Faults:

This car was a one family owned car with the original 430 cubic inch V8. It was 1969 high compression with old style alternator and points ignition. It required premium fuel and octane boost in every tank. That being said it needed more maintenance than most modern cars. I replaced the distributor, the radiator, the water pump, the voltage regulator, one of the rear wheel bearings, the wheel cylinders, all of them (4 wheel drum brakes), the master cylinder. I then needed to replace, or re-build the engine with 135,000 miles on it. It blew a freeze plug behind the engine mount and the rings were in full blow-by mode, as well as having a weak oil pump. Since the engine would need to be pulled to fix the freeze plug I went ahead and put a 455 in it. I also re-wired the engine compartment for an HEI distributor and internally regulated alternator.

General Comments:

We do not drive this car much anymore, on and off, but this thing is a cruiser. It is a smooth, quiet, and solid ride. The doors shut perfectly, the seats, though old, are like riding in your couch. You can stay in this car all day long. On the down side is the gas mileage. It only musters about 10mpg in the city and 13mpg on the highway. It is a boat so it does not like to turn, so don't expect it to, and the 4 wheel drum brakes should have been illegal. Don't even dream of panic stopping from anything above 65mph. Not a good thing with today's highway speeds.

Faults:

Minor rust along the underside chrome molding around the rear window.

Right front drum brake tends to stick during cold weather, causing the car to pull right when braking. Also causes the brake lights to remain on occasionally when the car is turned off.

Air conditioning compressor seized at just over 65,000 miles.

General Comments:

The amount of power cranked out of this General Motors big block is impressive.

The body lines and fender skirts get this car a lot of attention, both on the road and in parking lots.

Power adjustable seats and tilt steering make this car extremely comfortable to drive. Note: Tilt column added aftermarket by the previous owner.

I purchased this car shortly after my 16th birthday, and have loved it everyday since.

I wish the "Big Three" automakers would revive some of their classic designs. The body lines and interior styling made these cars some of the best ever produced, and I honestly believe that America needs these big, beautiful examples of art with engines.

Faults:

Brakes a few times, distributor about 20000 miles ago, shocks & springs front and rear.

All of my work over the years, none of it took me inside the engine, very strong drive-train. More dependable than both my wife's cars were.

General Comments:

After 12 years, she was my baby.

Faults:

All is in working order except the dash clock (imagine that!).

Repairs have been standard and affordable except for the custom brake work:

-Front brake calipers (had to be custom built)

-Rear brake shoes

-exhaust.

No other mechanical issues. The seat has a single 2" crack in it after 33 years of use!

General Comments:

This is an unbelievable car, truly the most reliable car I've owned (including my new cars). It starts every time, runs anywhere and everywhere without fuss, rides great, and has enough power (370hp) to move all that steel without a problem. I only wish America would make something like this again.

The only thing lacking on mine is either power seats or a tilt wheel (or both). The only driving position afforded is sitting straight up.