By Robert Emslie
Welcome to Craigslist Crapshoot, our weekly search for the most bizarre, awesome, and/or terrible vehicles that the online classifieds has to offer.
While we all strive for a sense of individuality, I think a greater internal motivator is the feeling that we fit in. Last week we went looking for cars and trucks that don’t fit in – or at least were being offered for sale in places they probably didn’t belong. We’ll see the oddest duck after the jump, but first let’s get to this week’s quest for the best.
You know the general consus regarding cars from the ’70s is that they sucked. That’s a stereotype, and while there is plenty of evidence to that being true, it’s not universally the case. I’d like your help in finding cars and trucks from the ’70s that not only don’t suck, but might actually be something you might want to buy.
As always, we want your finds to go down in infamy and not in the site’s spam filter. Since we’ve changed commenting systems, you may need to update your commenter account. Make sure you have a Disqus account – they’re free and easy to get – and then comment away.
What’s the old phrase, to stick out like a sore thumb? Or maybe it’s like a turd in a punchbowl, either way it doesn’t sound too pleasurable. Fortunately when it comes to cars and trucks for sale in places they probably shouldn’t ought to be, there’s little pain involved.
In fact, I think the Brazilian Puma GTB in Florida found by Jeepster is a particularly pleasant find. Less so but equally out of its element was this Chevy Wagon jim found for sale in of all places, Italy. Mama Mia!
But in my mind, the most intriguing was this Finnish 1964 Imperial found by Sjalabais for 75,000Kr or about $12,000 U.S.. Enormous and rusty, it is the Ugly American embodied in car form.
Congrats to Sjalabais and thank you all for the great submissions! Now, find me something from the ’70s that doesn’t suck.
Jeff Glucker
A 1974-1977 Dodge Monaco, of course.
http://images.craigslist.org/00T0T_6Dt7l8Ectmz_600x450.jpg
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/cto/5125510336.html
A 1974-1977 Dodge Monaco, of course.
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/cto/5125510336.html
Cornering lights, baby!
Of course those lights were the ONLY thing on this car designed for cornering 😉
Needs more cop… everything.
That brocade interior is AWESOME! Brocade needs to make a comeback. Forget leather, I want brocade.
Say what you want, but this Buick is calling to me…cruising down the road, windows down, the little hair I have left blowing in the breeze, Marshall Tucker Band blasting, Winston dangling (and I don’t even smoke. Guess I could start). Only $2k and 2 hours away, hmmm…
http://images.craigslist.org/00303_hqm2QlrGSnd_600x450.jpg
http://bemidji.craigslist.org/cto/5136328373.html
Brougham needs to make a comeback.
http://images.craigslist.org/00k0k_6fcSgoFLRnP_600x450.jpg
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5121838523.html
This is what I was going to post… but I didn’t think it would be taken by the 3rd comment already.
I was trying to find an early 70’s Chrysler Newport with no luck. This more than fills the soft and cushy void.
I found one in bright red, but now I’ll just have to keep looking.
Big Red.
http://images.craigslist.org/00505_28gHUkj5pgH_600x450.jpg
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5104945910.html
Damn it! You beat me too it!
Oh well, here’s the one I had found:
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/00EAAOSwDNdVmVqR/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/winnipeg/78-lilred-express-rare-find/1085139313?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
These blew my mind as a wee lad. Haven’t seen one in the wild in years.
Their both ’78s too – much better than the ’79 quad headlight look.
Same story here, except I still see a few.
My dad says they sold quite well in my area, since I live in Alberta, and these were quite hot with the oilfield workers.
My ex-father-in-law owned a pristine example with 26k miles (all original, always garaged). He was trying to sell it for $20k 10 years ago, but the market would only yield $12k, which surprised me. I drove it to a car show for him once, and it was a blast to drive!
So because your ex-father-in-law couldn’t sell it for the price he wanted, he “temporarily” stored it in your garage, and it’s still there right? Looking all pristine and ready to head out on the road again?
You could save ten grand and drive this instead:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5145981002.html
Dodge Adventurer D100 SE 440 – $3500 (Lewis county)
http://images.craigslist.org/00j0j_blrNbY93OkZ_600x450.jpg
This is checking many boxes on the old desirability list.
http://images.craigslist.org/00404_dqOy4LAU0Ky_600x450.jpg
http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/5119468144.html
This is the kind of truck I had in mind when I created my username. Okay, it’s a 1978 GMC, but in this condition, I’m calling close enough.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/jYMAAOSwPgxVMnPZ/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/strathcona-county/1978-gmc-shortbox-stepside-2wd-5-3l-efi/1065438341?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
Normally I don’t care for LS swaps (too easy, and overdone), but since it’s within the family, and from the same type of vehicle, this one gets a thumbs up from me.
I’m more of a long box guy myself
http://images.craigslist.org/00V0V_giWoRqpEV9i_600x450.jpg
http://bemidji.craigslist.org/cto/5145073240.html
A clean, driver-quality W108 (i.e. standard-wheelbase) ’72 S-Class with the biggest V8 you could get in the short body? Unnnggghhhhaaahhhh…
http://images.craigslist.org/00C0C_4KbyzMtC7dZ_600x450.jpg
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/5141211856.html
I wouldn’t mind a Jeep CJ-3B manufactured under license as a 1976 Mitsubishi Type 73, although perhaps not at $14,000:
http://images.craigslist.org/00M0M_9x1v9BWIyuF_600x450.jpg
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5137303316.html
I likey this one, too bad it is so far away, it would be trade time !
Or, if horsepower and space aren’t major concerns, how about a same-year SL (i.e. the first for the R107)?
http://images.craigslist.org/00O0O_hc93St7DhVJ_600x450.jpg
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/5071444955.html
BMW 633 CSI, http://ww3.autoscout24.de/classified/273658854?asrc=st|as
http://pic1.autoscout24.net/images-big/854/658/0273658854001.jpg?6891fce1b74ee4a18ca367803091e602
There is so much low hanging fruit in the early 70’s that is highly sought after that it would be hard to pick my favorite, but in the spirit of the post, I’ll go with something near and dear from the latter part of the decade (I have one that looks nearly identical)…
http://images.craigslist.org/00808_lCIv4pfZoBI_600x450.jpg
http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5053806443.html
I had one that was identical… probably.. The only difference is mine had a worked over 69 Olds rocket 455 under the hood. I was a hairy ride but it’s one car I would love to recreate today.
Camaro! I don’t care about the mullet and redneck connotations, I’ve liked this generation ever since I got this one in Hot Wheels.
http://www.hotwheelsbr.com/2007_Fotos_SS/044.jpg
Anyway, here’s one.
I actually love the colour combo, too.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/X9AAAOSwBahVYAds/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/red-deer/get-your-summer-on-1980-z28/1074336183?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
I mean, how can you say no to burgundy and red?
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/g1MAAOSw3xJVYAdz/$_27.JPG
BMW 2002 3.0 CSI, http://ww3.autoscout24.de/classified/271213973?asrc=st|as
http://pic1.autoscout24.net/images-big/973/213/0271213973001.jpg?0fe5789a1680aa28d0fead628dbb420f
I know some of you have had bad experiences with these, but I’ll always* be a 340 Duster fan.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/XM4AAOSwT6pVlwVo/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/edmonton/1973-plymouth-340-duster/1084786869?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
*This might change if I ever drive one. Also, $35k is way more than I’ll ever pay for one.
This generation of International just looks right to me.
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/29cAAOSwrklVcbJF/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/calgary/1973-international-harvester-1-2-ton-4×4/1077733358?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
I was at an International show this weekend, and there was a beautiful one of these, fully restored, all black, manual, 345 V8, with 4×4.
Wrong wheels though…http://ww3.autoscout24.de/classified/271483889?asrc=st|as
http://pic1.autoscout24.net/images-big/889/483/0271483889003.jpg?d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e
http://images.craigslist.org/00h0h_iIov73JuVNA_600x450.jpg
http://cnj.craigslist.org/cto/5092224121.html
1974 AMC Javelin AMX – $8000 (Farmingdale)
This 1974 AMC Javelin AMX was purchased from the original owner in April 1988. It has a 304 V8 Automatic engine with power steering & dual exhaust. Car was in storage until I began restoration of the vehicle. The following work was completed as a part of the restoration:
– all new brakes, line hoses, and pads
– reconditioned fuel tank, new fuel pump & sending unit
– new radiator & starter
– rebuilt carburetor
– fresh paint job
– custom front seat covers and new carpet
The car is very solid and has been restored to be a daily driven vehicle. in 1987, the car was converted from a four speed manual to an automatic. The wipers, heat blower, speedometer & odometer do not work. Minor trim, emblems, headlight spring kit, trunk gasket, spoiler vent, and the antenna are missing. Please forward all questions or concerns to seller or call
So the tough part has been done, $8k is stiff but not unbearable and there’s plenty of engine bay to put something worthwhile in it. Also, all of those other issues? Bargaining chips.
NO ONE will get mad at you for not keeping a 74 AMX stock.
Okay, I think I’ve gone over my quota, but my brother won’t forgive me if I don’t post a Gremlin:
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/Jl4AAOSw~gRVqdHr/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/edmonton/classic-gremlin-for-sale/1088222513?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
And, yes, I wouldn’t mind driving one myself.
wtf. All the Panteras I’d want to buy and then this…thing. Seller says this can’t be registered(!) anymore, it has Ford V6 from a Scorpio (V8 sound!) and a reversing camera….and a idiotic price.
http://ww3.autoscout24.de/classified/271355648?asrc=st|as
http://pic1.autoscout24.net/images-big/648/355/0271355648003.jpg?3224414edfc5a37d33cd99b286487b93
I can’t read German, but it looks like a Sterling kit car – with some VERY questionable modifications and an incredibly optimistic asking price.
Def. some sort of kit but then owner has added width + all that tacky crap.
It has remote controlled hydraulic open-close system for the ‘Bermuda roof’ (first time I see this name).
PS. my German is weak too, seems that seller meant that you can’t get similar car to registry nowadays, but this thing is in reg. already so it’s golden. Still, why ask 40k…
There are more affordable ways to express oneself along these lines.
http://images.craigslist.org/00Q0Q_aL9GtXIfXfl_600x450.jpg
http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5100961865.html
Oddly enough, I feel like there’s a lot right with the basic shape. It just needs all the extraneous bit, bobs, and bolt-ons removed and a decent coat of paint…
To be fair, he claims it couldn’t be registered anymore if it was built today. This example is registered and could probably easily be transferred to a new owner. The website advertised on the car is worth a visit: http://www.koon-design.de
I especially like the Matra Murena/Testarossa he calls Eagle-SS, the “Batmobil” and the awesome html-work that went into creating that website.
I’ve always thought that rescuing an older tuner-car would be great thing to do. They didn’t have many tuners in Europe during the seventies it seems, still, there’s this kinda ugly ‘widebody’ Opel GT:
http://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=211908061
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDgwWDY0MA==/z/e5EAAOSwDNdVlV4K/$_1.JPG
I like vans. I found this. I wouldn’t buy this one, but it is nice.
http://toledo.craigslist.org/cto/5142097193.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00E0E_jBi9I1SrvWw_600x450.jpg
I think this looks classy, and I would totally drive it.
http://porthuron.craigslist.org/cto/5107350309.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00M0M_fAmQEr0YCme_600x450.jpg
gotta love the ashtray on the back of the armrest… for rear seat passengers!
http://images.craigslist.org/00X0X_f17MQjC5gXj_600x450.jpg
Had that same car twenty years ago,sweet ride.
My uncle had a first-gen Accord hatchback (gold-on-gold with a 5-speed) when I was growing up, so I have a soft spot for them. This ’78 would make a damn good starting point for a resto mod (i.e. short non-U.S. bumpers, K20 swap, etc.), especially at $2,500.
http://images.craigslist.org/00o0o_jxHcDnkGYPS_600x450.jpg
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/5134068389.html
If I wasn’t broke this would be in my driveway:
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDgwMA==/z/EnIAAOSw-vlVmcxt/$_27.JPG
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/saskatoon/1978-ford-bronco-custom-suv-crossover/1085252332?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
What a great honour to win this competition, yet, this is a Norwegian car (.no) and 75k NOK is 9000$ – not 12000$. Suddenly, a deal!
Finding a 70s car I’d want is really easy, since this is more or less my favourite decade. I choose this best-year-for-the-140 1972 Volvo 144 DL. The steering wheel would have to go, but the rest looks great. Take a look at how lost the fourbanger seems to be in the engine bay!
http://finncdn.no/mmo/2015/7/vertical-3/28/1/622/204/31_1510396697_xl.jpg
http://finncdn.no/mmo/2015/7/vertical-3/28/1/622/204/31_1640930442_xl.jpg
Also, definitely not to my taste at all, but this is how very many 140s end their days; and it is more of a luxo-crapshoot to me:
http://finncdn.no/mmo/2015/7/vertical-3/29/9/622/605/09_1579706838_xl.jpg
Looks like they forgot the engine. No wonder V8 swaps are so common.
As pretty as this (http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/5124341940.html) Camaro is, and it is gorgeous, the seller didn’t post a price, which I don’t like. This Buick, though, looks to be in great shape, and is only 6500 bucks. Plus, Radial T/A’s on steelies with dog dishes? I am aroused.
http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/5102019276.html
Jeepster Commando is the correct answer, for $1000. the half cab/pickup model with automatic and console ! ( look at the way silly yankee spelled camando ) http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5141358534.html
and the slotted mags for the early CJ5 Renegade…
Camando:Commando::Camero:Camaro
1976 Dodge Tradesman 200 van.
http://images.craigslist.org/00v0v_4rePnG2EdHr_600x450.jpg
http://houston.craigslist.org/cto/5144123180.html
I NEED this in my life!
As fuzzy as the outside looks, I wonder what sort of science project is growing inside.
Tuesday yet ? something from the 70’s that doesn’t suck,ok … look that up in the dictionary and THIS will be the answer ! http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/mcy/5085234858.html OK I’m done now.
I’d vote this up more if I had multiple Disqus accounts.
A 1970’s Jag that hasn’t lost all of it’s Lucas smoke.
http://liveimages.carsales.com.au/carsales/car/private/cp5302518797231309251.jpg?height=700&aspect=FitWithinNoPad&width=1050
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Jaguar-XJ42-1977/SSE-AD-3500854/?Cr=5
Or a Tuesday answer, the darling of the cafe racer set.
http://liveimages.bikesales.com.au/bikesales/general/content/gc5469347038791302612.jpg?height=700&width=1050&aspect=FitWithinNoPad
http://www.bikesales.com.au/private/SSE-AD-2924087/1971-Honda-CB750/?cr=0&psq=((((((SiloType%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20available%5D%7CSiloType%3D%5BBrand%20new%20bikes%20in%20stock%5D)%7CSiloType%3D%5BDemo%20%26%20near%20new%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType%3D%5BDealer%20used%20bikes%5D)%7CSiloType%3D%5BPrivate%20used%20bikes%5D)%26Make%3DHonda)%26Service%3DBikesales)&pso=15&pss=Year
A running upscale El Camino for $500 or “420 trades”? Why is this not already in 24HOL?
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5146737557.html
http://images.craigslist.org/00808_7Ku0F86fIXl_600x450.jpg
77″ GMC SPRINT 500 O.B.O
CAR CONDITION : Good/Fair condition 350 Engine STOCK VEHICLE (Original Body & Interior) RUNS GOOD NEEDS : FRONT TIRE in order to drive off . CRACKED Window sheild Vehicle Registration Fees: $750
420 trades
SERIOUS INQUIRES
1977 Lotus Esprit, the best looking car that is absolute crap electro/mechanical ( over at barnfinds) http://barnfinds.com/1977-lotus-esprit-s1-spy-gear-not-included/ see the James Bond movie cars posts last week… 9yrs old at the theater watching the Lotus transform, then again drive up on the beach, was a big influence, looked “real ” to me. I lied, had to post this one also.
How about this Swedish E12 518 in original condition for 2 500€ ($2 759)?
http://www.nettiauto.com/en/bmw/518/7389973
http://image.nettiauto.com/extra/carimg/00/07/38/99/73/bmw-518-7389973_l_e11420bf5e193146.jpg