Is there a bargain semi-classic muscle/pony car?

My girlfriend has expressed interest in having an old muscle or pony car kicking around. She likes 'em 'cause they're old and cool, but also because I mentioned that they'd be a good way for her to learn more about wrenching on cars, which she's been talking about lately.

Obviously, I'm on board with this line of thinking.

Are there under-the-radar bargains to be had? I tend to lean toward Fords for some reason (and I do have a 1/2 rebuilt 460 already), but I'm open-minded. And I'm kind of into the obscure end of the spectrum anyway. We're not looking to undergo a show-winning resto of some bajillion dollar Super Bird or anything. Hell, we'll probably leave it pretty ratty looking, just cause we're both into slightly menacing old sleds.

Basically, we're just looking for something that will make the right noises and smells (and burnouts) with that vintage U.S. of A. je nes sais quoi.

Fire away.

Cougar.

Ford Mavrick, Dodge Dart

any car that gets no respect from the barret jackson 50-65 y.o. set.?

Anything mid to late 70's gets 0 respect and is therefore cheaper than dirt.

Ranchero/Torino/Capri/Falcon/Fairlane....the list is long

I like this, cause utes rule

For example..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-dodge-dart-4-speed-mopar-/140520848080?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item20b7b1fad0#ht_500wt_1182

1 hour left and only $3k

completely unloved 1975 malaise edition

Rambler. I've seen some pretty cheap on CL in the past.

Does she like trucks?

What about a Tempest? Everybody thinks Firebird. I'm trying to think of a Mercury aside from the Cougar and getting bupkus.

If you can stretch to the IMSA years a Monza might be cool...

stroker wrote: I'm trying to think of a Mercury aside from the Cougar and getting bupkus.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1965-Mercury-Comet-2-door-Coupe-T159902-/350444230264?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item51981a9678#ht_4733wt_1165

Comet.

Fairmonts and Zephyrs can be had really cheap and there still a fox body! A local guy had a 78 with a 89 5.0 5 speed from a mustang swapped in...it also had the 5 lug conversion with cobra R wheels...I have a pic some where if I ever find it ill post it up, it was awesome!

Post 66 Falcons get very little love and can be found with V8s. They're a little dorky looking compared to the older ones but creative wheel and paint choices and they turn out ok.

69-70 Mustang coupes don't bring all that much as the roofline is a little odd.

Studebaker Larks weren't dogs with the V8 option.

I think what is hot right now and then go a few years newer or on the fringe of that craze. '70's Challenger and 'Cudas are hot right now so other Mopars just slightly newer could be the next craze. Dart, Duster, Cordoba and newer Challengers.

Ford torino or a cadillac, the bigger the better/

I second the Maverick. If you can get away from Ford, some of the Buick offerings of the early 70's can be had relatively cheap, like Skylarks and so on. Also, I've seen some Dodge Magnums around lately, got me to thinking myself...

Bargains in the B-J age are going to have to be either lopo or offbrand models. You can just about forget Mopars altogether unless you can stand to live with a mid 70's hooptie. If you want the "muscle car" era, I would look at the BOP lines from GM. And fully to expect to find 6cyl's or oddball same manufacturer engine combos. For Fords, Mustang bargains can be had if you shop for half finished projects with the body work done and in primer. The rest there is gravy, at least to me. If you want a complete runner, same idea as before, off brands and off model years. But I'll preface, get too far out there, don't expect ANY AM support and having to spend big money to get parts to fix it.

Oh and personally for me, I would buy a 64-68 A or 67-73 F body from GM, more specifically Pontiac, and probably a 67-72 A-body from Ma Mopar.

Hornet. Remove I-6 or 304, literally drop in 360/390/401.

Good suggestions, fellas.

Anything missing from the Ford/Mercury lineup here that could take a big block lump? And I'm not opposed to something borderline barge-like, since that motor can be made to move some steel when it's done. Again, I'm only axin' since I happen to have one. That could change for the right deal.

a 460 would feel right at home in a mid 80's Thunderbird or Cougar.. they are based on the same Fox chassis as the 79-04 Mustangs, so parts are available and cheap. they look like a big car, but really aren't.

stroker wrote: What about a Tempest?

If that sounds interesting, my LeMans from the American Boats thread may be available. It's not exactly a muscle car but it could get up and move with a few choice modifications.

AMC. The only "deal" left in real muscle cars (64-74). Find yourself a Javelin, Hornet, or Rebel and go to town.

If you must stick with Ford / Mercury, look at the "base" nameplates. Falcon, Torino, etc.

1971-73 Mustangs get little respect. I am still on the lookout for a cheap Boss 351, because I like them.

Late 60's early 70's Montego/Cyclone?... Ready for the big engine you already have with no swap headaches and priced below the corresponding Ford versions due to lower demand even though they are the upscale version. Parts availability for drivetrain stuff is good because of the Ford heritage.