By Robert Emslie
Do you want to know who your worst enemy frequently turns out to be? Check out the mirror my friend. That’s right, most people do things that aren’t necessarily in their best interests, very often preceded with one of two phrases – Here, hold my beer or Watch this. Of course as Darwin pointed out, this may just be nature’s way of culling the monumentally stupid and uncoordinated from the rest of us. . . who are just modestly afflicted with those attributes.
But when it comes to buying cars, making the wrong decision is more likely to cause damage to your bank account than corporeal harm. The thing of it is, while for the most part creatures of reason, we often times let rationalizations overrule our common sense. That’s why women sometimes marry rebellious men that they think they can change, and men on occasion bring strippers home to meet mom. It’s also what keeps people buying cars and trucks like Land Rover Discos, carbureted Maserati Biturbos, and ’80s Alfa Romeos.
That’s right, these are all examples of cars that, while expressing a certain level of appeal are in no uncertain terms terrible cars that will suck your wallet dry faster than drunken weekend in Vegas. There are lots of horrible cars and trucks – some of which have always have been so, owing to a particular element of their design (Lancia Monte Carlo brakes being an example), or to their age, becoming horrible money pits as time goes by. We all have our crosses to bear, a car or truck that we know is bad for us, but which we still want to someday possess. Which is yours?
Image source: [Mirror]
Jeff Glucker
Edsels have a horrible reputation, but I like them. I have a space in my garage for one, station wagon or otherwise.
<img src="http://www.stationwagonforums.com/forums/gallery/files/1/1958_edsel_bermuda_station_wagon2.jpg"width="500"/>
Image: stationwagonforums.com
Edsels get a bad rap especially from non-car people. Quality wise, they're no worse than anything else from the era, if anything they may be a little better due to the placement of Edsel as being a senior Ford.
And what flop? Cripes, Ford sold how many Edsels in '58? 63,000? I don't think Toyota sold that many last-gen Celicas, and we don't hear about that being a flop.
The Edsel's problem was timing. A big expensive car made sense at the time of planning. It just had the bad luck to be released right in the middle of the first real national recession since the end of the war.
It's always, always about the 58's horse collar grille and ingrown-toenail taillights that grates with people. For this reason the make always gets trashed.
From what I understand the major reliability issue that they had was the slip rings and electric motors that operated the push button transmission. Neither of which are really insurmountable issues.
On the other hand, Mercury sold almost twice as many cars in '58 than Edsel. Yes, they were an established brand, but they were higher priced. It was also much lower than Ford projected (even allowing for the recession, I imagine). As much as Toyota didn't sell many Celicas, they never planned on it.
As far as quality goes, apparently Edsels were worse than their Ford/Mercury counterparts (at least at first), because the workers were poorly able to adapt to the different cars coming down the production line.
Edsels are awesome.
I tried to post a picture of one in Baja form, but for some reason images don't seem to work from my phone. Very sad.
This is one of my favorite Edsel pictures. I also have a video of it in a parade.
<img src="http://www.strangefarmer.com/images/content/156341.jpg"width="500"/>
I've texted a guy about a '64 Corvair, but he hasn't answered my questions. The craigslist ad is down so I don't think he's going to. The '65 Corvair I inquired to before Christmas had deeper rust than I could handle with my skill set.
Sorry (says the '64 Corvair owner), a '64 Corvair is not a horrible car. Hope you find one. Stay away from the rust buckets. In fact, late model rust buckets are worse than earlies because the late model rust always involves the windshield channel.
That is exactly why I don't have a '65 Corvair right now.
Going off on a tangent here…
…the guy with the '64 started communicating. Anything in particular I should keep an eye out for? It's $1450 and looks like it needs some interior work at the very least.
Look out for rust around the windshield/A-pillar area and in general between the (forward) trunk and passenger compartment. And if it's the 110 horsepower engine, check for dropped valve seats (although in general the 110 hp is just about the best engine for a Corvair, as it's a good mix of low RPM torque an high RPM horsepower).
In general, since it's a unit body, make sure that the main body (rocker panels etc) are in good shape, almost everything else is available from the aftermarket for very reasonable prices. But if the car needs a ton of work, keep in mind that even museum piece Corvairs aren't going to be worth a fortune. So if you do end up spending lots of money on it, do so because you want to keep the car a long time (and because you know how well the work has been done), not because you think it'll sell for a million at some auction…
I know $5k gets a pretty damned good one. This is $1450 has some what looks like surface rust on the panel behind the rear seat, needs some interior work, and the driver's window doesn't roll all the way up. Going to look at it in person Saturday morning. I'm not looking for perfection, just a fun ride that I can make incremental improvements over the years. I don't buy vehicles with resale in mind. 🙂
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OlJwfy2PwAQ/UQgurgbvBvI/AAAAAAAABKY/6Hqkv5_LQpg/s408/imagejpeg_6.jpg" width="400/">
Wish me luck and thanks for the tips.
That was some good info, I ended up picking up a '61 that's had a '64 rear suspension upgrade. The original center section was still in the trunk, and caused a couple small holes that need to be patched up. https://picasaweb.google.com/11451668419641202312…
Hopefully it'll be roaming the road soon, the first things on the to do list are to replace the pushrod tube seals and put seatbelts.
…well, after getting more money since the DMV's gonna take it all due to back fees.
For me it has to be a Citroen SM. A lovely car, but the love child of Citroen and Maserati so not blessed with the reliability gene and probably perforated with rust.
What? I'm not weird. You are. You are weird.
<img src="http://www.oldcarbrochures.org/var/albums/New-Brochures—November/1974-Ford-Mustang-II-Folder/1974%20Mustang%20II%20Folder-04.jpg?m=1353449824" width=550>
Horrible's relative. It's much less likely to strand you than the much prettier Vega (which I want).
My mom had a brand new Vega when they first came out. If I recall correctly she was adding a quart of oil every fill up or two and was changing sparkplugs at oil change increments. Within 5 years the rust was so bad that she was standing on the door sill and fell through it.
They sure were pretty cars though. It's too bad they were so terrible.
My brother's father in law loves Vegas….once they're sleeved. He would buy ones that others had given up on, put cast iron sleeves in instead of reboring and reetching them, and from what he says, they'd run forever without an issue after that.
In that advertisement, they are swinging that club awfully close to those delicate taillights…
Well, if that's a horrible car, then EVERY car from '73-'78 would be horrible!
Ahhhhh, yea; nevermind.
Sorry! My fat fingers aren't used to iPads yet. That was supposed to be a thumbs up. My apologies…
Your post pretty much covered me. There's a Biturbo for sale right now with a conveniently pres-split head gasket for 10k. Surely a bargain! Also tempted by every Alfa Romeo GTV I ever see.
$10k??? A broken Biturbo is worth less than $1000 in pristine condition. Seriously. I've seen them for $250. They aren't worth $10k in absolutely showroom new condition. A nice runner is worth around $3500 maybe. Adjust up a bit if it's in perfect condition, down a lot if not.
I'm not sure if this counts because really it's just other people that find the Renault Avantime horrible.
<img src="http://www.carkeys.co.uk/image.php?image=/sites/default/files/rnava000a.jpg&w=483&h=251&c=False&r=0" />
Okay, now I need one of those too.
Seconded!
I love those things!
I've always sorta had a thing for the Espace convertible.
<img src="http://thumbsnap.com/s/Qg97Nrs7.jpg" width=400>
wtf is that hahah
The Avantime? It's an NPV. Like, MPV stands for Multi-Purpose Vehicle, NPV is a No-Purpose Vehicle.
You heathen! How can you go wrong with a 4 person minivan coupe?
It has a button that, with just one push, will lower all 4 side windows AND open the sunroof. Clearly this makes it a great dog hauler!
What makes you think NPV is a derogatory term?! It's great.
<img src="http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2005/2005-smart-nightrun-fa-1600×1200.jpg" width=500 /img>
I have defended the Smart Fortwo many, many times. I still can't deny that they are seriously flawed cars. I mean, I leave the safety angle out of it, unless we decry the Lotus Elise as just as much (honestly, probably more) of a death trap, to say nothing of conventional subcompacts that don't have so much to prove with active safety. But the smart, especially the OG diesel models we got in Canada, are sort of slow, noisy, not the most comfortable, have all the maintenance costs and reliability history of a early millennium Benz with none of the cachet, and no critique of this oddball is complete without mention of the glacially slow transmission. But at the same time, because they're approaching a decade in Canada (along with the occasional tendency to grenade its engine, and bankrupt you getting it running again), they're getting close to beater money. And that intrigues me. I mean, on one hand, the whole point of the thing is to be hyper-efficient city transportation, which the diesel just crushes it. And yes, it probably doesn't have the Jack Russel Terrier mentality of the gas-powered cars, but I still want to pick one up.
Of course, that's just one on the long, long list of cars I want to own because I can afford them (conveniently overlooking the reason I can afford them). NG Saab 900s/9-3s (because the OGs have all but disappeared from our roads), Land Rover Discoveries (I have a small spot for the Freelander too, even if more than half the ones on Kijiji and Auto Trader are in need of substantial repair and don't hide it), Benz CL600s, Mazda RX8s, a smattering of Jaguars, W8/W12 VWs, even an off-lease W204 C-Class with stick is probably a terrible idea on a number of fronts.
The RX-8 is not horrible, it's just…uh…quirky.
I'm gleefully perpetuating the horrible myth. There's one on Auto Trader for $4100 right now – manual, black on that brownish interior, 170k kms. That is so close to my budget (whatever a 2004 Accent with 130k would fetch), it hurts.
Plus, used RX8s without the right owner history are a little terrifying.
An RX-8 with 170k kms will need its third engine. The rest of it should be fine (apart from the eastern salt tinworm).
Sounds like the perfect excuse for a 20B.
You down with SBC? Yeah, you know me!
+1 on the Smart. I do like small city cars, despite living in a place where parallel-parking a 3/4-ton truck isn't an issue. The Smart does exude cheapness, but the thing does have a starting price of $12.5K, so what do you expect? The old $9,999 Nissan Versa was no better, and the Smart looks a little more interesting than the Versa.
The newer cars are actually pretty decent, at least compared to the old diesel smarts.
I don't think I could ever do a smart, but maybe a smart forfour, and definitely the underpowered but still fun smart coupe, which I think is the only member of the family to come out attractive:
<img src="http://www.motorstown.com/images/smart-roadster-04.jpg" width="500">
I have a black early model Smart that looks rather similar to the one above (other than grille, wheels and scratches). After 2 years of ownership I still have a love/hate relationship with it. From drive 1, I knew it was horrible in some aspects and fantastic in others. I came away from that drive literally giggling. So I bought it.
There's just something about wilful, characterful cars that gets to you. You forgive them in a way you'd never forgive a Corolla.
<img src="http://images.classiccars.com/classifieds/240058_12045492_2004_Mercedes-Benz_CL500.jpg" width="600">
The CL500 is, in my mind, one of the most shapely grand tourers of the early 2000s- to have one in a color combination like the example pictured would be the dream. All you need to worry about is that ABC pump failing on you…or the pneumatic doors…or the gauge cluster…
Exactly what I was gonna post, only mine would be the more problematic 600 V12
I even have the (original) wheels I would want on mine in mind already. And the color scheme. And the places I would take it….
You'd go bankrupt before you drove it off the dealer lot hahah sexy though
I have wanted a Trabant ever since I saw one in Annapolis back in the early '90's. I also want a Pontiac T1000 diesel. No, I don't know why either. Oh, and a Lancia Thema 8.32, because if it ever did start and run and drive on the same day, it would no doubt be glorious.
Trabant or Zaporozhyets. A name like Zaporozhyets just rolls off the tongue and exudes class. It just happens in this case, lower. Much like myself. I consider myself a man of class. Lower class mind you, but that's still class…
I've always thought Prowlers were sexxy. They get a bad rep. for being slow and wobbly, but I get the fiz just thinking about it.
<img src=http://www.rapidcars.com/Plymouth_Prowler_1.jpg>
I wonder if they've depreciated enough that I can pick one up as a toy.
Oh, the Plymouth Prowler. So close to being so awesome, who cares about Chrysler reliability good. KBB says $18,000 for a 2000 with 144,000 miles on it! $36,000 for a 25,000 mile example. Those are suggested retail for Excellent condition, but still. If these were cheaper, I'd be thinking harder about possible engine/transmission swaps. But, as it is, too expensive to pick up and cut into.
About any TVR.
<img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/2004-TVR-Sagaris-RA-Top-1600×1200-650×487.jpg" width="600">
Any Peter Wheeler TVR, or the first Griffith.
It's a tossup…
<img src="http://storm.oldcarmanualproject.com/lada/niva/Lada%20Niva%201er.jpg"width=500>
<img src="http://www.motorstown.com/images/jaguar-xj6c-07.jpg"width=500>
They look scary together.
No! Don't say that! The Lada Niva isn't horrible!!!
[stamps feet, runs to bedroom sobbing, slams door, yells "I hate you!" from inside]
Shh … I'm just perpetuating that myth so I can have them all to myself.
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eoi-GAeCYb4/UQX5FJQcl2I/AAAAAAAALNI/BYrQC82mnEs/s300/703CEF76-7B39-4898-A091-5D06A6891C09.GIF"> Great choices! Matt L found this recently – a half piping Niva. The potentially cross dressing dad of my friend (I now keep a pair of panty hose with a hole in the back of my cars) went through a Jaguar phase, he's still married but now he's on a VW phase and they sleep in separate homes most nights.
Those Jag wheels would look great on an Amazon…
Wow, that is remarkable. I bet you don't get too many tries at that!
[youtube gbdrllUXI3w http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbdrllUXI3w youtube] Doh, forgot the theme song earlier.
I wanted one too… But I recently discovered I don't fit in it… Sigh!
Oh well, you can still have a look at this nice period Russian Lada Niva video.
[youtube TZKGI4YHtT4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZKGI4YHtT4 youtube]
Love The Ventures playing on the soundtrack.
I still think you would fit if you got a racing seat mounted low and far back, don't give-up!
I've started looking for another fun weekend car…
One that is more "me" too…
Here's a hint!
[youtube 3zcm4oS9IaM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zcm4oS9IaM youtube]
The vinyl roof is because the loss of the B-pillars made the body too flexy and the paint would flake off. Modern paint is more flexible though, so you're free to peel it off and respray.
While you're at it:
<img src="http://dayerses.com/data_images/posts/broadspeed-jaguar-xj12-c/broadspeed-jaguar-xj12-c-04.jpg">
Cosworth Vega
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/1975_Cosworth_Vega_2.jpg" width=500>
One of the pals I ran around with in highschool had a Cosworth. I never saw it under its own power. 25 years later I asked him thru FB if he still had it- he does and it still doesn't run.
A guy I know has one,it quit running 20 years ago, and is in the back corner of his pole barn.Some kind of dual fuel pump set up that goes to hell.
Pontiac Sunbird Turbo convertible with a 5-speed.
Something like this:
<img src="http://www.motorbase.com/uploads/2009/01/02/fs_4b5f0318_006.jpg"width=500>
Or a Land Rover Discovery II.
Or my 1981 Buick Regal Sport Coupe Turbo Limited back.
Or a Maserati Quattroporte from the 1980s.
Or Fiat.
I thought for sure I was the only person left who liked those Sunbirds. I had an '84 in which I had some of the most fun I've had in a car – and done the most walking I've done due to a car too.
I'm a Sunbird veteran also. 1984 1.8L OHC station wagon in red. It was my college car and I miss it. At the time it was a major upgrade for me because it had a tilt wheel and the A/C worked. I got 150,000 miles on it when I traded it in on an Audi 90CS (also red). The Subird was FAR more reliable that the Audi was.
Even worse, I want an '87-'88 Sunbird Turbo 5-speed sedan.
<img src="http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/11/CC-116-087-800.jpg" width="512">
Smart ForTwo convertible. If I cannot have that, a Triumph Spitfire 1500 or Renault Fuego 2.2 will do just fine please. Or a Honda DN-01.
B8 A4 Avant. Such a gorgeous wagon but oh the maintenance costs.
<img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTU5yzK6wwTb2wf_07FO3zAq-G-1gULveU38NNiZNBEcvAS-6D8", width=500>
IMG from Audizine.com
Pretty much any Audi these days.
The S7 is pure sex.
B8? Bee Eight? Ha, try daily-driving a B5 Avant. B8s are for wimps!
Aston Martin Lagonda.
<img src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/hoopd87/9bb7ec4a.jpg" width =600>
Or, an Alfa Romeo 166:
<img src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j129/hoopd87/c37b6439.jpg" width=600>
Saw a 166 in the flesh at Cars-Coffee last year.
I asked about maintenance. He said with the internets, parts aren't too hard to get. Still a scary prospect.
Damn it… I'll second the Lagonda. In that exact same color.
Citation X11
2nd gen Corvair
80's GM B-body wagons
Mustang II hatcbacks – I got over that one though
and worst of all, I still think the first-gen Sebring convertible is a good looking car. But I'd never own one.
Hey now, what's so horrible about an `80s GM B-Body wagon?
New MGs. I have a soft spot for them. That spot must be in my skull.
<img src="http://gomotors.net/pics/MG/mg-sv-r-x-power-01.jpg" width="600">
I don't know if it's horrible mechanically…
<img src="http://image.trucktrend.com/f/8550081/163_news070308_ford_recalls_03z+2002_Lincoln_Blackwood+rear_view.jpg" width="500">
There's one in my town that I see on occasion, I want to make it mine.
Also, the Lada Niva pickup:
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3039/2653029132_1d1b6ae0de.jpg">
oh gosh the Blackwood haha
That's custom made, right?
Lada Niva lave alound hela ladaly.
I think it was an official Niva variation. I spotted on on Calgary Kijiji once and had to stop myself from buying it, and from what I can tell it's really rare but was definitely produced.
Light googling suggests it was actually a Canadian exclusive – and used Chevy Astro taillights.
<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7174944134_040a099dea.jpg" width="380" height="500" alt="1992 Lada Niva (Canada)">
Blackwoods are just F150s with some extra chrome and all the "truck" functionality removed.
I've only seen one Blackwood in the wild, and it was magnificent.
A 90's Bentley, particularly a Turbo R. They are at a price point now where you can get one with reasonably low miles for less money than a Chrysler with a Bentley kit.
Here is a 36,000 mile Brooklands with a trunk full of receipts. The listing says 15K in the last year alone, plu many more in the last two years. High bid so far is only $17K.
<img src=http://i448.photobucket.com/albums/qq201/pinstr4car/1964%20Impala%20Teal/93%20bentley%20brooklands%20black/DSC_0160.jpg" width=500> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Absolutly-beautifu…
This Turbo R has a buy it now of $17K with free shipping. The seller says it would be worth nearly double with 3-5 days worth of work. that's gotta be some expensive work if he didn't just have it done before listing it.
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/OTAxWDE2MDA=/$(KGrHqZ,!hIFCtnY+kt3BQ+Mk8v87Q~~60_12.JPG" width=500>
<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1989-Bentley-Turbo-R-Base-Sedan-4-Door-6-7L-/160963881794?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item257a31eb42” target=”_blank”>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1989-Bentley-Turbo-R-Base-Sedan-4-Door-6-7L-/160963881794?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item257a31eb42
Nail. Head.
I love these cars, but can't imagine them being more effective at anything than making a Range Rover seem like a low-budget beater. The pricing has gotten seriously tempting on them, and they seem like they have sufficient power to make a reasonable modern daily driver, but I'm sure the first year would wipe you out thoroughly and the following ones would just keep on digging at the hole you're throwing your money into.
Any Land Rover (except the Freelander).
An old Porsche (probably horrible by today's standards)
An old Mercedes (horribly slow)
Not saying it's terrible, but I'd be terrified of owning one.
<img src="http://oldcarbrochures.org/var/albums/NA/Eagle—AMC-and-Chrysler/1984-AMC/1984-Eagle-Brochure/1984%20AMC%20Eagle-05.jpg?m=1320592993" width="600">
There was an absolutely perfect low miles four-door for sale in Dallas a couple of months back. I was tempted, but I'd really rather have the SX4.
I really like the 5 door but then I saw this one last year and it changed my feelings quite a bit.
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/odu6gbk.jpg" width="600">
Hot white walls!
I have actually eaten at that restaurant(Fox and Hound Inn) People raved about it, but I did not think much of it. I guess that is why it is now closed.
I'm amazed that no one has posted the biggest crap import of the 80's… YUGO! As in You-agoing nowhere!
I'd buy two: One to drive & one to do LeMons with.
You shouldn’t be too surprised, since the question was about what horrible car we want to own. I will not look down upon you for wanting one (or two), but I’m certainly not surprised that more people don’t.
I owned one for 4 hours and it was the best fun I've ever had. We took it to our local dirtbike track and abused it till it died. Bust $150 I've ever spent.
[youtube pvG7vi3bFCY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvG7vi3bFCY youtube] Yeehaw SS!!! here's a prize, a song about a Trabi that was eaten by pigs and it's replacement. I am too though surprised there are not more EE cars appearing today, I guess not enough people want them really like smalley conjectures, sad that.
I still would like a Disco II. One from around 2001 or later isn't quite as hellish as the pre-2000 models before Ford took over. Still, I would have no illusions of it being an inexpensive vehicle.
I want a Ford Cortina in the worst way. In fact, for extra expensiveness, I'll take a Lotus Cortina. Picked up cheap, that Lotus twin cam engine will need to be rebuilt. That's not gonna be cheap, but I don't care.
<img src="http://www.renault.com/fr/passionsport/images_without_moderation/magazine/coupés story/floride-zoom.jpg" width="512">
Renault Floride Coupe. Big time horrible, big time want.
saw a convertible version of one of these at the Rolex24 this past weekend.
So pretty!
DO WANT.
<img src="http://encarsglobe.com/data_images/models/suzuki-x-90/suzuki-x-90-08.jpg">
PREACH!
<img src="http://www.rocky-road.com/media/x90-4.JPG" width=500>
Is this one "horrible?" I haven't decided which side of the line it falls…but it's borderline either way.
<img src="http://www.car-list.com/newcars/2007/image//2007_saturn_sky_roadster_rear.jpg">
Redlines are really fun cars. Just don't use a floor jack.
A Porsche 928S4 or a Jaguar XJS. I mean, I know they're going to be horrible to maintain, but there's a part of me that just feels like "If only I had the chance to try to CHANGE it, I know I could make it work!" Which is an awful reason to establish a relationship.
Another plug for our fantasy GM 6.5L diesel XJS motor swap.
Lately after watching the singer porshe video I want an old 911. This question is always revolving in my head. Ive been thinking about a early to mid eighties rover 3500, or course withs some sort of ls 5 speed swap and a complete rewire using an isis intelligent multiplex electrical system. Also I would give a kidney for a nice alfa romeo gtv…..in that metallic green color. There are tons of other crazy cars floating around in my head all of the time. If only my bank account could handle my heads urges i'd be all set.
I'm pretty sure my next car will be a VR6 Jetta.
Count me out. I've only ever been interested in wonderful cars.
Does what you have been interested in and what follows you home differ regarding today's question? Personally SD1 is wonderful car surely, about the best from the list of the best cars ever (that I can afford).
I've said no to some wonderful cars but never yes to a horrible one.
And there, boys and girls, is a demonstration of what starter fluid does to your brain. Scary, isn't it?
Arguably still better than what it does to two-strokes.
Lancia Deltas and Innocentis
Snug Silver Shadows and fugly Lagondas
Brown E65 wagons free of all bling
These are a few of my favorite things
Dreams of Jaguars and crunched S13s
Datsuns and Broughams and Jeeps with big diesels
A Dodge Caravan with stock turbocharging
These are a few of my favorite things
E30s on white wheels with M colored stripes
Alfa Romeos that sit just corroding
Silver white Citroens sans any springs
These are a few of my favorite things
When bored commuting
When the beige hits
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad
<img src="http://good-wallpapers.com/pictures/10704/Amphicar%20770%20Convertible%201968.jpg" width="600">
Ever since I saw a new one drive down a boat ramp and into water (with folks on the shore screaming warnings), I've wanted an Amphicar.
Horrible? They leak. Badly.
<img src="http://www.amphicar.com/images/finzilla/Finzilla%207-2-12-3.jpg">
They look even cooler with a Stude nose and 58 Chevy trim
I used to work with someone who owned one (though it probably hadn't left his garage for a decade before we worked together) and have an out-of-town friend whose dad had one for a while. They both told me one of the big problems with keeping them watertight is the steel body. An owner would get into a fender bender at the supermarket and either leave the minor dent unrepaired or go to a bodyshop that would use autobody repair methods of the non-marine variety. Eventually the damaged area would rust through and your car would take on water.
The fiberglass body kit shown in the picture might actually help the car to be a better boat.
'73 Pontiac Grand-Am 455, the least horribleof the "collonades."
I respectfully disagree, this is measurably less horrible:
<img src="http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2886/3104/32214051808_large.jpg">
Does that mean you win the question though?
I'd also submit this one.
<img src="http://image.highperformancepontiac.com/f/features/hppp_1008_1977_pontiac_can_am/29211010+pheader_460x1000/hppp_1008_01+1977_pontiac_can_am+.jpg">
Found another one:
<img src="http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/front_website/octane_interact/modelpicture.php?id=3759" width="500">
It's hilarious and terrible and you're not quite sure if they were joking or not.
No, not horrible car! I can't believe this was the only response that made me feel this way. I do like the looks of the Princess better though. The hub caps on this one…
1st Gen Vue Redline. Had a Honda V6 and AWD. Pretty stout for the time. The interior plastics made my Ranger look like a Bentley.
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFQj7mmZ76l9YETVPy1pOyhQcYuTjqu2RwsccN5ONBXcSl5M0X">
Same notion:
<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/12/gmc_typhoon.jpg" width="600">
Except for the seats, console, and a few other odds and ends,Typhoon interior looks cheap because it came from the parts bins of otherGM vehicles, most of which had low MSRPs. At least when you need a new radio surround or A-pillar trim, it's easy enough to find and reasonably priced.
Exterior cladding is an entirely different story. The tooling disappeared shortly after the last Typhoons were built, so any pieces you find have been drying out for two decades and are extremely brittle. Supply and demand keeps the prices up, particularly the parts most vulnerable in a crash.
There's a guy at work whose Typhoon's body appears to be rust held together by cladding. I'm guessing those parts will be on the market before long.
If the prices are reasonable, I'm in the market for a front bumper that's in significantly better condition than the one I have and a solid piece of left fender cladding.
That would be a difficult conversation to have in the parking garage … "Hi, Stranger. I really like your rusty Typhoon daily driver. Any plans to part it out?"
Actually, I got my Typhoon from a guy at work, who bought his vehicle after admiring my Syclone from afar (we ended up trading later).
Worst case is the guy says no, but more likely you will end up with a new car buddy.
Of the 3 or 4 recent SyTys I've seen in the last 5 year, all were in a state of hell. I want one but not one of those.
I'd bet any low mileage trucks would be in GNX price range.
Higher mileage is OK if the truck is more or less stock. A truck with a lot of mods is very likely to have been pushed past design parameters, and unfortunately that describes most of the ones that haven't spent the last 20 years coocooned in a garage with the other 30 cars in the owner's collection.
Just thought I'd add that any Vue V6 before the redesign but after the facelift had the pilot motor.
…weird.
Never knew the Honda motor connection there.
That was back when the Japanese V6's were making 250hp while the domestics were boat anchors.
The engine was the Honda J35A3 V6.
Which is funny, because shortly after Saturn used that V6, GM came out swinging with the "High Feature Engine" in just about everything and that motor is fantastic. Great torque and power, just keeps getting better with direct injection and everything else they're putting on it. Word on the street is there will be a twin turbo version of it coming to an ATS platformed Buick whose name I think you can guess.
It's a good engine, the torque converters they used are shitty though. Although the plastics are igloo quality, it's a pretty nice car.
I've looked, in the past few years, for one of these….
<img src="http://oldcarbrochures.org/var/albums/NA/Chrysler_and_Imperial/1981_Chrysler/1981_Imperial_FS_Folder/1981 Imperial-Sinatra-02-03.jpg?m=1305500953" width="600">
/hangshead
I mention this one, because the Bentley Turbo R, Lagonda, 928S4, and Eagle have already been spoken for.
I have a problem…that much is clear.
At least you've gone with the correct model, the Sinatra edition. So you've got discerning taste.
Hey, if I'm gonna have long-term PCH, I'm gonna do it in style!
The problems with the factory fuel injection are legendary, but most of these cars were retrofit with a carb while under warranty, and even if that hasn't been done yet, LA v8 parts are still pretty plentiful and junkyard-available. It doesn't take voodoo and blood sacrifices to keep a 318 alive. If you label this one as a PCH, you need to keep it original or it doesn't count.
If it still had the horrendous FI system, I'd have to keep it that way…in good conscious.
Well, that…or stuff a 383 under that bonnet.
Might as well take advantage of the extra cubes a 400 offers. Externally, it's pretty much the same as a 383, but extra displacement comes in handy for making power.
I actually saw one on the road last week. It made me think of Sinatra.
C3, how serious are you, I know someone in the Charlotte NC area with one who might want to sell.
Not serious enough to do it…at least not before a few other ones.
Thanks for the thought, though.
Oh, yeah…and this:
<img src="http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/cars/jaguar/1373609.jpg" width="400">
It's SO pretty!
Smart ForTwo Brabus, Pontiac Aztek, Chevy Corvair, Ford Edsel to name a few of the many
and…
BOOM…
Geo Storm! I used to love those things when I was younger
I am mostly into squarish Volvos and I lack the self-insight to see anything horrible in that. Yet I'd love a Soviet toy from my youth. Parading around in a GAZ 24:
<img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HvBwsppvNK4/TZGWTbhTLiI/AAAAAAAAN5E/YvoO-MZlxpc/s1600/gaz24.jpg" width="600">
… doing my firewood with a handy 4×4 UAZ 2206 or similar:
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR4bJTy-YOu3EXuoheisplWHthmDnXcIyjGjX5Y5WVbHkdvzsO-2A" width="600">
Since these are nr 2 and 3 on my bucket list, after the neutral Swedish brick, I'd have to balance it all out politically with a mid-60s Lincoln Continental.
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTWEfdnlcWxS_QcLio4RqsSL2Vq4DMsRvE27mgtleNjwVGkllIjIQ" width="600">
Oooh, what a horrible dream garage that would be!
A very good friend had a '67 Conti, 'vert, and after he saw the mess it was, underneath, he couldn't wait to be rid of it.
It'd been in the family since new, however, it was also used to launch boats…into salt water.
How awful to do that to a car that was born with such style and grace. Where is the justice system when you need it?
*waves back at cute Russian woman*
<img src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQeq0uyu0J1hiOP6MQuYOiL5bbF0eyOi1ddr7gKpH7ggRS2Znq5LvVVfw0">
GAZ? Nah, that's not horrible. Go for a ZAZ-966.
<img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_leoGYAeiH44/TUYE9izNJ6I/AAAAAAAAMpA/Arp13Sr9Dw4/s1600/putin_with_his_1972_zaporozhets.jpg" width="512">
You jumped over horribler and went right to horriblest. I am amazest.
You're in luck with that GAZ 24. Although this is a Volga M24(Same car almost). It's awesome! Price is $11,550.
http://cooleurocars.com/1986-volga-m24/
That's quite the specimen, thanks for the link! But I happen to live in Norway, and I'd buy a decent, newly inspected car from Germany, Latvia or Hungary for currently 4-6000€ if I had the money. Yet I am in the fix-up-the-house-and-feed-the-kids-phase of life, so horrible cars will have to wait.
I'll take a Chevy Aveo. I'd love to have a little crap-wagon to buzz around in the city with and not care about door dings, shopping carts, etc.
[youtube NPbfhXsVSUg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPbfhXsVSUg youtube]
As I've said before in these comments, I've got a thing for the Pontiac G3, just because it's such a weird, tiny footnote in automotive history. It's not a love thing, more of a "can't leave it alone" thing, like a mental scab I can't stop picking at.
I have a similar affliction for the Pontiac T-1000.
I've always been mesmerized by the look of the Opel GT, but they're giant piles of rusty crap both mechanically and structurally.
Still…those lines!
<img src="http://www.motorstown.com/images/opel-gt-1100-02.jpg">
Does the Manta A get an honorable mention?
<img src="http://librapix.com.s3.amazonaws.com/classic-and-vintage-cars.com/1984.jpg" width="512">
So pretty.
No – not as horrible as the GT – the Manta did not share the kadett's crappy underpinnings like the GT did.
I'll say it for whathisname: "It's all about the stance."
I actually bought mine. It's a 1980 Plymouth Arrow Sport pickup. I've had it for a year and I still haven't got it running. They have weak heads on the 2.6 g54b. I have finally decided to "downgrade" from a non-running 2.6 to a running 2.0.
It's in such great shape though….love it.
<img src="http://i48.tinypic.com/2m3slmq.jpg" width="500">
Even after 15 years since it first came out, I still can't stop lusting over it. Where I live, these are extremely affordable now, however the horror stories of one's ownership still sort of sobers me up now and then. I know that 156's are not as terrible as older Alfas nor as appreciated between ol' skool alfisti, but it still requires some bravery (or stupidity) to shell your cash for one, especially 'round here. That said, i'll get mine in "azzurro nuvola", pictured above.
Sometimes, when I'm alone, I'll search Craigslist for Eagle Talons:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Eagle_Talon_TSi_2G.jpg/800px-Eagle_Talon_TSi_2G.jpg" width=500>
Then, I'll look for Plymouth Dusters and AMC Pacers and Gremlins. The Talon is the one I'm most "ashamed" of. I'm probably never going to own one, though.
You do know they made a Plymouth Laser with AWD and a turbo?
I know. But the Laser was only produced for the first generation of the Talon/Eclipse/Laser badge engineer, and I like the second gen body style better* (and the Eagle still gets me a dead marque). But turbo AWD is definitely the most desirable version (of either generation).
* Seriously: just a matter of taste. I'm a child of the 90s, and I just like the melted soap body style better than the wedge-mobile. The second gen looks "new" to me, because it was new when I was in high school…
I've always loved the design. Just never been a fan of the blowuppiness.
If I ever get one, there will be Walking The Crank jokes. Oh yes.
<img src="http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/front_website/octane_interact/modelpicture.php?id=3474" width="600">
Rust from the factory and a steering pump that is connected to the cambelt (thus risking a nuked engine when turning the wheel standing still). What's not to like?
But oh man that engine! Great selection, I hope you get your wish!
Yes, but I get tingly in my manbits looking at it.
Was ist das?
Lancia Gamma coupe
A Renault 5 Turbo 2.: Horrible, because I would be trading with the Devil!
<img src="http://img2.motor-klassik.de/Renault-5-Turbo-im-Flug-19-fotoshowImageNew-a36a7cae-375666.jpg" width="650/">
Devil: So you want an R5 Turbo 2?
Vavon: Yes.
Devil: It will cost you a lot…
Vavon: How much?
Devil: 30.000 to 40.000 EUR for starters.
Vavon: I can handle that…
Devil: Several turbos and suspension bits…
Vavon: Uhuh…
Devil: Copious amounts of petrol…
Vavon: Okay.
Devil: Numerous fines, your drivers license and your life!
Vavon: Sounds like a good deal…
Thank God I don't have the money to get one!
Be cautious of deals with the Devil. The death may not come swiftly, it'd be a no brainer if that was guaranteed though.
You need to talk to a friend of mine…
<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3652/3761087152_f6a9d05298_z.jpg" width="640" height="428" alt="DSC_0007">
(click through)
OH GOD! R5 Turbo's, Renault Sport Spider, BMW 2002 Turbo and even a 205 GTI… in CALIFORNIA!!!
Basically a homegrown Integra Type R, minus the hatchback utility, and Honda/Acura quality, reliability, and overarching sense of giving a bleep.
<img src="http://www.markviiclassiccars.com/images/vehicles/91OLDCUT1361.JPG" />
Agreed. Wonderful to drive too. Very noisy, but who cares? Take it straight to anywhere worth autocrossing.
Make sure you get the W-41 model.
I like the later Achevia SCX models too:
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7c/1992_Oldsmobile_SCX_W41.jpg"width=500>
And that adds up to horrible for you? Man, have you got screwed up priorities.
Yes! Quad4 is always a wonderfully terrible idea. My sister had an '88 Olds Calais with a Quad4 and it was a hoot when it was running.
For me, it's the AMC Matador. So many curves. So much malaise.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/1976_AMC_Matador_coupe_cocoa_fl-fl.jpg" width=600>
Yes, yes, YES. But your example needs more stripe, less vinyl.
<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7248119894_112302d6a0_z.jpg" width="500">
My grand dad had one of these. I've always had a soft spot for them. Good choice!
Most of mine have already been posted: Eagle Wagon, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Saab 5000, first-gen SHO, first-gen BMW 750, first-gen XJS convertible, most Colonnades. And maybe a Fiat 124 Spider.
Early Chevette.
<img src="http://www.automobile-sportive.com/guide/monica/560/560-ouverture.jpg"> Here's the thing I really want an SD1, I want to make it clear, maybe I did not well enough above. It is a glorious car surely, cannot be an answer for today. So it leaves the worst greatest car that will never happen due to practical things like income and the worst greatest that I may actually buy. For category one I have the Monica 560. This category changes a lot for me, I only first heard of this car thanks to a comment on this site maybe two weeks back. Since then it's been in my thoughts everyday, like many other dream cars before. But I may someday own a Matra. Which sort, Bagheera, Murena, no matter both are surprisingly within reach price-wise. I prefer the earlier ones based on interior, but really any either will do. My FiL is even somewhat on board to help me in my hunt! And here's the greatest thing, this morning my youngest was zoned-out during breakfast. My wife asked what he was dreaming about. "That dad will sell both his cars and buy a sports car." On the walk to school I tried to convince him that Dale the S90 is a sports car, like a 4-door 'vette, gets better (worse) gas mileage than the snake car (Viper) but all the way he did not come around. He may be right, he may convince me. These do look freaking great, damn! <img src="http://www.automobile-sportive.com/guide/matra/bagheera/bagherra_pub.jpg" width="500">
I know that this…
<img src="http://www.international-auto.com/images/originals/Scorpion_Ipic2.jpg">
…will turn into this…
<img src="http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/gemenacom/gemenacom0906/gemenacom090600157/5011825-rusty-metal-garbage.jpg">
…at the first sight of rain, but I just don't care. I want it.
Man that thing is sexy. Reminds me of a DeLorean 😀
BMW Z8
<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ8m1m9T0vwo6KXqDy0tZ5G2eI5C5ydvD4um7ucksKKAz0SImYT" width="600">
Brilliant design, but most frames are questionable.
Either way, like $kacog with a Ford GT or muthalovin' with an NSX this is one car I still want.
I had the misfortune to drive one of these..once. The first car where I actually felt like I was sitting ON it, rather than IN it.
Every SUV I'd consider qualifies for this; Land Rover Series or Defender, Hummer H1, LM002, V10 TDI Toureg; while G-wagons aren't in the same class of horrible, I'm sure the maintenance costs would be ruinous.
In the realistic short term, a Land Rover Discovery and a VW Vanagon, in the dream term, a Citroen SM. Great vehicles when they work, but maintenance horrors.
I spent a good amount of time yesterday playing this game. Dreaming of a summer convertible!
It won't embed, but http://www.dustyoldcars.com/1968-Chrysler-Newport…
I checked for a lot of convertibles. Found a nice cougar as well http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/cto/3570336999.h…
minus that hood.
I found some sprites and a nice fiat as well.
I already own an AMC Eagle wagon so I'm living the dream! And why yes, it's not running at the moment.
Pinto.
Cruising.
Wagon.
<img src="http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/pinto_cruisesilver-1978.jpg-courtesy-loevofords.org_.jpg"> http://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-…
It needs some big all terrains (at minimum) though.
I cannot see anything wrong with this idea.
Well of COURSE not! Because it's a GREAT idea!
Glorious!
There's horrible, and there's horrible.
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/$(KGrHqF,!o8FBkd2ctLCBQrtb7pfGQ~~60_1.JPG">
Still want. 'Cause, like, it wouldn't take much…
The more I think about it, most of the cars on my desirable list are pretty horrible. I mean, I'd love one of these:
<img width=500 src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Jaguar_XJS_3%2C6.JPG">
and one of these:
<img width=500 src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/44/BMW_840_Ci_Sport_front.jpg">
Just maybe not at the same time.
But… if you owned both at the same time, you'd be able to drive to work at least once a week!
Sure, it'd cost you $3,000 each time, but…
I had no idea how many horrible cars I really want…until today.
<img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/54/Fiat_128_Kent_UK.JPG/280px-Fiat_128_Kent_UK.JPG">
I'd quite like a Ford Probe.
Tell me everything's going to be alright?
<img src="http://iheartinspiration.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/everything-alright.jpg">
You're British, so you have an excuse.
ford escape to so I can still go fishing while I tear into the bronco II and save a few bucks in fuel doing it.
OK, did we really get this far without anyone mentioning a Dauphine? I saw a Floride but not its sedan sibling. I know how bad these are. My dad had one when I was a kid. I still think they are cute as a button: <img src="http://www.renault.com/fr/vehicules/hier/Images_Without_Moderation/Dauphine/dauphine-2.jpg">Either than or a '58 Packard:<img src="http://www.badgoat.net/CRH_homepage/Penquis/Penquis_03_05.jpg">
I have my standards, and have to draw the line somewhere. And it's just THIS side of the '58 Packard.
Clearly you haven't considered the wagon version….
<img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/1958-Packard-Station-Wagon-for-sale-Classic-car-ad-from-CollectionCar.com_.-Google-Chrome-10242011-122328-PM.bmp.jpg" width="600"> <a href="http://hooniverse.info/2011/10/26/hooniverse-wagon-wednesday-a-rare-1958-packard-station-wagon/” target=”_blank”>http://hooniverse.info/2011/10/26/hooniverse-wagon-wednesday-a-rare-1958-packard-station-wagon/
<img src="http://trialx.com/curetalk/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2011/06/cars/1992_Dodge_Spirit-2.jpg" alt="kaboom!">
I already owned one that I want again: the Dodge Spirit R/T. They're like running a 5k with a live grenade…scary fast.
Early Fox body Mustang
<img src="http://www.cstatic-images.com/supersized/DMI/151863/NA.jpg">
or Plymouth Prowler
<img src="http://www.cstatic-images.com/supersized/DMI/26218/D4652/02.jpg">
The one I just bought last Monday. HA! 1995 Miata that pretty much needs all new fluids and hopefully not a new head gasket. If so, it's a project and that's how it goes. Having fun with it so far despite all of the radiator flushing. Just to clarify, I don't consider Miatas horrible, just the condition of this one, but I had $3k to shop with and I wanted a 1.8 NA, so there was going to be some work involved no matter what.
<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8514/8414643538_7123a188a2.jpg">
Yes. This. Exactly this. Soon as I can scrape up 3K in change out of the couch cushions and under the car seats, I'll be right there if I can find one within ~the distance for which it will run. I'd prefer a white one, but, a fifteen year old Miata is probably going to need to be painted anyway…
Be patient when you buy. Nothing good ever comes easy. I wish you luck. Me, I'm not so fortunate so far. I've been working on a triple flush of the cooling system. Then the other night I stripped the drain plug. Got a new one yesterday and tonight found out that it was too small. And no one is showing another option for it. After this I get to find out whether the head gasket is blown or not. I'm hoping not but it's starting to look like that.
suzuki swift GTI
<img src="http://www.carthrottle.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/SwiftGTi1.jpg" width="600">
Dodges aspen or a mirada
<img src="http://encarsglobe.com/data_images/models/dodge-mirada/dodge-mirada-05.jpg" width="600">
Chevy tracker
<img src="http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2570/601/31422800005_large.jpg" width="600">
i don;t think anyone mentioned any Isuzus
like a diesel trooper, or the impulse which I have always lusted after since i saw the "tuned by Lotus" writen on it in a junkyard. one of the awd turbo ones would be unbelievable. i am beginning to think they do not exist.
You and I think alike. A LOT alike.
There are 2 miradas sitting on a lot 10 minutes from me, just quietly rotting away. And one of them AWD turbo isuzus currently for sale for $1000 nearby. I'm tempted by the isuzu, but must resist….
don;t tell me where the awd isuzu is. i really should not know for my own good.
Is Saskatchewan far enough away?
Not for me! Though I probably should resist, where on earth is there an AWD Isuzu in this province?
Regina, on the QCMA site: http://www.qcma.org/modules.php?op=modload&na…
where are you at?
Yorkton, so not too far off.
1991 Chevy Lumina Z34 5-speed.
<img src="http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1991-Chevrolet-Lumina-Z34-interior-626×382.jpg" width="500">
<img src="http://www.motorstown.com/images/chevrolet-lumina-z34-07.jpg" width="500">
I already bought mine, though I didn't know how much I wanted it (nor how horrible it would be) until I got it home, title in hand.
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lXdD6Bhmg7M/UPNUc4DOdLI/AAAAAAAADKI/YHctCGDNf1w/s640/P1133275.JPG">
"…a fu%king teal Grand Am!"