In almost all cases, I've noted the most desirable engine available. But I haven't recommended any vintage Hemi-powered cars; they'd inflate prices beyond the scope of this story. All prices listed are for number one, top condition examples. Hardtops -- a.k.a. pillar-less coupes -- and convertibles are America's most wanted, versus sedans and standard coupes with B-pillars, so keep that in mind where hardtops are pictured in our photos. You'll pay considerably less for a car that's not a show winner. Prices are even lower for a four-door sedan or a station wagon, many of which had the optional powerhouse V-8s. If you do need parts, suppliers like Year One (www.yearone.com) have enormous inventories of new and NOS (new old stock) parts. Another thought: Most of these old-timers came standard with drum brakes and bias-ply tires. Upgrading to disc brakes and radials, and adding modern shocks, will do wonders to make them handle better and stop safer. We're talking American iron from the late 1950s and early 1960s; high-test gas, no factory specials, no trucks, relatively low bucks and lotsa chucks. And it's displacement/horsepower, as in 421/410 when you look at the numerals. My pricing source is Dave Kinney's "Cars That Matter," May-August 2007 (www.carsthatmatter.com). Check out Hemmings Motor News (www.hemmings.com) and Hemmings Muscle Machines for monthly ads, club listings and lots more information. Look for these cars on ebay; check your local newspaper classifieds and "Penny Savers." There are many great collector cars out there, just waiting for you. |