Anyone who’s recently shopped for a used car knows this fact: finding something worthwhile in the sub-$5,000 price range gets more challenging with each passing year. Finding something in that price bracket that raises the eyebrows of those of us with 10w-40 in our veins is an occasion worth noting, and this “rara avis” edition of the $5,000 Challenge accomplishes just that.
The selections below won’t be to everyone’s liking, but the range is diverse enough to appeal to most of the enthusiast population, and each of the cars offers an alternative to the cookie-cutter soulless appliances typically found in the price range. Which of these rare birds belongs in your garage?
1990 Pontiac Grand Prix Turbo
Pontiac’s fifth-generation Grand Prix, the first to utilize front-wheel drive, debuted in 1987 as a 1988 model. For the 1989 model year, Pontiac turned to performance specialist McLaren for help in developing a turbocharged variant of its 3.1-liter V-6. Rated at 205 horsepower, the forced-induction Grand Prix would be produced in limited quantities for just two years, making it a rare sight today. This 1990 example appears to be in reasonable shape outside, but inside will need a bit of attention to the headliner. Mechanically, the “unboosted” brake system should probably be addressed, and it’s described as needing new tires, but otherwise appears to be an interesting driver from the days when new wave gave way to grunge. At an asking price of $2,700, it’s hard to go wrong here.
1967 Datsun Sports 1600 roadster
Datsun roadsters were introduced to the U.S. market in 1958, and remained on sale until 1971 in various trims and displacements. The Sports 1600 debuted here in 1965, and remained on sale even after the 1968 introduction of its more powerful brother, the 2000. It’s not clear how many 1.6-liter roadsters Nissan imported over their five-year model run, but it’s a safe bet that time and the tinworm have sent many of them to their graves. This 1967 model is said to run well and is described as a rust free California car, now living in Wisconsin. It’s not issue-free, as the next owner will need to sort various inoperable gauges, but for $4,900, it’s an interesting intro into the hobby for foreign car fans.
1999 Ford Crown Victoria
Ford built about a billion Panther platform Crown Vics (OK, we’re exaggerating a bit for dramatic effect), so what, you might ask, is rare about this car? With 55,591 miles on the odometer, it may be one of the last remaining examples that hasn’t been run into the ground by a police department or cab company. While not particularly desirable as a collector car (just yet), the next owner will likely enjoy unobstructed travel in the left lane on interstate highways, and will have the peace of mind of knowing that, when cockroaches rule the world at the end of civilization, this Crown Vic will likely still be running. For $4,900, this is a tough used car to ignore.
1960 Plymouth Savoy four-door sedan
Like haggis or Vegemite, the bold styling of the 1960 Plymouth Savoy isn’t to everyone’s taste. Love it or hate it, the Savoy represents an era when designers were willing to take chances, and when tailfins were still the height of automotive fashion. This example is described as a 20-footer, with a bit of Bondo in the left rocker panel and a rear brake drum frozen to the splined hub. It’s got a few bumps and bruises, and could use a new left rear taillamp lens, but overall represents a solid and unique entry into the world of collector cars. At $4,550, it falls into the affordable category, too.
1936 Packard 120 Sedan
Three words you rarely hear together are “Packard” and “street rod.” To many, that’s a good thing, since in the pre-war years (and some would say, until the 1954 acquisition of Studebaker), Packard was known for building fine automobiles. This partially completed 1936 Packard 120 sedan project, while offensive to some, will be intriguing to others for its odd blend of Buick power, Packard styling and a Chevelle rear-end. It’s likely not too far gone to return to original condition, but for those who want something a bit different to show on weekend’s this could be just the ticket. The asking price? A negotiable $4,950.
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