The great thing about not having a strong allegiance to a particular brand is that I am flexible with my appreciation. The below AutoHunter Picks demonstrates the variety for which I can derive enjoyment—do you?
The C2 Corvette is a no-brainer, but what about the Hurst/Olds? A bit ostentatious, but that’s partially by design, as it seems any Hurst product post-1968 was a touch too much. The same could be said for the Edsel though, by its second year in 1959, its weirdness was tamed (and, to be honest, the ’58 never seemed weird, especially in the face of what was coming from General Motors). And while the color works for the Edsel, do you feel the same for the similarly-hued Fairlane?
1966 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
I know one day I will own a C2 Corvette, and it better be a big-block! Alas, pedigree is too important in the Corvette world, so maybe mine will be bought engineless and built as a Day 2 car. This one is for the more well-heeled, as it’s a numbers-matching red/red car with L36 427, M20 four-speed, knock-offs, and “radio-delete.”
This is a car that can make a lot of people happy, but there can only be one lucky winner. If you end up buying this, please drive by my house every morning so I can hear the sweet music.
1972 Hurst/Olds
This is the ultimate Boomer muscle car: rarity, brash looks, connection to a storied brand, solid big-block performance yet compliant with today’s gas, and air conditioning. Did I mention this—like all 1972 Hurst/Olds models—is an Indy Pace Car replica?
If you’re an extrovert, or an introvert who tries to get out of his/her shell, then there is no better collector car in the market than this. Checks all the boxes for those who love the era but desire comfort with their collectibles.
1959 Edsel Ranger
When it comes to seeing old cars in driveways as a kid, I can think of two or three times that I’d find 1959 Edsels. Why not the more common ’58? I dunno. Nineteen fifty-nine was a tamer model year for the Edsel, with possibly less polarizing styling and a lineup being pruned of its fancier models.
To these eyes, the 1959 Edsel was more attractive than an equivalent Ford, with this Ranger four-door hardtop exhibiting good colors and options like air conditioning.
1967 Ford Fairlane GTA Convertible
The cool thing about colors is that they often are a product of an era and, hence, they may or may not age well. Greens and other earthtones are popular examples. May I submit Frost Turquoise as another? I like it, but with reservations, the same way I enjoy Blue Cheer’s first LP to a point, as it’s so obnoxious in its lack of subtlety.
Slather that color on a Fairlane GTA (“A” for Automatic!) ragtop with a more proper turquoise-colored interior, big-block, and console and you have a sweet sporty cruiser.
