The automotive world is surrounded by urban legends. The Chevy Nova is arguably the most famous one. We discussed several surrounding the Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Road Runner Superbird some months ago. We also feature two below, both focused on one of the four cars that are part of my AutoHunter Picks.
It’s worth distinguishing an urban legend from the current misinformation flavor of-the-day, which seems to be designed to mislead (especially in this modern world of EVs). Can you think of any automotive urban legends worth mentioning? Tell us—otherwise, enjoy the quartet of collectibles below.
1977 Lincoln Continental Coupe
My dad bought a leftover Continental Mark IV in the fall of 1976, so I remember Continentals on the lots and on the roads. However, I didn’t realize how different Continentals were until something happened (I don’t quite remember what—probably car trouble) several years later and we borrowed the neighbor’s car (would you do that for someone today?).
I was fascinated by the instrument panel and how a ribbon was used for the speedometer. And all that room in the rear seat! Add the rarer Coupe body style combined with the 1970s-esque Light Cordovan hue, the unusual white vinyl top, and red interior, and you’ll have an American cruiser par excellence.
1984 Ford Mustang Turbo GT 20th Anniversary Convertible
It’s 1984, a year when Ford upped its investment in turbo technology. Do you choose the trusty horsepower of the carbureted 5.0 V8, putting out up to 175 horsepower with a five-speed, or a new-age turbo 2.3 four with 145 horsepower? The tried-and-true or the future?
I’m sure it was a difficult decision for some at the time, possibly followed by buyer’s remorse for a few. For this special ‘Stang meeting the moment, only 731 Turbo GT ragtops were built, of which only 104 were Anniversary cars like this.
1963 Plymouth Belvedere Sedan
The Belvedere was on the cusp between the Savoy and the Fury, meaning it was available as both a two-door sedan and hardtop. Of course, racers prefer the lighter sedan, and finding a used “granny” car is a blank slate always worth fantasizing.
An owner of this Belvedere saw fit to equip it with a Hemi (a Keith Black-built 572, no less) and other features that seem somewhat radical, but I bet this thing is easier to drive than an authentic ’63 Max Wedge. Someone (you?) is gonna be very happy with this Mopar.
1927 Ford Model T Roadster
Everyone loves an urban legend, and the Model T is surrounded by at least two: Henry Ford invented the automotive assembly line, and that they all came in black—neither are true. For the latter, the Model T was only offered in black from 1914-25, which means this final-year ’27 stands out more than it should.
It also is a reflection on how the Model T evolved from its auspicious beginnings in 1908 to something that was segueing into the Model A.
