It’s unusual to find this eclectic a set of seven vehicles for sale at the same price, but even rarer to find them advertised (here on craigslist, go here if the ad disappears) by the same seller! Pretend you have just been given $2,000 and have to spend it on one of these projects — choose one and post it in the comments (feel free to add your reasons for doing so)! I’ll tally the votes after three days and post the results. The ad states this collection is in Rock Hill, South Carolina in case one of these really strikes your fancy!
Option number 1: a fairly solid looking 1973 AMC Javelin, although that may be an AMX grille — can anyone tell for sure? Based on the normal ride height in the front, there is at least an engine in there. Unfortunately, like the rest of these vehicles, we know little else. There were only 5,707 AMXs produced in 1973 — there can’t be that many left!
Option #2: a 1949 Ford with a top that is already chopped for you. Someone may have also put a GM subframe under the front of the car based on the front wheels, but the ride height tells me you’ll be looking for an engine to install.
Option #3 is the only one the seller deemed important enough to include two pictures in the ad. It’s a “Cobra Jet” boat with a V8 that I’ll bet one of you smart readers can tell us what it is! I don’t think it’s a 428 Cobra Jet based on the distributor location, but perhaps I’m wrong?
Option #4 is a 1957 Chevrolet four-door sedan. Given many commenters’ dislike of four-door cars, I’m not expecting this one to do well, but feel free to prove otherwise. I know we have some bowtie fans among our readers.
Option #5 is claimed to be a 1938 Packard, but looks like someone was envisioning a short-track race car build? Who knows? The truck grille guard looks like it was installed later on a 2003 F150 that is also for sale in the ad for $2,000, so don’t count on it coming with the Packard. If you choose this option, I really want to know what you would do with the project!
Option #6 is this 1966 Pontiac — I think it’s a Tempest. While no engine (nor probably a transmission) is included, it does seem to have straight and pretty solid sheet metal and what I think are original rallye wheels.
Finally, we have Option #7, which appears to be a tired old MGB, but there’s a bonus! Someone has already converted it to V8 power! Few folks know that the MGB GT was offered in Europe with a version of the 215 Buick/Rover V8, and the seller tells us that a “Nailhead” Buick V8 was used for this conversion. That means it could have anywhere from 264 to 425 cubic inches powering it now. I suspect it may need some rust repair, though, depending on how long it’s sat with the top down.
So which option would you choose with your imaginary $2,000? (no, you can’t pocket it or spend it on the F150, that’s no fun!) Be sure to let us know in the comments and I’ll total the votes after three days!
I vote for #1.
Looks to be the most complete and whether you’re an AMC fan or not you never see Javelins or AMX’s
Jet boat!
my guess the jet boat engine is a 460 ford as these were popular for marine conversions
Hey, alright, Jamie, kudos to you, taking our minds off these outrageously priced Mopars, and some fun. Actually, I DO have $2,000 dollars for a project, and it don’t buy much today. 1st, the boat engine looks like an Olds motor( 394?) It was a popular boat motor, and the “Cobra Jet” could refer to the drive. But I heard there’s 2 times you like a boat, when you buy it, and when you sell it. The MG looks tempting, but who knows what kind of horrors are underneath, so I’d go with the Javelin, the coolest car from AMC, and build it to the hilt!!! (did I say that?)
You know what “boat” stands for? Break Out Another Thousand.
Boat…
I’d grab that ’49 Ford. Body looks good from the 1 pic and the chop appears to have been done well (from the 1 pic).
Wow ! Some great choices but I would go with the 49 Ford The jet boat engine looks to be an Oldsmobile 455 which was common for those boats. Then again maybe the AMC Hmmm no the tempest You can’t go wrong with any of those 3
Sounds like you need to budget $6000 or work a package deal.
Lol. I’m terrible with decisions !
MG.
The most complete, and with a V8 in that light car, it will be silly fun. Plus parts are not terribly expensive. Probably put $4k in parts and paint to have something that has you smiling when you step on the go faster pedal.
I would do the 49 Ford and put a Gen 3 Hemi in it. That engine seems strong enough in the 5.7 unmodified form and would give you reliable performance. I have always wanted a chopped car, I was never ambitious enough to chop my 49 Dodge Business Coupe.
I’d go for the Javelin. Looks most complete, seems to be parked under a roof.
Javelin, it appears to have already received some attention and the covered storage and solid ground it’s sitting on suggests the body and underside haven’t been compromised by the elements. It’s also the most ‘driveable’ to my wife’s untrained eyes, so I wouldn’t get the stink-eye from her when I brought it home.
#1 easiest and most valuable restoration
Cobra Jet is the model or manufacturer of the boat.
It’s not a “Cobra Jet” boat, it’s a “Cobra” jet boat. Most would expect me to pick that bit I just finished a boat. This will need a deck and stringers at minimum, plan a transom too. The MG is tugging my strings. Have been lusting for a little British sports car, bet it’s a hoot with a V8.
MG B. At least all necessary parts are available here in UK. (At a price)
#2 except if #3 is actually a cobra jet
GMC Cobra Jet
Although I like the four door Chevy, I’m going to go with the ’49 Ford. I love my cars to hail from the 60’s but chopped roofs from that time have always had a soft spot in my heart, so why not? It would have to wait behind my ’68 Toro but I would be eyeing it every time I opened my garage!
My problem is my garage only has two spots and the wife wont like it if I sold our family car. What a life!
I am curious about the drag slicks on the Packard…
#1 is definitely a Javelin AMX. It’s complete enough to get it on the road in a single season and be worth the effort in fun and dollar return. In fact you could make a daily driver out of that in a couple of months licensed for the road. The other cars you could spend years on and still end up with nothing.
I would take the Packard and prepare it for entry in this fall’s Hot Rod Hill Climb here in Colorado – with a straight 8 and dual carbs, of course.
I’d totally go with the Jav. That’s a sexy rod, right there.
I would do the Javelin up in T/A guise and run the Power Tour.
Well since I love Pontiacs and I like to modify my cars to my taste I have to go with the Tempest, not a high dollar collectible so I could modify it without being strung up by a bunch of guys insuits wearing ski masks. Also parts are plentiful.
I agree I like to do my cars up my way and nowadays most of the cars are too valuable to do that to. That Poncho is perfect for that. So is the 49 Ford. The MG is appealing because of the V8 in it but it is a convertible that has been sitting outside and those cars rusted without any help so because of that I would stay away from it.
Javelin but the 49′ comes in a close second
Yes…There are a few I like,but my 1st choice is The Javelin
would be more complete and maybe easier to make a “runner”
The 49 Ford does look cool though…,I love a nice “chop”
even for dinner once in a while….!
Javelin choice number one. Love AMC, also where can you find a Javelin for 2 grand. Parts would not be too hard to find, no matter if it has a six,304,360,or 401 it can be built into something more powerful. Second choice, 49 Ford, even with chopped top make into gasser style, 392 hemi, or big block chevy. I normally don’t go for putting a chevy engine in anything but a chevy, but in some cases it’s ok in my book
49 ford, the chop looks straight and a great place to start.
I’d get the 49 ford and be crazy and bring the roof line back to stock. Why? I’m tall man and need to get in easy at my age.
No contest…#1 AMC
Give me the ’57, to spite the upturned noses of the 2-doors-or-crush-it crowd.
Fun!
In order of my preference:
1. AMC. I prefer the earlier versions but this one looks pretty good. Especially at $2k.
2. ’49 Ford. Looks to be next best in terms of potential and % complete.
3. Tempest. Looks to be missing a lot, but could be a good start.
4. Packard. I’ve always wanted a Packard. Probably the only way I can afford one, but this thing needs it all.
5. Chevy. I like four doors, but this thing is a mess.
6. MGB. Rubber bumpers. Thumbs down. Outside with no top. Two thumbs down. Maybe three.
7. Boat. I like boats and jet skis, but I have no love for jet boats.
– John
I was going for the 49 until I saw newport pagnell’s comment. My mom had a 73 Javelin with a 304 when I was in junior high, so I’ll go that route.
AMX AMX AMX…then the 49 Ford. none of the others speak to me.
1.) AMX
2.) Poncho
Be the other way around if the Pontiac was more complete
I’m not normally an AMC fan, but it gets my vote this time around.
Give the 57 chevy the El Camino treatment. It’s only a 4 door anyway.
So at this point, the votes are:
1st Place: AMX, 17 votes
2nd Place: 49 Ford, 6 votes
3rd Place (tie): Boat, 3 votes
3rd Place (tie): MG, 3 votes
5th Place (tie): Tempest, 2 votes
5th Place (tie): 57 Chevy, 2 votes
7th Place: Packard, 1 vote
There’s still time, folks! Vote for your favorite!
Jamie, when are you going to post the winner? I still think the 49 Ford will win.
Blaine, I’m counting them up now! :-) I’ll post at the end of the thread (i.e. look down the comments)
I’m still going with the Tempest…. I would rather start from scratch then fix other peoples screw ups.
2nd choice would be the 49 Ford because I love Fords and Chopped tops.
Javelin AMX…looks like it wouldnt take as much time as the rest & JUST COZ ITS COOL
then the tempest … more time and like the AMX parts would be less hassle
The Shoebox Ford all day long….Kustom Kemps !
Since the 4dr Chevy isn’t getting much love, I’d take it and turn it into this
The 49 Ford, I’m not an AMC fan,don’t want a boat. I like chevys but not a 4 door. Packard is to far gone for me.
I’d go for the AMX/ Javelin . it appears to be the most complete
If the 49 Ford is chopped correctly, and it appears that it is, then good portion of heavy lifting is already done. It will cost you almost as much as the asking price for a proper chop job anyway. So this like getting a car for free! My vote for #2, which really is my #1
The ’49 Ford because after the initial buy, I wouldn’t have the bucks to fix it up, but to me it would be the best out of these to become yard art. All I’d need then would be evening shade, a folding chair, and about six cold ones and stare at it while thinking how I would finish it.
Given the choices, cuban cigars.
The MGB and I might be too late for voting………
Option 7, I want to see that hauling ass again. I think it would be a screamer if it were done well. It would also look great if restored.
I would chose The 1949 Ford.
It’s a great body style with loads of great potential!
The shoebox Ford. Using boneyard and 1-800 parts sources for a complete driveline, it will l have the best resale value for the least amount of work.
I would go with the Packard and use it for back up parts on the 38 120 coupe I have strip it completely down and save the parts for the investment rightly priced and I need the running boards now!
Then the Javelin, but find a 401 to put it up to par!!
The Javelin would be the one for me!
AMC – ’cause it looks like a badass drives it.
BTW, I live near Rock Hill if anyone wants me to check out these beauties.
Shoot me an email at casefy53974@mypacks.net.
Definitely the AMX
Ivote for #1
The Javelin and the 49 Ford both press the right buttons for me.
I would have to vote for the ’49 Ford, always liked the shoebox Fords, father had a ’50 model convertible back when I was about 10 years young, black with white top, cool car as I can recall. I would say the AMC second Pontiac third, ’57 Chevy, Packard, MG and no way on the squirt boat, had fun with a good friend in a flat bottom Sanger back in the ’80s and man that 427 was a demon on the water!! Good times…
options 1 and 7.
I like quirky AMC and a little British panache
While I love the idea of a Trans am styled race car for the street, I just have never had any love for the AMC products. Im not a Ford guy either But I am leaning towards that as my #1 choice and looks a lot like that chop top hot rod Syllvester Stallone had in that Private detective movie the name escapes me.
——————————-
But speaking of $2,000 dollar deals, just sold my 1937 Pontiac/Chevy Rat rod project. Offered it up at $2500 with a lot of choices of different body work and parts. Nice farm kid from up in Washington drove down w/ his Dad and made me a deal at $2000. He opted for the fiberglass nose, fenders and other bits instead of the Steel parts I also had. Here it is being strapped down on the trailer. (Body shell is Pontiac ’37- The frame and rest of it is 37 Chevy except a mid 70s Chevy Camaro subframe, So its a “BITSA” rat rod, Bits O’ This & That)
Looking fwd to him getting this old coupe on the road, maybe see him at Billetproof!
See: http://www.billetproof.com/
The movie was Cobra.
https://youtu.be/W7gG1anhnUI
Have to be the 46 Ford then the Javelin.
Got to be the Javelin.
Makes me wonder what my MG is worth.
I would go with the ’38 Packard if I could see a bit more, so with that, I choose the Javelin.
I think the 49 ford is going to win.I would like to go look at it since I live about 20 miles from Rock Hill.
all day long the mg.
but … guess there is a reason why ist sitting outside.
its not a plug & play conversion.. so there ll be much more work than just the rott body.
I’d be all in on the Javelin if I had 2G’s kicking around with nothing else to use it for. You can’t find a Camaro, Firebird, Mustang, or Mopar pony car for that buy in!
would definitely be the tempest for me. not really a lover of the javelins looks and the MG in second place.
would definitely be the tempest for me. not really a lover of the javelins looks and the MG in second place.
I think the AMX is a Shoe In, but personally I would take the MG B.
SO THE RESULTS ARE IN!
In first place with 28 votes we have the Javelin AMX.
Second with late returns helping a lot was the ’49 Ford with 17 votes.
Third was the MGB V8 with 8 votes.
Fourth was the Pontiac with 6 votes, including mine.
Fifth was a tie between the boat and the ’57 Chevy with 3 votes each, and bringing up the rear was the Packard with 2 votes.
This was fun! Thank you all for your enthusiasm! I’ll do this again soon with another post :-)
If you’d give me $2000.00 and the Tempest that would my chose. Thank for letting me play your game.
The 49 is my choice.
John……..Canada.