As a kid, I was conflicted by The Land of the Misfit Toys. Sure, I could empathize with the discarded playthings’ emotional scarring. And I had a pre-Captain Planet understanding about the need to recycle—thanks to 10 years at a deeply dippy Quaker school. But the MFTs were clearly—how do I put this gently?—less than desirable. A train with square wheels? A cowboy riding an ostrich? A doll suffering from clinical depression? I remember thinking, what kind of child is going to love these toys? It’s the same question that pops into my head whenever I see a Chevrolet SSR, Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid, Plymouth Prowler, BMW M-Coupe or Lexus IS-F. These are all vehicles without a hope in hell of mainstream acceptance, destined for endless depreciation and permanent exile in The Land of Misfit Motors. And still the hits keep not happening, from economy cars (the Saturn Astra) right up to “priceless” one-off monstrosities (Maybach Exelero). And I love them all. So share with the group. What’s your favorite misfit automobile, and would you ever own one?
Dodge Nitro- It’s hated by many, but I love it.
classic- Rambler Marlin
My dad has always wanted an Edsel, and he owns an ancient Ranchero. My mother’s first car was a Peugeot, either a 403 or 404. Popular elsewhere in the world, but not here.
Me? I’d go for the Aussie GTO.
Plymouth Prowler. First, because it’s Plymouth’s last hump of your leg before it was sent to the vet, and second, it’s the closest thing to a factory built open-wheeled car.
http://www.seriouswheels.com/pics-2000-2003/2001-Plymouth-Prowler-1600×1200.jpg
BMW M-Coupe
(Do I have to like the misfits?)
Virtually any 4-cylinder Camaro or Mustang (SVO excluded).
And the 8-cylinder Vega and Pinto. (I wouldn’t own either one, but I’d love to drive one, just once.)
Sean you beat me to the punch– I give a hearty second to the Prowler. I think it would really shake things up in my Honda family. I have no idea about the mechanicals of the car, but it’s like seeing an unbelievable hot chick: your friends don’t really care about her views on the capital gains tax, but oh those headlights!
I’ll agree with Theodore’s dad about the Edsel. Another car that was ahead of its time was the 1948 Tucker. I’d take either one of these cars today, although I would be tempted to customize it like what Chip Foose would do.
Another car that belongs on this list is the Subaru SVX. (http://www.subarusvx.com). It’s a fairly rare car with only 14,000 imported to the US between 1992 and 1997, and it’s styling is very different, especially the “window in a window.” As I just found out from the website I listed, it was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who is also known for such “misfits” as the DeLorean DMC-12 and Volkswagon Rabbit from the mid-70’s. He also penned the Giugiaro Mustang concept from 2008 as well as many other mass-produced cars. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giorgetto_Giugiaro
Honda Element. Sales last month were under one thousand, supposedly for the first time ever. It’s a niche car that has a small cult following (myself included). But everyone who wants one has one, they run forever, and the new ones aren’t all that improved from the original version. Maybe a significant price cut is in order.
@ mistercopacetic: I know the engine is actually fairly solid (for a 90’s Chrysler product)– it’s the 3.5L lump out of the Intrepid. The 99-02’s made ~250hp, and it only weighed 2800lbs. You won’t impress many people at the drag strip, but you could certainly do worse.
My favorite misfit toy, that I am unlikely to ever see in person, much less drive, is the Renault Avantime. Top Gear introduced it to me, and frankly, it’s an amazingly weird failure of a car. I love it.
How could the 70s VW Rabbit be considered a misfit when the early 70s also had the VW Thing and the boattail Buick Riviera? Although I am sure many oldtimers(like myself) really like the boattail Rivs. I’ve seen a few gorgeous restorations.
I agree the Subaru SVX is a strange car. I’ve seen some pretty ugly Subaru Baja’s as well…. Talk about a niche vehicle.
Thought of another weird one…The AMC Pacer
Not certain if this car actually is a misfit, (based on the comments @ Jalopnik though it is in their minds) but the BMW X6 M is big, beautiful and I can only imagine how it would be to drive.
Additionally, I second the stated views of the Prowler – I just wish they had dropped a bigger engine into it.
—
Think I’m going to throw the Smart Roadster in here too, since no one in America (read: joe sixpack) has heard of it, or would buy it.
And the 8-cylinder Vega and Pinto. (I wouldn’t own either one, but I’d love to drive one, just once.)
I had a V-8 Vega and my brother had a V-8 Pinto. Also had friends with both, very fun cars with a little extra h.p.(Note for straight line use only!)
Crosley. I’m especially fond of the station wagons.
Rather than one car, how about many: this guy is on his 8th Escalade, and thinking about number 9.
As a long-time Mopar fan, I’ve seen quite a few weird ducks that resulted from someone’s imagination or colorblindness. For instance a 65 Newport station wagon in sage green with a burgundy interior, and a 56 New Yorker hardtop in red and black with a turquoise and white interior. This was a restored car I saw at a WPC Club national meet, and the owner swore that the colors were original. Then there was the brown 62 Fury 4-door sedan, 6-cylinder automatic with power brakes, air, little dog-dish hubcaps and no radio.
I owned a 65 Valiant Signet that had been spec’ed out by its original owner to be a Formula S car. It had the sport suspension, 4-speed, 273 4-barrel engine, 14-inch wheels with the Barracuda Formula S wheel covers, locking differential, and he’d even had Formula S emblems installed on it. In addition it had power steering, power brakes, and a vinyl top.
I’m going to have to go for the Panamera, which is shaping up to be a misfit from day one. Would I own one? I wish.
Domestic (beyond the aforementioned):
80-85 Cadillac Seville or any Cimarron.
Sky/Soltice: Great idea, cursed by GM-level execution.
Hummer H2 & H3: Complete WTFmobiles.
PT Cruiser.
Imports:
Suzuki X-90. The um… most Japanese WTFmobile ever sold in the US.
VW Vanagon: Teutonic function out the wazoo, shaped like a wazoo. I actually owned one when my kids were little and we loved it.
ANY British car built during their “Death throes” era, the 80s & early 90s, (except Jaguar, as Ford just kept building the same Jags from the 70s, with just barely improved reliability.)
The Reliant Robin. Complete British WTFmobile.
Anything built by the French with wheels.
Every other Fiat ever built.
–chuck
Benz 190E 2.3-16
Porsche 968
Celica All-Trac
1986 Mustang SVO
BMW M Coupe
Mazda 323GTX
…lots of good ones out there.
1955 Chevrolet Nomad wagon.
I can’t think of a candidate for the best misfit toy ever, but the best example being sold today? The RX-8. The Ridgeline probably gets second, and the Touareg diesel and the SX4 should also be on the list somewhere. All bizarre cars, from conception to car lot, that are somehow pretty lovable anyways.
77 Triumph TR7, built during the pinnacle of BL’s ineptitude. I love Clarkson’s description of it as he walks around it “It looks exactly the same on this side!!”. A pretty nimble little car if you can find one in good working order, which of course mine isn’t. Even though it’s a maddening mess of electrical shorts and corrosion, I can’t seem to stop throwing money, parts and weekends ignoring the GF at it.
1958 Mercury Voyager
If you were really looking for more oomph, you might be able to fit Chrysler’s 4.0l V6 in the Prowler. It didn’t exist at the time of the Prowler, but it’s essentially a bored-out 3.5l. I’m not sure if the mounts and all of that would line up, but I believe it’s doable.
The PT Cruiser was a sales success for a little while. Chrysler has no idea what to do with their success here, so they have just let it rot instead.
I’m surprised no one has mentioned the Pontiac Aztec. Somehow Pontiac managed to screw-up what was supposedly a well-received concept.
I love Pacers and Gremlins. I even liked them as a kid when they were new. Also the AMC Eagle and Subaru Brat (must have the seats in the bed).
Eagle: http://www.resims.net/data/media/4/83.amc.eagle.500.jpg
Brat: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/120/287699547_9e266cb41f.jpg
Hottie washing a Gremlin: http://photocarsonline.com/blog/wp-content/gallery/amc-gremlin/13-amc-gremlin.jpg
But the ultimate misfit that I would kill for is the Gremlin AMX concept, check it out:
http://amxgopak.com/images/amx-gremlin.bmp
Gotta go with the ’05 to ’06 Pontiac GTO. I’m willing to bet I could find one in a couple years with less than 50K miles on it for 12 – 13K.
Saturn ION. Or any other winner of a TTAC TWAT award. I love this car. It’s weirdness will be timeless.It’s misfit status is off the chart. And it’s plastic. Inside and out.Just like Legos.
And my newest favorite: Dodge Caliber.It may replace my 05 ION. If everyone else hates it, I automatically love it. Misfit cars for misfit people, I guess.
Oldies: 78 AMC Concord, 80 Citation x-11, 59 Studebaker Lark, flathead 6. Rambler American 1958, flathead again.
My own 63 Valiant Signet /6 and 3 on the column. The “forgotten year” of the 2nd Generation, people think it’s a Rambler.
Mercury Marauder was a misfit because of the Grand Marquis it was based on. Not because the Grand Marquis is a bad car, but because the target audience for the Marauder would never step foot into a Mercury dealership for a souped up “rental car” I’d totally buy one if I had the cash at the time.
And the Contour/SVT was a great misfit. Nobody bought them, like the Saturn Astra, but they were awesome cars. There were just too many cheap Taurus sedans around. I was going to buy a V6 with a stick but ended up with a ZX2 instead (moron)!
My 1980 Pontiac Sunbird hatchback, orange, with a sport(?) package – front air dam & rear spoiler, striping on the side, 3.8L 2bbl Buick V6. After 9000 miles (voiding the warranty), installed were hurst shifter, an Edlebrock intake and Holley 4bbl, 3 months later a NOS 75hp nitrous kit. Absolutely fast for the time but ran out of breath at 95mph.
Considering that it never broke anything, I’d love to drive one again just for nostalgia.
MkV VW R32 – Saw a 2008 with 3k miles for $23k. Yeah. No one wants them.
Saab Viggen – Torque steer can be cool.
Mazda RX-8 – The gas/oil bills are worth it for that engine and those doors.
Sorry for the double post. I don’t know how to do hyperlinks.
Lambo LM002: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamborghini_LM002
This thing: http://www.astleford.com/CXT.htm
A few years back, GM hosted traveling auto shows that set up at a local fairground or race track. Customers (me) made on-line reservations, and in return got free parking, free lunch, and drives of all GM cars and their competition on closed courses. Staff were shotgun on Hummers and Corvettes their course were temporary dirt hills or makeshift drag strips.
That’s where I got to meet these misfits:
Chevrolet SSR: Staff had to keep yelling at drivers to slow down, not spin wheels, or endlessly rev motors. A really bizarre combination of old-school hot-rodding and minimal interior room.
HUMMER:
Feel like driving a rubberized military vehicle. It strangely isolates you from everything and anyone: perhaps that’s why they are popular in LA, CA.
What about the Aurora? Not the sleek Oldsmobile, but the overchromed, misshapen monstrosity that was built by a preacher who wanted to make the world’s safest car, yet oddly omitted the biggest advancement in automotive safety: seatbelts. It also had a cow-catcher-like front end for pedestrian safety, but anyone who saw that thing coming would probably turn to stone. Only one was built, and was recently restored to its original, vomit-inducing hideousness. If any one has a better answer than that, I’d love to hear it. To view the Aurora, although I’d advise against it, just Google “aurora car”, you’ll see why I think this is the best answer.
Any of the early Subaru Brat. Mid 70’s Chevy Chevelle Laguna type S-3. Jeep C-J8 Scrambler.Mid 80’s Dodge Dakota convertible truck.Checker cabs. Nash rambler. Chevy Monte Carlo Aerosport SS. Honda Civic del sol.
Suzuki X-90, and I do currently own one (getting sick of it though).
81-83 Dodge Rampage & 82 Plymouth Scamp (car-based pickups)
AMC Pacer
Isuzu VehiCross
I think in the future we’ll look back at the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Compass as being weird cars.
I guess my former 71 Pinto, 76 Pinto, 80 Bobcat qualify.
My 05 xB is polarizing.
1986 Pontiac Grand Prix 2+2.
1988 Fiero Formula.
any of the Daewoo built POS LeMans’.
Holden Adventra. A G8 [or 6] wagon with 4WD and stick-on off-road bits. Hilarious.
I really liked the Saturn Astra!
I have seen exactly one of them on the road in contexts other than my own personal test-drive, but I found it to be a quirky, interesting little car.
To this day, I don’t know if it won me over based on its merits (24H-only clock is just so weird it’s endearing), or because it’s the only non-crap small car GM has produced during my current lifetime. In any case, if I get creamed in my current whip the Astra is already on the short list as a possible replacement.
Hey, you guys are listing a lot of neat old cars along with true misfits (“vehicles without a hope in hell of mainstream acceptance, destined for endless depreciation and permanent exile in The Land of Misfit Motors”).
Measured by the amount of money thrown down a hole, I’d say the Buick Reatta and Cadillac Allante qualify. Nice cars in many ways, but now you can buy one pretty cheap. More important, I bet GM lost a couple billion on those programs. Did those “aura” cars lead even one person to buy a Le Sabre or Sedan de Ville? Doubtful. And meanwhile, while squandering resources on niche products, the company was neglecting their prime money-makers to the point that many disgusted customers would say “never again!”.
I,ve got a Honda Ridgeline that is about as bizzare as it gets. Going to baby it so 20 years from now I can cruise around in a wtf is that vehicle! Maybe I’ll pick up a Subaru Baja xt as backup, just for shits and giggles.
No one has mentioned the Lincoln Blackwood. Oh wait, you wanted vehicles that *somebody* loves. Never mind.
I’m glad no one mentioned the Mercury Marauder yet.. I would take it.
Maybe Pontiac G8 could be eligible too.
I’d say the 68-71 4 door Thunderbirds for me, along with the 73-77 Chevy Malibus.
That ’58 Mercury Villager speaks to me as well.
Alfa Romeo GTV6. So lusty, so earthy, so needy. An attention whore.
I’ve owned quite a few misfit cars. I had a 75 Ford Maverick with a factory 302 boss engine in it, a 1985 Renault Alliance,a 1970 Opel Manta, a 1986 Subaru Brat with the plastic seats in the back and t-tops, and finally a 1990 Subaru Justy with a cvt. That car was a prototype painted in an awesome color combo of florescent yellow and grey with matching interior.
I currently own a Saturn Astra. I loved my Opel so much I had to buy another, once I got the chance. The Astra really is a nice car.
I’d love to find a Mercur XR4ti. I’m sure they’ve all been shredded, but I loved the look of that thing! I think I was 14 when they imported those to the US. I even liked the Scorpio, but that wasn’t quirky enough.
If there was a way to import a C300 wagon with a stick, though, that would make the top of the list.
I love my Hillman Imp dearly and have owned it for 20 years now while other cars have come and gone. Unfortunately for Hillman not enough buyers felt the same way.
What about the Volvo V70R? Seems a little weird to make a luxury sport wagon, especially from Volvo, and I’ve seen maybe two in my life outside of a car show. Bet it would be a blast to drive, though, from what I hear in the car reviews.
No one mentioned the Lincoln Blackwood; probably for good reason.
Saab Viggen! (3-door, of course.)
How about the 1974 AMC Matador 2 door? Now there’s a Charley in the Box if I ever saw one. Sure don’t want to own one, though.
Texan01 beat me to it, but I nominate my 1967 Ford Thunderbird Fordor Landau.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8490341@N04/513328719/in/photostream/
These sold pretty well for a year or two, but the market dried up after everyone who wanted one got one. For many a Thunderbird sedan has always been a contradiction. There is a lot to like – A 390 V-8, Lincoln build quality, suicide rear doors, and a grill that looks like the front of an F-100 jet fighter.
One of my favorite oddballs has been the Isuzu VehiCross, ever since the first time I saw one. I would snap one up in a heartbeat if I could find a low mileage example with the orange leather interior (preferably with yellow paint) for a decent price.
Corvair monza turbo (actually a fun car)
Hillman 2 door wagon
Plymouth Cricket
Omni 024
1971 Mercury Capri (original version with an English Ford Cortina engine)
Jenson Interceptor
urQuattro
Volvo P1800 wagon (beautiful)
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.allsportauto.com/photoautre2/volvo/1800es/1971_volvo_1800es_break_07_sb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.allsportauto.com/english/wallpapers.php3%3Fzl_id%3D2693%26zl_idMD%3D546&h=768&w=1024&sz=106&tbnid=rxw6JUaKoBtyqM::&tbnh=113&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvolvo%2Bp1800&hl=en&usg=__QDMk4g5OC55zx8rMYlJHIWczpF8=&ei=MvvXSayyNaHGMqPUxPgO&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=7&ct=image
Jenson-Healy
Triumph Spitfire GT
Triumph Stag
MGC
MSil34 :
I know two people who have V70R wagons.
One had an automatic and the other had a stick. The car with the stick was red and looked great.
Both loved the cars.
I had the opportunity to drive both cars. The automatic is a good car, but the one with the stick is, my opinion, an excellent car. The guy who had the car with a manual sold me his 1995 Audi S6 wagon which I had at the same time that I had a 1992 S4.
Unfortunately, Volvo has discontinued the R series.
Merkur XR4Ti. I would be glad to own one if I ever happened across one in great condition while I was carrying around a couple grand to spend on something foolish. I did once own a Merkur Scorpio, though. That ended pretty quickly (the car ended first, my ownership of it shortly thereafter).
I have to agree about the SSR. I worked as the gopher at a used car lot one summer and we had a yellow one in for a while. I had to run an errand in it so I floored it just for the short drive down the road. It was one of the most fun cars we had all summer. Even though they’re not useful at all, I would totally buy one now if I wasn’t in school. Dang it, now I think I’m gonna go look on Auto Trader just for fun…
I learned to drive on a 78 Ford Fiesta (the original, not the imitation soon returning to the US). Still, nobody knew what it was, and only 3 years of US sales didn’t help. It was a great car.
Merkurs definitely were misfits, but I wanted the XR4ti in the worst way. Glad I never had one.
No Taurus SHO? Does that count as a misfit?
If you’re tossing the ISF into the mix, I’m there. Oh and Saturn Sky Red Line.
Porsche 928 S4
BMW 850i
1970.5 Camaro SS
Dodge Viper GTS
I’d say the Taurus SHO isn’t a misfit simply because it was trim level of one of the best selling and common cars of all time. Similarly, while the VW Passat W8 may be very cool, and could possibly qualify as a misfit on its own, it has to be disqualified because the Passat, overall, has been sucessfull.
What about the Honda Civic Wagovans of the ’80s and early ’90s. Those were odd, especially the ones with awd. Saab 9-2x were strange as they were really Subaru Imprezas. Chevy Malibumaxx SS wagons were kind of odd, haven’t seen many around. Honda Insights are strange and I never see them around anymore. The GXP Bonnevilles and Grand Prixs from Pontiac with the V8s were oddballs. I remember they had bigger tires in front or something. I think Buick had a Lacrosse super or some such beast on the same platform.
Misfit cars I’d want:
A 1974 Cadillac Eldorado with an 8.2L V8 with 190 suffocating horses, front wheel drive, over 5000lbs. of Detroit Iron (and vinyl), and 1970s Cadillac driving dynamics.
1949 Nash Airflyte: Has a cult following, and is described as a hotel room on wheels. Definitely something I’d consider owning.
Any 1980’s Diesel car out of Detroit. They’re smoky, gutless, clattery, and stinky, but I want them just because they are hilariously slow, especially the 4.3L V6 with a pathetic 85 horses. These turds are rare, and I want them because they represent the nadir of the Big Three’s products. The AMC Gremlin and Pacer have become collectible because of it, and I suspect the Sebring will become one as well, because people want to know if it really is as bad as the stories.
Chevy Vega/ Vega Cosworth- The Cosworth is a bad car with a good engine, and the regular Vega I want to see if it really is as bad as I’ve heard it was.
Yugo- I have a habit of clamoring for crappy cars.
GM X-car-see above
BMW Z3 M coupe- Hilarious looks, serious performance.
Grand Am “McTurbo”- A rental car with an engine breathed on by a McLaren huffer, and rare.
Mustang II Cobra II- The ultimate expression of painted-on performance.
1980 AMC AMX- More painted-on performance
1975/83-87 Charger- The Anti-Charger, and one of the best examples of an automaker sullying a revered nameplate.
Second-gen Dodge Challenger(The Mitsubishi-based one) – see above
Cadillac Cimmaron 4-cyl auto- unbelivably slow, a Cavalier in drag.
AMC Pacer V-8- Because I want to drive a 3400-lb. compact.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:
2003-2004 Infiniti M45.
R/T has come a long way since 1991 but I still like the Dodge Spirit R/T. http://www.relentlessracing.com/images/customer_larry_spirit.jpg
1st place goes easily to the ’98-’01 BMW M Coupe.
Because it is so damn competent behind those looks.
… and the 12-year-old hiding inside has a thing for the… Isuzu VehiCROSS! Remember that thing? It looked like a huge rubber toy.
Nobody mentioned the Prius, so may I assume that it’s “gaining mainstream acceptance?”
Hah!
Seriously, I’ve always liked the Prowler. Never really thought of it as a “misfit”, though.
How about the GMC Envoy XUV, an SUV with a power-operated sliding roof over the cargo area. Or the Studebaker Wagonaire that it was based on.
ah, the XUV, the perfect vehicle for my pet giraffe, if I had a pet giraffe!!!
Chrysler Crossfire – there’s a local small lot that’s selling nice examples for $15k.
But my lease allows me to have only one car on the property…
Second the Alfa Romeo GTV 2.5 V6.
A car that will boil your blood, free your soul, and empty your wallet. All at the same time.
I came close to buying one once, but realized that it would all end badly, either in jail or divorce court.
Another vote for the LS2 powered GTO. I expect the G8 GXP to be a future misfit.
nevets248 :
ah, the XUV, the perfect vehicle for my pet giraffe, if I had a pet giraffe!!!
Absolutely! Just watch those highway overpasses.
ANY Alfa Romeo
Volvo 1800
Pontiac G-8
Subaru SVX
TR-8
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
I want a Saturn Astra minus the 1.8 liter engine. I think it would be a much improved car if you drop in a larger version of the Ecotec like the L5E 2.4 liter used in the 2008 Cobalt Sport plus many other GM cars. Would be fun to apply “no replacement for displacement” to a relatively light weight car. Unlike many of the misfit toys, the Astra is also attractive.
Wow! Seems like the B&B have weird, and that to me means excellent automotive taste!
I guess any Fiat from the 80s would qualify. Back then Fiat was number 4 in a captive market of 4 car makers (no imports allowed), and I loved them dearly and bought, and kept them, and defended them. 20 yrs later Fiat is the market leader in Brazil and all their vehicles are class leaders (except the bigger ones, any of which, if I could afford I’d buy and prefer over the competition).
I’d buy a Fiat Multipla. Or a Fiat Doblò (think Scion xB 1st generation). Or Renault Kangoo or Citroën Berlingo (the only Citroën I’d ever consider). Boxy cars all.
I’ve had no access to, but on the NA side I’d take the modern retro T-Bird, Lincoln LS, Cadillac Cimarron looks cool. I like ChryCo trucks over the competition, so any Ram, Dakota, Durando would do nicelly. No Chevys for me, though that Lumina looks cool.
I’ll third the Alfa Romeo GTV6. Everyone should have a tempermental Italian mistress that they can’t live without at least once in their lives.
BMW M Coupe is my favorite misfit. It is one of my favorite cars of all time, for that matter.
The IS-F and Tahoe hybrid are not what I’d call misfits. They aren’t freakish looking cars like the SSR, Prowler, or MCoupe. The SSR is probably one of my most hated cars of all time, though.
Oldsmobile 350 diesel. In my experience, these engines deserve a little more respect than what they get (ie:none).
My dad has a ’78 Olds Delta-88 w/ 350 diesel…. possibly the last all-original example in existence! It’s been in the family since new. I drove it for a summer back in 2000. LOTS of low-end torque, 30MPG from a true fullsize car, and it doesn’t even have overdrive!
Also like the AMC Matador 2-door. One of my aunts had one when I was a kid. I always thought DeLoreans were cool too, even before Back to the Future came out. I see someone mentioned the Jensen Interceptor. I like those, mostly because they’re powered by a Mopar big block. Similarly the earlier Dual-Ghia and Facel Vega. Not so sure about it now that I’ve seen one in person, but I used to really like the (very angular) Aston Martin Lagonda. Finally, I also like the Stutz Blackhawk and Zimmer Quicksilver, which were basically rebodied Pontiac Grand Prix and Fiero respectively.
Peugeot GLX V6
Lancia Beta Sedan and Coupe 76-78
Alfa Romeo Alfetta
1977 Renault R17 Gordini
Renault LeCar 77-80
Renault R10, R12, R15
I’m a firm believer of the saying that if a car is not popular when it is new, it is certainly not going to be worth much when it’s at the “classic” stage. Thus we have the Triumph Stag, TR7/TR8, Jensen Healey, Volvo 1800ES (which still can be purchased for a song), Austin America, Datsun 610, 710, 810, Toyota Carina, 1970 Toyota Crown, and don’t forget the 76-77 Mazda Cosmo.
How about the mid-80’s Renault Fuego? When I was a kid living in Ypsilanti, MI, the people that lived across the street from me had one, it was their 20-something son’s car. It went along nicely with his parents’ 1974 Matador Brougham coupe. I think the father was a retired AMC salesman. The Fuego didn’t stick around long, but that Matador was there well into the mid 90’s, till it was replaced by a mid 80’s K-car New Yorker.
Anyways, my personal favorite was my 1985 X-body Buick Skylark. The 85’s were rare, and though the four cylinder in it was awful, the rest of the car was built like a tank!!!
It’s been sixteen years since I owned that car, and I STILL have dreams where I’m driving, and it’s ALWAYS in that Skylark!!!
If you really want an SSR, you need 2 or 3 for parts to sustain 1 good one long term. GM completely abandoned all pretense of product support after they dropped it. The mechanical bits you should be alright on but the power top and body parts are a “challenge” to locate.
As for lost misbegotten street urchins if I had the skill, ability, and resources an International Wagonmaster would be my pick.
– AMC AMX
– The original Studebaker Avanti
– The Maserati-engined Citroën SM
– The Plymouth VIP (Chrysler’s unconvincing reply to the Ford LTD and Chevy Caprice)
– The 1964-66 Plymouth Barracuda.
– The Porsche 924
– The Pontiac Trans Am Turbo
– The 1981-1983 Imperial, Chrysler’s embarrassing, bucks-up Cordoba-based answer to the Lincoln Continental Mark.
Hum lots of them, I thought my 92 Toyota Previa was one.
Modern? Gotta be the Ford Flex.
There are a lot great ones.
Fiat x 1/9
Saab sonett
Toyota previa
Many of the turbo dodge cars
Porsche 914
Subaru xt6 (svx predecessor)
Nissan NX2000
Volvo 240
More Modern cars:
Suzuki x90 and Aerio
Prowler
Subaru Baja
Lexus 1s300 sportcross
BMW Z3m coupe
To own a VW Type 181, a late 70’s El Camino, or a Subaru Baja. All incredibly inconvient for me, a man with a new family, so I instead I drive a Honda Element, much loathed by its detractors yet loved by its owners.
I’d trade it for a Flex if I could get away with it, though.
I like weird cars.
I second the Toyota Previa aka Toyota Estima: pulled off the U.S. market because it was “over engineered” as a mid engine rear wheel drive or a switchable 4WD and was out selling and performing Chryslers town and country. I just bought a 91 with an engine swapped at 320,000 miles. It’s almost as fast as my new supercharged sc model due to the mid engine and RWD. They now have a hybrid version avail in Japan! These cars have had good working led break and tail lights since 2004 or something. After it was banned from the states the very next year the Sienna was released as FWD front engine model. Currently the new 365hp 6 speed sienna is the fastest car yota makes in the U.S. It needs all those years for good mpg and all those un necessary hoarse power to make it move like the lesser powered 165hp super charged Previa. The over drive is sick 2 and I love how the shifter is on the steering wheel like my donk impala. Perfect for road head and makes the vehicle much more spacious. Bring back the Previa to the U.S. DAMN U MOPAR!