In the collector car market, $5,000 doesn't always buy a running and driving (or even assembled) automobile. That can be a bit daunting for those new to the hobby, or those lacking the skills to diagnose and repair vehicles that are presently inoperable. To that end, this edition of the $5,000 Challenge serves up five cars in running condition, though all will need some degree of attention to make them show worthy or reliable daily drivers. Whether you prefer two doors or four, convertible or hardtop, foreign or domestic, there's something for (almost) everyone below.
1966 Chrysler New Yorker
With a trunk bigger than a Manhattan studio apartment and comfortable seating for four adults, this mid-'60s Mopar four-door hardtop screams "road trip," at least as long as gasoline prices stay low. In its current state, it appears to be a relatively clean driver, with just superficial rust, a torn headliner, and some tears in the upholstery to contend with. It needs window seals, too, and its next owner will want to get the power windows and fuel gauge working, but those should be confidence-building exercises for the budding do-it-yourselfer. For $5,000 and a bit of elbow grease, this Chrysler's next owner should have a comfortable weekend driver that fits the whole family.
1968 Ford Thunderbird hardtop
Among the saddest things in the collector car hobby is a project passed on before its completion. Here's a three-owner 1968 T-bird, with the optional 429 Thunder Jet V-8, that needs just a bit more work to call done. The project's current caretaker has done a considerable amount of mechanical and interior repair since buying the car in 1996, but it's now time for the next owner to finish the interior, fix the A/C system and trouble shoot the power windows. For $4,600, someone needs to make this Thunderbird fly again.
1963 Studebaker Lark Regal
An honest car with an older restoration may be the best way to sum up this this Studebaker Lark Regal. It isn't flashy, particularly in a coat of white paint, but perhaps that's part of its appeal. Inside, we'd prefer to eliminate the modern in-dash radio and Sun Super Tach II, but it sounds as if the car is relatively well sorted in its present state. Drive it as is, then restore or preserve as the budget allows – for $4,900, it sounds like a reasonable entry into the world of collector cars.
1980 Triumph Spitfire 1500
For some, a classic sporting roadster can only come from Britain. Prices for Triumph TR-6s and, to a lesser degree MG-Bs, have been on an upward climb in recent years, but Triumph Spitfires are still bargains by comparison. This example comes with the desirable electric overdrive and the removable hardtop, and it appears as if little is needed to prep the car for next year's open-air driving season. That painted steel rear bumper should be replaced with a correct rubber version, the hardtop's headliner needs attention and the dash veneer could be replaced, but all these are projects easily tackled over the winter. The asking price? $4,500.
1973 Buick LeSabre two-door hardtop
Before landing at a Midwest dealer, this Buick spent its life in the care of a single family. With a claimed 42,000 miles on the odometer and complete documentation, this certainly falls into the category of "driveable dream." While we're sure a few things will need attention from the next owner, aside from changing all the fluids and polishing the paint, we'd be tempted to leave well enough alone and simply enjoy driving the car in good weather. For $4,500, this sounds like a genuine bargain in a collector car.
from Hemmings Daily - News for the collector car enthusiast http://ift.tt/1MTeIy7
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