dodge Challenger (remember them well, always wanted one)
Bugatti Type 57 roadster, body by Gangloff
1946 or 1947 Packard 2-door sedan (or coupe, not sure what they were considered)
1963-1967 Jaguar XKE Series I roadster, in opalescent blue
1956 Packard Executive 2-door hardtop
My list is Mopar biased but has one other car I’ve always lusted.
1. 67-69 Barracuda fastback, Slant 6, I’ll take care of the rest.
2. 06-08 Dodge Magnum SRT-8
3. 98-99 Dodge Neon R/T, mock it all you want, I loved the Neon I had even though it wasn’t an R/T.
4. Porsche 928 S4 or GTS. I’ve always loved the 928 and other than cost, never understood why it wasn’t more popular.
Older cars that I’ve always wanted but will probably never own:
1. Capri II Ghia, 4-speed
2. Volvo 740 Turbo Wagon 5-speed
3. Mercedes 190E 2.6 5-speed
4. Alfa Romeo GTV6
5. Some old BMW. Would love a Bavaria but I hear they are all rust buckets.
6. Lincoln Mark III or 60s Continental or 1966 T-Bird
7. First gen Toyota MR2
This is a realistic and not a “dream” shortlist.
At the top of it is finishing up with some major improvements on my ’75 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Regency during the winter months. A colleague who incidentally is far handier than I mechanically located a parts car in the identical exterior/interior colors. Soon to become a part of my car are things like an uncracked dash pad, better condition steering wheel, unfaded temp control panel for the Tempmatic (R) climate control, and various trim pieces, such as an opera window frame and the oddly missing cigarette lighters. In addition, the time for new tires has come and so I’m taking the opportunity to pick up 1.5″ whitewalls (B’way Classics). The goal is to be roadtrip ready when the weather turns and I’m ready to escape NYC for the open road.
I have nowhere else to put anything right now, nor would I want to be spending money on another old car just this minute. But I would like to add a big wagon to the Armada within the next few years…’77-’80 box B or ’83-’91 Panther. I’ve done enough with the Olds 307/E4ME carb for this lifetime.
Also on the “realistic” list would be a ’75-’76 Cadillac or ’75-’77 Continental. But either are kind of overkill when you already have a humongous Oldsmobile.
I’d be more likely to move to the suburbs and buy a cheap daily driver than buy another sled at the moment.
My list is WAY longer than four, but I’ll try to keep it short. I’ll pick from the American Big 3, and my favorite classics from each, keeping it to one or two… ok, maybe 3 in the case of Ford ;o):
1) GM: 1968 Impala Convertible (light blue metallic with white top and white interior) OR a 1972 Buick Skylark, also similarly colored, although that blue was a little darker, like this one… https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-capsule/cc-capsule-at-the-diner-blue-cars-blue-collars-blue-plate-specials/ (and yes, I realize the Impala in that pic is a ’67).
2) Ford: Where does one begin? Ok, I’ll go chronologically: 1966 Thunderbird Convertible (colored similarly to the aforementioned Impala), or how about one of Paul’s favorites? (I am kidding of course ;o) – a 1972 Ford LTD Convertible, this time in “That ’70’s Brown” with a tan leather interior and tan top (red and white would be cool too like the car featured here… https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1971-ford-ltd-convertible-the-name-on-the-title-starts-with-the-letter-n/ , or perhaps my favorite brougham, a 1978 Bill Blass Edition Lincoln Mark V.
3) Mopar: The only 4-door on this list: a big old fuselage Polara, whichever year had those big trapazoidal taillights. I also have a soft spot for a 1972 Dodge Dart (who doesn’t?), or maybe a ’71 Hemi Cuda… ok, that’s just too obvious, so how about a ’69 Charger? Nice.
4) Ultimately, I’d just like to keep my 2007 Mustang looking and running nice until it becomes a Curbside Classic. That’s probably the practical choice. ;o)
Like Doug’s, my list will probably change tomorrow, but here’s 4 that can dream about. To spread things out, I chose one from 4 successive decades:
1) 1966 Toronado. I’ve dreamed about these cars since I was a kid, so no short list of mine would be complete without one. The swoopy styling and big size got me hooked decades ago, and I’m still a fan now.
2) Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9. The best of German (over)engineering, combined with a powerful V-8, wrapped in a classy and subtle body. My kind of car.
3) Citroen CX. I rode in one about 30 years ago, and the memories still linger with me. If I suddenly came into a quantity of money, I’d presumably be able to afford to get to know a good European-car mechanic, so I’d include a CX in my dream fleet.
4) Ford Contour SVT. Yes, an odd choice here for a dream fleet, but I owned one for 10 years and loved it. It had the perfect combination of qualities for me, and even in my (hypothetical) newfound wealth, I’d still need a daily driver, right? The Contour would be it… well, expect that the kids would be awfully squished in the back seat. Good thing I’d have the 450SEL, too.
Just four, eh? That’s a tough choice.
– Tatra T87 (obviously), preferably an early one. If unavailable, a T600 might do.
– 1965-67 Panhard 24 BT
– Any Lancia made between 1940 and 1970 (except the Fulvia berlina)
– Any US independent made between 1940 and 1955, bar a few exceptions such as the Hudson Jet, Crosleys, Henry J or the “pregnant” Packards. High on the list within that category: Graham Hollywood, ’49-’53 Hudson Hornet, ’51-’54 Packard, ’53-’54 Studebaker coupe, ’41-’48 Nash, Tucker, Willys Americar, ’47-’49 Frazer, ’51-’52 Kaiser.
1963 Ferrari 250GT Berlinetta Lusso
1971 Buick Estate Wagon
Maserati A6G-2000 or A6G/54 Zagato coupe with simple grille and no bumpers
Fiat 128 Wagon in Rally kit
Please.
Hmmmm – rich enough to have any four, but only four? Darn. But here are mine:
A 1962 Imperial in black with red interior
A Citroen DS convertible in black with red interior
A 65 Superstock Plymouth Belvedere, black over red
A 2009 Pontiac Solstice Coupe in silver over red with the Mallet SBC V-8 conversion and T5 Manual
1-67 meteor 4 door sedan, Rideau or maybe a Rideau 500, 289, dog dish hub caps
2- 64 Falcon sport, 260
3- 66-77 bronco
4- 70 Charger, 383 4 psd
5- 49 Ford truck, just sounds cool, flathead 8
Of course my 68 mustang stays, as well as the 71 F-100
Four is hard. And your list isn’t bad. This week:
1. A postwar Studebaker. I’ll leave the 65-66 Hamilton cars for you and will restrict my choice to one from South Bend. Leading at the moment is a 57 President Classic or 57 Packard wagon.
2. A Fluid Drive Mopar, preferably a Chrysler or DeSoto.
3. A 61-69 Lincoln Continental. I have owned a 63 Cadillac and a 64 Imperial and would like to complete the set.
4. I have a lot of postwar Mopar experience, with 3 big holes: a 60-64 big model, a 66-70 B body and a fuselage. Not picky, I would take any of the 3.
took till nearly the end of the list to see anyone who also wanted my #1- citroen DS. didnt see anyone who wanted my #2 Triumph tr-3(a) after that it gets a bit murky. I currently only have a 2 car garage, so the “obvious” choice for my #3 is messerschmitt cr200. #4. well, I might want to see why my dad said 1941 ford was his favorite car- with the columbia rear end. the others on the list have history for me as well. rode NY to CA in our neighbors tr-3 when I was 10. dad needed a ride to SF. they didn’t want to split family driving into 2 cars over that distance. visiting family in finland, I saw bubblecars on the road there in the 60s, including one that stopped to visit the neighbors. I got up close and was captivated. a family in town here in the fingerlakes had a DS. we followed it around while driving on errands more than a few times. what a beautiful thing.
In order:
1. ’69-’71 Mercedes Benz 300SEL 6.3
2. ’70-’71 Porsche 914-6
3. ’70 Pontiac Trans Am (RA IV, 4-spd)
4. ’69-’70 Corvette LT1 coupe
5. ’69-’70 Shelby GT500 fastback (Drag Pack car w/ 428 SCJ, 4-spd)
OK, just been trolling bringatrailer. and am reminded by a post there. I’ll swap out my dads fave 41 ford for another car I have a history with. 1st gen toyota celica 73or 74. in notchback body. with the first 5sp. i ever drove. thankyouverymuch.
On my to-do list for some time has been:
1) Sell my Miata and buy a Triumph TR-8. Need one with tartan seats and some weird color/colour not found in nature. I’ve owned and driven multiple Triumphs over the years, but never a TR-8. I’ve thought this would be the perfect vehicle for driving on nice, sunny days.
2) Find a “Vomit Green” two-door early 1975 VW Rabbit just like the one that was my first car. I’d want it to be totally stock as far as the interior and exterior go, but with an excessively ridiculous resto-mod engine/transmission/suspension underneath. Driven only for canyon-carving or maybe an autocross or two.
3) Since the criteria assumes sufficient funds, shop for a BRG Series 2 E-Type. The car I would buy would be as stock as possible, fully restored. I’d probably drive it only once, and then drain all fluids and park in my living room to look at, since I think it is the best-looking car ever made.
4) Wait for my Mom to pass away and inherit her silver 1982 Mercedes-Benz 300 Turbo Diesel. I’d daily driver it, just like she has done since it was new, and think about her and how we picked up her first Mercedes in 1967 at the factory. She’s a German girl who survived the Great Depression and Hitler. I can’t think of a better way to honor her memory.
W123 Mercedes Diesel – grey market 300D manual trans
Corvair convertible – 4speed, any year or engine
63-67 Corvette coupe – 327, 4speed
Big Mopar cruiser, maybe ex-cop car Polara.
1996 MB E320 convertible
1968 VW Type 3 fastback
1990 Saab 9000
1980 Volvo Bertone coupe
2007 Lexus LX470
Lancia Stratos.
Fiat 125S (my first car) With aftermarket A/C
’67 Stingray roadster. With a 5 speed upgrade.
’58 Eldorado.
What, no Toyotas? An admittedly quick scan failed to find any listed.
“What, no Toyotas?”
Ha ha! What did you expect?
No one wants a new one, either, except for the reliability index.
I’m not the biggest Toyota fan but did put the first gen MR2 as my #7 choice (so not really on my list of four). Toyota was an awesome company in the 1980s. In case you haven’t seen it, the new Supra looks pretty interesting.
Alright then, something like this would do just fine.
Yeah I was just about to say that. FJ40 or FJ55 is on my long list, didn’t make the short list this week.
I wouldn’t mind an 80s vintage rear drive Corolla SR5 hatchback. I would have to hop it up of course.
’17 Volvo S90 T6 AWD Inscription
’06 SEAT Ibiza FR 1.9 TDi 130
’04 Aston DB9 Coupe
’17 BMW 750Li
’01 Volvo C70 T5
’00 Lexus IS 200
’15 BMW 335d
That’s all at this moment
’17 Volvo S90 T6 AWD Inscription
’06 SEAT Ibiza FR 1.9 TDi 130
’04 Aston DB9 Coupe
’17 BMW 750Li
’01 Volvo C70 T5
’00 Lexus IS 200
’15 BMW 335d
’11 SAAB 9-5 Aero Turbo^6 XWD
That’s all at this moment
My family auto history sadly ranges from unexciting to questionable, so I don’t have any iconic dad cars or grandpa cars to look up to unless I want to make Wartburgs and Trabants my life goal. I do however appreciate eccentric engineering and automotive pop culture, which opens the doors to some completely different objects of fascination and makes my short list look something like this:
– 1961/’62 Pontiac Tempest wagon. Absolutely fantastic combination of IRS (before the Corvette!), transaxle (before the Corvette!) and aluminium V8 block (before the Corvette!) or sliced-in-half-Pontiac-V8 straight four. Also the Buick brother featured America’s first volume production V6, the Olds brother offered the world’s first turbo engine and the rare Tempest Super Dutys from ’63 dominated motorsports. Plenty of opportunities to fit more modern Buick V6 blocks, Rover V8 blocks or Pontiac V8 blocks as a nod to the originals.
– Mk1 Mini Cooper S Monte Carlo replica. Who doesn’t like a Mini?
– Lancia Lambda Albany Airway, the absolute unicorn and unattainable dream in this line-up.
– Citroen Traction Avant because of its innovative unibody and FWD, preferably with an A.E.A.T. cabrio coach roof and one of those post-war front end kits for some personalization (in this snapshot it’s a Splendilux, but there were plenty others like Tonneline, Joseph or Marchand).
Today’s list (subject to future whims, of course):
1959 Sunbeam Alpine roadster – Such simple, clean lines with the sides cleanly sweep into the wings
1961 Rover T4 – Even more of a sneak preview than Ford’s Probe III prototype and the reason why they could make a V8 fit under the bonnet
1970 Vauxhall VX4/90 – Bold ‘coke bottle’ styling, crisp lines with neat, stylish touches (love the stone guards on the rear arches)
1974 Ford Capri II – Surprisingly versatile hatchback coupe (if there is such a thing!), the clever way the rectangular headlights cut into the bonnet evoking the 1969 original
I had space, I’d get 1965 Continental 4 door (not a convertible, too complex), ’65 Cadillac sedan of some sort and a ’65 Imperial sedan.
The 4th would be a 75-79 Cadillac Seville Elegante, silver and black two tone with real wire wheels.
Of course, reality being what it is, I’ll do none of the sort…reality has a way of ruining fantasies and things like this are best left to fantasy.
Trifecta of American luxury style, 1965 Cadillac, Continental and Imperial. Great taste!
No 1 – 1975 Continental Mark IV – the one I have –
my wish is to have it restored to mint condition for keeps.
No 2 – 1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible in metallic blue with blue leather interior.
we were very close to buying one years ago.
No 3 – 1966 Lincoln Continental Lehmann-Peterson limousine in black.
For when we get older or otherwise do not want to take the drivers seat.
We had a private Cadillac limousine for a number of years and enjoyed it very much.
No 4 – 1973 Cadillac deVille or Fleetwood. Drove a triple white Coupe déVille for 9 years.
It was a very good car indeed. Absolutely love the exterior and interior design, not to mention the ride.
My first car was a 1973 Cadillac Coupe de Ville…It was dark brown metallic with tan vinyl top, and sandalwood leather interior.
I bought it for $190(This was back in 1987), and tuned the 472V8, myself. It ran like an angry gazelle.
My mom made me give it away, because I had too many cars, at the time…A 76 Coupe de Ville, and a 75 Chevy Monza Towne Coupe V8.
I kick myself, because mint original and restored 73 Coupe de Villes are fetching $25,000 sometimes. 🙁
I was 25 in 1986 when I bought mine. I absolutely loved it and was not planning selling it at all, untill I had some investments going the wrong way for a while.
Yes, they have become quite expensive in the US now.
Here the prices are difficult to predict. It was $24K back in 1986.
Now it is anything from the same to less.
Oh I forgot an important one on my top list of four-ish…
56 Ford truck. 292, 3 on the tree. Red patina.
The list, with a few alternate choices:
1)ISO Grifo
2)Toyota 2000GT
3) Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R
4) Lamborghini Countach
* Plymouth Superbird
** Ferrari F40
My “1/31/17” list, without having looked at any of the other comments to avoid idea pollution:
-Jaguar XJC 4.2
-BMW M635CSi (the Euro versions had better bumpers and more power)
-1968 Chrysler 300 Convertible
-Volvo 850R wagon
The Gang of Four will probably be different tomorrow, but those sprang to mind…
A photo of the current #1:
This is a REAL list, not a list of cars I can’t afford or don’t dare spend that much money on. Tomorrow I will probably change my mind, but right now this moment…
1. 1990 Mazda Miata with fastback conversion kit and performance upgrades
2. 1970 Datsun 240Z with a hotrodded 1978 280Z motor
3. 1989-1994 Nissan 240SX fastback with upgrades
and the last one is probably unobtainable but…
4. 1970ish Lotus Elan shapecraft fastback
1) Renault Dauphine
2) Fiat 850 Spider
3) 61-65 Continental Convertible
4) 62 Imperial convertible
Both ends of the spectrum, huge and powerful or small and underpowered.