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I am so disillusioned with the current styling trends and sky high prices that I have been eyeing older cars. For me, 1970s have a special place in my heart because of my college years. Back then, I would ridicule anyone who drove American cars. I remember my dream car was a TR6. I still can't believe how I drove a Europa for 4 years. Now, I fancy crushed velour or tufted leather seats prevalent in most Cadillacs and Buicks. Man they look comfy. And who could forget "Corinthian" leather in a Cordoba. Well, here it is. I think it s a bargain.
I’m not going to be the guy to talk you out of it.
Rich Corinthian leather!
There’s a lot I don’t like about modern cars. I haven’t really liked modern cars since…I was getting my license in 2001. They’re more real to me than the plastic and computer things we call cars today.
However I will say that 90s cars are kind of a peak period. They got the electronics and performance together enough to not struggle much today, but with some basic OBDII knowledge they can be diagnosed fairly easily. You didn’t have all your other things like the radio or windows tied into a computer, either, so a simple multimeter lets you diagnose other problems.
Carburators, points ignition and no overdrive transmission mean a lot of maintenance poor starting, a gas hog.
It should have the Chrysler lean burn ignition which is electronic. Pertronix is a good alternative, although like the GM HEI setups the ignition control modules are prone to failure under heat.
Overdrive can be added. Carbs aren’t the enemy most think they are. I scored low 20s mpg in my ‘68 Mustang sans overdrive or fuel injection with a 2.73 ratio. A good carb can be equivalent to 90s fuel injection, just less flexible or adaptable.
My parents and uncle had a Cordoba. 400 cubic inch V8 in factory form was actually pretty slow but had plenty of towing power. As a highway cruiser it was comfortable. Don’t try to take corners too quick and if you brake in an emergency don’t be surprised if you end up sideways.
Have the vehicle fully serviced including the engine, brakes, and suspension. I believe these had read leaf springs. If so, consider replacing these springs. Forget about good fuel economy. Only way you’re going to get good fuel economy is to completely replace the engine, transmission, and rear differential. You could get more speed with a bit of modifications. Get under the vehicle with a flashlight to look for rust. Bring a magnet to use on body panels looking for filler.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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If going classic, consider retro, not custom. $1900 vs $19,000
Tho if you find a keeper add aftermarket Electronic ignition and a fuel injection package, Especially if in a cold climate or high elevation. Put on a set of lifetime Bilsteins and some sway bars.
Stay out of crashes, Should be pretty easy consdering many of us grew up driving mega muscle cars that vintage when we definately didn't know better.
If you want custom comfort, consider a Riviera. Toronado was a cruiser but might be tough to source parts.
Buick Le Sabre would be nice and easy to fix (probably never need to). GNX were and still are quite popular and easy to resell. A friend keeps rotating through Buicks (~2000) and gets 26 - 30 mpg and 300k miles on them. They are really inexpensive (~$2000)
We did a TR6 EV conversion in 1976 (also an MGB GT), and Beetle, and a Cortina, and a Datsun pickup...
There are EV conversions that can be done to Classics (if you so desire)
My daily driver is a 1976, but it's not a classic, it's just a car.
Been trying to wear it out for over 25 yrs.
When I'm expecting to be in a crash, I drive my Kenworth. When not... my vintage motorcycles (most often during summer or at my winter homes).
Where will you get spare parts, especially body and interior parts?
If you get a vintage Mustang, there is no support from Ford, but there are numerous aftermarket parts. Mustangs were produced in significant numbers.
A Chrysler from the 70s should be a different story.
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