Purely for fun, not heating, Erin can delete if she likes!

Jamie Hall

Seems to me that there are several of us who, if not car nuts, at least appreciate them. So...

Herewith a question. Suppose that your Great Aunt Matilda just died and left you umpteen million dollars. Your significant other already has a nice minivan for the kids, the dogs, the beach toys and what not. You have a nice truck for work. You now have lots of cash.

Can you think of four cars -- ranked order -- one of which you would now go out and buy just to have around and pat from time to time? You have enough money so the prices below the pretty pictures in Hemmings don't cause a heart attack, so go for it.

My four: Number one, I want my 1966 Buick Skylark GS convertible back. Number two, if can't have that I want my mother's 1966 Buick Wildcat convertible. Number 3, 1960 Buick Electra convertible (nice one for sale in this month's Hemming's -- only $81,900) Number 4, 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Turbospyder convertible.

What's your list?

EBEBRATT-Ed

1964 Chevy El Camino 327 4 speed. My cousin had one and I drooled over it. My 1982 Pontiac Grand Prix. My first car 1965 VW Beatle. My Fathers 1951 Chevy.

STEVEusaPA

1969 Pontiac GTO Judge...convertible

hot_rod

I'd have one of those custom builders create the exact car ground up. I've always liked old wagons, a 55- 57 Chevy wagon with a modern drive train and goodies inside. 4wd ideally, with the newer AWD systems to get it lower. A small Cummins diesel, 10 speed trany.

ChrisJ

1931-1935 Duesenberg SJ.




That's been my dream car for a long time.
It'll never happen.


I'd also like a Ford model A or B with a 1930s-40s Offenhauser 4 cyl in it as well.
That'll never happen either.

WMno57

1. International Travelette (the first factory crewcab) (wish I still had my 67)
2. 70s Dodge Sno Commander (wish I still had my 76)
3. Late 60s International Scout (had a 2wd Sporttop)
4. 67 Jeep Super Wagoneer (never had a Super, but did own 63, 64, 67, 76, 82, and 90 Wagoneers, and 64, 86, and 88 J-Trucks).

I would also buy two buildings. A heated and insulated concrete floor pole barn to store them in.
And a heated and air conditioned one bay shop with a lift to work on them. Both would have in-floor hydronic heat.

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

I like hot rod’s Chevy wagon, but I’d put it on a Tesla chassis. And a loudspeaker that goes Vroom-Vroom. 

Larry Weingarten

Not exactly on point with Jamie's question, but I'd like a Lemming (car/boat) with fold out wings so it could fly too! It would also need to be able to carry many tools.

Yours, Larry

Illinoisfarmer

Great thread...

1. My Cousins' 1970s Country Squire Station Wagon. I don't remember much about it mechanically, but wow, so many good times being hauled to the lake, fairs, grandma's, the mall etc. in that thing. Brown with genuine simulated wood grain. As I recall, it seated something like 12 kids and 1 adult comfortably, likely without the added bother of seat belts.

2. The Boss Hogg Cadillac Convertible from Dukes of Hazzard. Everyone else wanted the General Lee - I'm not climbing in through the darned windows, thank you. And frankly, though I've never owned one, I think I'd look sharp in a white 3 piece suit. That's the sort of thing that gets a guy waited on first at the John Deere parts counter!

3. A 1982 Chevy Pickup, with the 6.2 liter Diesel engine. Fire Engine red, short bed, regular cab, air conditioning, AM/FM Cassette, sliding rear window. No optional center console. I tried my hardest to justify why I should have one when I turned 16, but it never came to be.

4. This one's easy. The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. Would have been better when the kids were in school, but I think I could really have some fun with that thing. At the next Wetstock Convention you all have, I might even make an appearance. Assuming, of course, my white 3 piece suit is at the cleaners.

And while we're off topic, Jamie Hall - if you'd indulge me - how did you and your mother both end up with 1966 Buick Convertibles?

Jamie Hall

"And while we're off topic, Jamie Hall - if you'd indulge me - how did you and your mother both end up with 1966 Buick Convertibles?"

Really chance. I was young(ish) at the time and had been driving a '61 Buick Special wagon (nice car, by the way -- just not all that sexy) and wanted a really classy car. So I wandered down to the dealership, looked -- and was hooked. So I ordered one (they were special order -- I think less than a thousand were built). When it finally came, I picked it up and, a bit later, brought it over to my folks for them to admire. My mother (who, incidentally, was probably the best driver I've ever encountered, bar none) really liked it, but wasn't too keen on red (which it was), loved the convertible, and was keen on a bigger car (her idea of a fun afternoon was to hope in the car and drive a few hundred miles somewhere on a whim, just to be going) so... she went off to the dealership. They had a seafoam green Wildcat convertible sitting on the showroom floor. All the toys. Left her then car there (a perfectly good 8 year old Century) and drove home with it. She was like that.

I might add that that Wildcat has to be one of the most under rated performance cars around. It was heavy, yes, so a little slow off the line (the convertibles had a box section, rather than C section, frame for stiffness) -- but the 425 C.I. nailhead could move it effortlessly at any speed you wanted up to OMG, and it handled well and had (for the time) decent brakes... and was really really comfortable to either ride in or drive).

hot_rod

My wife cringes when she sees me disassembling a new truck. Not quite the "dream" station wagon, but still a 4 door diesel. Building the bed today, went with a fun color powder coat. Aircraft track for tie downs.

Erin Holohan Haskell

Fun question, @Jamie Hall. Maybe we should start a car forum next.

ratio

Just need to put a door in The Wall, so you can get to The Garage!

DanHolohan

My first and second cars:

KC_Jones

This is a tough one for me, because my actually list is longer than my arm.

1961-1969 (later years preferred) Lincoln Continental 4 door convertible. That is my ultimate dream car, electrical problems and all. It would have subtle modifications such as air ride suspension, but mostly stock.

1957 Chevy convertible engine doesn't matter, but it would be more modern with upgrades brakes, stock otherwise. I have a project '57 9 passenger wagon in the garage, but the convertibles...well it's obvious.

1968-1972 Corvette. They have a gorgeous body line and I don't think I even care which engine it has, it would absolutely be a stick shift though.

I would love to have my grandfathers 1976 Ford LTD. It had every option available at the time and was essentially a Lincoln Town car for "cheap". 4 door white with red trim and interior. I always loved that car. He gave it to my cousin who threw a hood scoop on it, painted the entire thing (trim and all) Ford tractor grey and basically destroyed the car.


In addition to the above mentioned '57 wagon I also have a 1972 Ford LTD in the garage. I like big cars.

Jamie Hall

My very first car was a Rambler American, @DanHolohan !

Tinman

This. 
1970 Chevelle SS 454. 

JakeCK

New Shelby GT500.

My father's 64' Pontiac Lemans convertible, blue, had to sell it 15 years ago because of reasons.

Eleanor, nuff said. 

And I can't think of any other cars. But I do want a nice boat. Something just big enough to live in if I wanted.

KC_Jones

Steve Minnich said:

This. 
1970 Chevelle SS 454. 

My aunt has one, it’s that exact color scheme too.

Jamie Hall

Brand new, with owner -- many years ago!

DanHolohan

@Jamie Hall, just another reason to respect you! 

Tinman

KC_Jones said:

Steve Minnich said:

This. 
1970 Chevelle SS 454. 

My aunt has one, it’s that exact color scheme too.

I had a ‘64 Chevelle and a ‘71 Chevelle in the 70’s. 

JUGHNE

Dan, I have heard that the Ramblers had front seats that would recline lying flat.....perhaps you never noticed that?

PC7060

My uncles 46 Chevy pickup and a 69 Chevy Camaro RS/SS Indy Pace Car.  

This was the car of my misspent youth. 1970 Buick GS, spent way to much money and time on this beauty! 

Motorapido

What, nobody put a steam car on their list? Nobody has a Stanley Steamer that they have upgraded with a drop header, an elaborate timer system to prevent short cycling, and site glasses in the mains to see if the steam is wet or dry?

ChrisJ

Motorapido said:

What, nobody put a steam car on their list? Nobody has a Stanley Steamer that they have upgraded with a drop header, an elaborate timer system to prevent short cycling, and site glasses in the mains to see if the steam is wet or dry?

If I was going to pick a steam car it would be a Doble, not a Stanley.
They used a steam generator, not a boiler.

mattmia2

Dussenberg/ Cord/ Pierce-Arrow(even though I'd hate driving a pre synchromesh manual transmission), something of the 30's art deco furniture that you can drive era.
60/s cadillac from after they worked out everything mechanically but before their styling went to you'll buy anything as long as it says Cadillac
Early stingray era corvette.
Early ford like a model T or A for the contraption factor.

I'd get a BMW 7 series for the daily driver.

EdTheHeaterMan

Confined to a wheelchair I currently use this Chrysler Pacifica with ramp.
I also drive this 1923 Ford. I have recently adapted the floor brake to operate by hand.
But the vehicle I really would like is this all terrain model with custom lift kit!
And for #4 I guess being Chauffeur driven might be nice

The Steam Whisperer

1) 1966 Lincoln Continental ( last year of the suicide doors) 4 dr. or 2dr. ( Yes I'm from Chicago)
2) Buick Riviera Boat tail ( 71sh) and the early 1980s ( always thought this was one of the best looking cars ever built)
3) The Buick Regal built for the FBI/CIA which is essentially the mid 80's GNX without any badging. Luxury with a zero to sixty in under five seconds.
4) Daily driver... much what I drive today. A 98 Escort wagon with the warmed over drivetrain out of the Ford Zx2. I'd go with the Japanese Domestic Market KLZE v-6 rated at 200 HP stock if I had the money (and time) to make the change. And then add the supercharger kit.

DanHolohan

@JUGHNE, yes, both the sedan and the wagon had fully reclining front seats. Don't get me started.

rick in Alaska

I have always drooled over a Cobra with the 427 in it. I'm sure I would crash it fairly quickly, but if I actually had the cash to do it, why not. I also wanted a 67 Ford Fairlane with the 427 in it and manual trans. Boat of a car but for some reason I am drawn to it.
Rick

Solid_Fuel_Man

 1. Cord....the mini Duesenburg although I'd get rid of the vacuum preselected transaxle. Full manual for me.

2. 59 Galaxie 500 Retractable. 

3. 59 Impala convertible 

4. 64 Lincoln Contintal convertible 


All vehicles must have a V8, a manual transmission, and overdrive. 

As far as practicality, I'd love to put a cummins 4Bt into a small pickup like a Ranger. Close to 30mpg and unstoppable.  

I do have a 59 Galaxie, but it is a 4 door sedan. The kids love it! Restored it over the last 5 years. 

ChrisJ

Solid_Fuel_Man said:

 1. Cord....the mini Duesenburg although I'd get rid of the vacuum preselected transaxle. Full manual for me.

2. 59 Galaxie 500 Retractable. 

3. 59 Impala convertible 

4. 64 Lincoln Contintal convertible 


All vehicles must have a V8, a manual transmission, and overdrive. 

As far as practicality, I'd love to put a cummins 4Bt into a small pickup like a Ranger. Close to 30mpg and unstoppable.  

I do have a 59 Galaxie, but it is a 4 door sedan. The kids love it! Restored it over the last 5 years. 

I'll put my dream 4 cyl offenhauser against all of your V8s.   It won't sound as good but I think it'll out perform them.

Solid_Fuel_Man

@ChrisJ the sound of a V8 is what I love. The Offy bangers are really neat in that they have no headgasket and can run crazy compression. 

None of list is a muscle car, I like big cruisers with grunt. 

I have owned many VWs over the years (80s water cooled) and could make any of those faster than most cars on the road. 

But a big lazy V8 makes my heart smile. 

ChrisJ

Solid_Fuel_Man said:

@ChrisJ the sound of a V8 is what I love. The Offy bangers are really neat in that they have no headgasket and can run crazy compression. 

None of list is a muscle car, I like big cruisers with grunt. 

I have owned many VWs over the years (80s water cooled) and could make any of those faster than most cars on the road. 

But a big lazy V8 makes my heart smile. 

I can respect that 

I should probably add a 1950s Ferrari to my list as I like their sound 

PC7060

Remember when buying and restoring old cars was a grass roots business with home and small body shops?  Not so much anymore with 50-100k rebuilds.  

Jamie Hall

There are an awful lot of older cars still being brought back to being runners in small shops -- or under shade trees! Not full rebuilds to better than new, perhaps, but quite satisfying.

And I agree: the scream of a high revving beast like an Offy or a Ferrari is kind of fun -- but there is nothing like a big V8, maybe with a slightly uneven idle from the high overlap cam, sitting next to you, to say "come on. Make my day!" (Same thing at the airport, by the way -- a turbine or a four banger Lycoming or Continental or Rotax starting up will occasion a glance -- but a big radial firing up will turn heads all over the ramp).

hot_rod

For my money, the best sounding ICE is the Rolls "Merlins", regardless of what it is in

I like hearing a Merlin powered plane approach from a distance, pass overhead then disappears into the horizon. Soothes to the bone.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-ima-st_mig&ei=UTF-8&hsimp=yhs-st_mig&hspart=ima&p=sound+of+a+merlin+engine&type=q3000_A1BWP_set_bcrq#id=1&vid=fdcda19edf4ba8a3619b6a7601854419&action=click

ChrisJ

Jamie Hall said:

There are an awful lot of older cars still being brought back to being runners in small shops -- or under shade trees! Not full rebuilds to better than new, perhaps, but quite satisfying. And I agree: the scream of a high revving beast like an Offy or a Ferrari is kind of fun -- but there is nothing like a big V8, maybe with a slightly uneven idle from the high overlap cam, sitting next to you, to say "come on. Make my day!" (Same thing at the airport, by the way -- a turbine or a four banger Lycoming or Continental or Rotax starting up will occasion a glance -- but a big radial firing up will turn heads all over the ramp).

They're not for me.

Plenty like their typical 1950s-60s V8.

If we're talking 60s I'd take a turbo charged Offy 159 from the 60s over all of them without giving it a thought.

The 1200hp 159cuinch will make up for the rest.


I'd also take a 1920s Lycoming inline 8 from a Deusy over any typical 60s V8.

If I'm dreaming and can buy anything I want, why wouldn't I go for the best?

The Steam Whisperer

hot_rod said:

For my money, the best sounding ICE is the Rolls "Merlins", regardless of what it is in

I like hearing a Merlin powered plane approach from a distance, pass overhead then disappears into the horizon. Soothes to the bone.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-ima-st_mig&ei=UTF-8&hsimp=yhs-st_mig&hspart=ima&p=sound+of+a+merlin+engine&type=q3000_A1BWP_set_bcrq#id=1&vid=fdcda19edf4ba8a3619b6a7601854419&action=click

I am trying to remember, is that the same 2500 cu in v-12 that was used in the PT boats? I think there was a Packard copy. Some friends had a twin engine PT boat tied up in downtown Chicago and fired it up around 11:00 pm one night. The idle booming off the downtown buildings was amazing.

Jamie Hall

Basically the same, yep. Fantastic engine.