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Mirrors on the passenger side were rare until the late 70's.
I wouldn't say rare. Passenger mirror was sometimes not on base models. It's very rare I see a car from that time without one, even in old movies. I've seen more japanese cars with only one, than domestics.
………..How about the Ford Thunderbirds of 2002-2005? Limited production. All the modern conveniences. Affordable.
Those were nice cars, built on a shortened platform of the one that the Lincoln LS, Jaguar S-Type, and in later years, the Jaguar XF were built on. Therefore, chassis and drivetrain parts are still available, but body and trim parts could be quite scarce for the T-Bird, much like someone previously mentioned for the Chevy SSR.
I would love to get a classic sports car like an old mustang or corvette.
However I want power locks, power steering, modern A/C, modern GPS system, rear view camera, etc. Obviously that's going to cost a lot of money but that's OK.
I know this is considered sacrilege by people that drive "classic" cars because most of them think that unless the entire car is original parts, then it's not worth having.
Anybody own a "classic" car with modern features?
It's only sacrilege if you hack apart a parts-matching original. There are plenty of restomods out there though.
I want a restomod that you can actually feel comfortable driving on a day to day basis, not a show car that just stays in the garage all the time.
I really only care about the interior amenities, not so much on the engine/powertrain, I'm not a race car driver.
Power steering is a must -- I drove a 65 mustang before and hated turning the wheel.
Need much better dash with modern tablet size flat screen panel
I guess the power locks are not that big of a deal, just dont like to have to lean over just to unlock the passenger door
Rear view camera is also a must -- after using one I'm never going back to having to look over both sides of my shoulder while backing up
A/C systems on the old cars usually suck -- takes much longer to cool the car down. I live in Texas, I aint got time to sweat in my car waiting 15 minutes for cold air to blast out.
While we're at it, let's get rid of the stiff leather interior and replace it -- the original leather interiors are all hard and don't feel comfortable to sit in
I was with you until you said tablet size screen panel. This company is one of the few that builds new versions of 60s Mustangs with modern engine, transmissions, and other modern technology so you get the classic looks with the modern touches. However their dashboard is made to resemble the classic dash. They also cost in the 6 figures. Companies like this have to keep their production limited to avoid the regulations mass production companies have to follow. Mass produce a classic car and now you must meet crash safety standards, pedestrian safety standards, emissions standards, and many other things that not only add to the cost, but also changes the shape and appearance of the vehicle. Companies like this offer a brand new vehicle with a classic body and hidden modern technology.
However I want power locks, power steering, modern A/C, modern GPS system, rear view camera, etc. Obviously that's going to cost a lot of money but that's OK.
I know this is considered sacrilege by people that drive "classic" cars because most of them think that unless the entire car is original parts, then it's not worth having.
Anybody own a "classic" car with modern features?
My 69 Lotus has power windows (lighter than manual).
No A/C (no room for a compressor), no power locks (smaller than my miata though, so no need).
I could add an android auto head unit with rear view camera for less than $500.
It takes almost no effort to turn your head if you want to back up. I agree that a back up camera on a big SUV or pickup is nice due to the lack of visibility, but even then, I only use them on an as needed basis and prefer to use my own skills. These new gadgets have everyone spoiled.
That said, I would go for EFI, transmission with overdrive, upgraded braking system, new seats, gauges, stereo, console with arm rest and power windows. Power door locks wouldn't work for me because my door locks don't even work. That's all it would take for me to consider a classic a restomod.
I think anymore you can get a stereo head unit with a (small) backup camera screen, add a wireless backup camera and that part is the easiest to meet.
Be careful, if you get a decent car and then hack up the dash to put in a bunch of modern gizmos, very few people would pay much if anything for such. I know you plan to keep it, but, sometimes you need to recover cash. Also if you care about the opinion of other "real car guys", they will generally look down on this sort of thing.
The old E30 BMW 3-series meets a lot of your wants, you can do the stereo/backup camera swap pretty easy, it might be a cost-effective solution, the 325i is a very good daily driver, if I am completely honest, it's a better daily than a E30 M3 is. Stick with the 5-speed, the automatics in these were not known for long, trouble free lives, and anyway this sort of car needs a stick.
I wonder if you could mount an iPad mini or other tablet on a stalk and hook that to the camera/infotainment?
Only the Cobra R is supercharged, the regular ones are not. All 4v 4.6 use the same cranks and cams. The heads are different, though. I believe the viii uses B heads. I agree with the ssr, it was a flop and not as agile as one would think... especially sharing platform with the GTO- which makes it a ute and not a real truck, too. The 3.8 is a good engine, been around practically forever.
Naw homie. The ‘03-04 Cobras were supercharged, the Cobra R never was.
Plus the SSR was built on the truck chassis for the Envoy and Trailblazer, not the Australian Holden platform used for the GTO. But you’re right that the SSR is not a pleasure to drive, even if I still think it’s kinda cool looking.
My wife loves the looks of the Morgan +4, and would probably like the +8 even more. She told me she hates riding in our present convertible with the top down as she feels too exposed and vulnerable. So no Morgans for us.
I no longer drive top-down on the freeway. Even with a Wind blocker the buffeting and traffic noise make it very unpleasant. But top-down at 50mph on a back road? Heaven!
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