18th Oct 2012, 08:12

Vegas, early 70s, are out there. It's usually with a small block set up with a 327 V8. Very attractive car. I see one that looks like a second gen Camaro Z/28 with spoilers and full hood deck lid stripe.

Vegas were brought up as they are still seen, and were made at the same time in 1971. The original 4 banger was lousy, but the styling was there to change to a nice V8. Personally I prefer a 71 Camaro Chevelle or Corvette. They had styling and were worthy of preservation.

If you leave the country, you will see old Toyotas, Datsuns etc. In Mexico they may be beat up, and anything is done to keep them running. There are many scarcer cars on the road. It's more economics than the excuse less were made. In fact the scarcer they are, the better.

18th Oct 2012, 17:38

"In fact the scarcer they are, the better."

I've yet to comprehend what logic was used to make that statement.

19th Oct 2012, 12:26

I have done very well buying "scarce" low production cars. Even rarer engine options and special trim can mean many thousands of dollars extra. In addition, less survivors can drive up prices with the right automobiles. I had one Toyota in particular, that may have escalated since I bought it new. A 1977 Celica GT with the Mustang Fastback styling. I wonder if any current Toyota owner may agree with me?

I drive new domestics today. I would actually pay to restore that one, not any after. If you are only buying A to B cars, it is not surprising this point escapes or perplexes you. Great styling and visual impact can keep the survival rate up. Even if very few were ever made by any brand.

19th Oct 2012, 18:15

A few older Corollas at a car show? And you stated on this thread (about a month ago) that people will get laughed at if they show up with a 79 Lincoln or an 84 Cutlass? Well at least I know which one I would laugh at. The Corolla.

20th Oct 2012, 10:49

Anyone see any 70s Toyotas on the street, especially in the northern part of the USA? I saw only one in Florida, likely going to a show. I see much rarer cars over a whole decade driving in the northern half of the country as well. The styling aspect number one really keeps cars restored, as well as driving pleasure and performance.

20th Oct 2012, 20:40

Actually I've seen a few very nicely restored '84 Cutlass coupes at car shows. These cars are making their way into the show circuits and are hardly "laughed at".

As for the '79 Lincoln, I haven't seen any of them, but I have seen a number of 60's and early 70's Cadillacs at shows. No nicely restored older car is ever laughed at, at any respectable car show.

One of the neatest cars I have seen at a show was a beautifully restored Nash Metropolitan, and the last Mustang show I attended had almost as many 6's as V-8's, and even featured one 4-cylinder Fox LX convertible.

People appreciate and respect the effort put into restoring and showing any car. Many shows donate their entry fees to charities, so any person showing any car is to be appreciated for their contribution.

21st Oct 2012, 06:43

I just did a large show at Hagley at the duPont estate in Delaware. Steam cars and up to 1984 restored. Last year Dennis Gauge was there from the Speed Channel. I enjoyed seeing many fully restored full size domestics from Pontiac such as the Canam and other 455 models. There were a lot of interesting cars including the small Metropolitans. I liked seeing a large 69 Grand Prix with a manual factory trans. Lately I am seeing more big block station wagons with 4 speeds. What is really hot lately is old domestic pickups, fully restored. There were plenty of large Lincolns and Cadillacs. My favorite was a mint 67 2 door Eldorado. Did not see a single Toyota.