If you’re looking to pick up one or more project cars this weekend, consider planning a trip to the great Pacific Northwest. In an area known as the Columbia Gorge, you’ll find a 1965 Chevy Impala, a 1970 AMC Javelin and a 1976 Oldsmobile F-85 in varying states of repair for not much money. The full listing is here on craigslist, and while you’ll need to supply your own engine on some cases, the bodies look like good candidates for restoration or resto-modding. The Impala seen here is only $600 but it will need a drivetrain and interior before hitting the road.
This 1970 Javelin could be a good parts car. It has a complete interior but no drivetrain, similar to the Impala. This one does have a bit of rust to deal with in the roof and rear floor on the driver’s side. The seller is looking for $1,000 to take this one away, but it may be worth going in at $700 and seeing if you can save a few bucks. In all cases, the cars have wheels and tires, so I’m assuming they roll freely. What other classics can you spot in the background of this photo?
Finally, this Oldsmobile F-85 sports a complete drivetrain, featuring an inline-six cylinder with a three-speed manual transmission on the column. The seller says it’s a complete car albeit a bit tired cosmetically. As a classic “ran when parked” example, who knows how much work it will take to get this one to fire back up, but at least it has a motor. The seller is looking for $750 for the Olds, and makes no mention of any rust issues. So, while none of these are particularly exciting finds, they are all pretty cheap. Which one would you pick and why?
1970 Javelin was my first car at 16. So much fun. I could probably do much of the work blindfolded. This one needs a lot for the payback though.
I’d take the F-85. Love the 3 on the tree. Would make a fun and cheap daily driver.
In 1976 there was no Olds F-85 It was an Olds Omega (I had one with the V-8 and floor shift). I guess he wants more inquiries so calls it an F-85. I wonder what else is mis-represented? They all look like maybe parts only.
I have to pass on all three. However, with Olds it’s asking price is a nice even $776. That’s just a tad over budget BUT if it had been $775 I would have been ALL OVER IT! LOL That type of pricing may be an insight as to what you will be dealing with.
Ps, I think the Imp would make a good drag car canidate.
thanks Ken, I too didn’t recall a f-85 in ’76 of the three, the Olds is the most appealing, but it looks pretty rough , no close ups of any of the cars parts cars, or scrap none are worth fixing
My first car was an Ermine white 65 Impala Sport Coupe, 4 speed with the new 396 engine with 325 HP and Posi-traction. Black interior with bench seat.. Hate to see this 65 looking this sad..
I remember seeing a pale orchid with white top convertible with white interior ss396 with 4 sod. It was incredible looking. My friend tommy said, his dad was getting one of these. He came home a few days later with a aqua green bel air 4 door sedan with a 6 and power glide. Not quite the same thing.
According to Wiki, the F-85 was the BASE Omega.
I do wish I had the money for any of them. The buy in maybe, but getting them to move? I ain’t got it now…
65 Chevy looks to be a great starting place to restore her back to her glory days. Big fan of the 65 Chevy in any body style the car it s self had class make a great 60,s hot rod.