11th Sep 2015, 08:30

Someone said there are no domestic full frame rear wheel drive vehicles today. So buy a Viper. All Vettes and Vipers are domestic built since the inception. Now we have a Camry mentioned with a unibody. It's not about Vettes, it's about full frames made today.

Ranchero and El Caminos are just about as far removed as possible on a Buick LeSabre review by the way. The rarity of a El Camino or Ranchero was also mentioned worth more than any Corvette. Thus a response. Maybe do the same.

I once did own a very clean, low mileage 1967 dark green Buick LeSabre. Not the most desirable Buick model, but I liked the rear tail lights in its design. It is not a model you see everyday. I bought it only because it was a 2 door V8 and was so clean. The older cars can be profitable if they do not need a lot of work. It was an easy flip and I enjoyed driving it part of a summer.

And as far as full frames, it is also no guarantee of finding a good car. You may find rot, cracks or accident damaged cars, even in full frame cars that appear to be in very nice condition. If you a collector or otherwise, it is important to look under a car. You can hide a frame crack under fresh paint. I have even seen this even once at Carlisle. Not common, but it pays to check.

Unibody big blocks are another to watch for. A mid 70s Buick like the topic of this review could be seen perhaps in a local car show. And would draw some interest if immaculate. But buying one as an investment is not likely a good move. Even the GS up to 1972 (unless a GSX 455 or Convertible) for some reason is not bringing the value of other GM models such as the Chevelle SS, 4-4-2 or GTO models. These Buicks are a gentleman's sports car; usually well equipped and heavier. So a good value if you want to keep it.

A lot of people like air and power options, going to cruises and shows. Even an early 70s 350 Skylark is a nice driver with air. Buy what you like, but keep in mind your interest may change. New cars, you know going in they usually drop in value. If there's enough great driving appeal, you overlook it. Cars are fun. Enjoy what you drive and appreciate others you may own someday in the future. I am even looking now for a 1967 Fastback manual trans car; its frame type isn't an issue, but I want one in my garage. Mixed ownership isn't a factor; it's what you like. In the old days this was mostly unheard of. Now really nice car examples from other manufacturers are appreciated by many guys, and women collect too.

11th Sep 2015, 11:01

If you into trucks, why not an old 40s or 50s step side short bed with updated drivetrains. They seem to be the very hot trend right now.

11th Sep 2015, 15:58

"These cars 30 years from now will never be classics, because they are not engineered with the hand-craftmanship, styling, or classic feel those older cars had."

The cars we're talking about such as late 70s Buicks were in no way shape or fashion handcrafted either. Ever since the Model T, mass-manufactured cars have been just that - stamped together on an assembly line. Welding robots were already established in the late 70s.

What has changed, and this goes especially for more recent American cars, is that unlike in the 70s and 80s when interiors were awful, the level of interior quality has been elevated tremendously.

What will also likely be true is that in 30 years, far more of the cars made today will comparatively speaking be on the road. Back in the 70s you were lucky if your car made it to 100k. As a child of the 70s and 80s, I can recall when one saw a car that made it that far and it was a miracle. Today that's more or less the break-in mile marker, and it's expected that any car should go 250k+ or more easily. That and the metallurgical improvements and rust prevention coatings have been enhanced to where you hardly ever see a modern car made in the last 20 years with any major rust issues.

11th Sep 2015, 19:12

I question why a person dwelling so heavily on wanting a full size sedan frame desires a mid size G Platform frame such as an El Camino.

Secondly, it's a single seat only car, every bit as impractical for usage as a family.

Lastly, it's got a bed on a car frame, so it's not really designed as a truck or for the utility of a family sedan.

If you are paying insurance, it stands to reason it's better to own a Silverado or Ford F Series.

11th Sep 2015, 19:24

Amen to that! Seriously, Corvettes are in their own class and have nothing to do with a 1976 LeSabre.

11th Sep 2015, 20:05

Both however are made by GM. Both have V8s and full frames. Anyone wonder how great of a ride there is in an El Camino with factory Delco air shocks? Standard equipment for many years. Full frame or not, it's not a smooth riding vehicle. Terrible in snow, even if you add aftermarket ladder bars. Interior room is sparse. So any comparison to a 1976 Buick Le Sabre is really only in the first sentence of this comment. Amen to that.

11th Sep 2015, 22:10

Are you kidding me? Todays interiors are like Tupperware compared to the 70s and 80s. Let alone being available in the same four boring colors.

You were a child through the 70s and 80s? Well I was legal to drive back then, and had a few cars from that era go 200k, along with friends and family members.

12th Sep 2015, 04:22

If a midsize - fullsize GM or Ford car from the 70s never made 100k, it was due to either being totaled in an accident or rusting away in a northern climate. I'll say this again, that I experienced cars like this from the 70s-80s and mechanically they were problem free. Cars back then weren't driven the distances people drive today. Trade ins were more frequent due to restyles occurring more often, and prices being more affordable.

In the early - mid 70s when each GM division was actually its own, they all (except Cadillac) produced 350 CID engines. Each were different in their own way and were proven reliable. Especially Pontiac V8s; they kept going and going.

In an earlier comment somebody mentioned why an El Camino on a G-body platform would be desired. In all actuality any G-body 2 door is becoming more desirable as time goes on. You can keep one original or have some fun with it at low costs. One of my preferences is to take a 79 Grand Prix with a Pontiac 301 V8 and do a simple direct swap with a Pontiac 350 or 400, and back it up with a turbo 350 trans. Leave the body and interior stock. I had an 84 GP with the V6 and it had over 210k on it. It was one of my favorite cars. There are folks that have YouTube channels who collect the G-body from every GM brand.

As far as the Corvette comments; I agree that they shouldn't be mentioned on a full size car discussion. Frame or no frame.