In the early days of station wagons, they were associated with prestige and wealth. They could be found in both two- and four-door configurations but, when station wagons began being offered for the commercial trades, they tended to be two-doors. By the late 1950s, two-door wagons were being phased out, with Chevrolet last offering a full-size two-door wagon in 1959. However, Chevrolet brought back the two-door station wagon when the Chevelle was introduced for 1964. One of those interesting vehicles is our Pick of the Day. This 1964 Chevrolet Chevelle 300 two-door wagon is listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Washington, Michigan.
When the 1964 Chevelle was introduced, there were several trim levels: Chevelle 300, Malibu, and Malibu SS. “New style, new size, new spirit, new car. That’s Chevelle,” read the brochure. This was Chevrolet’s first mid-size car, built on what became known as the A-body platform. The Chevelle 300 was available as two- and four-door sedans, and two- and four-door wagons. A two-door Sport Coupe (hardtop) and convertible were two other body styles, but they were reserved for the Malibu and Malibu SS. As the most austere version of the Chevelle, the Chevelle 300 happened to appeal to the more frugal Chevrolet customers, as evidenced by all body styles having six-cylinders installed at a higher rate than V8s.
Available engines started with the High Thrift 194 inline-six, but a Turbo-Thrift 230 was available. For V8s, the entry-level Turbo-Fire 283 with 195 horsepower was a start, with a four-barrel upgrade being available. Sometime during the spring of 1964, a 327 four-barrel offering 250 or 300 horsepower was introduced. A Corvette 327 with 365 was teased but never made production.
The two-door wagon was produced through 1965 and then put to rest. What set it apart from four-door Chevelle wagons was the B-pillar, which featured a slant that matched the C-pillar and gave an impression of sleekness and motion missing from the four-door wagon. Though never a big seller (2,710 in 1964, 1,668 in 1965), it captured the hot-rodding community’s eye decades ago thanks to its quasi-Nomad looks and mechanical potential (after all, it is a Chevrolet).
This 1964 Chevelle 300 two-door wagon has the VIN prefix of 5415, signifying it was originally one of 1,101 originally built with a V8. No idea what was powering it originally, but today it’s been transformed with a 383 stroker paired with a TH400 automatic with shift kit. Features include cowl-induction hood, aluminum intake, headers and dual exhausts, MSD ignition, electric cooling fan, chrome accessories, American Racing aluminum mags, power disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors, and more. Inside, you’ll find front buckets, floor-mounted B&M shifter, power steering with chrome column, three-spoke wooden steering wheel, Dakota Digital instrumentation, and Retro radio, among other items.
After the demise of the 1957 Nomad, Bow Tie fans had to wait until 1964 for a stylish wagon, though this one was dressed down instead of dressed up. However, in its current incarnation, the builder dolled it up, and we are only too happy to present it for its coming-out party—tickets are $49,990.
This 1939 Chevrolet two-door sedan is a non-running project that was built into a street rod many years ago. Following the current owner’s acquisition in 2018, the car was disassembled and further modified with a shaved and smoothed exterior, independent suspension assemblies, and a supercharged 427ci V8 linked to a Hughes Performance 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission and a quick-change rear end. The partial bodywork is finished in gray primer, and the interior has been stripped. Hooker headers, a serpentine-belt accessory drive, a steering rack, an E-Stopp emergency brake, staggered-width wheels, a Mustang II-style front end, and a Jaguar-style independent rear end with inboard discs are among the items currently installed. A collection of parts including seats, chassis components, wiring harnesses, glass, and hardware will accompany the car. This street rod project is now offered at no reserve on dealer consignment with a Florida title.
The steel body was stripped under current ownership, and the doors were shaved, the rear bumper mounts were filled, the fender seams were smoothed, and the rear wheel wells were tubbed. Gray primer has been applied to most of the exterior, and the doors have been temporarily secured.
Staggered-width wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The steel frame has been boxed, and car has a Mustang II-style front end and a Jaguar-style independent rear end with inboard discs, though there are no rear coilovers are currently installed. A power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering rack has been fitted along with an E-Stopp emergency brake kit.
The 427ci V8 was built by Borowski Race Enterprises of Rockdale, Illinois, and is equipped with a Whipple blower, Hooker headers, and a serpentine-belt accessory drive.
A Hughes Performance 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission is linked to a driveshaft and a quick-change rear end. Corrosion is visible on underbody components, which can be viewed in the gallery.
The cabin has been mocked up with black leather bucket seats sourced from a Cadillac CTS-V. Floor panels, trim, and other interior components are not installed.
The louvered hood panels and trunk lid are finished in black.
Other parts accompanying the car are shown in the gallery, including the following:
Grille insert
Seats trimmed in purple cloth
Holley Dominator EFI system
Heidts & Wilwood brake system components
Billet Specialties trunk lid hinges
Painless wiring harness
Aluminum radiator
Windows & trim
Hardware
The car is titled in Florida using the VIN AZ358830. The seller is unable to locate the VIN on the car.
This Ford Model A is said to have undergone a hot rod build in the 1960s that was later abandoned before being acquired in 2015 and finished in 2022 by the seller, Bill Anderson of Hot Rod Alley in Lompoc, California. Power is provided by a 292ci Y-block V8 topped by an Edelbrock intake manifold with six Stromberg 97 carburetors and linked with a T10 four-speed manual transmission paired with a Halibrand quick-change rear end. The channeled steel roadster body is fitted over a boxed frame and is finished in metallic gold, while the interior features cream and maroon upholstery as well as a Plymouth-sourced steering wheel accompanied by a Hurst shifter, a Skull-style shift knob, and an Eelco pedal box. The suspension utilizes a drop axle up front along with a four-link setup out back, and additional details include 15” mag-style alloy wheels, Buick-sourced drum brakes, and a stainless-steel exhaust system with lake pipes. This Ford hot rod is now offered by the seller with a California title in the name of their spouse.
The steel bodywork is channeled 4” over a boxed frame and is finished in metallic gold with custom bright moldings. The seller tells us that hand-painted pinstriping was added by Shaun Anderson of SVAartworks. Guide 682-C headlights are paired with 1950s Pontiac–style taillights, and further details include a ’32-style radiator shell, a tilt-out windshield, a Sunbeam Tiger fuel filler cap, and custom dual exhaust finishers. The car is not equipped with a top.
The 15” mag-style alloy wheels are said to be Hollywood Wheel Disc units. They wear two-ear faux knock-offs and are mounted with staggered-width Firestone Bias Ply tires. The car rides on a drop front end with a transverse leaf spring, split wishbones, and tube shocks, while the rear features a custom four-link setup. Stopping power is from Buick-sourced brake drums at all four corners with finned backing plates up front.
The interior has pleated cream upholstery complemented by button-tufted maroon upper trim. Latch-and-link belts are in place for the occupants, and additional features include a Hurst shifter with a Skull-style shift knob as well as an Eelco pedal box, a 1940 Lincoln Zephyr rearview mirror, hand-made moldings, Bakelite knobs, and a painted dash with pinstriping. The floors are lined with maroon carpets, and the trunk has been trimmed to match the interior.
The three-spoke steering wheel is said to have been sourced from a Plymouth and features a horn ring, a brodie knob, and a Buick center crest. Centrally-mounted instrumentation consists of a 160-mph speedometer and Stewart Warner auxiliary gauges, while an inoperative tachometer is mounted to a custom center console below. The five-digit odometer shows 23 miles, which is said to represent the distance driven since the completion of the build.
The 292ci Y-block V8 is said to have been sourced from a 1957 Ford and is fitted with an Edelbrock F657 intake manifold and six Stromberg 97 carburetors with SP tops. The seller tells us that four of the six carburetors are currently blocked off and that the 2″ stainless-steel exhaust system features capped lake pipes that were made from 1937 Ford torque tubes. Additional equipment includes a 12-volt electrical system, a Spalding Flamethrower distributor, Mallory Bakelite 6-volt ignition coils, a Hildebrandt remote oil filter, a polished aluminum fan shroud, finned aluminum valve covers, and a finned aluminum valley cover with a Mooneyes breather.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a T10 four-speed manual transmission and a Halibrand quick-change rear end. The seller notes that the car has a 1950s Chevrolet clutch master cylinder and hydraulic clutch assembly.
The car is titled in California as a 1931 Ford using the Colorado-assigned identification number ID10280COLO, though the VIN on the title is listed as 1D10280C0L0. The identification number stamping shown above is partially illegible, and the seller is unable to locate the factory Model A chassis number.
The hills were alive with the sound of exhaust notes – over 1,000 of them, to be exact. The Concours in the Hills took place on Saturday, April 19, in Fountain Hills, Arizona, and continued its longstanding tradition of bringing together collector cars for a charitable cause. Since 2018, the concours has raised about $2 million for Phoenix Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.
The event has become one of the region’s favorite and best-attended annual automotive attractions in the state. Event founder Peter Volny answered a few questions for me about this year’s program, which we’ll get to later in the story. For now, I’d like to show you a handful of cars that stood out to me on the show field.
1953 Packard Caribbean Convertible Manufactured between 1953 and 1956 in Detroit, the Caribbean was a full-sized luxury car with sporty aspirations. Some of its defining characteristics were a hood scoop, radiused rear wheels, and standard continental kit. A 1953 convertible listed at $5,210 when new.
1966 Chevrolet Impala Hardtop The fourth-generation Impala was built between 1965 and 1970 on the General Motors B-body platform. For 1966, the car could be identified by its revised grille and horizontal taillights. The Impala was a strong seller when new, and it was offered in convertible, sedan, hardtop and station wagon variants.
1999 Porsche 911 Carrera As part of the “996” generation, the 1999 Carrera was significant because it marked the introduction of a water-cooled engine instead of the previously air-cooled engine. Design-wise, it carried forward the iconic 911 silhouette, although the windshield was more raked and the wheelbase was lengthened.
2001 Audi RS4 Avant Powered by a Cosworth-developed 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, the RS4 Avant is rare in the United States because it was not originally sold in this market (only sedans were brought stateside). The car fits the definition of a “sleeper” thanks to its powerful drivetrain combined with ample cargo capacity.
2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Speaking of power, the Viper takes the cake with its massive 8.3-liter V10 that was rated at 500 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. The SRT-10 had stiff structure, a refined suspension and a responsive driving experience. “Brutal” and “unforgiving” are often used to describe it.
2010 Aston Martin Rapide The British-built Rapide was Aston Martin’s first foray in the four-door sedan market, and the car competed with the Porsche Panamera and the Mercedes-Benz CLS. Despite its passenger-friendly intentions, the Rapide still looked the part of a coupe with a sleek silhouette.
2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo Maserati’s convertible supercar was built in Italy and came with a mid-mounted 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 mated to a TREMEC eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The “Cielo” name came from the Italian word for “sky,” and the retractable roof couple open or close in 12 seconds.
2024 Lotus Emira Lotus has pledged to shift focus to electric vehicles in the coming years, so some enthusiasts see this as the last internal combustion car the company will produce (and also the last manual transmission). The Emira “1st Edition” on display had a 400-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with an Edelbrock supercharger.
Interested in learning more about the concours? See below for my Q&A with Peter:
What set this year’s event apart from prior events? This year, we were thrilled to feature a large number of new cars that haven’t been part of any previous shows. The race car section, one of my personal favorites, expanded and included some truly iconic, award-winning vehicles. Additionally, the Limited-Edition Exotics Section grew, showcasing some incredibly valuable cars from private collections—vehicles you simply won’t see driving around. There were about eight helicopters, including military and civilian models, such as a Blackhawk and the new MCSO Bell 429. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office also brought their SWAT and Bomb Disposal vehicles, and I was especially excited about the K9 unit, which is always a hit with the crowd.
Did the award categories change from the five that were given out last year? The trophies were awarded for Best Import, Best Domestic, Best Race Car, Best Car Club Display, Best Off-Road 4×4 and Best of Show. After reviewing the entries, I can confidently say that the competition was fierce across all categories.
Now that the event is beyond its 10th year, what is your vision for how it will evolve over the next 10? Looking ahead, it’s hard to say exactly what the future holds. When I first envisioned this event, I thought it would be a small gathering of about a hundred cars with a handful of spectators. About four or five years in, Rus Lack, the show’s architect, walked me around the park and predicted we’d have 1,000 cars. At the time, I thought he was crazy — but he was right. Now, we fill the entire park, and we’ve reached the point where we have to turn away both cars and sponsors, which presents its own challenges. This year, we’re expanding onto Saguaro Boulevard, which borders the park. The town has even offered to close off Avenue of the Fountains, which could give us room for hundreds more, but we’re weighing the pros and cons. I’d love to hear feedback from the community. Equally important is the remarkable amount of money raised for Phoenix Children’s Hospital, which now exceeds $2 million, benefiting the Oncology and Cardiac departments.
What kinds of measures has the town of Fountain Hills taken to help support and accommodate the event? The town has been incredibly supportive, and the staff has been fantastic to work with. My wife, Linda, and I have called Fountain Hills home since 2004, and we absolutely love it here. I hope the show has brought positive attention to the town. From the mayor and council to the entire staff, everyone has been willing to help with even my more ambitious requests.
If you could give any advice to a young car enthusiast who wants to someday own one of the “dream cars” at the Concours, what would it be? Having immigrated to the U.S. from Australia, with stops in Canada and England along the way, I’ve experienced firsthand how incredible this country is. To succeed here, all it takes is hard work, and this show is proof of that. When I first started, I didn’t have a clue about putting on a show like this, but my passion for cars drove me to give it a try. I’ve put in a lot of effort, but the rewards have been well worth it. My advice to young enthusiasts is simple: work hard, and you’ll be gratified at the rewards to come. There’s very little traffic on that extra mile, and we look forward to welcoming you soon, hopefully with your own set of wheels on display.
Many thanks, Peter, and to all who helped support the show and its charitable cause!
Stay tuned to upcoming news and announcements related to the Concours in the Hills via the website.
The Barrett-Jackson 2025 Palm Beach Auction starts this week. This event is filled with great cars, vintage Automobilia, exciting Thrill Rides and more. The auction runs from Thursday, April 24, through Saturday, April 26, at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Pre-auction fun starts today, Wednesday, April 23, with Bidder Preview Day and the Opening Night Party. If you can’t make it to Palm Beach, you can watch the auction on the Barrett-Jackson Livestream, FYI and HISTORY Channel.
EVENT AND TV SCHEDULE(all times are EDT)
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Bidder Preview Day Auction Site at the South Florida Fairgrounds (For credentialed guests age 18+ only) 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Opening Night Party Auction Arena at the South Florida Fairgrounds (By invitation only) 7 to 10 p.m.
Thursday, April 24, 2025
Gates, Food Courts, Sponsor Displays Open Auction Site at the South Florida Fairgrounds 8 a.m. to Auction Close
Fantasy Bid presented by Dodge Online at Promo.BarrettJacksonFantasyBid.com 8 a.m. to Auction Close
In 1958, Chevrolet updated its model names, using proper names across the board. The replacement for the 150 was the Delray, a name that was formerly used on a fancy 210. The latter model became the Biscayne. Move up one and you’d have the Bel Air, which had existed for several years already. And a special-edition Bel Air—a name that would eventually become a million-seller—was the Impala. Go-fast types eschewed the style of the Impala and gravitated to the Delray, then added a fuel-injected 283 or the new big-block 348. This 1958 Chevrolet Delray two-door sedan listed on AutoHunter wears this attitude well. It’s powered by a rebuilt Super Turbo-Thrust 348 big-block backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Finished in black over a black/teal/white vinyl and cloth interior, this Bow Tie comes from the selling dealer with a clear title.
The original Silver Blue and Snowcrest White paint combination has been replaced by monotone black. Other exterior features include dual chrome side mirrors and chrome side trim. A set of 15-inch Cragar S/S wheels is wrapped in 215/75 Provider Entrada radials.
Vinyl and cloth seats in black/teal/white decorate the interior. Other interior features include a split-bench front seat, floor-mounted transmission shifter, lockable glove box, black steering wheel, and aftermarket stereo with AM/FM and cassette player.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer with gauges for the coolant temperature and fuel. Auxiliary gauges include a column-mounted tachometer and a cluster for oil pressure, temperature, and amperage mounted underneath the dashboard. The odometer currently reads 64,243, though the title reads mileage-exempt.
The 348 was available in many states of tune, with this one being a Super Turbo-Thrust V8 with 280 horsepower thanks to three two-barrel carburetors and 9.5:1 compression. Backing the big-block is a four-speed Muncie manual transmission. The generator has been converted to an alternator, and a dual master cylinder has been installed.
The undercarriage features upgraded power front disc brakes and a dual exhaust system with Thrush mufflers.
This 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne two-door sedan is a nice way to cruise in vintage style, as it features several upgrades that make going to a show (or looking for a potential victim) much more safe and reliable. Get on the ball, though, as the auction for this 1950s Bow Tie ends on Monday, April 28, 2025, at noon (PDT).
Station wagons are a relatively rare sight in the United States these days, so they have a certain unusual charm to them. Whatever you or various manufacturers want to call them (estate wagons, Avants, Tourings), they have more cargo room than sedans, yet they’re not crossovers or SUVs. Wagons are somewhere in the middle, but they’re not lost—people who like longroofs know exactly where to find them. Some wagon enthusiasts can make them look even cooler than they already are. Our Pick of the Day, a modified 1994 BMW 540i Touring posted on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Michigan, is proof of that.
According to the BMW Group Classic Product Catalog, “The third generation of the BMW 5 Series (E34) was officially presented in January 1988 and the engineering and visual appearance was closely related to the BMW 7 Series (E 32).” Three years later, BMW started offering a Touring wagon model—a first for the 5 Series. The 4.0-liter V8-powered 540i Touring joined the lineup in 1993 and could reach 62 mph in 6.4 seconds and top out at 155 mph. Out of the more than 1,300,000 E34s delivered, only about 2,400 540i Touring models were sold.
This 1994 wagon was one of those 2,400. It still has an M60B40 4.0-liter V8 under the hood but, at some point within the last 157,227 kilometers (97,696 miles), changes were made: the engine is currently connected to a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox, and a set of Megan Racing coilovers drop this wagon right above its deep-dish 18-inch Speedline wheels and low-profile rubber.
Despite the number on the odometer, the Alpine White paint appears to be in great shape. The same goes for the Marine Blue leather in the cabin, which offers amenities such as an AM/FM/cassette radio, dual-zone climate control, glossy wood trim, and a fold-down second row with dedicated HVAC vents.
Someone else’s mods have an inherent riskiness to them, but whoever altered this BMW wagon did a great job. You can show your gratitude by making it your next car for $29,900 – then show people out on the road how cool wagons can be.
Most car manufacturers stick to the proven formula when engineering and designing their models. With standard looks and technology, the risks are minimal. However, every now and then, car brands are brave enough to introduce something that is out of the norm. Sometimes, the risk pays off, but sometimes, it doesn’t, and that is the topic of our article: the strangest American cars ever made and why they are still controversial.
1. Chrysler Airflow
Photo Credit: Revs Institute
In 1934, the young Chrysler Corporation introduced a revolutionary new model called Airflow. It was one of the most advanced cars, with numerous innovative features like unibody construction, aerodynamic styling, advanced safety features, and a luxurious interior.
Photo Credit: Mecum
Despite the fact that Airflow was quite controversial and didn’t sell as Chrysler hoped it would, this is still an immensely important automobile since it introduced forward-thinking, the latest technology in mass production, and established the American car industry as the most advanced in the world.
2. Cord 810
Photo Credit: Pinterest
When Cord presented the 810, the car market was stunned. It featured Art Deco styling, front-wheel drive, and powerful V8 engines. At that time, this was the most advanced American production car.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
The car featured many industry firsts and established itself as one of the most revolutionary American cars of all time. Unfortunately, the market was not ready for such an advanced automobile, so Cord’s sales were disappointing. That is what caused Cord to close its doors in the late ’30s.
3. Tucker Torpedo
Photo Credit: Ruote Vecchie
The Tucker Torpedo featured numerous innovations, including safety glass and a central headlight that followed the movement of the steering wheel. Also, it had a roomy interior, and the engine was in the back, providing lots of power and torque.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Basically, the Tucker Torpedo was so advanced the Big Three, Chrysler, Ford, and GM, were afraid it would cripple their market share. So, while Tucker prepared for full-scale production, the Big Three ready to set him up with a lawsuit to stop production and sink the company. Unfortunately, they succeeded, so Preston only built between 48 and 51 of his fantastic Tucker Torpedos.
4. Chrysler Turbine
Photo Credit: Pinterest
During the early ’60s, Chrysler was heavily involved in turbine car testing. Chrysler needed valuable real-life data after extensive testing in laboratories and test tracks, so it built 55 cars and sent them to Italy’s Ghia design house to get fancy handmade bodies.
Photo Credit: Car And Driver
Then, the cars were given to randomly chosen families all over America to be used as regular cars for a period of time. However, Chrysler decided to kill the project and destroyed almost all the cars.
5. AMC Pacer
Photo Credit: CCS
The Pacer is a car that is equally loved and hated but is legendary and recognizable. It was AMC’s effort to produce a compact car, but it turned out to be less compact than its competitors and had numerous flaws.
Photo Credit: Auto Wp
After the success of the Gremlin, Pacer was conceived to be bigger and more advanced, but its design was repulsive. The large glass areas were practical but also looked like bubbles. The front end was far from beautiful, and the silhouette was egg-shaped, which was strange and unheard of then.
6. Stutz Blackhawk
Photo Credit: Mecum
The early ’70s saw the return of one of the most famous classic American brands – Stutz. Designed on a Pontiac Grand Prix chassis and using its drivetrain and 455 V8, Stutz commissioned various Italian coachwork companies to produce unique, retro-inspired bodies.
Photo Credit: Mecum
The first car was the Blackhawk, which entered production in late 1970. Due to its distinctive style, strong marketing, and celebrity endorsements, Stutz soon became one of the most exclusive and in-demand American cars. However, it cost over $20,000 (in 1971), which was close to the price of a new Rolls-Royce.
7. Zimmer Golden Spirit
Photo Credit: FCC
The Zimmer Golden Spirit is a neo-classic luxury car that fuses 1920s styling with 1980s mechanics. It is built on a Ford Mustang chassis and features absurdly long front fenders, side exhausts, massive chrome bumpers, and faux exposed horns, evoking Gatsby-era opulence with modern drivability.
Photo Credit: Motor Biscuit
The strange design—with wire wheels and a trunk-mounted spare tire—makes it look like a movie prop rather than a real car. Hand-built and wildly flamboyant, it was a status symbol for the eccentric elite.
8. Pontiac Aztec
Photo Credit: GM
Introduced in 2000, the Pontiac Aztek was a good idea, on paper at least. The mid-size crossover model with sharp new styling, decent engine lineup, and plenty of interior space was a modern concept then.
Photo Credit: GM
Pontiac was eager to present it to the public since the overall sales of the brand were not so good, and they thought that the new model would boost the popularity of the brand. The plan was sound, except for one thing: the design. Somehow, Pontiac designers drew and pushed to produce one of the strangest cars ever.
9. Chevrolet SSR
Photo Credit: Car Domain
In the early 2000s, retro design was the king. Introducing new cars with classic shapes was the ticket to success, and Chevrolet thought it would be a great idea to present a retro-styled truck with a sporty feel and retractable hard top.
Photo Credit: Super Cars
Built on an SUV platform but with a Corvette V8 engine, fold-down hard top, and tight cabin for only two passengers, the SSR was something like a modern hot rod. However, the car was strange, and even though it had a Corvette V8 with 400 hp, it didn’t win customers’ hearts.
10. Plymouth Prowler
Photo Credit: AutoWp
The Hot Rod culture is one of the critical ingredients of the American automotive landscape. However, no company ever dared present a factory-built Hot Rod until 1997, when Plymouth introduced the Prowler—a retro-futuristic roadster with a V6 engine and fantastic looks.
Photo Credit: Car And Driver
Imagined as the follow-up of the Viper, the Prowler was a hit on the show circuit, and Chrysler wanted to capitalize on that. Despite having initial success, the car proved to be a failure.
The 60s were a great decade for the car industry, especially in America. With rising power, performance, and new technologies, 60s cars are marked with variety, more horsepower, and elegant lines. However, with this came the rising prices on the enthusiast market, and the 60s models are amongst the most expensive models you can get, so what to do if you fell in love with chrome bumpers, cool shapes, and roaring engines of American cars from this decade? Here are ten alternatives that are still affordable.
1. Chevrolet Corvair
Photo Credit: Chevrolet
In the late ’50s, Chevrolet presented the Corvair, a revolutionary compact car with a rear-mounted, air-cooled, flat-six engine. This was a big step for Chevrolet since the Corvair sat opposite the company’s other vehicles and featured different concepts, technology, and design. The American car industry was intrigued when Chevrolet presented the Corvair. It was a compact car in a time when compact cars were rare on U.S. soil and produced mainly by foreign brands.
Photo Credit: Ambassador Automobile Co
Then, it had the engine in the back rather than in the front as all other domestic vehicles had, and third, it was a six-cylinder boxer, not a straight six or V8 as everybody expected. Overall, it was a bold and unusual move by conservative Chevrolet.
2. Ford Falcon
Photo Credit: Ford
The secret of the Falcon’s success was its affordability and a long list of options, and even though the standard model only had a 2.4-liter 90 hp engine, you could get bigger six-cylinder and 260 V8 engines.
Photo Credit: Classic Cars
Also, the Falcon was available in several body styles, including convertible, sedan delivery, and three or 5-door station wagon, which broadened its appeal. In 1964, the Falcon received its first redesign, and in the same year, the Mustang was introduced, which was based totally on the Falcon’s underpinnings.
3. Cadillac Calais
Photo Credit: X
The Calais was introduced in 1965 as an entry-level Cadillac model. The company realized that it needed a more affordable car in its lineup than the somewhat expensive DeVille, so the Calais became the most inexpensive way to own a new Cadillac.
Photo Credit: Hemmings
During its 11 years of production, the Calais served well and was a reasonably popular choice with buyers. The easiest way to distinguish the Calais from the rest of the model range was that it had less chrome trim, no vinyl roof option, and no convertible version.
4. Pontiac Tempest
Photo Credit: GM
In the early ’60s, all major US car makers introduced compact models. Chevrolet had the Corvair; Ford had the Falcon; Plymouth had the Valiant; and Pontiac presented the Tempest. The new Tempest had independent suspension, and all cars used live rear axles.
Photo Credit: GM
Then, it featured an economical four-cylinder engine, a cut-down V8 when all competitors had six cylinders. The third thing is the most interesting, and Tempest used a rear-mounted gearbox, the transaxle design, which was unheard of at the time.
5. Pontiac LeMans
Photo Credit: My Classic Car
We have bad news if you are a Pontiac GTO fan seduced by the original muscle car’s lines, power, and magic. All GTOs are now over an average enthusiast’s budget, and no cheap models are available. But there is another way, and that is Pontiac Le Mans.
Foto Credit: Auto Wp
The Le Mans was a sporty version of the Tempest on which the GTO was based. Le Mans shares the same body, chassis, and dimensions as the GTO, and in the late ’60s, Le Mans was the perfect candidate for the GTO replica.
6. Chevrolet Chevy II
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
Before the Nova, there was a 1962 to 1965 Chevy II as an entry-level model. Even though this was an economy car, some versions came with V8s, which made this compact car a capable cruiser.
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
The Chevy II looked cool and came in several body styles, so you could find cool two-door models or even an elegant convertible. The parts supply is excellent, and the car is easy to work on. It can be a great starter classic or a fun little project car.
7. Buick Wildcat
Photo Credit: Pinterest
The Buick Wildcat is one of the exciting but today almost forgotten models that were pretty popular back in the day. Introduced in 1963, the Wildcat was something between a personal luxury model and a muscle car.
Photo Credit: Flickr
It featured restrained and elegant styling, much like the rest of Buick’s lineup, but it also had powerful engines, sporty trim, and nice performance. In 1967, Wildcat was also offered as a four-door, which boosted its appeal and helped improve sales numbers.
8. Oldsmobile Cutlass
Photo Credit: Auto Wp
Oldsmobile is one of the greatest but sadly defunct car companies, which were, for the better part of the 20th century, a symbol of elegance and power in the GM range. Oldsmobile fans will tell you this company was at the forefront of the muscle craze in the early ’60s.
Photo Credit: Car Domain
But if you are an Olds fan and need a classic Olds muscle car in your life, the best way to do so is to find a good Cutlass in a two-door coupe or convertible form. The Cutlass was a mid-size Oldsmobile model, a best seller in its class, which served as a basis for 442.
9. Mercury Cougar
Photo Credit: Mecum
The Cougar was built on the Mustang platform but stretched a couple of inches to add comfort and improve ride quality. Also, the Mercury Cougar was available with V8 engines only, while the small six-cylinder units were reserved for entry-level Mustangs.
Photo Credits: Autoevolution
The body panels and the front fascia with hidden headlights were all unique. Mercury offered a trimmed dash, leather seats, and all kinds of creature comforts in the interior. The Cougar was just a luxury Mustang, but in reality, it was an independent model and a pretty successful car in its own right. Until 1969, no convertibles were offered, just coupes.
10. Dodge Coronet
Photo Credit: Edmunds
Most people know Coronet for its fire-breathing muscle car versions of the late ’60s, but Dodge offered this model as a boring four-door and station wagon. Forget about 440 or Hemi-powered Coronets since those are six-figure cars now, but enter the world of six-cylinder and small V8-powered Coronet sedans, which still look cool but are not fast.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
The full-size sedans from the ’60s are still cool classics that are cheap to buy and easy to work on. All of that makes it a great starter classic or fun project.
When the original muscle car craze swept the American car industry in the 1960s and early 1970s, practically every brand had at least one performance contender in their lineup. This brought a wealth of fast and exciting models and created the best enthusiast-oriented car class ever made. Unfortunately, many brands that created muscle car history are discontinued for various reasons. But this doesn’t mean that those cars are forgotten, and here are the 10 coolest muscle cars from brands that don’t exist anymore.
1. AMC Rebel Machine
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
Based on the SC/Rambler model of 1969, AMC presented the Machine in 1970 with the same mechanics but more power (345 HP) and more performance-oriented options. It had a cool name, a patriotic color scheme, a Ram Air induction hood, and a 0-60 time of fewer than 6 seconds.
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
This made it a reasonable choice for any street racer back in the day, which is why it was more popular with buyers. However, it was still produced in limited numbers, and AMC made over 2326 interesting machines.
2. Plymouth Roadrunner
Plymouth Roadrunner Hemi Convertible
When it first appeared in 1968, the Plymouth Roadrunner proved to be a very influential and essential muscle car. Not only did it introduce the new trend of inexpensive and fun vehicles, but it was also a strong seller, which affected the whole segment. The entire idea behind the Roadrunner was simple. Present a low-priced but powerful model and attract people with a limited budget but a strong need for performance.
Photo Credit: Counts Customs
The Roadrunner had a bench seat, no luxury options, and manual steering, but it came with the powerful 383 V8 as the base engine. Buyers could also opt for the 440 or the mythical Hemi 426. In 1969, the Roadrunner got a convertible option for those buyers who wanted an open-air driving feel, but most Roadrunners produced were two-door hard tops.
3. Oldsmobile Rally 350
Photo Credit: Bring a Trailer
In an attempt to combat tightening regulations that were destroying the muscle car class, Oldsmobile introduced a bright yellow Rally 350 model. It was a clever way to avoid high insurance premiums with smaller but still powerful 350 V8 engines with 310 bhp. This model was basically a 442 muscle car but with a smaller engine and lower price.
Photo Credit: Motorious
The most interesting feature was bright yellow paint and yellow bumpers, spoilers, and wheel inserts. It looked like somebody dropped the Oldsmobile Cutlass in a tank of bright yellow paint. However, despite the clever engineering, Rally 350 wasn’t a big success on the market, and only 3547 examples were built in 1970.
4. Plymouth Superbird
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
As one of the craziest muscle cars ever produced, Plymouth has one of the most recognizable graphics packages ever presented to the general public. The Superbird attempted to win the famous Aero Wars in the late ’60s to early ’70s NASCAR championship. Plymouth built just under 2000 road-going Superbirds to homologate the car for racing and sold them all over America.
Photo Credit: Mecum
The car was based on the Roadrunner, and it came with a 440 V8 as standard and a 426 Hemi as the only engine option. However, Plymouth installed a nose cone, hideaway headlights, and an enormous spoiler on the back to make it as aerodynamically efficient as possible.
5. Mercury Cougar Eliminator
Photo Credit: Auto WP
Despite being a twin brother to the Mustang, the Mercury Cougar gained a cult following and managed to create its name in the late ’60s. But for 1970, the muscle car wars, Mercury had something special—a Coug—the Eliminator. The Cougar Eliminator was top-of-the-line with several interesting engine choices.
Photo Credit: Auto WP
You could get a Boss 302 engine, a high-revving 5.0-liter V8, a 351 Cleveland, or a 428 Cobra Jet. If you compare this model to the Mustang range, you could say that the Eliminator was a cross between a Boss 302 and a Mach I Mustang. However, the Cougar was slightly longer than the Mustang and had slightly better handling and comfort.
6. Plymouth AAR Cuda
Photo Credit: Auto WP
The 1970 model year was undeniably the pinnacle year for classic muscle cars. Never before or since have there been so many muscle cars and memorable and sought-after machines on offer. One of the most interesting 1970 Barracudas was the rare AAR ‘Cuda. The AAR Cuda was a limited production model to commemorate Dan Gurney’s All-American Racing team, which used ‘Cudas in the Trans Am championship.
Photo Credit: Auto WP
It came with a 340 V8 small block, a unique plastic hood in matte black paint with a hood scoop, a rear spoiler, and exciting side graphics, which included a big AAR logo. This version was more expensive than the regular 340 ‘Cuda, so only 2724 were made.
7. Pontiac GTO
Photo Credit: Auto WP
Pontiac had much success on drag strips all across America and little by little; the performance aspect became a powerful marketing tool since a new generation of buyers wanted powerful and fast cars. Pontiac wanted to capitalize on its success, but the company was reluctant to invest in a sports car built from scratch, and all its production models were big and heavy vehicles.
Photo Credit: Auto WP
The result was the Tempest GTO, which was called an option on the Tempest intermediate model. For just $295, buyers would get a high-performance 396 V8 with 325 HP in standard or 348 HP in the famous Tri Power form. The package also included a manual transmission, unique trim, GTO decals, and dual exhausts. Since the car was light, the Tempest GTO had a pretty convincing performance, and in 1964, it was one of the quickest American cars on the market.
8. Plymouth Barracuda Hemi
Photo Credit: Edmunds
Two of the biggest Chrysler legends from the classic days of muscle car culture are the Barracuda and the 426 Hemi engine. Throughout the ’60s, those industry icons didn’t mix, at least not in street-legal cars. In 1970, Plymouth offered this legendary engine in the Barracuda body style, immediately creating one of the fastest and most desirable muscle cars ever made.
Photo Credit: Auto Blog
The mighty Hemi engine was an expensive top-of-the-line option for 1970 and 1971, available in coupe or convertible form. It cost around $900 more than the standard Barracuda, and it was installed in just about 600 coupes and only 17 convertibles during a two-year production period. The power was rated at 425 hp, but everybody knew the orange monster delivered more than 500 hp straight from the box.
9. Pontiac Trans Am 455
Photo Credit: BaT
1971 was the last true muscle car model year in which buyers could get high-powered and legendary engines. Just a year later, in 1972, the horsepower ratings decreased. But the biggest news for the Firebird/Trans Am lineup was the introduction of the mighty 455 V8, the biggest engine ever to appear in this model.
Photo Credit: American Collectors
The 455 V8 had 335 HP, but muscle car enthusiasts argue that the number was underrated and conservative since even with higher compression in the Trans Am H.O. version, that 455 V8 had the exact horsepower figure. The actual output was closer to 400 HP, with corresponding performance and top speed.
10. AMC AMX
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
AMC was an economy car manufacturer from the beginning to the end. To survive in the market, it was very active in producing new models and exploring new concepts in the American market. One of those interesting and innovative models was the AMC AMX. In 1968, AMC decided to enter the muscle market and introduced two new performance models: Javelin and AMX.
Photo Credit: Hot Rod
Despite being similar in technology and design, AMX was a two-seater model, the only two-seater on the US market other than the Corvette. With a shorter wheelbase, a 390 V8 engine with 360 hp, many go-fast options, and a reasonable price, the AMC AMX was an exciting and capable muscle car.
