Welcome to Craigslist Crapshoot, our weekly search for the most bizarre, awesome, and/or terrible vehicles that the online classifieds has to offer.
With great power comes great responsibility. As we found last week, that responsibility does not necessarily include maintaining a fat wallet. We’ll get the the biggest bang for your buck in a minute, but first we have this week’s business to discuss.
You know who has long been a purveyor of cheap horsepower? That’s right, the General. We’re going to eschew any sort of financial requirements this week, and only look for a brand. That brand is GM, and what I want is cars with GM engines… that aren’t from GM.
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Got that? Good, now let’s see the cheapest speed we can get.
Who knew horsepower was so cheap? I’m going to split the win for last week between the car that I think offers the biggest bang for your buck – and that you might actually want to own – and one that’s just plain bat guano crazy. And at their asking prices, you could have both!
For the street, there is this sweet brown ’79 Chevy with a claimed 400+ ponies under its brown hood. Did I mention to you that it was brown? That one was offered up by Pinkerton and comes from Wausau. The other is an intensely crazy twin-engine Audi 100 with more V8s than you could shake its locked together twin sticks at. That audacious track-only Audi is located in Riedlhütte, Germany and was the find of the always reliable Manic_King. I’d like to congratulate the both of you – and offer thanks to everybody else – for all the strong work!
The most egregious heresy!
This car:
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00909_SNTCIme5s9_600x450.jpg"/>
Packing this engine:
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00l0l_dhT25rzDy0A_600x450.jpg"/>
<a href="http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4848263929.html” target=”_blank”>http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4848263929.html
And as a corollary, a GM vehicle with a non-GM engine (from the factory, no less): A Saturn Vue V6, which packed Honda's J35 for a few years. Contemporary reviews pegged it as quicker than it had any right to be, which makes sense as it was the lightest vehicle that engine had been installed in up until that point (the Accord wouldn't get it until 2008).
Dull as tepid dishwater car, otherwise:
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00Q0Q_j8EaXHXspeq_600x450.jpg"/>
kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/4803976313.html
Has been for sale for probably close to a year.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00O0O_f7bYM4yxvY8_600x450.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/01717_5yXSSUidERn_600x450.jpg" width="500">
<a href="http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/4856924444.html” target=”_blank”>http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/cto/4856924444.html
Overpriced, but…
<img src="http://tanshanomi.com/temp/image-macros/AshamedPuppy-IWouldRockThat.jpg">
And hold on for dear life, I'm thinking. What can that weigh?
Cars with SBC engines? Two thousand comments or bust!
So how about something homemade for $1,000? Beer keg gas tank!
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODE2WDYxMg==/z/Rt0AAOSwLa9UXuJq/$_20.JPG" width="500">
EDIT: I'm an idiot. That's all ye need to know.
1952 Studebaker with a 305 from a "Comaro." I mock his typo but this is kinda badass actually.
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/774AAOSw8d9Uu0JF/$_20.JPG" width="500">
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/4kIAAOSwa39Uu0PE/$_20.JPG" width="500">
Can't people spell Camero?
Someone put a SBC in a '74 Mazda pickup. Want it.
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDgwWDY0MA==/z/jvAAAOSwPe1T-p7Z/$_20.JPG" width="500">
It's a very clean, Series 1 Jaaaaaaagrolet for $10k.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00b0b_xgJY5TDbZX_600x450.jpg">
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/48525909…
Or, if you're looking for something a bit more Teutonic, affordable and unconventional, how about a small block Buick powered '69 Mercedes-Benz 250 for just $1,700?
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00101_4dLPmFnu2aw_600x450.jpg">
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/4854388832…
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00M0M_2k3uegEIeOs_600x450.jpg" width="500">
When I saw the description "corvair motorhome" I figured it was an Ultra Van, which would have been perfect for this week. It isn't, and doesn't quite fit the rules, but it's still very tempting indeed at $3500.
http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/rvs/4831131931.ht…
Lifted Jeep with a Vortec V6 (4.3L, I assume).
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00i0i_2MnikbmmeWr_600x450.jpg" width="400">
<a href="http://mobile.craigslist.org/cto/4847711745.html” target=”_blank”>http://mobile.craigslist.org/cto/4847711745.html
Iron Duke: the low point for so many vehicles, including postal Jeeps.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00h0h_gASPdqdq0mh_600x450.jpg">
<a href="http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/pts/4807626674.html” target=”_blank”>http://wenatchee.craigslist.org/pts/4807626674.html
"Low point for so many vehicles?"
I disagree. All tractors and combines love the Iron Duke, since they know they can beat it in a drag race.
Another lifted Jeep, this a '77 Cherokee with a 6.0L Vortec V8.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/01717_1QS3iMfqiBG_600x450.jpg" width="500">
<a href="http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/4851209346.html” target=”_blank”>http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/cto/4851209346.html
Me likey but dat price tho
A lazy post of the mandatory 911 with a SBC Chevy
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4851001028….
Not bothering with the pic -it looks like an old 911
For $15K – pass.
Extra points for not bothering to show the engine installation.
Maybe because the ad doesn't show it?
But to make you feel better, here's a picture of the car.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00j0j_6ABkPzsop3n_50x50c.jpg">
No, I meant extra points to the seller for not…
Brunton Super Stalker: A Lotus 7 Clone with the supercharged 3.8L V6 out of a Pontiac Grand Prix and a T5. The $31K price tag seems a bit excessive, but it sure as hell looks fun.
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00Z0Z_lk6dF5t80ji_600x450.jpg" width="400">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00A0A_k0PkrIDxkQF_600x450.jpg" width="400">
<a href="http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/4856371042.html” target=”_blank”>http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/4856371042.html
bonus points for knocking over ALL OF THE CONES!!!
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjgyWDEwMjQ=/z/MDUAAOxy039TMvhZ/$/$_57.JPG" width="666">
http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/land-rover-d…
From Italy: Motorhome Americano Damon 6.5 turbodie[sel]
<img src="http://img1.annuncicdn.it/91/cc/91cc1c6dbac5f6fba61207a70091bb19_orig.jpg">
They have Kijiji in Italy! http://www.kijiji.it/annunci/auto/treviso-annunci…
Must be fun maneuvering that behemoth down narrow winding Italian city roads!
How many 1965 and 1966 Studebakers do you want to list?
http://boone.craigslist.org/cto/4849255040.html
Italy again: Jeep Renegade CJ7 motore chevy 383 stroker, only 150 hp from a 383 stroker? Steering shaft rubs against the header…
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDgwWDY0MA==/z/aAkAAOSwkNZUeUs-/$_1.JPG">
http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/jeep-renegad…
Not exactly what I was looking for, as I initially had in mind a Trooper that came from the factory with the 2.8L Chevy V6. This one, however, has been the beneficiary of a (halfway) 4.3 Vortec swap. More is better, right?
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/4814634956.html
1989 Isuzu Trooper with a 83 S-10 Blazer 4.3l engine. Project I started, can't finish due to wifes illness. Engine was totally rebuild with a mild cam, headers, holley 2 bl carb, 700r4 trans, custom drive shaft, cutlass gear shift, new tires. Had to remove front axle to for engine to fit. Was a 4 wheel drive, now a 2 wheel drive. Needs speedometer, shocks, rotors. If interested in a one off project give me a call. 2500.00 obo
Conceptually appealing, executionally flawed…
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00V0V_dt6Bu0sMbl1_600x450.jpg">
<a href="http://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/4853110497.html” target=”_blank”>http://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/4853110497.html
Way to ruin a perfectly usable 914.
Sand Rail Count?
Buick 215 Aluminum!
Sandrail – V8 Dune Buggy – $2700 (Cameron Park)
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00e0e_dwHwgIWgRKI_600x450.jpg"> http://sacramento.craigslist.org/rvs/4831481574.h…
Evidently it's a thing <a href="http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/rvs/4854400698.html” target=”_blank”>http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/rvs/4854400698.html
Buick 215? Rover SD1:
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/c6QAAOSw-W5UurEI/$/$_57.JPG" width="666">
http://suchen.mobile.de/auto-inserat/rover-sd-ham…
Well that looks like a hilarious way to kill yourself.
Yes, because adding a bunch of weight waaaay back behind the swingaxles and removing all the weight from the front is an excellent idea.
Oooohh Yeaaah!
COOLEST COACH ON THE PLANET…… 49' FLXIBLE – $95000 (Riverisde)
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00h0h_800qsul3aOf_600x450.jpg">
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/4854795928…
"NEW GM RAMJET 502 CRATE ENGINE WITH CUSTOM CERAMIC COATED HEADER EXHAUST SYSTEM WITH ELECTRIC "CUT OUTS"
all f-'n caps baby!
Gotta love a 944 with an LT1 motor, baby:
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00h0h_jVnhSG8SmFV_600x450.jpg">
I think this was featured on Daily Turismo the other day actually. Those headlights.
No – I won't take $11,000 for the car, but feel free to make an offer.
No – I won't take trades.
No – I don't need help selling the car.
No trades! That is going against Craigslist custom but who I am to complain.
https://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/cto/4848785943.h…
What the…..! Impressive result:
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/01717_c13DUJKrJpR_600x450.jpg">
I can't hate it.
A genuine Porschevrolet!
How about a factory GM motor in a non-GM vehicle? http://sfbay.craigslist.org/scz/cto/4856337762.ht…
Buick 350 in a Wagoneer
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/4856637067.ht…
Buick 225 V6 in a CJ 5
I was trying to find any Iron Duke engined AMCs but no dice.
See my postal jeep above.
I was thinking Concord / Spirit. I found a '78 and a'79 but the Iron Dookie went into the '80-'82 models.
Heh…I always thought it was the Iron Puke…
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00B0B_4JnxEHotXIH_600x450.jpg">
"240"hp 3.8l supercharged Datsun, 80% basket case, lots of fabrication work left to be done, a steal at $3500. Whee, total crapshoot!
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/cto/484194…
She can dance a Cajun rhythm Jump like a willys in four wheel drive
She's my summer love for spring, fall and winter She can make happy any man alive<[em>
But especially me. I want this…. badly
<src img="http://images.craigslist.org/00H0H_lmPC8p8iL0d_600x450.jpg">
1961 Willys Pickup
Engine – 327 ci SBC with 670 CFM Truck Avenger Carburetor (Engine runs good, does not burn oil, and no excessive blow-by)
Transmission – GM Turbo 400 with B&M shift kit, B&M Ratchet Shifter, and 1500 RPM Hughes stall converter
Body – 1961 Willys cab, hood, and rear fenders. Custom fabricated bed and front fenders. Entire body shot with Gator Guard (truck bed liner) inside and out (red exterior and black interior). The are a few minor cracks in the liner mainly on the hood and passenger side door.
Frame – 1973 Chevy Blazer with 8" removed in mid-section
Suspension – Rancho (triple shock towers in both front and rear)
Front Differential – Dana 44
Rear Differential – GM 10.5" 14-bolt
https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4825897884….
<src img="https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/4825897884.html">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/01717_VQQh4Oe38u_600x450.jpg">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00t0t_l0WzIw7BEL3_600x450.jpg">
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00P0P_iYydqXqcpws_600x450.jpg">
1977 Plymouth Arrow Drag Car with 358 sbc.
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/ODAwWDQ1MQ==/z/PLwAAOSw~uhUoe3k/$_20.JPG" width="600"> http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/red-deer/1977…
$15000, but when was the last time you saw one?
A Chevy-powered, Plymouth-badged Mitsubishi? Never, as far as I know.
And don't forget that that Chevy power is transferred to the wheels through a Ford 9" rear.
If you have $3500 burning a hole in your pocket, you could choose either of these imports with a Chevrolet mill grafted in:
a) 1988 Toyota Pickup with 4.3 Vortec swap
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00f0f_gNfPld79iVD_600x450.jpg" width="500/">
b) Mazda RX-7 Convertible with Chevy 350 swap
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00R0R_1A0F5AeuyL4_600x450.jpg" width="500/">
The wooden grade stake as a hood prop is the sign of a well-done engine swap.
Plus if any vampires happen to show up…
the tarp on the roof is another sign of excellence
How about a 1982 AMC SX4 with an Iron Duke? http://sd.craigslist.org/cto/4822333691.html
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00X0X_cC1d0deiIJu_600x450.jpg" width="600">
Or if that ain't good enough, how about this '81 SX4 with a '66 327? http://duluth.craigslist.org/cto/4822975470.html
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/01313_cyV5nCfTd3n_600x450.jpg" width="600">
1929 Hupmobile with an Olds Rocket motor
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00505_ctfEhEQbRWS_600x450.jpg"> <a href="http://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/cto/4857610817.html” target=”_blank”>http://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/cto/4857610817.html
Also this
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00C0C_jUxCmdckDmS_600x450.jpg">
"Nostalgia drag car, body from SoCal speed shop in California. Still has Winternational stickers from 1962 and 1964 on it.
" <a href="http://savannah.craigslist.org/cto/4846410060.html” target=”_blank”>http://savannah.craigslist.org/cto/4846410060.html
But then I found this C-Cab
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00P0P_23suiHUfVzT_600x450.jpg"> http://savannah.craigslist.org/cto/4839932424.htm…
this ford pickup is pretty sweet too. I could see myself in this
<img src="http://images.craigslist.org/00H0H_hfoY1FpLvZA_600x450.jpg"> <a href="http://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/cto/4858526424.html” target=”_blank”>http://myrtlebeach.craigslist.org/cto/4858526424.html