Survivor Cars

Not all barn finds are rusty! Here are the very best unrestored classics:

Retired 50 Years: 1963 Studebaker GT Hawk

The Gran Turismo (or GT) Hawk was the final iteration of the Hawk series of automobiles that dated to 1956 (and even further including the Starliner it was based upon). GT Hawks were built for three model years (1962-64),… more»

Big Block Wagon: 1962 Chrysler Newport

Chrysler anointed the Newport as a separate model in 1960, after using the name since the 1940s in one way, shape, or form. The full-sized Newport was offered as a replacement for DeSoto and aimed at the economy-minded buyer…. more»

Iowa Farm Survivor: 1949 Ford F-1 Panel Truck

About the only thing cooler than pickup trucks from the 1950s are their covered cousins, the panel truck, which Ford claimed would “protect your cargo in style.” Here’s a 1949 Ford F-1 panel truck survivor that’s still earning its… more»

Rare Color Combo: 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10

Two things I love: the early production Dodge Viper RT/10, and the Viper RT/10 in any color other than red over gray. So, needless to say, I like this 1995 Dodge Viper RT/10 quite a bit. It’s a low-mileage… more»

Unrestored Survivor: 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7

While the original Mercury Cougar shared its underpinnings with Ford’s Mustang, the two companies pursued different paths through the 1970s. While it seemed incomprehensible, Mercury hit the sweet spot in 1978, with the Cougar easily outselling the Mustang. Such… more»

Take Your Pick! California Cache of Cars

Most cars in a collection have something in common. Makes, models, production years, and body styles are just some of the things that collector cars may share. But in this case, the eight vehicles offered here on craigslist seem… more»

24k Mile Survivor? 1976 Buick Skylark

Between 1975 and 1979, Buick’s compact cars were on the same platform but carried two names: Apollo for the 4-door sedans and Skylark (formerly a mid-size) for the 2-door versions (coupe and hatchback). This 1976 example may be one… more»

Something Different! 1993 Mitsuoka Viewt

Some cars attract attention because of their stunning beauty and desirability. Others achieve that feat because they’re, well, different. The 1993 Mitsuoka Viewt falls into the second category and is not a car most people will take seriously. It… more»

43k Original Miles: 1970 Chevrolet Caprice Coupe

Chevrolet introduced its First Generation Caprice in 1966 and performed two styling updates between then and when our feature car rolled off the line in 1970. It presents superbly, and its overall condition and specifications suggest it would suit… more»

Beautiful Survivor: 1981 Jeep CJ7

When it comes to vehicles that are just real-deal survivors, there’s not a lot that can be said beyond what’s captured in photos. The beauty of vehicles like these is that it takes some of the guesswork out of… more»

390-Equipped: 1966 Ford Country Sedan

Necessity is the mother of invention, and a lack of options within the new car market means buyers are turning to vehicles like this 1966 Ford Country Sedan if they seek a station wagon to transport a larger family…. more»

Super Survivor: 1975 Oldsmobile Toronado

“This is a land yacht you can enjoy” opines the seller of this 1975 Oldsmobile Toronado. It’s a beast alright and while a progeny of its 1966 origin, it’s pretty well removed from that landmark car at the same… more»

What A Biarritz! 1984 Cadillac Eldorado

This 1984 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz caught my attention for all the wrong reasons. I used to make fun of cars like this and considered them to be pretentious posers. The mention of the 4.1-liter engine drew me in too… more»

Turbo Terrific: 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder

The Corvair represented adventurous engineering by Chevrolet because it had rarely commenced engineering a new model from a blank sheet of paper. It suffered some reputational issues, but a well-maintained example can offer a rewarding driving experience. Our feature… more»

Huge Price Drop: 1957 Imperial Crown Southampton

UPDATE: No, this is not deja vu. I usually avoid featuring a classic car when an owner lists it for the third time, but I am willing to make an exception with this 1957 Imperial Crown. There is no… more»

Short Circuit: Johnny 5 is Headed to Auction!

Like classic cars, movie memorabilia is enjoying growing popularity. The right pieces can fetch staggering prices, and when I saw this beauty, I knew it deserved an article. Short Circuit was a 1986 sci-fi/fantasy movie, and its primary props… more»

Barn Finds