Favorite cars of the 70s-80s? Like to hear what the general thoughts are..

[Guest]

A couple things to add here. I know for a fact that cars in California built after 1975 are cars to be avoided by collectors. Why? Because those cars were legislated into the emission testing program to be tested indefinitely, also the state standards for those cars have tightened ( not loosened like you would thing for a aging car ). Say all you want to that statement, but I have a 76 Olds that I bought new and I have every bi annual smog test the car ever took which also has the states minimum and maximum emission standard allowable for passing. They even added in recent standards for NOX that the vehicle never had a standard for when new. This all amounts to legislating these cars off the road. So, people avoid these cars like the plague. I can take my Olds to a OCA meet or a local car show and you would be hard pressed to find any car built after 1975. Historical license plate will not get you a exemption like they do in Arizona.

Two, it is true that emission laden vehicles of the mid 70's and beyond ( until engineers figured out how to make horsepower and a clean engine), in those years the emphasis was placed on three things, One mileage, Two, European box styling ( Mercedes, BMW, Peugeot, VW, Audi etc.). Three, mileage requirements. I happen to like many styles of cars and the years they were produced. Styling and engineering wise they tell a story that should be accounted for and appreciated, and the cars of the 70's and early 80's are alright by me, just like cars of the 20's or 30's. Just remember that a car of 1979 will not out perform most cars of 1969, but they will out perform most cars of the 20's 30' 40's and cars up to the mid 50's and most people have no problem collecting those cars.

If people don't collect the cars of the 70's -80's and beyond there will be a huge history gap in the collector hobby.

Edited September 3, 2015 by helfen (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

... in California built after 1975 are cars to be avoided by collectors. ... I have every bi annual smog test the car ever took... 

 

Helfen, we must feel sorry for all the red tape you suffer.

 

But did you really mean BIANNUAL smog inspection--

that is, twice a year?  Or did you mean BIENNIAL--

every two years?  Either is bad, but biannual would be

four times as bad!

 

Lenient state regulations can really boost the old-car hobby,

while over-regulation can do the opposite.

Edited September 3, 2015 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[mrspeedyt]

240z, first series 510, Buick GTX, any Corvette. first supra Toyota and first series Celica. any Porsche then GMC syclone, typhoon.

[Guest LuxDriver]

Agreed unlike the latest bath tub styled Jaguars .. Which never said "Jaguar" to me, the old style is much nicer and with luxurious woods/ leathers.. No one mentions the 81-83? Imperial Cpe , yeah I know fuel injection issues. The proportions weren't bad..

[60FlatTop]

It's nice to have an '80's car when you don't meet it's twin coming at you every day.

 

 

 

Bernie

Edited September 3, 2015 by 60FlatTop (see edit history)

[Guest]

Helfen, we must feel sorry for all the red tape you suffer.

 

But did you really mean BIANNUAL smog inspection--

that is, twice a year?  Or did you mean BIENNIAL--

every two years?  Either is bad, but biannual would be

four times as bad!

 

Lenient state regulations can really boost the old-car hobby,

while over-regulation can do the opposite.

Sorry you right as it would be Biennial Smog Inspection. There is also another catch to this because California has a annual smog check as well. This annual check is for two types of vehicles. One way to get into annual smog check would be to fall into the Gross Polluter status. Meaning after exhausting a certain amount of money ( determined by the state) on trying to make a vehicle pass it won't, and you are given a one time waver. The next year if it can't pass it can't be registered. The 2nd type of car that would get a annual smog inspection would be a type of vehicle that the DMV see's as a gross polluter in it's records regardless if you own a car that is clean. This happened to me on my 91 Isuzu / Lotus / Impulse. It was always clean, but because so many of this type of car failed it was pulled into the annual program.

But alas, don't feel bad for me as I left the Socialist Republic of California, and now I don't have to smog check any of my cars old or new. Besides Smog checking is a scam because any car with OBD2 tells the owner when it is out of compliance. It's just another way to make money off the taxpayer motorist.

Now back to favorite cars of the 70's 80's Here is another favorite, it's body and suspension engineering and styling come from the 1975-79 Nova and they ride so nice. Notice the Mercedes sedan, BMW sedan influence;

http://assets.hemmings.com/uimage/45875652-770-0.jpg?rev=1

Edited September 4, 2015 by helfen (see edit history)

[Larry W]

^^^^^^ Does that have the POS HT 4100 engine in it? I know that with meticulous care the engine may last, but I've always considered them ticking time bombs. I once owned an '84 CDV. It was a lovely car that I was really fond of, but the engine was junk. As I'm strictly part of the non-modified vehicle camp, mid eighties Cadilacs are one glaring exception, that I would rather have one modified with an SBC, and end up with the best of both worlds.

[ScarredKnightfan]

What cars are the most collectible to you guys and why?? Interested in hearing what cars capture your attention..

 

For me ... Caprice Classics, Ford LTD Crown Victorias, Mercury Grand Marquis, etc. ... cars that can take just about anything thrown their way & keep going ... also awesome road trip cars ... and, so far, none of these have been put on front-wheel-drive cars ... so only RWD!

 

 

Cort www.oldcarsstronghearts.com

pigValve, paceMaker, cowValve | 1979 Caprice Classic

"Do I really feel the way I feel?" __ Marc Cohn __ 'Walking In Memphis'

[Guest]

^^^^^^ Does that have the POS HT 4100 engine in it? I know that with meticulous care the engine may last, but I've always considered them ticking time bombs. I once owned an '84 CDV. It was a lovely car that I was really fond of, but the engine was junk. As I'm strictly part of the non-modified vehicle camp, mid eighties Cadilacs are one glaring exception, that I would rather have one modified with an SBC, and end up with the best of both worlds.

No, it does not have a HT4100, and the HT4100 is not called a PO+ nor do we use that type of language on this forum unless we want to get kicked off the forum, which might have something to do with the warning points under names.

The answer to your question is the 1975 to 1979 Cadillac Seville uses the 2nd Generation short deck Oldsmobile 350" engine and the transmission is a TH400 Hydra-Matic. The body is a 11" extension of the 1975-1979 Chevy Nova, Pontiac Ventura/Phoenix, Oldsmobile F-85, Omega, and Buick Skylark. The front suspension/ front sub frame is also the same as the Camaro/Firebird. Only the Cadillac gets 5 on 5" wheel centers so that it can use 12" front rotors instead of 11" to use 15" wheels. Cadillac also gets rear disc brakes instead of drums/Note later Camaro Z28 and Pontiac Trans AM's get rear disc brakes.

Edited September 4, 2015 by helfen (see edit history)

[Ed Luddy]

I have lots of favorites from that so called "Malaise Era"

1987-93 Cadillac Allante' I've had 3 over the years. They are dirt cheap now.

1975-76 Chev Laguna S-3. When was the last time you seen one?

1979 Chrysler 300. I know its a Cordoba but they have the E58 360 Interceptor engine.

1982-4 Buick Riviera convertible. Nice driver, cheap on parts and very dependable.

 83-88 Monte Carlo SS and it's G-body cousin Buick Grand National. Have had several. Lots of fun for under $10 G's

[Guest stoptheclunkerbillnow!]

1974 Dodge Monaco, as seen in Blues Brothers

1973-77 GM intermediates (Chevelle, Cutlass, etc), with innovative swivel seats

1973-later Chevy and GMC trucks and Suburbans

1969-73 Chrysler Imperial

Ford Pinto cruising wagon

[Guest LuxDriver]

Yeah, 1969-73 Imperial Cpe were different for sure... With that flying saucer look and with buckets..interesting. My Mom had a 1973 4 dr , I recall lots of little issues mechanically..she then got a 1979 Electra to replace it which she kept till she no longer felt capable of driving..

[dgpnaples]

The El Camino's from 78-86 are great utility car/truck. I have always enjoyed owning one , working on them is easy, parts are plentiful and they seam to hold value, no matter what the level on condition. They are the great weekend car for amy homeowner and always draw attention at a cruise-in. 

 

[Guest]

The El Camino's from 78-86 are great utility car/truck. I have always enjoyed owning one , working on them is easy, parts are plentiful and they seam to hold value, no matter what the level on condition. They are the great weekend car for amy homeowner and always draw attention at a cruise-in.

Especially the ones with the quad headlamps!

[Guest LuxDriver]

Which would be most Desireable year,options,etc I know they are hot Łooking .. There's a GMC cousin too.. As interesting?

[Guest]

Which would be most Desireable year,options,etc I know they are hot Łooking .. There's a GMC cousin too.. As interesting?

The cousin would be the Caballero:

http://assets.hemmings.com/uimage/23218746-770-0.jpg?rev=1

1983 El Camino cousin;

http://myclassicautos.net/autos/sites/default/files/images/Camino/1983%20Custom%20El%20Camino.jpg

Edited September 7, 2015 by helfen (see edit history)

[John348]

Which would be most Desireable year,options,etc I know they are hot Łooking .. There's a GMC cousin too.. As interesting?

 

 

Once in a "blue moon" you see a GMC, mostly the Chevy version is seen, as I recall they look pretty much identical

[Attitude928]

These are in my collection: '89 Bentley Turbo R, '88 XJS, '84 633CSi, '80 vette, '77 Maserati Khamsin, '74 TVR 2500M, '71 Lotus Elan +2S, '70 Mustang Mach 1. They each fulfill a need...

 

(PICS are in my gallery)

[Guest]

Id agree with those.. Not sure what year Cutlass was discussed but they were nice in their segment.. The Mark Vs I dont think reached their appeal as of yet. They are huge land yatchs.. But mostly well proportioned and appointed. When I compare them to their competitors they seem to have a bit more fit and finish pluses..

Endurance is always a factor to me. What survives tells us what we cared to fix ,or save, as a culture. Cars that made a statement to us. It's also a nod to the car's road worthiness by lasting this long.

At Car Shows we love being dazzled and entertained..which cars will do that for us in the future? What about the Toro XSR (I believe that's the wrap around window one)from 77/78, and the mid 80's Riviera converts (82-85?) ??

The Mark V is nice, but if you find a mid 70's in the right condition and the right color the Lincoln Town coupe has a great look, and ride. Buy it and appreciate it for what it was designed for and you will be happy. 

[Dave@Moon]

There are dozens of sports cars from the 1970s and 1980s that are both desirable and collectible.  I have a 1972 Triumph TR6, and the people I know in the club are already complaining that they are being priced out of the market for the better cars.  A $40K TR6 is not unheard of.  Fiat 124s, X 1/9s, Maxda RX7s, first generation Miatas, Alfa Spiders, MG MGBs and Midgets, Triumph Spitfires & GT6s, Jensen Healeys, rear engine VWs, VW GTIs, etc. are all appreciating members of this club.

 

Then there are the odd balls.  Subaru BRATs, Dodge Rampages, SVO Mustangs, Taurus SHOs, Dodge Spirit R/Ts, virtually any 2 door non-Renault AMC, special edition I H Scouts, Dodge Little Red Trucks & Warlocks, all rotary engine Mazdas, Subaru SVX, etc. 

 

Finally there are the harbinger cars.  The 1955 Chevys and 1932 Fords of that era in that they foretold the future.  Toyota Corollas & Hi-Lux pickups, Datsun 510s & 411 pickups, K-Cars, first generation (1984) Jeep (AMC) Cherokees, etc.  Most of these were disposable and frankly some may be gone already.  Rarity will enhance their historical value.  When was the last time you saw a mint Subaru Justy?

 

While many of these may have been less than perfect cars, they are never the less unique to their era and therefore interesting..., and likely valuable soon if not now.

[ghostymosty]

I like to stick to the 60's but have ventured into the 70's and 80's cars. I really liked my 79 Cordoba with T-tops, 2 different 71 Plymouth Sebrings, an 89 Chrysler TC Maserati to replace my really nice 91 TC that I sold to get a work van.

 

I feel like the collectible ones from this era are those of a type that will never be produced again, the huge 2 door hardtops and convertible luxury and near luxury cars, the rear wheel drive midsize personal luxury coupes with long hoods to peer over as huge chunks of road disappear behind the car as it floats along.

73 and 74 Charger SE models, 74 and 75 Imperial / 75-78 New Yorker, Town and Country station wagons, 71 to 76 Electra and Oldsmobile 98, Buick Estate wagons and Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser wagons, 73 Grand Prix and Cutlass Supreme with the skinny front bumpers, Eldorado and Riviera, 75 to 78 Grand Marquis and LTD Landau, 74 and 75 Cougar XR7. Obviously the exotic Italian and British sports cars.

 

I am leaving out any of the German built cars just because they do nothing for me on a gut level. I drive cars through an auction a few days a month and recently got to take a 72 Mercedes SEL across the blocks but the inside just looked and felt so 'purpose made' that I didn't find anything to like about it, not good for collector value. The Porsche 356 coupe I drove was better but still not inspiring to me. The 1970 Ferrari 365 GT was absolutely awe inspiring even though I was sweltering inside because the driver window wouldn't go down. The 1975 Eldo convertible was nice except for the cracking plastic on the dash and sounding like the front end was falling out while driving over a couple of dips in the parking lot, still liked it. The 1972 Chevy C10 pickup was ... a truck.

[padgett]

GM had a whole raft of 2 seaters in the 80s other than Corvettes. Most are undervalued.

[Guest]

1972 Lincoln MK IV. One year only with the front bumper the original designer intended. This car was an absolute show stopper when it first hit dealer showrooms in late '71. Unfortunately, '73 brought the federally mandated heavy bumpers and spoiled the look, then the basic body style ran way too long but I believe the '72 will carve out it's well deserved place in automotive history.

[Ed Luddy]

I'm very much into 70's-80's cars. They are lots of fun and far more affordable than older ones. Even the lowly Cordoba is welcome to my fleet!

[Guest]

I'm very much into 70's-80's cars. They are lots of fun and far more affordable than older ones. Even the lowly Cordoba is welcome to my fleet!jeepgc 075.jpg

Keep it up Ed, we need to see more of those cars at cruises and car shows. 

[Aaron65]

I just picked up a '74 Firebird in February, so I'll throw that in.  I've always liked '70s Firebirds.

Edited February 16, 2016 by Aaron65 (see edit history)

[JamesBulldogMiller55Buick]

1973 Oldsmobile 88 Convertible 455cid dual exhaust

[Paul Dobbin]

I guess this group is aging into the trap of collecting luxury cars.  I like them too, but they're expensive to keep pristine or repair. 

For the 70'& 80's, I have to agree with other posters, the El Camino & Caballero are hard to beat.  Stylish, functional, easy to get parts and are usually appreciated in stock condition. The gentleman's pickup is desirable from 1964 to 1987.  I have a great 1981 that I'd trade only for a 1957 Ford Ranchero.

Another great automobile is the Datsun/Nissan 240 Z, 280 Z, 280 ZX and the first 300 ZX.  For 20 years, 1975 -1995 I drove them every day (4 in row).  All were Z-Barted and didn't rust or have many mechanical problems. My favorite one was the 1979 280 ZX.

Both these suggestions have a large following of  devoted fans, which makes replacement parts available to keep them a regular

driver type cars.

Edited February 16, 2016 by Paul Dobbin (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

I guess this group is aging into the trap of collecting luxury cars. ...

 

Actually, I liked the bigger and more luxurious cars from day one.

In my childhood, muscle cars were long gone, and so my interests

gravitated to the velour-lined highway cars that brought memories

of comfort and vacation trips with family.  Give me a Buick any day!

 

Here's a current picture of my 1975 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe.

Edited February 16, 2016 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[Guest]

Actually, I liked the bigger and more luxurious cars from day one.

In my childhood, muscle cars were long gone, and so my interests

gravitated to the velour-lined highway cars that brought memories

of comfort and vacation trips with family.  Give me a Buick any day!

 

Here's a current picture of my 1975 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe.

As you can tell from my post #59 I like those cars!

[John_S_in_Penna]

Mr. Helfen, that Town Coupe in posting #59 is a,

nice looking car.  Yours?  Regardless, it shows an

example of a '70's car to admire.

Edited February 16, 2016 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[John348]

At Christmas my 98 year old mother-in-law asked me if I could sell her car. My father-in-law purchased it new from one of the last of the small town Chevrolet dealers in 1988.The car sat in the garage sine 2004. Put a battery in it an after a three tries it started, ran pretty good. I asked her if I could have it, and she said yes. I loaded it in my trailer and took it down to my house in Florida where I have plenty of temperature controlled storage and figured it can stay safe and sound here. I did encounter a few trouble codes and ended up having to replace the I.A.C. and the computer. I never thought in my life that I would look at a Celebrity station wagon as an old car. The A/C blows ice cold! It is just a little too small for me as a station wagon or I would be using it as a knock around car down here when I visit, but it is no comparison to my 85 Caprice Estate Wagon I use around town while here. The Celebrity never spent a night outside since the day it was purchased,kind of neat I also have all of the original paperwork

 

Edited February 18, 2016 by John348 (see edit history)

[padgett]

There are a few cars from that period, decades ago I had a few caddys, '67 Eldo and a 60 special Fleetwood brougham (could lie down in the back seat & had picnic tables) but have always liked smaller "interesting" cars plus a tow car.

Going to look at a very rare early '90s four passenger coupe tomorrow. DOHC 24 valve 6 and a five speed manual. My kind of car.

[LINC400]

At Christmas my 98 year old mother-in-law asked me if I could sell her car. My father-in-law purchased it new from one of the last of the small town Chevrolet dealers in 1988.The car sat in the garage sine 2004. Put a battery in it an after a three tries it started, ran pretty good. I asked her if I could have it, and she said yes. I loaded it in my trailer and took it down to my house in Florida where I have plenty of temperature controlled storage and figured it can stay safe and sound here. I did encounter a few trouble codes and ended up having to replace the I.A.C. and the computer. I never thought in my life that I would look at a Cavalier station wagon as an old car. The A/C blows ice cold! It is just a little too small for me as a station wagon or I would be using it as a knock around car down here when I visit, but it is no comparison to my 85 Caprice Estate Wagon I use around town while here. The Cavalier never spent a night outside since the day it was purchased,kind of neat I also have all of the original paperwork

 

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You do realize that you are showing pictures of a Chevrolet Celebrity and calling it a Cavalier.

[John348]

You do realize that you are showing pictures of a Chevrolet Celebrity and calling it a Cavalier

 

I do now my mistake I owned 3 Cavalier's as throw away commuter cars over the past 20 years and I just slipped my apology, thanks for pointing it out, correction made

Edited February 18, 2016 by John348 (see edit history)

[John_S_in_Penna]

That Celebrity wagon is interesting.  People might overlook it,

but when was the last time they saw a Chevrolet Celebrity wagon--

anywhere?  John, don't even think of using it as a "knock-around wagon"--

that's how all the other station wagons were treated and abused before they 

met their ends.  Carefully preserve it!

 

To me, that wagon is more interesting than a '65 Impala SS.

The latter are all over the place and are almost common today;

your wagon is a rare piece that just needs some time to be appreciated.

Edited February 18, 2016 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history)

[TerryB]

In the 1970s I purchased a new 1973 Chevelle SS with the 350ci eight, auto trans and the cool swivel bucket seats. I was a victim of the poor metal used back then and rusted away way too fast. In 1977 I traded the SS on a new 1977 Chevrolet Nova 2 dr With the Rally option which was stripes, rally wheels, wide tires, and sport suspension. It was a lot better car than the Chevelle. It had a 305 eight and auto trans. That car ran and handled great. The new car bug struck again in 1983 and the Nova was traded for a new 1983 Camaro Z28 equipped with the 5.0 engine and a 5 speed stick this time. After these cars, the ones that followed were dull boring regular drivers.

Terry

[Guest]

In the 1970s I purchased a new 1973 Chevelle SS with the 350ci eight, auto trans and the cool swivel bucket seats. I was a victim of the poor metal used back then and rusted away way too fast. In 1977 I traded the SS on a new 1977 Chevrolet Nova 2 dr With the Rally option which was stripes, rally wheels, wide tires, and sport suspension. It was a lot better car than the Chevelle. It had a 305 eight and auto trans. That car ran and handled great. The new car bug struck again in 1983 and the Nova was traded for a new 1983 Camaro Z28 equipped with the 5.0 engine and a 5 speed stick this time. After these cars, the ones that followed were dull boring regular drivers.

Terry

Don't blame the metal Terry, what was used to protect it was the problem. I would much rather have that gauge metal on my new cars if I could, sans the extra weight.

Edited February 18, 2016 by helfen (see edit history)

[JWLawrence]

Datsun 240Zs - 1970-73

[John348]

That Celebrity wagon is interesting.  People might overlook it,

but when was the last time they saw a Chevrolet Celebrity wagon--

anywhere?  John, don't even think of using it as a "knock-around wagon"--

that's how all the other station wagons were treated and abused before they 

met their ends.  Carefully preserve it!

 

To me, that wagon is more interesting than a '65 Impala SS.

The latter are all over the place and are almost common today;

your wagon is a rare piece that just needs some time to be appreciated.

 

John, I agree 100%, I even forgot about the car sitting in the garage until she mentioned it to me. I did not mean knock around as a "beater" I only use a car here at the Florida house to go to Publix to get my newspapers and food, maybe the bank. I have an 85 Caprice I bought 5 years ago that I use now just for those trips, easier then climbing into my 2500 Sierra (should have gotten 2WD!) For now the Celebrity is sitting in my temperature controlled building, and there it will sit. Let my sons figure it out when the time comes. It was painted in 1991 after my Father-in-Law had an accident, the work was done by the Chevrolet dealer that sold it to him. They told him it would be best to paint the entire car and that it would not cost that much more. It takes some time to absorb that it is a 28 year old vehicle, and.......it even  has the third row pop up seat.

 

Ironically the Caprice I own belonged to the family behind my Mother-in-Law since new and was sold by the same dealer. If I put 500 miles on it year is a lot, There are more of these around then the Celebrity, but no comparison in the two cars as far as luxury.

Edited February 18, 2016 by John348 (see edit history)