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Select of the Day: 1978 Pontiac Bonneville

When I was growing up, my prompt next-door neighbors constantly had Pontiacs. This was since the Missus’ family members in Elmer, New Jersey owned a Pontiac dealer. Of course, being the 1970s, most of the autos at the time are not lovingly appreciated yet, to a car-crazy child like me, these were influential minutes. Aside of Rally II wheels, one of the important things that made an imprint on me was the household’s 1978 Bonneville with a funky inside. That interior can be located in our Pick of the Day, a 1978 Pontiac Bonneville to buy on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Paducah, Kentucky. (Click the link to see the listing)

Pontiac, Pick of the Day: 1978 Pontiac Bonneville, ClassicCars.com Journal

General Motors scaled down all its full-size vehicles in 1977. While the general public may not have actually known what to anticipate by the smaller sized cars, it quickly emerged that hubris within the American auto sector had been promoting unnecessarily inefficient items for many years. The complete lineup of downsized full-size GM items was a total success, shedding absolutely nothing in

their improvement. Certain, horse power continued to be pathetic, however gas mileage was enhanced, and also indoor packaging was such that it could be promoted that there was”even more headroom and rear legroom than last year’s [Pontiac]” Pontiac’s full-size collection began with the Catalina, which included a special grille and taillights. Pontiac’s bread and also butter, the Catalina started to shed sales to the Bonneville, which also had its very own unique grille as well as taillights. An action up from that was the Bonneville Brougham, which was “like taking a glamorous journey right into the future,”according to Pontiac. Used only for the Brougham was the striped velour “Valencia

“interior, a mix of browns and also tans that was definitely 1970s-inspired without polyester-inspired tackiness. For 1978, Pontiac permitted the Valencia inside to be offered for the routine Bonneville. The shades were somewhat shuffled however it was basically the same inside in all its velour splendor. Of training course, this Laredo Brown metal 1978 Pontiac Bonneville features the Valencia inside. Powered by a 301 two-barrel V8 and also automatic transmission, this 57,998-mile Bonne has the alternatives you would certainly expect on an auto similar to this: power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo with 8-track, tilt-column guiding, cruise control, plastic top as well as finned wheel covers. It’s difficult to discover a Pontiac such as this in this problem, but the truth that it has the Valencia inside makes this Malaise Era sedan a no-brainer for the adventurous collector. At $12,750, it’s additionally budget-friendly.

To watch this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

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Pick of the Day: 1975 Porsche 914

Over the last few years in the collector car market the most popular, and the biggest price increases. have been in the Porsche market; more specifically with air-cooled models such as the 911 and the 912. Many of these car prices have more than doubled in the last 2 or so years and cars that were once affordable are now starting at around $50,000.

There is an alternative and that is the Porsche 914. It is true that prices for the 914 have also skyrocketed but only on certain models. You can still but a 1.8 liter 914 for what still seems a fair price. Yes, the 1.8-liter cars are the slowest 914 cars that Porsche built, but let’s get real here. No 914 powered by its stock air-cooled 4-cylinder engine is fast, and if you do want more power getting it is as easy as buying a larger displacement engine. In many ways that misses the point, as no matter what engine a 914 is powered by, it is possibly the most fun to drive classic Porsche you can buy. They handle amazingly well, have great steering and brakes, and always feel much faster than they are. The old adage that it is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow may well have been used while talking about the 914 driving experience.

, Pick of the Day: 1975 Porsche 914, ClassicCars.com Journal

The Pick of the Day is one of these cars, a 1975 Porsche 914 1.8-liter car finished in Silver paint with a black with tartan inserts interior.

According to the Ft. Worth, Texas dealer offering this car, “the paint is an older respray that still shines up decently and is more than presentable. The other details such as the front and rear bumpers and the Targa roof show little evidence of UV damage or fading. In addition, all indicator lenses, stainless trim, and the original alloys all attest to the fact that someone has really cared for this Porsche.”

The interior is a great retro look with black vinyl seats with red tartan inserts. This was an option for these later edition 914 cars, and it looks great on this silver car.

Happily, this 914 is still equipped with its original Bosch L-Jetronic fuel-injection and not carbs. As a result, the car starts easily and idles smoothly. In addition, being a 1975 914 this car is equipped with the greatly improved ‘side-shifter’ 5-speed manual gearbox which makes shifting that much more smoot and easy.

The overall stock condition of this car is what makes it attractive to me. Over the years people have tried to make the 914 faster and was often done using various cheap bolt-on parts, which is less than ideal. Nice stock 914s are hard to find, so that makes this car a nice example.

The single biggest issue with the 914 is rust. Looking at the photos in this ad show a car with remarkably clean floorpans and no hint of any rust. I also like the aftermarket rocker trim and that this car is equipped with, and the optional center console with auxiliary gauges.

The asking price for this 914 is a very fair $18,995 and offers a lot of Porsche air-cooled goodness for a fair price.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

Choose of the Day- 1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

“You can set my vehicle on fire as well as roll it down a hill, as well as I still would not trade you for a Coupe DeVille.” Those lyrics come to mind from the 1994 hit nation track “Pickup Man” by Joe Diffie. While Joe clearly preferred a pickup over a vehicle, there are still plenty of people that would most likely have it vice versa.

The Pick of the Day is a 1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille detailed offer for sale on ClassicCars.com by an exclusive vendor in Sacramento, California.

“Beautiful 1955 Coupe DeVille,” the listing states. “Car awaits the roadway. Weekend cruiser or everyday driver.” Think of daily driving this vehicle! It shrieks 1950s condition, as well as initially lugged a list price of $4,305 which comes out to $47,677 in today’s dollars.

coupe deville, Pick of the Day- 1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, ClassicCars.com Journal — 1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille A little education on nomenclature. The Coupe DeVille remained in fact a premium trim degree of the Series 62 version. This example comes from the 4th generation which was launched in 1954 as well as rode on the General Motors C-body platform. The Coupe DeVille badge was related to the high-end hardtop version.

1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille Style for this huge sports car was penciled by Harley Earl, a guy attributed by lots of as the creator of tailfins as well as various other iconic designing components of the 1950s. His influence is shown in this Series 62 which displays a long, low silhouette together with fins that were evocative aircraft. Earl retired in 1958 yet his influence for life altered American automotive style. The vendor specifies that the paint and also chrome are in great condition on this Caddy.

The listing leaves out information concerning engine specifications, however this automobile would certainly have come factory-equipped with a 331cid OHV V8 mated to a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. Mechanical work has actually been maintained according to the vendor and also consists of a rebuilt carburetor, a brand-new light weight aluminum radiator, a brand-new thermostat, a recent oil adjustment, and a tune-up.

1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille The sizable indoor affords comfortable seating for 6– an uncommon locate for any kind of two-door coupe. Interior features on the Series 62 were progressed for its time: a few of these featured Cadillac’s “Autronic Eye” front lights dimming function and also power home windows were typical devices.

“I have too many automobiles and have to market or I would certainly keep her,” the listing wraps up.

As long as you’re not a “Pickup Man” like Joe Diffie, perhaps this Coupe DeVille needs to make its means right into your garage. The seller is asking $27,500 for this luxo-coupe.

**Click right here to view this listing on ClassicCars.com.**

Posted on November 5, 2022Tags Cadillac, Cadillac Coupe DeVille, Pick of the Day, The Market

Pick of the Day: 1969 VW Type 2 pickup with performance upgrades

The custom VW pickup is lowered over a set of Porsche-style alloy wheels

The Volkswagen Type 2 pickup truck is beloved by VW fanatics, in either its single-cab or double-cab versions, for both its utility and its cool hippie vibe. Just one thing, though; like all unmodified Types 2 models, it’s mighty slow.

That very underpowered nature is a badge of courage for some VW bus, van and pickup drivers, who pride themselves in going against the tide in this hurried world. “Slow moving vehicle” bumper stickers are not so much a warning to other drivers as a purposeful boast.

The Pick of the Day is a 1969 Volkswagen Type 2 single-cab pickup that takes a different route with custom upgrades that boost performance and drivability.

“This was completely updated several years ago with a powerful 2.2-liter engine and equipped with a freeway-friendly gearing that makes this a pleasure to drive,” according to the dealer Laguna Beach, California, advertising the VW on ClassicCars.com.

That large displacement for the air-cooled flat-4 engine might sound unlikely, but a quick Google search revealed several companies that build VW performance engines in such displacements, and even larger. While the seller does not specify the horsepower rating of this engine, such powerplants can be tuned to make more than twice the output of the original 1.6-liter engine, rated at around 66 horsepower.

The other piece of the equation is the 4-speed manual transmission, which has had its gearing altered to provide higher speeds and less-frenetic highway cruising. VW folk often call a taller 4^th gear a “freeway flier,” although this sounds as if more than just 4^th gear has been upped. Potential buyers would need to inquire.

The bright-red VW is of the second-generation Type 2, the so-called “bay-window” models because of the broad windshields that replaced the two-piece split windshields of the first-gen. While the earlier Type 2s are more desired and valuable mainly because of their classic style, the bay windows are roomier and have plenty of style of their own.

Other modifications of this pickup include a lowered suspension, shaved body trim, Porsche-style aluminum wheels and a locking pass-through compartment built under the pickup bed, the seller notes. The interior is completely custom with a spartan industrial look and a thick-rimmed, small-diameter steering wheel, as well as a hot audio system.

While this VW might cause purists to scowl, it seems like a well-built and nicely presented custom pickup that’s ready to roll at highway speeds. Hill climbing should also be vastly improved.

The asking price is $29,995.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

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Pick of the Day: Cadillac coupe turned into pickup truck

caribu cadillac — Could deVille conversions such as this one were done by a California company called Caribu Coach Builders

Chevrolet produced car-based El Camino pickup trucks, but the conversion of Cadillacs into more work-ready vehicles was done in California by a company called Caribou Coach Builders, and thus the Pick of the Day, a 1976 Cadillac Coupe DeVille pickup being offered for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private owner in Portland, Oregon.

“The car is fully restored and in excellent condition, it is a number matching car, all original except the drop-in fiberglass bed that starts at the A Pillar and goes to the back of the car,” the owner proclaims.

“These cars in this condition are very rare, they were originally designed as ‘Hay Wagons’ to be used on horse farms.

“Evil Knievel was the spokesperson for this company.”

Apparently, Knievel would show up for his stunt shows in such a vehicle with a pair of motorcycles riding in the truck bed.

Such vehicles also were used as flower cars by funeral homes.

Caribou was based in California and did such pickup conversions from the mid-1950s into the mid-’80s. They were sold through Cadillac dealerships.

“We have owned this car since the mid 1980s, everything works on the car, cruise control, wiper washer, air conditioning, light sentinel, telescoping steering wheel, leather interior, AM/FM 8 Track (upgraded speakers), unleaded fuel with catalytic converter, power windows, power locks, dual outside mirrors, factory wire wheel covers, Coker White Wall Tires,” the seller adds.

“This car is perfect.”

The advertisement notes only that the engine is “running.” Base engine in 1976 Cadillac Coupe de Villes was a 500cid V8 rated at 190 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque and linked to a 3-speed automatic transmission.

The ad says the odometer shows 41,000 miles.

The coupe-to-pickup Caddy conversion is being offered for $44,900. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

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Pick of the Day: 1954 Chrysler station wagon from Harrah Collection

The Pick of the Day is a 1954 Chrysler New Yorker station wagon that was part of the famed William Harrah Collection according to the Chicago-based dealer advertising the vehicle on ClassicCars.com.

“Reintroduced as a highly versatile all-steel station wagon for 1951, Chrysler’s Town & Country was offered in a choice of Windsor or New Yorker trim and appointments,” the dealer notes.

“A generous 125.5-inch wheelbase chassis provided plenty of passenger room and cargo space. Styling was essentially unchanged through 1954 and these upscale station wagons remain highly collectible and enjoyable icons of 1950s Americana today.”

The dealer notes that this wagon was sold new in Glendale, California, and at some point found itself in Harrah’s acclaimed collection.

“Colors are excellent, with a refinish in original Pebble Beige and Topaz Tan over luxurious two-tone leather and suede upholstery,” the dealer points out.

“Ready to deliver an outstanding experience, this Town & Country features a rebuilt drivetrain, suspension and steering gear. Ample power is delivered by a meticulously restored 331 Hemi V8 engine equipped with a 4-barrel carburetor and breathing out through a new dual exhaust system.

“A PowerFlite automatic transmission, power brakes and power steering ensure comfortable and enjoyable cruising, along with an original radio and deluxe heater.

“Original mahogany cargo decking and chrome wire wheels with new wide whitewall tires provide additional distinction.”

According to the Standard Catalog of American Cars, Chrysler produced only 1,100 of its Town & Country New Yorker station wagons for the 1954 model year, the last year for this chassis and body.

The dealer adds that the wagon has been driven little more than 85,000 miles since new. The Chrysler is offered for $56,000.

To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

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Pick of the Day: 1964 Cheetah Chassis #007

Old cars sell best when there is an intriguing back story. The best car salesmen throughout history could wow a prospective buyer with a great story. In this case, not only is the story great, but the car is highly desirable. This is a rare opportunity to have an original Bill Thomas Cheetah come to market.

The Pick of the Day is a 1964 Cheetah offered by a dealer in St. Louis, Missouri, advertising the rare sports racing car on ClassicCars.com. Because there are only a dozen authenticated Bill Thomas Cheetahs in existence today, these cars are well-documented and each carries a story uniquely to its chassis number.

Bill Thomas had a very successful skunkworks for Chevy despite the racing ban that hindered factory development in the early 1960s. That did not keep Zora Duntov and his team of engineers pushing high performance parts out the back door to guys like Thomas, as Ford was absolutely dominating the GT classes in both the FIA and SCCA with their guy, Carroll Shelby.

The Cheetah was essentially built around bowtie performance parts, including independent suspension and gearbox from the Corvette hooked to a powerful small block V8. In the case of this little monster, an experimental 377 cid Chevy with dual quads making just under 500 horsepower.

In the very detailed description in this listing, the dealer tells how this particular car was purchased with two other Cheetahs (numbers 005 and 006) by Alan Green Chevrolet in Burien, Washington. It is said that legendary Shelby driver Allen Grant, who did a stint in the Cheetahs, drove this particular car from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest.

While the other two chassis bought by Green went to work as road-racing cars, #007 was given to Green’s wife, Bookie, as a daily driver, show car and sometime drag car (yes, Bookie drag raced the car). The finish in the dealer’s signature color of metallic green over a green interior makes this particular car even more rare.

The Cheetah eventually was sold and titled in 1967. It became a regular drag car, with a different engine and fuel injection. It was crashed, but not destroyed, ending its life as a race car. In 2014, the car was painstakingly restored to original – including the matching numbers engine from the first owner.

“Torq Thrust wheels and period-correct Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewall tires,” says the dealer of the period restoration. “The paint and body are finished to concours quality standards, with excellent detailing down to the evocative hand-painted Alan Green Chevrolet lettering and recreated Washington State dealer plates. The minimalist cockpit features correct green trim, restored original instrumentation, and just enough room for an overnight bag. “Under the clamshell hood sits the original Bill Thomas engine, returned to 1964 specs with the dual-quad intake. It is fastidiously detailed, with beautiful paint finishes and a correct Harrison radiator with a modern electric fan for peace of mind.”

For $675,000, you can own the “anti-Cobra,” Bill Thomas and Chevrolet’s answer to Shelby.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

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