Obscure Cars?
 

Currently I'm building a 70 nova with my father...but thats his car...and with that said, I want my own to wrench on...I dont have big bucks to spend on a chevell, camaro, mustang or anything in those ranks, and im not much of a G body fan either, with all that laid down Im coming to yall for some ideas. I want to come up with a somewhat obscure car that isnt too expensive since it isnt mainstream really. I would like something that is pre 1970 and I want to make it into a pro touring/ g-machine, I cant decide which yet... I want it to be a front engine, rear wheel drive car... Anybody got any ideas?

The problem with obscure cars is that they are often hard and expensive to obtain parts for... if you're going the route of something obscure, you don't want to start with something that is trashed, as they often cost as much to build as something like a Camaro or Chevelle, where the initial cost is high, but everything is commonly available and somewhat reasonably priced.

That said, I'm a big fan of the 65-68 Impala/Bel Air/Biscayne styling, and that would be my choice for my next project if not another Chevelle.

I always liked the 240Z personally. It's not pre 70, but still a great car to make fast.

There are so many great "obscure" cars that are siblings to the most popular models.

GM A bodies....Skylark, Cutlass or even a Lemans

Mercury Cougar
Ford Torino, Fairlane, Mercury Cyclone

Larger body GM cars- Impala, Bonneville, Catalina, Wildcat, Delta 88

Quality Mopar is probably going to be a challenge to find, find parts for and keep it relatively inexpensive. There are deals out there though!

Good luck in the search!

65-7 A-bodies, Skylarks, Olds Cutlass, still real affordable and use all the same stuff a Chevelle. Even a Lemans can be had for a song.

One thing I've learned through the years (I'm sounding old) is build the car YOU WANT or you'll loose momentem and won't finish it.

Even if it is a Camaro. you can find deals if you are patient-Chris

Check out the early ('63,'64, '65) Buick Riveria's. They look awesome and you don't see a lot of them. They are still pretty reasonably priced. In their day, they were the Cat's Meow of Sportyness in the Buick line. I think Frank Sinatra even drove one.

Specifically the '65, it really rock's. They also came with an optional 425 Buick Nail with 2 four barrel carburetors, 360 hp and tons of torque. Even the 425 single 4 barrel would haul ass. The interiors are also really neat looking.

Once you see them, give me your thoughts on one.

In my opinion.... the first gen firebirds and some of the Olds, and Buick A bodies are the ones to buy. If you look you can still find em reasonable and they are going to do nothing but appreciate especially as the whole A body line up becomes more popular.....

tall order
 

well

glad to se young guys still into pre 70 cars....only one issue .....its going to depend on how much $$ you have to buy and whats available in your price range ,one hint BUY THE BEST CONDITION BODY CAR YOU CAN FIND,,these guys have posted good ideas.. AS A YOUNG MAN BOLT ON STUFF IS GREAT AND HELPS YOU GROW INTO BUILDING..DONT WAST ANY MONEY ON AN OLD BUT RUSTY RIDE..IT WONT MAKE FOR MUCH FUN....your personal taste is going to guide your choice ...good luck

radrambler

i know you said you wanted pre 70, but would you ever consider an early second gen camaro? like 70 to 72? they arent dirt cheap, but you can still find them in fairly decent shape for very reasonable prices.

70-72 reasonable........ ??? I think someone sent those guys a memo too :)

hmm, the idea of buying a 2.nd gen f-body is the easy way out, tonnes of bolt on parts , but it really isnt either pre 70 or obscure...

if your fabricating skills / or your farthers for that matter are better than average id get a small car like 61-62 buick , 61 tempest, or simmilar car.. there are many running-restored/relatively-rustfree cars out there as long as you arent looking for what everybody else wants... all you have to get is one that has a straight body and intact glass, preforably one with a semi decent interior and the smallest engine..

install a decent rear end, perhaps used late model f-body locker that you shorten to fit, and a used ls1, depending on the car somthing will have to be done with the front suspension, but again it doesnt have to cost an arm and a leg.. id look into a mustang 2 deal...

yep they got th memo with the last year too. when i bought my car 1 year ago pristien Zs were going for 19-20k no they are going for close to 28-30k.

Yes...... yes...... and yes...... I have even seen some images of a couple of pro touring Rivy's that were bitchin! Obviously, I favor the early 60's stuff... :)