This QOTD was suggested by Robert Swartz, and it’s a good one (even if it’s a bit late in the day). Of course, these kind of questions are hard to answer, at least for me, because there are so many possible candidates. I’ll throw out this 1953 Cadillac Ghia Coupe, back from the time when one could readily order up a custom car from a coach builder on one’s chassis of choice. That’s what Prince Aly Khan did, as a present for his wife, the equally beautiful actress Rita Hayworth. Not that it kept their short marriage going any longer.
So maybe I should limit myself (or you) to genuine production cars? Even that won’t make it really easy.
Seeing Aaron’s ’53 Buick again today reminded me how much I love the big GM cars from this era. I’m torn between the straight-eight Dynaflow Buick and the V8 Hydramatic Cadillac, but if it has to be, I’ll give the nod to the Caddy.
I’ve had a thing for Porsche 356s since my very earliest days, and 1953 was a good year. The Super 1500 was claimed to have a top speed of 109 mph; not bad for 70 hp, eh?
My traditionalist side might feel better served by a Bentley R-Type Continental.
And I forgot about the Studebaker Starlight Coupe. And….Decisions; decisions. While I mull it over some more, how about you? Maybe you’re more decisive?
1962 Citroen DS, Peugeot 404, Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Probably this
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
I am from 1982 so these will be my choices –
1) Volvo 264 GLE, 2) DeLorean, 3) Mercedes W123 and W126 300D/300SD
I’m about to sell my ’82 300SD…blue, 100k miles, fair condition. Located in New Orleans. Just saying…
Ugh. 1977. It really isn’t fair, but if I had to choose there would be very little choice.
Firebird Formula…
Just like Jim Rockford’s ’77 Firebird.
Yep! I love Rockford! Unfortunately, that was one of the few ’77 cars I’d in any way desire to own.
oh, I don’t know… ’77 wasn’t so bad. My pick is the Aston Martin V8 Vantage
I was born in 1981 and that Aston Martin would make my hypothetical list. Make mine a Volante, though.
1977 Here too. I just think you have to be creative and see it as a starting point for possible modifications in some cases or getting the best that you could for your year. Personally I’m torn but here’s my fairly short list…
Downsized B-body GM
Impala sedan with 350 V8 and HD suspension.
Oldsmobile 98 Coupe with 403 V8 and every option box checked
Corvette with the L-82 engine and 4 speed manual
Lincoln Continental Town Car to get one of the last giants with the 460 and last year for the distinctive dash.
Chrysler Newport hardtop with the 440 and full instrumentation.
Any of those would be fun in their own way.
1976 Bugatti Veyron Supersports.
Easy Peasy! 1959 Chrysler 300E.
When i bought my first car in 1973, it was as old as I was .
A 17 year old 1956 Plymouth Savoy.
Today, if I could pick any vehicle from 1956, though I certainly wouldn’t turn down a Savoy , I would head up the Chryco ladder and choose a 1956 Imperial.
Interesting. I did the same thing, only it was a 16 year old ’56 Fairlane I bought in 1972.
Today I wold take another Fairlane in a heartbeat. I much prefer the Ford’s or Chrysler products over the GM models in this era, so any of them would do. If I was to really dream big, a Continental Mark II would be my choice.
This is a truly terrible question for some of us. Really, what cars sold in the U.S. in 1972 were that attractive? So many were looking confused, bloated, or both.
While the answer could change tomorrow, I’m saying Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. It has such a timeless look.
What? I was waiting for that 72 Ford LTD. 🙂
The ’71 is much better as it simply has a cleaner appearance. On the ’72 I never liked the tail lights plus that metal piece beneath them was bent on nearly every one I ever saw.
In the movie “Freebie and the Bean” James Caan and Alan Arkin, crash a 72 Ford Galaxie into a 3rd floor apartment building. They smashed up about 4 or five of those Fords in that movie!! Classic!! Released Christmas 1974. A great funny movie to watch!!
I thought I was the only person who remembers this show fondly…..
As usual , the book was a bit better but James Caan was great .
Alan Arkin too , one of those heavyweights back then .
-Nate
I’ll take ’72 over ’77 any day! Cudas, Challengers, Z28s, Mach 1s, Miuras, Duster 340s, Stage 1 GS Buicks, Trans Ams, Road Runners, Chargers…
Sure, there have been better years, but ’72 is a cornucopia compared to ’77! 🙂
Well, you do have a good point. Right now my brain is foggy with research of cars from the following decade….
For 1977, there are some good ones, but for that finite period my tastes run toward the biggies such as the Lincoln Mark V, Chrysler Cordoba, Dodge Monaco…
My dad would be in tough luck with this question – he was born in 1943!
Well Jason, so was I. You needed to take your vehicles in uniforms. Those with civilian paint were scarce. I googled 1953 studebaker and wound up with this instead. A 1943 Gaz 63. Decided to adopt it because it matched the studebaker I had in my mind.
You can submit this for you dad too if he approves.
What, no first year B bodies?
Thought about it, but no. My grandparents had one and it was a very ripe lemon.
+1 on ’72 vs ’77!
When I was 14 or 15, I had the pleasure of rode in a Lamboghini Miura for a few minutes; probably less than two miles although at the time it felt like forever. I have been a car enthusiast ever since.
This.
For me, ’61 Impala bubble top coupe. Not sure of the engine options that were available, so either a 348 or 409 would be cool.
I might have trouble deciding on red vs. blue.
Would I be out of my mind for going with a Turboglide? 😉
Turboglide? A bad choice and you would have to change your screen name to PRNDGr.
I have read, that by 1961, the Turboglide had been much improved over the earlier version. However, to be on the safe side, I’d order Powerglide…
Was going for the rarity factor.
Wouldn’t turn down a nice small block with a PG! 🙂
I’ll take a 1955 Chrysler 300, please.
Thank you, Santa. I’ve been reasonably good. 🙂
Easy choice… 1965 Riviera
It wouldn’t let me do the short version, so it’ll be the long one.
’77 Cadillac Seville.
If that’s not available, a ’77 Toronado XS.
I was born in 1977 but I can’t find a car from that year that I’d really want! OK, maybe a 1978 Buick LeSabre turbo (these were available in 1977 after all!).
Either a 1966 Eldorado, or a 1966 Imperial Crown Convertible.
73 Duster 340 in green of course
this, with a 4 speed
Probably the most 70’s paint scheme….EVER. Well played, sir. Well played indeed.
Depends on calendar year vs model year. By calendar year, I’d want a ’49 Chrysler club coupe with Presto-matic. Since I was born very late in ’49, the ’50 models were available at that time. By that standard, a Rambler for sure.
Hmm, had never considered that because I don’t have too many favourites from 1967.
Gotta go with a Jaguar Etype FHC. 67 was the last year for glass covered headlights.
Split window Vette or 911
Well, the Chevy Bel Aire is somewhat ubiquitous, and besides, I’ve already owned one.
My choice? 1957 Tatra 603!
1949 was very good year for Cadillac and my parents so I’ll go with a Cadillac Coupe de Ville, or a fastback coupe. Although Chrysler’s Town & Country woodies are very appealing too.
1964 Pontiac Bonneville or Galaxie 500.
Oh, geez… I guess the best things in ’86 were probably spawned from the GM G-Body… In two door form, specifically. Chrysler was knee-deep in K-Cars and oil soaked Mitsubishi V6s, Ford had the Taurus and Aero ‘Bird, and the GM B-Body was a formal-roofed mess. Not to mention the hideously shrunken K, H, and E-Bodies. I wouldn`t say no to a handful of Japanese rear-drive sedans, the only one of which we got here was the Cressida. Fun fact: March 1986 was the birth month for both myself and the Acura division. The Legend had a wheezy 2.5 V6 and traditionally crunchy Hondamatic. Meh.
The exotics available then were eclipsed in performance by midsize sedans a decade later.
Dark times. At least the ’70s were unabashedly baroque. The ’80s were… boxy.
The Japanese performance renaissance started a couple of years later. Thank goodness.
Well at least in the late 1980s one could buy a Saab 900. Other than that there is not much to choose from other than maybe a Chevy C/K. Part of me is tempted by an International 3400 or a Ward bodied International 3800
To look at: a 1954 Healey 100-4. To actually get me somewhere: a 300SL Gullwing. Or a Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop would work in a pinch.
Wow, a lot of young punks hangin’ around this site.
Hey, 1954 was a good year to be born. Yes, the Healy,300SL and any Hudson Hornet would do fine. That was also the first year of the Alfa Giuletta, and there were some nice Jaguars of that vintage.
Then there’s this little Panhard Dyna Junior fella, with its goofy grin:
Were there any 1945 model cars? I though model years were stopped for WWII and they only got going again for the 1946 models. If there any 1945s I would like a basic Ford.
Bad luck, not much to choose from in my birth year. There weren’t many, if any at all, civilian cars built during 1945 because of the war and all. Kind of limits a shopping list to a military Jeep or some kind of Dodge Power Wagon. I’ve heard that some ’42 American cars, were still in inventory when the war ended and they were tarted up with new grills for the ’46 model year. Might be a few with 1945 on a builder’s plate and there probably were a few trucks released for essential civilian work. Volkswagen quit production by ’44 but apparently a few were put together in late ’45 after the plant was under Allied control. I’ll take the 1945 Bug, please.
1984 Impala 9C1. I was born late in 83.
A buddy at work had a ’56 Beetle Sunroof with a healthy 1835cc engine that I wish was mine. But a nice ’56 Chevy 2 door hardtop or convertible would do just as well.
Easy – the 1963 Cadillac Sedan de Ville or Coupe de Ville.
1996 Hummer H1. Or a GM EV1.
Being the oldest of you guys so far, I’ll just take a 1939 Dodge, a convertable please.
There were no Dodge convertibles in 1939. Plymouth was the only Chrysler nameplate with convertibles in 1939 — both conertible coupe and convertible sedan.
88 Turbo Coupe
Or on the less obtainable end of the spectrum a Ferrari Testarossa
For the same year, I’d happily take a Peugeot 505 (ideally a turbo wagon, but I’m flexible), or in a more sporting vein, a Porsche 944S or a Ferrari 412 for grand touring.
Easy. 1979 Olds Toronado. I still love the really elegant coffin nose look of them!
Any 1956 Packard or Clipper–The last real Packards. With Ultramatic, of course. Heck, we’re dreaming here–alright, a Caribbean Convertible! On the other end of the spectrum, a Metropolitan–Hudson edition!
I had a ’56 for a while. The suspension was awesome! The brakes were scary and the styling was a little generic, but it was a fun car. Turquoise and white.
Excellent taste,I really like the last real Packards despite the problems
1984 Grand National.
1961 Lincoln Continental!!
Being slightly limited to my choice of truly amazing cars in 1993 (though there are plenty of good ones), I’ll have to go with a Fleetwood. The last REAL Cadillac, according to some people.
I tell ya, it was actually a little difficult to find a good picture of one that hadn’t been “donked” out.
By far, most of my favourite cars predate my age. I was born in 1975. I’ve thought of a few possibilities:
Lamborghini Countach LP400
Dodge Ramcharger
Chrysler New Yorker 4-door hardtop
Chevy Monte Carlo
For 1983, I really like the looks of the Fleetwood Brougham and the Eldorado Biarritz, but I think the only engine option at the time was the HT4100 and one of those similarly craptacular diesels. Bummer.
Actually, what I would have gone with was one of the four door Lincoln Mark VIs. I think those were actually slicker than the Caddies. So, my choice for ’83 would have been the Mk. VI.
’61 Continental Convertible
1987
1995 was perhaps not the greatest year, but I think I’d go with a Buick Roadmaster Estate, though I’d probably graft the sedan front clip on.
This is a rare instance when it pays to be older! My birth year of 1950 was a good one for choices. Some are pretty, some are funky, some are legendary. Here are the ones that came to mind for me.
Nash Rambler convertible: Love the flying buttress window frames!
Studebaker pickup: So cohesive a design. unusual fender curves.
Jowett Jupiter: Unbelievably funky, with its flat engine and bulldog looks.
Chrysler Cross Country: The epitome of a wood bodied car
Crosley Hot Shot: Fun per mile quotient out of this world
Dodge Wayfarer Roadster: basic open air transportation
Lancia Appia: Lovely, and wonderful with its saloon doors
Veritas BMW: Get one before a G.I. messed it up! Love the side scoop
Hudson coupe: Huge on the inside. Lots of presence
Jag xk 120: Honorable mention
I can’t say why, but right now, I think the one I would go with would be the Jowett. They are so off-center, but I hear they are good handlers, and they look like nothing else on the road.
For 1975, I have to name several: Chrysler Cordoba, AMC Matador Cassini, and even though it was introduced that February as a 1976 model, the Ford Capri II Ghia.
Would you get the Corinthian Leather?
Natch, Tom.
(Whoops, forgot one: ’75 Chevy Laguna S-3 with swivel buckets.)
1958 VW Beetle
hmmm….problem is, my favorites from the 50s are all clustered around 55-56. The outside of the Studie Starliner looks nice, but I want stuff to actually work and the flexible frame and horrid ergonomics of the 53 make that one hard to love.
Mopars didn’t have it going yet.
Nothing at GM really interesting.
Kaiser wasn’t bad, until you try to get some power from the wheezy Continental under the hood. Hudson: claustrophobic inside. Nash….next please. Packard, umm…nope, just doesn’t work until the 55 refresh.
ah….53 you say? Lincoln Capri, tho I’m still not crazy about the instrument panel
1962’s not a bad year. A split window ‘vette, or a T-bird would have to be girst and second choice (presuming it’s a fun car, not a daily driver. See Jim’ Subaru for a good reason why!). A Ranchero would work too, or a Corvair wagon. And a rope-drive Tempest wagon would do in a pinch.
One of these would do.
From 1953, I would very much like a Cadillac Fleetwood, with the full complement of extras, including the air conditioning. Why the Fleetwood? Well, my folks had a 1947 Fleetwood, one of the roomiest cars available at the time, short of full-blown limousine. Eventually they retired it and replaced it with a 1952 Cadillac 62, still roomy but not quite in the same league as the Sixty Special. And in 1953, Cadillacs got 12-volt electrical systems, a big step in modernizing the cars. The Hydra-Matic had more than proved itself by then, as had Cadillac’s OHV V-8.
I know you are loving the picture of the ’53 Fleetwood complete with air conditioning that is shown at the beginning of this write-up. The outside, fender mounted air scoops and discharge tubes (barely seen in the back window) give away the presence of this option.
Mr. Bill
While I sort of liked the 1980 Seville when I first saw it, the styling did seem a bit off. This car (https://www.flickr.com/photos/38011924@N06/8527609051/in/photolist-dZye5g-LvbZy-dZqBVw-9s8ADf-dZqzrw-8fEn5Q-ekh3Kb-ekh3Mm-ekh3Js-ekh3Mo-ekh3Md-ekh3Jw-ekh3JG-dZqLKS-ekh3MJ-ekh3Lf-ekh3Ls-ekh3LU-ekbhCp-ekh3MC-ekbhDv-ekh3JE-dZqAy9-dZjSLZ-ekbhCz-ekbhEH-ekbhDe-ekbhDF-ekh3Ky-93z32f-9wpiqG-8NvpwN-dZjRfD-dZjRfz-dZjRJk-6GUD5h-8NvpmC-cc3Lnf-2Qkcoi-9VmLDp-9NED8w-adKQk6-a9iajC-9NEwpU-7Xo7VF-9NBTQp-9M2DUT-9SXrCy-9NEKvf-91xkB9-9NKn2C)
is probably what it might have been based on.
This is a hard one. 1965 was a pretty good year, especially for American iron. I was all set to say ’65 Buick Riviera GS when I remembered the beautiful W112 Cabrio available too. I will take one with the manual transmission and the rear buckets. I’m open on the exterior color but I think the interior has to be red….
My avatar is all the birth-year car luck I can reasonably expect.
Unreasonably…Ciao, Dino!
This. Because I’m such a fancy gentleman, you see.
Ouch . . . well, they did make cars in 1939, so I guess a ’39 Buick Century convertible, or perhaps a ’39 Cadillac V-16 or 60 Special . . . a ’39 Lincoln Model K . . . One of the last Packard V-12s . . . or . . .
That’s a good year!
The Ferrari 456 was launched in ’92
I’m not crazy about 1953, and I’d rather choose from offerings in ’72 or ’77, but that’s not when I was born. So without question, Porsche 356.
Born in Dec 68, so do I go with a 1968 or a 69 that would have been in the showrooms when I was born ??? If 68, Charger R/T Hemi with a Torqueflight in E5 Red, Black interior and vinyl top. If 69 it would have to be (Bee??) a Super Bee A12 440 6 Pack again with a Torqueflight in EL5 Butterscotch (even if it was actually a 69 1/2).
Oh, hell, 1983? 4 years earlier or later I can think of several easy choices from several brands but this was the NADIR of the kind of cars I like: I mean, the Fleetwood Brougham is my favorite but it’s got that boat anchor 4.1L and so does almost every other Cadillac. The Lincoln still had the venturi carb, right?
Fine then, I refuse to compromise: a driver and one of the last Cadillac 368-THM 400 powered factory RWD Fleetwood 75s (it’s in the catalogue, it’s legit!).
If I have to chose an owner-driven model, a loaded Buick Riviera with the 307.
In 1983 all Lincolns had EFI yes it was Central Fuel Injection but it was fuel injection.
I do like those early Panther Town Cars but it’s hard to argue with a driver, a glass divider, and the last big block V8 and transmission in a factory Cadillac. Wilkins, 76th and Madison, please.
A` 53 Bentley Continental coupe or a `53 Eldorado.In red
well, i was born in ’49, but i want that caddi ghia coupe…. or maybe a ’63 split window vette
Either a ’63 Grand Prix (preferably in black) or a ’63 Riviera (red would be nice). For my wife I’m thinking a ’65 Skylark…also in black.
This one is easy because cars sucked when I was born. I would take a ’78 Camaro Z28. Blue with the awesome graphics on the side and the coke bottle intake on the hood.
If not that then I would take a Cadillac Seville.
Being somewhat old my choices are somewhat limited, as I don’t find cars from the early 1950’s to be very rewarding to drive. If forced to make a choice I would take a 1951 Coupe de Ville, it at least has a modern OHV V8 and the old school Hydramatic. My second choice would be a ’51 Olds 88; again for the modern V8. Packards of that vintage were still well made and reliable but the 1951 model is butt ugly. If someone was going to give it to me I wouldn’t turn down a ’51 Chevy but I’m afraid it would need to be modified extensively to make it drivable under modern conditions.
This would be the one day I’ve been offline!
#1 would be my grandfather’s car – ’65 New Yorker 4dr hardtop
But I’d also need a full set of 2nd gen Corvairs – Corsa coupe and convertible, Monza Sport Sedan – all with Yenko Stage 4 mods…
Runner-ups would be an Imperial LeBaron, a Giulia Sprint G.T., seconding wjk1965 a W112 cabrio, and a 2 door LTD, because Brougham.
Either this, or the last DeSoto
58 Vauxhall Cresta or a XK150 Jag coup’e
1950 Olds 98 (with sun visor, of course)
XK-120 (had a plastic toy version as a child)
Mack L-model
1961:
1. 1961 Lincoln Continental (sedan or convertible, preferably both!)
2. 1961 Buick Electra 225 4 door hardtop
Gee, not one of our 1961ers has mentioned the 289 V8 4 speed bucket seat 61 Studebaker Hawk. I thought maybe you,but . . . .
Stude homer that I am, 1959 was a pretty grim year from a desirability standpoint.
Stude homer that I am, 1959 was a pretty grim year from a desirability standpoint.
*gasp!* How could you forsake the Lark wagon? First year since 55 that their wagon greenhouse actually fit the car.
“First year since 55 that their wagon greenhouse actually fit the car.”
LOL! I forgot the wagon. I don’t believe the hardtop or convertible hit till 1960. Sadly, the Lark wagon would probably fit my dull lifestyle much better than the 300E.
BTW, have I missed it, or is it true that out of 156 comments so far, there is not another 1959 model among our commentariat? I feel so alone. 🙁
… so far, there is not another 1959 model among our commentariat? I feel so alone.
The economy wasn’t doing so well in 59, so maybe people cut back some. Birth rates in 58-59 were down from earlier in the 50s. I have noticed I’m not the only 53 here.
What freaks me out is the number of people here from the 70s and 80s
would probably fit my dull lifestyle much better than the 300E.
You must have been in heaven when “Crime Story” was on in the mid 80s as the hero of the show drove a 300, though I think his was a 57-58, what with it’s “cathedral” taillights ripped off from the 55 Packard.
The web says that was a mature Del Shannon singing a rewritten version of “Runaway” on your clip. I don’t remember this show. Funny how pop culture bits fall out of your head.
I don’t remember this show. Funny how pop culture bits fall out of your head.
It developed into “Miami Vice” meets early 60s Camelot. Same producer as “Miami Vice”, but evolved a continuing story arc between the two main characters. Started out set in Chicago, then moved to Vegas where it took on the glitzy, hyper violent “Miami Vice” look.
The star of the show, Dennis Farina, a former Chicago policeman, before he got into acting, died last year.
The show was also great eye candy for we old geezers who remember when the world looks like that. There is probably a car in this clip from the pilot that every reader of this board would lust for.
I’d probably have to go with a Lincoln Continental convertible, or the mini Conti, a Comet, also the drop top version.
Easy choice for me: 1972 Ford Capri RS 2600, but I also have fond memories of the 1972 Mercedes 280 CE my Grandpa used to drive.
I was born in 1973, so I would go for a 1973 Dodge Dart 4 door.
1971 300SEL 6.3. OK, I’m a Jew who loves Benz. You see plenty of Tuetonic cars in my Synagogue’s (Reform) parking lot. Rabbi has an Acura RL, though.
Easy. 1973 Pontiac Trans Am 455 SD, 4 speed, in white with the single stripe/graphics. Sweet car!
You realize the single stripe was 70-72 only? 1973 was when the Screaming Chicken hood decal began, that car is custom.
1984 Lotus Turbo Esprit all the way.
In JPS black & gold? Or in the featured white & orange so you can be Roger Moore in ‘For Your Eyes Only’?
1960 Studebaker silver hawk, barring that a corvette! love the big Chryslers and General Motors cars of that era as well. I think that GM had big brass ones when they came out with cars like the corvair and tempest with unusual driveline configurations, that continued right on up to the Toronado and Eldorado, you really don’t see as much experimentation with drivelines the way GM did it.
1980 and my choice would be either a Datsun 280ZX or a Chevrolet Malibu 2 door with a modified powertrain.
I almost put down the Malibu, but I just like the ’79 grille so much better than the ’80. The vertical-bar treatment was my least favorite of the ’78 to ’81 Malibu grille options.
(I also already own one ’79 Malibu so I probably don’t need a second! Though it’s a sedan…)
76 wasn’t very good year in the american car industry, so I would stick to Europe. How about a 911 Targa?
I have actually wondered about this in the past. Being born in 1969 I guess I do have quite a few to choose from, from a Camaro to a Mustang to a VW Beetle! How about a ZL1 Corvette
Being a 57 model myself and a woody fan make mine a pale blue Mercury wagon
I don’t exactly know, what to choose, since I’d be okay with almost anything in my age (1999), but my pick is Crown Victoria or BMW 8-Series.
You’re not alone in your age group, Oh!Gust. My buddy’s son just bought his first car to take away to freshman year in college next fall. A 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis LS (actual photo). Hope he doesn’t get a rude awakening at the gas pump!
Might be lucky, though. As long as the Arab states keep trying to kill off Bakken competition with low oil prices, we might stick around $3/gallon…
Sensible cars (in no particular order):
1981 Ford Capri
1981 Jaguar XJ
1981 Lotus Esprit Turbo (just like Phil M above)
Dream cars:
1981 Williams FW07C
1981 Brabham BT49C
1981 McLaren MP4/1
Yup, the Esprit would be on my list, too.
Alright, I was born in 1981 so I’d dream of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante in my garage, barring that I’d go with another Bond car, a Lotus Esprit, in white, of course. To haul my family around, let’s add an ’81 JDM Toyota Crown to the mix, with fancy aftermarket wire spoke wheels. If I have to be in the States and choose American, let’s put a 1981 AMC Eagle in my garage. We’ll skip the wood siding, though.
Here’s mine in glorious in black & white… Ferrari 225 S Berlinetta 1952, color prints were not all that common then.
Here is a color photo of a beautiful black one with white walls and white leather upholstery. It is a 1952 Ferrari Barchetta 225 S, body by Touring Superleggera. It is the last Barchetta that Ferrari built.
Formerly owned by Henry Ford II, it now belongs to the Petersen Museum. Jay Leno is driving it in this picture. Trust me when I tell you it is a gorgeous car.
1960 Thunderbird ! Only because my beloved ’65 hadn’t been built yet.
1974 was pretty crappy selection-wise.
However, there were the following bright spots:
Lancia Stratos.
Ford Bronco
Ferrari 365 GT4 BB
Mini Cooper in British racing green
A 1953 Ford. The last run for Henry’s Flathead in FOMOCO’s 50th Anniversary year…unless you were one of those lucky Canadians.
So many choices for 1969. Hemi or 440 Charger. Boss or Mach I Mustang. GTO Judge. Fuselage Mopar. (yes, count me as a fan, especially the Chryslers) Continental Mark III. Trans Am. I certainly wouldn’t say no to a 280SL or a BMW E9 coupe of that vintage.
Since we’re basing this on birth, how about a car whose entire production run occurred within a month of my birth – the Ford Torino Talladega. The 500 units required for NASCAR homologation were built at Atlanta Assembly January 21-31, 1969. (I “rolled off the line” on the 29th) Another 250 were built in mid-late February.
1969. Probably the top of the arc of the Muscle Car era. So many to choose from, but my #1 pick is a Boss 302 Mustang.
#2 is a 1969 Cadillac Sedan de Ville hardtop in Palmetto Green. We had one when I was a kid, and I miss it so!
Hmmm… I was born in 1951, and there is no car from that year I am remotely interested in.
If I was forced to choose, it would be a Jeepster, I suppose, but technically they were rebadged 1950 models because 1950 was the last official year. In any event, make mine two-tone red/black or yellow/black.
If that doesn’t count, just make it a Jeep CJ3A and call it done.
Now, if the “QOTD” ever becomes what car from your youth would you like, well that’s another story. Actually, you might have already asked that question!
1966 425hp 4 speed Galaxie or 1966 Dodge Coronet w/ Hemi and 4 speed. Truck? 1966 F250 4WD. Thanks Santa 🙂
1977 – Ferrari 308 GTS or Porsche 928
’77 Autobianchiiiiiiii…..
A112 Abarth!
Go 1050 cc and 70 HP!!!!
Wow , so many choices ! .
Import or Domestic ? .
Paul , maybe take that sweet Buick Coupe and junk the wretched Dynosqish box , stuff a nice Hydromatic in behind the i8 OHV engine , add a pair of (? ’41 ?) dual carbys and go cruising in style and economy .
-Nate
Being a 1952 model myself, a Bentley R-Type Continental coupe by Mulliner will do just fine! ……….but a Henry J is probably more realistic……..’sob’
I grew up in my Dad’s ’65 Impala 4 door Hardtop…..same model year as my birth so my wish would be to have one now with low or no miles on it…..and would want it equipped the same way I remember it…..two tone paint…..ermine white roof, crocus yellow body….black interior, power windows, steering and brakes, 283 V-8 with 3 speed manual…..The only thing that I would want different about the car would be the overdrive to bring those highway rpms down…..Overdrive back then was engaged via a knob on the dash rather than being included in the transmission’s shift pattern.
1961 Buick LeSabre. My grandfather had one, though he was generally a Chevy man. The 1961 Buick one of three non-Chevrolets that he owned in his lifetime.
always loved these. i wonder how they did the swoop flanking the headlights? does anyone know if that is a die cast cap?
’57 was such a great year, so many good choices. how about a New Yorker convertible?
1953 Studebaker Commander Starliner Coupe. Must have made quite an impression back then – a timeless design. Maybe not the most robust/reliable choice, however.
On an unlimited budget, I might go for a MB 300SL. Unfortunately, these were only available as race cars in 1953.
So I would have to content myself with something much more humble, like a 1953 Ferrari Europa.
I think I’ll go whole hog with a 1952 Mercedes 300S cabriolet, maybe dark red with tan leather. RM sold one in London last September for a mere 291,000 pounds. If my fantasy bank balance won’t handle that, then make mine a ’52 Lincoln Capri convertible, black with white upholstery.
In 1972, Ferrari 365 “Daytona” GTB/4. Beauty by Pininfarina and 12 cylinders of pure adrenaline.
1969 Hurst/Olds convertible. Since there were just two of them produced, I’d be willing to accept a non-convertible model, or just a 4-4-2 convertible. I’m not really picky, I just figured I’d aim for the stars with the H/O.
Fortunately, 1962 was a good year for cars. I’d take a Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster, Lincoln Continental sedan, Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk or Oldsmobile Jetfire.
I keep wanting to find a really cool, obscure car from the year of my birth so I can impress the heck out of everyone here, but I can’t think of any…
One common thread throughout, I noticed that very few people think the cars of the year of their birth are good enough, but a few years in either direction…
For me, I think I will be rather pedestrian: 1962 Pontiac Bonneville… Or a 1962 Studebaker Hawk… Or a 1962 Ford Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe…
1957 Chrysler 300C. Second choice would be a DeSoto Adventurer.
I’ve got to go with a 1969 Buick Riviera, with runners up to the unobtainable Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 and the probably hard to keep running Alfa Romeo GTV 1750.
The car I would love to have from 1976 is a Ford Bronco. I had a ’75 Ranger Series, years ago but it was sooooo rusted up that I sent it to the bone yard.
There wasn’t much to chose from in 1973.
I’ve always wanted this 1973 Baldwin Motion Chevelle SS. But if ot has to be a stock as-built car I’d be happy with a regular 73 Chevelle SS 454.
As a ’74 model ive got a mixed bag. This year is literally the last dying gasp for several truly great cars: challenger/cuda, javelin, charger, roadrunner, 340 Duster, etc. some limped on but well past the sell by date.
OTOH, Trucks, vans and 4x4s were just hitting stride as recreational vehicles and some cool stuff was on deck. CJs could be had with V8 power, bronco, scout and blazer were still in their prime, and the 2-door FSJ Cherokee joined the Ramcharger in their first year.
The 340 Duster’s last hurrah saw it looking prouder than some others that year so it one of 2 of my must-haves. The Ramcharger’s first year may have been its best. It would keep the pop top til ’80 but the frameless doors would barely last the full m/y making it my top pick.
1950? Hudson, Packard, or Lincoln Cosmopolitan.
1983… not the most exciting year, at least in America. I’m gonna go with something fairly pedestrian anyway – an ’83 Accord LX hatchback. The ’82 I owned is still my favorite out of 30 something cars I’ve gone through, and I’ve always wanted another.
Gunmetal grey, black interior, 5-speed, the incredibly rare factory moonroof, PS/AC/cruise/console, the old 14″ Honda/Mugen alloys from the catalog, Koni inserts w/progressive springs at the stock height, rear swaybar, JDM/EU composite headlamps, EU power windows, 3rd gen Preude steering wheel, Canadian non-CVCC head, Jackson Racing header, ANSA exhaust, either twin DCOEs or MS EFI. “mild fuckin’ race cam – whoooooo”
Another 1983. I feel like everyone else here is either 20 years older or 10 years younger than I am.
This ’57 Chrysler ragtop captures my passion.
I’d probably go with a 1995 Acura Legend coupe with a 5/6 speed. A stick Camry Wagon would work as well.
All I know is that suddenly I feel very, very old.
1966 for me. I do own the 1966 Chrysler New Yorker that brought me home from the hospital, so that’s kind of special.
Pie in the sky though: Jag E-Type
Although, the Batmobile premiered in ’66….
1946 Plymouth 2 Door Sedan. My parents had one most the time I was growing up. It wasn’t driven much and I wanted it when I got out of the Air Force but Daddy had already sold it.
I can find 47 and 48 Plymouths all over but can’t seem to find any 46.
1961 Impala SS 409, the very first SS.
Didn’t even have to think about it. 1953 Corvette!
It would be a choice between a first-year Avanti or a ’63 1/2 Galaxie 500. With a 427 of course 🙂 . Oh hell… or a Stingray. Dammit… 1963 was a pretty good year.
Or a Riviera… or a Grand Prix… or a Continental… or a Mercury S55… too many choices!
1996 Impala SS
Definitely a 1967 Cougar. No questions asked!
Well that would be 1976… I’ve got a 1977 Chevelle which is virtually identical to a 76, which despite my best efforts to make it exciting in stock form, its rather yawn inducing.
I think i’d just skip 1976 for any real buring desire to own any car, just too blah inducing to me.
1975? difficult choice!
… Citroen SM or Jensen Interceptor or the W116 6.9?
maybe I just stick withe realistic choice that is on my actual shopping list for 2015: Mini Clubman Estate, in that very 70s BL mustard yellow, an Innocenti Cooper dash, black minilites and a bored out 1275cc motor. Ooh … yes, this one, please!
I didn’t think about the Jensen Intereptor! That works for 1969 as well!
1991: NSX, for sure.
1980 not being the best year for this question….
I’d have to take a BMW 635CSi. Not really much of a contest. Distant second and third would be, respectively, a Jaguar XJ6 4.2 and a Dodge Mirada CMX (5.9, cabriolet roof delete).
(Dreaming of supercars, there’s always the Ferrari 308 and Aston Martin Lagonda…)
1962 Dodge Custom 880..probably not a popular choice but DeSoto was gone before I was born and this was the closest thing and much better looking than the last DeSoto.
Second choice the 62 bubble top Chevy.
I was sorely tempted to put down the ’65 Custom 880 Town Sedan, a true 1-year model.
Hmmmm.
Domestic?
Or imported?
For me, it’s a photo finish between the Imperial, Continental, and Riviera.
Engel’s Imperial is spectacular and has remained fresh to this day. Build quality was excellent, and interior fittings were Chrysler’s high point before the cheapened, federalized interiors 4 short years later. And it wasn’t another Cadillac. The only knock is the ancient windshield/cowl, and the odd, tiny tail lights in the propeller bumper leave me cold. Make mine a LeBaron in Formal Black with black leather.
The squaring up of the formerly droopy front end on the Continental added real presence that had been lacking and harmonized with the overall theme. But the lengthening of the wheelbase and roofline combined with the addition of flat glass a year earlier was awkward. And vinyl wood in such a distinguished automobile? Please. Make mine hardtop in Black Satin with Black Largo cloth/leather interior.
The Riviera was brilliant. The clamshells, the cleaned up side profile, the spectacular, high-quality interior that avoided the Thunderbird’s kitsch, all marked a car that was mature, purposeful, and represented GM at the top of its game. Make mine a GS in Sahara Beige with the Custom interior in black Beaumonde fabric and chrome wheels.
Picking only one, I vote for the Riviera. Is there any fault in this car?
My wife and I were both born in ’69, and we’ve talked about wanting a Corvette from her birth year, so a ’69 Stingray convertible is probably tops on the list. With the small-block, though, I have no desire to be cooked alive as I drive.
Difficult question for 1981. I think I would go with a Lancia Delta Integrale. And, as a replacement when the Lancia needs a repair (probabily more than I would like), I’d take a W126 SEC Benz, IMHO the most elegant coupé of all times
It’s in the running. I missed that one by one year…
Living live in the fast lane.
Cool choice!
Beauty, Johannes. Love little trucks.
As a matter of fact, we also had our own pony cars in the late sixties.
I was born in 1965 so there is an abundance of choices. Detroit was at a styling and muscle car peak and all sorts of interesting European stuff was out there as well. I suppose a Yin & Yang coupe pairing of 1st year BMW 2000CS and last year Buick Riviera would be interesting, or a an early Porsche 911.
I already own it. ’57 Chevy Handyman…
Well first would have to be a 1959 Eldorado Convertible in that heather metallic.
Second a 1959 Lincoln Continental Mark Iv…Convertible
Third a Ford Thunderbird in Turquoise. Hardtop Coupe.
Buick Station wagon, Hardtop if that was still available. Top of the line, of course.
Fifth I’d probably pick a red Corvette convertible over a similar Crown Imperial.4 door Southhampton, I love those grand LeBaron-esque names…
Finally! Someone else from 1959. 🙂
God I’m getting old. ’39 Ford Deluxe Coupe is my choice for birth year but 16 years later the ’55 Chevrolet Bel Air was my choice.
I would choose this 1984 Oldsmobile Ninety Eight Regency sedan, in deep burgundy with a matching leather interior. . . and probably end up dropping in a Rocket 350 or 455 to add a little more punch than the 307 is capable of delivering on steep highway climbs 😀
Nice choice for ’84, but I can never decide if I prefer this or the Electra Park Avenue…
1975 Citroen CX is the very first thing that comes to mind.
For a car launched that year, a 1962 Alfa Giulia.
For a car on sale that year, let me have a think. I’ll be back……….quite soon
Being born in October ’64, I’ve questioned the birth year issue – the chronological year, or the year that was in showrooms when I showed up. The ’65 model year is oh so full of choices! I’ll go with ’65 T-Bird convertible. The same in the ’64 will apply if that is the rule.
My daughter gave me a Christmas present last night, the December ’53 Motor Trend that she found at a junk store. Terrific gift for the obsessed.
Paul’s comment about available custom bodies in that era is spot on with this article I read last night……….
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Saoutchik was the man when it came to swoopy chrome.
And, check out the hoity-toity page numbers written out in words instead of numbers! Motor Trend, we hardly knew ye!
1959 Edsel Ranger, or a close second, Thunderbird
1955; Boeing B-52
this!
Well it’s 1954 so what else can I choose? It has to be a 1954 Cadillac 60 Special.
If only I was born in 1970-72! The choices would be endless.
But for 1987 I’ll gladly have a Mustang LX 5.0 convertible. I used to own an 89′, so it would be pretty much the same car again.
1963 Chrysler New Yorker
1975 Jensen Healey, please. As others have said, it wasn’t a landmark year for motors.
Forgot one:
1987 wasn’t exactly a banner year either, as far as I can tell.
With my generally gravitating towards GM products, it was an interesting time of several “lasts” and “firsts” in the lineup. Coming into the world just days into Q2/87 would have meant the “lasts” would have been where it was at, which would be fine with me!
As much as I like G-bodies, the V8s were rapidly going away (if not gone by that time completely?), and I was never a Grand National sort of guy. Perhaps grabbing one of the few Turbo-T’s made that year would have been a fitting choice… understated without being underpowered.
I also wouldn’t turn away a GM truck of that year. Nothing against the ’88-’98 design, but there’s something to be said for the previous generation – especially in their final year, when things would presumably have been as settled as possible. Nothing stopping a guy from getting one with a strangled TBI 454, limited slip, and even a 4-speed if you so desired.
Strangely enough, I’ve basically described what my grandparents owned in ’87. The Regal was a Limited, two years old and naturally aspirated. The truck was brand-new… regular cab/long box, 350, TH400, 2WD, LSD, and the requisite aluminum topper, with trailering equipment installed (for their big camper, as seen in a past COAL).
More than 200 entries and maybe 3 of us from 1939? I feel so old. . . .
But look at the diversity of ages of the readership… it’s encouraging to see the generations coming together.
But Larry, some of us feel so happy to have you. I spend too much time feeling really old with a DOB in 1943. I liked the 1939 cars btw. Especially the GM coupes and the 39 Ford.
’57 Golden Hawk or Cadillac Eldorado.
I’m from 1975 so it depends
If I were to choose American, of course I’d choose an AMC Pacer, just for the oddity.
When it comes to Europe, I would have a hard time depending on country.
-As a Spaniard, I’d choose one of the locally built Seat 131 which started production that year. Of course, the Station Wagon with the double-cam engine.
-When it comes to French cars, I remember fondly the ones my uncle bought from Simca/Talbot, such as the 1307. Gosh, those were huge (and I was little).
-From Italy, a Lancia Montecarlo, hands down! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lancia_Montecarlo
-German has to be the BMW 3-series E21. An ex of mine drove a 1981 version and it was awesome
Finally, a British car would be the Jaguar XJ-S… I know that I would be stranded!
For the record, my dad had one of the last built Seat 850s when I was brought home from a hospital called after the dictator that died the same year in Spain
In other news, Generalisimo Franco is still dead.
Being a Ford guy, I’ll take a 1971 Mustang Mach 1
Be still, my beating heart.
The 1995 Riviera would be my choice, but I’d rather have the 1996 model for the supercharged 3800 Series II.
Someday…
I’ve always liked cars of the 1970s, between 1971 and 1979.
WOW 1947 not a good year for cars as most were poorly restyled pre war models. I didn’t even want any when I bought my first car in 1965. So I’m going to take advantage of what WWII brought us. A 1947 Dodge Powerwagon. A real RAM!
1961 also:
– Lincoln Continental, of course… probably a sedan rather than convertible
– Chevy Corvair Monza
– Ford Falcon Futura
– Buick Special
– Jaguar E-type (or maybe a 3.8 MkII)
– Mercedes 300SL roadster (or maybe a 300SE)
– Triumph TR4
– Citroen DS19
Actually it looks like a pretty good year in retrospect 🙂
What a great T.V. clip ! .
I never saw that show and I didn’t know Mr. Farina had left us ~ that’s too bad , he was always great no matter what part he played .
-Nate
1977.
Slim. Pickings.
http://www.carsplusplus.com/year/index.php?page=1&year=1977
Either a FIAT X1/9 or a Maserati Bora…
As fond as I am of the X1/9 (very) it would probably have to be the Bora
sorry, forget what I just said about slim pickings: There’s a Ferrari 365 GT4 BB on sale in 1977.
Now I’m torn…
I got to drive a Bora, back n the early 90s, very sweet car, it was a total pos but still bad to the bone, stomped a ZR1 we had at the same time in shop, we hauled it to Huston n put on ship to Italy if I remember, some guy paid an unbelievable price for it, sight unseen, most guys thought he was crazy, until they seen it run 🙂 it smoked, leaked fluids everywhere, rusted out, we liked to never found the battery as the charging system was dead, but even with all that, i still remember it as one of the best n fastest we hauled, n we hauled a bunch.
This guy, ’69 Barracuda, fastback of course
I loved my little ’50 Ford….Although a 1948 Caddy would fill the bill, too.
Well……I was born in 1961. And there were some really nice cars that year:
Bentley Continental S2 Flying Spur saloon by HJ Mulliner
Lincoln Continental suicide door convertible
Jaguar E Type roadster
Ferrari 250 GT
Mercedes 300SL roadster
I was born late in ’56 so whether model year or calendar year, my first choice is a Chevy Nomad, though preferably. A ’57. Cliched, I know, but those were desirable and special even when I first became aware of them as a very young child. My other choice, also a 2 door wagon, would be a Volvo PV445 Duett. Or maybe a Chrysler 300 or, come to think of it, a 300SL. This is one of those situations where I’m glad I’m not 20 or even 30 years younger. I am jealous of today’s newborns who will be able to answer this question in the future, with Challenger Hellcat or even Tesla Model S.
Hmm had me stumped for a moment. I’ll take a 1998 mexi beetle any day.
1980 was an abysmal year for cars, but one object of carlust did debut that year, the illustrious M-B W126. Make mine a grey market import 500 SEL.
1980, Ur-Quattro !
Hmmmmm, 1970, just about anything GM, but guess if had to pick one, be Z-28 4spd, blue with white stripes 🙂
1956 here.This Lancia Aurelia spider would suit me,but it is a 1955 model.
Well, being born in 1947, and thinking that all 40’s era cars were positively ancient dinosaurs by the time I was old enough to be a car nut in the mid-50’s, the pickings of my birth year are pretty slim, being that they were all slightly reshuffled pre-war cars. Now, if you will permit me to spring forward 10 years, there are a lot of cars from 1957 that would be on my wish list: ’56-’57 Lincoln Premiere and Lincoln Continental, ’57 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser, ’57 Thunderbird, ’57 Desoto Adventurer, ’57-’58 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham, to name a few. 1957 was a great year, as we turned the corner into the space age. Fond memories.
1951 Studebaker, any model, Champion, Commander, etc.
’04 vette baby