Since launching the $5,000 Challenge as a semi-regular feature, we’ve routinely received reader comments along the lines of, “Why not raise the limit to $10,000 to get a wider variety of vehicles to choose from?” I’ve tried to protest, pointing out that $10,000 crosses a line from “affordable” to “unobtainable” for many (your humble author included), but the requests persist, so we’re caving to peer pressure for this edition and expanding the threshold to $10,000. The variety may have increased, but did the quality of the cars go up, too? You decide.
1950 Packard Super 8 Super 8 Touring Sedan
Love styling of this Packard Super Eight or loathe it, there’s no denying the car stands out from the crowd, even 65 years after it rolled off the assembly line. Like George Washington’s ax, this example is said to be in original condition, except for the reupholstery and repaint, but we’d argue the work enhances the car’s merit as a driver. Those serious about preserving the postwar Packard will need to perform some prophylactic patching in the passenger floor pan, but otherwise this appears to be a car to simply drive and enjoy. The asking price? $9,750.
1968 Chevrolet Impala 4 Door Sedan
We’re not sure that numbers-matching 1968 Chevy Impala sedans are all that rare, but this example seems to have weathered the slings and arrows of four-plus decades on the road reasonably well. It appears as if a previous owner had a love affair with the rattle-can, but thankfully most of the work appears to be on the undercarriage. We’d want to take a closer look at the panel gap on the trunk, but even a bit of bodywork wouldn’t prevent us from giving this car serious consideration. Besides, the box of eight-track tapes definitely adds value to the $9,900 asking price.
Despite being out of production since 1991, the Jeep SJ Grand Wagoneer continues to enjoy a cult following, with used examples typically selling in short order when they hit the market (assuming, of course, the asking price is reasonable). This 1987 example, previously restored by Wagonmaster, suffers from faded faux woodgrain and dull paint, but these factors may work in the buyer’s favor. If that’s the good news, here’s the bad: at the moment, third gear isn’t available, meaning that transmission work may be required to make this a daily driver. The asking price? $7,950.
1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Galaxie
The seller states that this Ford has been in the family for 55 years, and from the looks of it, it’s never been relegated to new-driver training. The chrome may be pitted, but the paint (probably not original) still shines and the interior appears to be in very good shape. It’s not exactly concours-ready, but the Ford’s next owner will probably do well at local shows, particularly since time otherwise spent on restoration can be dedicated to polishing and prepping. The asking price? $7,990.
Volkswagen’s beloved Beetle has crept up in both price and collectability in recent years, meaning that unmodified and affordable examples can be hard to come by. The beauty of these cars is their simplicity, and anyone with hand tools and a basic knowledge of mechanics should be able to keep a Beetle running to Armageddon and beyond. This example appears to be in mid-restoration, with much of the exterior work already addressed. We’d focus our efforts on the interior, but this Volkswagen definitely gets bonus points for its apparent lack of aftermarket add-ons. The asking price? $6,800.
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