Survivor Cars

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

Only 3,200 Miles? 1980 Triumph TR8

“No stories”. I’ve heard that phrase many a time when considering a vintage car, and I take it to mean the vehicle is clear of weird circumstances around its title, its location, its condition. But our featured Triumph has… more»

BF Auction: 1957 Geneva Wood 14′ Runabout

Location: Junction City, Kansas Engine: Corsair Navigator Outboard Registration: KA-25-P In the 1950’s there were countless American manufacturers trying to meet the demand for boats. While many worked with the then-new fiberglass, some focused on wooden construction. Today, you don’t… more»

Burnished Brown: 1969 Chevrolet Impala

Even though there were often annual facelifts and regular restyles, full-size offerings from the 1960s seem to be easily glossed over these days. Typically, a 1969 Chevrolet Impala fits that bill for me, but this one caught my eye…. more»

31k Mile Survivor: 1981 Dodge Mirada

The Mirada was the Dodge equivalent of the Chrysler Cordoba. Based on a modified Aspen chassis, the Mirada was in production from 1980 to 1983 while Chrysler Corp. was still staying afloat financially (it was the K-Car that would… more»

Stainless Steel Roof: 1980 Chrysler New Yorker

Fifth Avenue in New York is still a potential marketing gold mine as far as conjuring up images of uber-wealthy people with top hats, canes, spats, and monocles. Well, at least the men. This 1980 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth… more»

Tor Red Driver: 1970 Plymouth Duster 340

Some enthusiasts are more accommodating than others when the subject turns to modified classics. Total originality can be a crucial selection criterion, but many deem minor modifications acceptable. This 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 could be ideal for someone seeking… more»

Patina Pickup: 1948 Chevrolet 3100

Tastes evolve, and I openly admit that I am a late convert to the work of classic Pickups. I once viewed them as nothing but workhorses, but I have grown to appreciate the insight they offer into less complicated… more»

Time Capsule Survivor: 1967 Pontiac LeMans

1967 was the last chance offering for a second-generation Pontiac LeMans before a restyled and more modern-looking model took over the following year, but there’s just something about those stacked headlights and tall composure in the front that’s hard… more»

Bring Bondo, Mohair, and Money: 1939 Packard Limousine

At one time, big prewar limousines were a hot commodity for restorers.  These symbols of meticulous craftsmanship and ostentatious wealth were sought after for their rarity.  With prewar prices falling and restoration costs reaching new heights, getting rid of… more»

1-of-1: 1991 Ford F-150 Ramp Truck

One of the most significant hurdles to hauler ownership is maneuverability. These vehicles can be unwieldy, making accessing parking lots and tight environments virtually impossible. This 1991 Ford F-150 could alleviate that problem. It is a genuine 1-of-1 prototype… more»

Rare 5-Speed: 1985 Jaguar XJ-S

Whenever an enthusiast’s thoughts turn to the Jaguar XJ-S, they almost invariably imagine a luxurious Grand Tourer featuring the glorious but insanely complicated V12 engine. However, this 1985 example is a captive import featuring a rare 5-speed manual performing… more»

1968 Chrysler Newport Sportsgrain Convertible

Appearing to be wearing Consort Blue Metallic paint, this 1968 Chrysler Newport Sportsgrain Convertible is one unique car. The wheels aren’t stock, of course, but this car is so inexpensive right now that for anyone wanting to turn a… more»

Only 9K Miles!? 1967 Fiat 500L

I’m not certain how long Fiat is for this U.S. world. It seems that their domestic reappearance, courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), is now threatened under FCA’s incorporation into Stellantis. Art of Gears author, Matthew Wolfe wrote a… more»

Mopar Muscle: 1973 Plymouth Duster 340

As the hot muscle car market of the 1960s began to take heat from insurance companies, some manufacturers started beefing up their compacts. Smaller, lighter cars like the Plymouth Duster were treated to more power to hang on to… more»

Plenty Of Possibilities: 1974 Dodge Dart Swinger

It doesn’t quite stand out to the extent of Hemi Orange or some of the other High Impact colors Dodge was offering not long before this 1974 Dart Swinger was born, but nonetheless, the E5 Bright Red finish sure… more»

Spotless Split Window: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe

Some enthusiasts will purchase a classic car and enjoy a long-term relationship with their pride and joy. For others, it will be a brief flirtation before turning their attention to other matters. This 1963 Corvette Split Window Coupe falls… more»

Barn Finds