A teacher in high school used to tell us, “History isn’t what it used to be.” That’s definitely true in the automotive world considering Model Ts are no longer a popular collectible. In a more topical moment, dune buggies have suffered a similar fate—they used to be everywhere, and now they are an unusual sight.
Tri-Five Chevys remain a stalwart in the hobby and don’t appear to be letting up, embraced by both old and new (restomods, anyone?). The same can be said as true for modern Corvettes, while I see a beautiful future for Japanese cars of all stripes that have gained in popularity, especially on the West Coast. All four of these cars are part of this week’s AutoHunter Picks—which resonates with you the most?
1967 Meyers Manx
In case you don’t know, this is the original. Is it any coincidence it came from California? Perhaps Bruce Meyers was not the best businessman, but he created a cultural phenomenon that seems to have slipped past us—why aren’t these on everyone’s radar today?
This 1967 Manx is an early one that nicely demonstrates how it was the most copied vehicle in all of autodom—note its stance and simplicity in the face of the behemoths of its time. With a 1915cc four with twin Webers and Freeway Flyer transaxle, I bet this is a hoot with which few can compare.
2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
When the C7 came out, it was quite polarizing, but now I think they look like a typical Corvette. You think differently? Sure, from the rear, it makes me think the designer spent too much time watching Transformers, but the Corvette crowd has been aging out, so why not create youthful appeal in the process?
Yet a pragmatic person would say, “Isn’t horsepower enough?” With this 6,446-mile 2016 Corvette Z06, let the 650-horsepower supercharged 6.2 V8 answer that. On the less pragmatic side, I feel the pull of the vermilion interior trim.
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
I know there’s a faction of Chevy fans who prefer the ’56, but I ain’t one of ‘em. Sure, I can appreciate the rake of the front end or the projectile taillights but, to these eyes, the main standout feature was the side trim that simply outclassed the ’55 and ’57.
In the case of this Aztec Copper and India Ivory 1956 Bel Air two-door hardtop, this is a car that perfectly exemplifies why some prefer the ’56. The matching interior and 265ci small-block is simply icing on the cake.
1987 Toyota Supra
After a horrible experience with the first of the Ford Tempos, my best friend’s mom bought a ruby red Supra similar to this. This was the second-gen version after becoming more than just a fancy Celica, but it would be several years until the Supra truly became a world-class sports car.
This Super White 1987 Supra is still in the hands of the original owner and features the Sport Package, which included a limited-slip differential, Toyota Electronic Modulated System, an electronically controlled suspension damping system, and headlight washers.
