There’s nothing like a big family dinner to generate discussion and with it, controversy. Buy any of the cars in this edition of the $5,000 Challenge, park them in the driveway in advance of Thanksgiving and prepare to field questions from relatives along the lines of, “what were you thinking?” We’re thinking that all of the candidates have the potential of being interesting and unusual drivers, for a reasonable investment of money and time. Explaining that to Uncle Chuck, or your brother-in-law the investment banker, is entirely up to you.
1965 GMC Handi-Van
Looking for a van that’s not too big, yet not too small? The GMC Handi-Van, like the original ChevyVan, the early Ford Econoline or the Dodge A100, was “right sized” for everyday use. Its flat front, cab-over-engine design looks cool, too, though admittedly may deliver suboptimal results in a frontal crash. This 1965 Handi-Van appears fairly well preserved, though it may need a bit of engine work to get back on the road again. Once finished, it would make an unusual camper, or a great rolling billboard for a small business. The asking price? $5,000.
1978 Ford Mustang II Ghia
Admittedly, the Mustang II was the red-headed stepchild of the Mustang world, but keep this in mind: The fuel-sipping ‘Stang saved the Mustang brand, and in its early years, easily outsold the 1971-1973 models. Sure, in its stock form the 2.3-liter four wasn’t exactly a powerhouse, but thanks to the aftermarket, that’s readily addressed. This example appears to be rust-free, though it will need carburetor work, a steering rack rebuild and, possibly, a new A/C components. Given how few survive, it stands to reason that someday, in the not-too-distant future, the Mustang II may begin to get the respect it deserves. For $4,500, it’s guaranteed to spur discussion around the dinner table, too.
1977 Mercedes-Benz 280SE
In America, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is known as a luxury car, but in much of the world, stripper versions of the Mercedes mid-sizer are routinely used as taxi cabs. That means they’re built to go the distance, and while the seller of this 149,000 mile 1977 280SE refers to the car as “high-mileage,” by most anyone else’s standards the car is just broken in. As a Southern California (and later, Albuquerque, New Mexico) car, rust shouldn’t be an issue, either. Sure, you’ll get lectures on the cost of parts and repair from family members, but you’ll be enjoying a classic German luxury sedan while they’re commuting in their contemporary, cookie-cutter cute utes. The asking price? $3,990.
1954 International R110
Call this one the wild card in the bunch, and expect comments like “just where do you think you’ll find parts for THAT?” The seller says there’s rust on the undercarriage, but doesn’t provide pictures; does that mean the rust is superficial, or does it mean that the frame resembles a factory lightweight Pontiac Catalina? For those bold enough to take a chance (or at least inspect the truck in person), this could be a diamond in the rough. Vintage pickups are hot, and examples from Ford and Chevy are a dime-a-dozen; when was the last time you saw an Eisenhower-era International at a car show? The asking price? $4,800.
1973 Dodge Charger
By 1973, the sun had (largely) set on the golden age of muscle cars, leaving the Dodge Charger to soldier on in a strange niche somewhere between performance car and personal luxury coupe. If you’re looking for the sinister looks of the ’67 Charger, or the performance of a 426 Street Hemi, this 400 V-8 powered ’73 example likely won’t pique your interest. On the other hand, good luck finding a drivable ’67 or a Street Hemi version at this example’s $5,000 price point. Besides, you’ll be able to end any argument by reminding doubters that Richard Petty won six races, including Daytona, in a ’73 Charger. If it’s good enough for King Richard, it’s good enough for us.
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