Survivor Cars

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

Astroroof Survivor: 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado

1985 was the final model year for the third-generation Oldsmobile Toronado, and even though it was over a foot shorter than the previous generation Toronados, it would be the biggest one until the end of the line for the… more»

Italian/American Luxury Roadster: 1990 Cadillac Allante

When Cadillac introduced the Allante in 1987, the voiceover on one of their TV ads said, “It is a luxury roadster unlike any that has come before it. A Cadillac designed and hand-crafted in Europe by the designers of… more»

Floating Find: 1968 52-Foot Houseboat

Now for something completely different. Here on eBay is a 1968 houseboat for sale, bid to $8,701, with no reserve. This houseboat is in a slip on the St. John’s River in Florida near Jacksonville. This is a static… more»

High-Performance 350: 1973 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

By 1973, buyers faced fewer choices if they felt the entry-level engine didn’t provide the desired performance in their new Corvette. They could opt for a big-block, although the slightly more expensive L82 small-block proved a more popular choice…. more»

40K-Mile 1984 Chevrolet S-10 Durango 4×4

This 1984 Chevrolet S-10 Durango 4×4 pickup has only traveled 40,000 miles over the last thirty-eight years which is pretty amazing. I drive that much every year and that low mileage appears to have really preserved this golden nugget…. more»

One Owner! 1976 Chevrolet Vega GT

Although more than two million Chevy Vega’s were built in the 1970s, you rarely see them today, except for the occasional Cosworth. They got a bad rap early on for production flaws which meant that many of them quickly… more»

30 Years Stored: 1960 Ford Galaxie Sunliner Convertible

If an owner elects to place a classic car into storage, there is a right way and quite a few wrong ways to undertake the process. A dry environment away from direct exposure to UV rays is a good… more»

40k Original Miles: 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu

The First and Second Generation Chevrolet Chevelle remain strong performers in the classic market, even if they don’t wear an SS badge. That is especially true if the car in question is a low-mileage and unmolested survivor. That is… more»

Li’l Hustler: 1980 Datsun 720 Pickup

Anyone who has owned a small pickup truck like this 1980 Datsun 720 Li’l Hustler knows how useful they are, not to mention just plain fun to drive. No, they aren’t fast or luxurious like your new four-door pickup… more»

Catalog Car: 1972 “Baldwin Motion” Corvette

Well, tipster Pat L, you’ve really done it this time. This (catalog) Motion Performance Custom 1972 Chevrolet Corvette is about as outrageous as a car needs to be. Built out of Motion Performance catalog and not by Joel Rosen… more»

Untouched Survivor: 1971 Plymouth 340 Duster

Now, this brings back memories. When I was in high school in the 70’s, the student parking lot had several 340 Dusters parked in it. And understandably so. They were roomy, inexpensive “muscle cars” and one buddy of mine… more»

Solid Survivor: 1988 Toyota SR5 Xtracab 4×4 Pickup

During the 1970s, vehicle manufacturers began to recognize that an untapped buyer market was ripe for the taking. Some potential buyers craved the practicality and ruggedness of a pickup but were unwilling to forego the creature comforts brought by… more»

351/4-Speed: 1973 Ford Gran Torino Sport

The seller claims this 1973 Ford Gran Torino Sport is an original survivor. If that proves true, many enthusiasts would consider its condition well above average. Adding to its appeal, it features one of the most desirable drivetrain combinations… more»

29k Original Miles?: 1956 Ford Thunderbird

In reading the seller’s description, the song “Ebony and Ivory” by Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder popped into my head. While it’s not my favorite song by either of these legendary musicians, the ’56 Thunderbird is my favorite year… more»

BF Auction: 1987 Mercedes-Benz 300TD Wagon

There is a period of time in the 1970s and 1980s when Mercedes Benz was code for ‘massively reliable’ and ‘built like tanks’. They had a reputation of going, and going and going with very little to go wrong…. more»

Only 20,452 Miles! 1978 Dodge Magnum XE

I’m old enough that I remember being fascinated with the new 1978 Dodge Magnum’s headlights when they were first in dealerships. As a fan of early E-Types and GT40s, I didn’t understand why all cars didn’t have sleek, clear… more»

Barn Finds