Ever see one of those images with the tallest and shortest men in the world? That’s what this week’s AutoHunter Picks feels like—pair the Malibu and the 20-horsepower Bimmer and it’s almost like the same image, but with cars. While the human side usually has something unusual going on with genetics or development, while the two vehicles have to do with the respective purpose for which they were created.
Today, all four of the below vehicles share one common purpose: to make you smile as you drive. Which one of these AutoHunter selections give you the biggest grin?
1967 Chevrolet Malibu Sport Coupe
I know there’s 1966 people and 1967 people, and I straddle the two: I think the front-end and hood are cooler on the ’66, while the taillights are better on a ’67. What is truly cool on this upgraded example—a rather pedestrian small-block Malibu in original form—is that it’s a two-tone car painted Granada Gold with Capri Cream top (one of 4,137 built among all Chevelles).
Alright, so that configuration has been lost at the moment, but the mag wheels, stance, and injection of horsepower make up for it.
1958 BMW Isetta 600
Despite being a muscle car guy, I have an affection for “bubble cars” like the Isetta. The 600 looks like one of the three-wheelers but it’s its big brother. Though it has four wheels, it still has the cute “is that really a car?” look with a front-hinged door.
Best of all, the Isetta 600 seats four, so the whole tribe can pile in and grab some soft-serve at the local Lickety Split (FYI, the ice cream joint where I grew up). A 582cc flat-twin and a four-speed (with synchromesh!) power this double bubble.
1974 Volkswagen 1600 TL Fastback
The best thing about traveling as a kid is seeing the cars from different countries. During a visit to Brazil when I was 10, I couldn’t help but notice how many Volkswagens there were—I imagine it was similar with Model Ts in America over 100 years ago.
The interesting thing about Brazil’s VW operation is that it evolved some cars that came from Germany, with this 1600 being one. It’s related to the Type 3 with which you may be more familiar.
1968 Ford Fairlane
You don’t see too many of these base mid-size Fords pop up often. Most had the inline-six or small V8s like a 302 (as this one does), but about 25 or so were equipped with the 428 Cobra Jet.
This example looks like the perfect specimen to build with a CJ and then take to the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race and see what it could do because you won’t find a lighter mid-size 1968 Ford than this one since all closed two-doors were hardtops—no sedans in these years.
