Those of you who manfully did yesterday’s homework assignment will understand the background reason behind this post. Those of you who have put up with my countless rants against the creeping intrusiveness of the auto industry — where your driving behavior is tracked, your wallet is picked with “subscription” services, and all the other little games played under the maskirovka of “convenience” — will also know where this is heading.
So today we’re going to play a little game whereby we go back in time — back when car manufacturers weren’t the bloodless accountants of today, when they weren’t obsessed with controlling you, but were only interested in providing you, the customer, with the very best performance and driving enjoyment that they could.
Here’s the fun part. You can decide which era would have provided you with the best solution to all that, and then play the game, as follows.
Assume that, somehow, you were given the opportunity of taking possession of a car (or truck) in precisely the same condition as it was on the day when it left the showroom with its first owner.
Which single car would satisfy your needs today?
Let me elucidate. You’d be looking at a car that was reliable and wouldn’t be breaking down every fifty miles — or even if it did, its woes could easily be addressed by either yourself (if so inclined) or a competent mechanic — and that had adequate performance (you get to decide “adequacy”).
The car could be the one you had on a poster in your bedroom or den, or one you always wanted to own back in the day, but couldn’t afford. It could even be the car that your Dad owned (and you miss it still), or by a friend or neighbor whom you secretly envied for their choice.
It could be one that you would like to own to carry your family (kids, grandkids, etc.), or just one that you (and yer Missus, if applicable, or a good friend) could use to blast around the country on long road trips, or across terrain that would frighten a mountain goat.
It could be as practical as you wish in terms of luggage capacity, or gloriously impractical (what my Dad used to refer to as a “blonde and a toiletries bag” car).
To help in your quest, you can peruse the websites of various sales outlets such as my favorite, Hemmings, or the du Pont Registry. The only restriction I’m going to apply is against resto-mod outlets like IDR or Eagle E-type: your choice must be a bog-standard (optioned by choice), as-issued model from the manufacturer.
So let me start the ball rolling by showing examples of what I would choose. (As with watches, I’m somewhat constrained by my insistence on manual operation — stick shifts only need apply — but you’re free to go with an automatic transmission, if you’re that way inclined).
1967-71 Mercedes 280 SL (W113)
To me, this car has everything: understated, classy looks (note the interior), that brilliant 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine (“adequate” performance, for me), and enough room to hold suitcases and/or gun bags. I also like the flexibility of hard-roof vs. convertible driving (I don’t much care for canvas tops because eventually, they all perish and/or leak). And they were available with a 4- or 5-speed stick shift as well as auto transmission. Most importantly, it was built at a time when “Mercedes engineering” was a discipline and not just an advertising slogan: they built cars to be reliable, and to last.
By today’s standards, of course, it’s not much — most modern economy models could outperform it — but once again, I don’t care about that. But if I did want a car that could stick with everything on the road, even today, I’d go for the next one:
1997 Porsche 993 Carrera GT
Okay, like Clarkson, I think that Porsche 911s are fugly. But this one — the last air-cooled model they made — is the least ugly Porsche they made until the Cayman (which isn’t a 911 anyway). But a 3.6-liter flat six engine and a six-speed stick shift… if that isn’t enough power for most ordinary mortals, there’s something wrong in the definition somewhere. Also, it has Porsche engineering which means there are going to be many years of relatively-carefree driving in your future. And if I wasn’t that interested in “racing” (i.e. driving like a bat out of hell) but cruising — assuming the above-mentioned Mercedes doesn’t fit the bill, even though it should, then I’d probably go for this last one:
1970 Mercedes 280 SE 3.5 (W111)
This bad boy has the 3.5-liter V8 engine, a five-speed stick shift, and can comfortably seat another couple in the back — say, if I wanted to take a friend plus his spouse out to dinner of an evening, or to the range by day. And of course this car, by virtue of its vintage, has all the qualities of Mercedes Benz manufacturing as per the 280 SL above. And for what it’s worth: among the three cars listed above, the 280 SL wins by a day’s march.
What all the above cars have in common is what they don’t have: computers and all the electronic nonsense associated with modern cars (like keyless entry, “engine management” systems, “subscription services”, “automatic stop-start” bollocks and intrusive snooping capabilities). You unlock the door with a metal key, start the engine with the same key, put the thing in gear and drive. In the case of the two Mercs, there isn’t even a warning buzz or tone to remind you to put your seatbelt on. (Yeah, also no airbags, which is why they have such clean lines. The nice thing about the Mercedes cars of that era was that their engineers had perfected the concept of “crumple zones” before anyone else, so even in a direct collision or rollover crash, you had a good chance of survival.) The 911 is a performance car, so there are risks involved: your choice.
The above are cars that treat you like adults, and expect you to behave accordingly.
Finally, the joys of off-roading travel have always escaped me; hence there are no entries like Range Rovers or G-wagens.
Okay, that’s me. Now it’s your turn. You can reply in Comments, or just send me an email. In the latter case, feel free to include pics and/or links.
Here’s the thing: I’ll post your choices on this website over the next week or so, for others to enjoy/criticize.
Have fun storming the castle…
For me, it would probably be the General Motors Holden 327 GTS Monaro. I had one in Silver Mink (see photos). The bulletproof 5.4L small block Chevy engine put out about 250 hp, through a four-speed Saginaw box. Sucked fuel at a prodigious rate through a four-barrel carby. But the sound was just glorious; driving with the window down to listen to it was mandatory.
https://www.australianmusclecarsales.com.au/cars/1968-holden-hk-monaro-gts-327-bathurst-silver-mink-245183
This is easy. A 1952 Chevy 5 window truck with a Lear topper. Straight 6, 4 on the floor, USB media player, cloth bench seat.
Everything on this vehicle can be repaired on the spot with only a handful of common hand tools. But then, it is so simple very rarely will anything need repairing.
Oh yeah, the paint must be candy apple rootbeer metallic, chrome reverse rims with moons, black interior.
I will keep it til I die then pass it to my only son who will do the same.
Yer cheatin’….I’m pretty sure they didn’t have factory USB media players in ’52.
I understand though, that’s been my favorite “new” feature in the ’13 Elantra I drive now. LOL
Ok, assuming I understand your rules correctly, the car that I didn’t own but wanted way back when was a Corvette. More specially a 63 split window, Black on Black. Here’s a nice one in silver that has not yet been resto-modded probably because it was once owned by Shirly “Cha-Cha” Muldowney. ( and If you don’t know who that is, you need to turn in your Car-guy card. ) https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/c0aaf9ff-a8a3-4172-8618-b29865a87680/
That’s I car I could still drive today on a daily basis today that would meet most of my needs. It would keep up with modern traffic. A coupe to deal with New England weather and with some storage for trips and a reasonable ride. Downside of course is bad gas milage, poor lights, marginal A/C, questionable brakes, ……. skinny tires ……. on second thought maybe I’d just bring back one of the cars I did own in the period a 72 2.4 liter 911S. Here’s a nice one. Even the same color as my old one.
https://www.classic.com/veh/1972-porsche-911-s-24-olklappe-9112301204-WjvaG7W
Only down side is that it is in the Netherlands. Not a big problem in that they can be easily ( not inexpensively ) imported. I drove mine across the country several times, easily doing 800 to 900 miles a day. No A/C but the vent window’s in the back propped open and it could cruise all day at 80 while carring 2 people and luggage for a week.
For me, easy. Second generation BMW 320 (the E30 body).
Late 1980s/early 1990s variant, which had greatly improved steel and thus was a lot more durable.
While I’d like to choose something from the 50’s or 60’s, the reality of driving a car from that era in modern traffic is horrifying. Drum brakes, non-radial tires, leaded gas, non-safety glass, and most likely no seatbelts means you’ll die like a man. Sorry, I drove one up until the mid-20-teens and it’s just not a thing I care to do anymore. At this point anything from that era is a toy, not a daily driver. A resto-mod might work, but you’ve ruled that out.
I’d recommend something from the late 80s thru the 90s instead. By that point most American manufacturers had worked out emission controls so that they didn’t suck. Most cars had disc brakes (at least in front), fuel injection, and various other items that made driving and maintaining them much better.
For myself, I’d pick a 1990-1995 GMC K1500 pickup truck, extended cab, 4WD, with the Z71 package. A nice 350 V8 and no electric nannies. Clean lines and nice interior. I’ve owned a 90 model GMC and an 88 model Chevy and loved both trucks. I’d take a brand new one off the showroom floor in a heartbeat and never look at another truck again. You still see these trucks almost daily in Texas, so you know the longevity is there. It’d easily be my last vehicle I’d ever purchase.
I’d need 2 cars. One for a daily driver and one to haul with. That said my daily pick would be the same unsexy thing I drive now. Early 2000’s Buick Lesabre. There is a computer but the only nanny feature on it is the seat belt light on the dash, and the 3800 series engine is damn near bullet proof.
It’s a great car, but the only chicks you’ll be picking up in it, live in a nursing home.
But as Ben Franklin pointed out, “they are so grateful “
I want my first real car back.
1967 Chevy Nova SS with L79 (327/350hp).
I got it in 1975 with 13xxx miles and sold it in 2009 with 51xxx miles on it.
A dream to drive, quick as a mongoose and cheap and easy to fix.
Alas, none to be had these days under $75K, if that.
I am currently finishing a full rotisserie restoration of a 1965 Buick Riviera GS. I’ll be picking it up in Colorado in July and driving it back to Virginia. I bought this car 20+ years ago in Arizona, had it for 15 years, sold it and bought it back a couple of years ago. I was lucky enough to find a donor ’65 (also an Arizona car) and a NOS windshield and that inspired me to complete the restoration. I spent way too much money on it, so I’ll have to keep it the rest of my life to amortize the expense. I kept the original paint code (Champagne Mist), which isn’t my preferred color (Seafoam Green is), but I can live with it.
My favorite car that I’ve owned in a 2011 Lincoln MKZ (married into a Ford family). The first luxury car that I’ve owned. Better engine than the 2019 I now own. Better electronics for me (6 disc CD player!!!) and less unneeded features. No auto shutoff at lights, and less nanny state restrictions on the electronics (for my safety some features are now disabled while driving).
I realize it’s not as exotic as some of your choices but the question is what I want).
No apologies necessary. What you want is what you want.
I had a 2008 and it was one of my favorite cars until my wife got t-boned in it. She wasn’t hurt but the car was totaled.
I could go with either of the Mercedes cars you featured, or the other SL that was NOT the 450 SL. I’ve forgotten the model number. That 280 SE looks like a really nice Grand Touring car.
Among the cars I have actually owned, I drove a VW Jetta new off the lot in 1983 until VW saw fit to stop accepting it at the dealer garage. I had GTI anti-sway bars, gas struts, a stainless steel exhaust and a freer flowing exhaust manifold, so those parts don’t meet the rules. Another was a 1970 Ford F100 pickup, and while it did drive like a truck, I sat above a lot of cars — plus it took regular gas.
Both were manual transmission, and with the Jetta especially, I learned how a trailing throttle would lose speed in a curve.
I’ve owned three (3) Jettas in my time. I guess you could call me a fan.
I have this problem all the time. I have competing priorities. Obviously, we all like performance and a car that can be driven with **ahem** focus. I spend most of my life in commuting traffic or driving on heavily policed roads so comfort becomes important. Cruise control, very comfortable seats, quiet, good stereo. I also need, reasonably frequently to haul stuff around. Stuff often too big to fit in a standard size boot. Most cars can usually do one or two of these things pretty well, so I’ve been of the view for many years that I need two cars. A big practical proper grown up car and a smaller high performance toy car.
But your rules stipulate a single car and this is about as close as I can get.
https://skyfiaudio.com/products/2003-bmw-e39-540i-sport-wagon-m-sport-1-of-189-in-the-usa?srsltid=AfmBOoo2jcPBCCuQGQGrhsW0FaDv_pcmXgxUbMh5_FN8XvEjQ1OoP5hc
I owned the sedan version of this car and it was spectacular. I believe you could order it in a manual from the factory.
If I’m allowed an automatic gearbox, I’d be tempted with this:
https://carsandbids.com/auctions/r47Qqqyk/1999-mercedes-benz-e55-amg-wagon
I had a loan of one of these in sedan form for a weekend once. Man, what a car!
Finally, if I didn’t have to worry about load carrying capacity, I’d be more than happy to drive this forever…
https://www.carandclassic.com/la/C1989927
In a moment of curiosity (madness) I traded my perfectly good bmw x5 m40d that I was very, very happy with for a bmw i4 – the all electric 3 series. Basically an app with wheels. All those subscription services – yup. Giant screens, indecipherable screen navigation, no buttons – yup. No dead trees or dead cows inside – yup. Quick but terrible to drive due to all the weight? Yup. Catastrophic depreciation? Yup. Special, unique to model tyres that wear fast and cost a fortune to replace? Yup. Did the job, 100% reliable over the year I had it, but soul less and uninspiring. My grand daughter loved it. Totally on trend for a millennial. She hopped in and in five minutes had completely reconfigured the car to her liking – interior colours, mood control, ride and comfort settings. Of course, she can’t afford it but she completely got it including the modern concepts of luxury and pay as you go for utility.
Skippy, that last link MB is drool worthy! That’s a car!
Too bad it’s in Belgium, or I might be tempted.
That 1970 Merc could do the trick for me very nicely. Is it diesel?
I’d go with a Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 of some sort or a Dodge Power Wagon. I guess I don’t really need the 4wd but it sure is nice to have in the snow. I think the older trucks would be more fun to take off road because their body panels are metal instead of today’s fragile plastic.
I guess the question depends on whether an emotional need comes into play.
If it were just practical, I’d have a 74 or so Ford pickup with the 300 I6, C6 trans, and 9″ rear. That or a late 80s to early 90s Toyota pickup with a 22R I4 and a manual trans. Both will run until the end of time. The good thing about the Ford is parts are still ubiquitous.
If it were emotional, it would be a 72-74 Camaro with a 350.
I like my current car a lot, and the one I had before that too for that matter. However, I don’t think I would pass on a Porsche 993 Turbo Carrera 4 if I had the chance.
My two favorite cars I’ve driven and owned were a 56 MGA that a friend owned but I became the mechanic, and the other being a 72 Celica. They were both so fun to drive and run through the gears. Both were built for winding California back roads where the Celica really shined. Its the car I miss most. Now at 72 with a neck that doesn’t want to look behind without pain, and 1 eye with a detachment shadow, I’m thinking about a Tesla that drives me where I want to go while I look out the window.
…with your broken eye.
A 1991 1HDT powered 80 series landcruiser. Triple locked, mechanical fuel injection, non-electronic transmission….. just perfect. I own one now, but getting it new would be even betterer.
A trip down memory lane for me, the car of my childhood and that I learned to drive on. Dad loved fast cars and Mom kept him on a short leash – usually. This time he managed to fool her.
A Dodge 1966 Polara station wagon. https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0112-120132/1966-dodge-polara-880-station-wagon/
Mom saw it as a family car, something that could hold our family of six and luggage as well. Dad saw it as a car with a 440 under the hood. They were both right.
It got 12 mpg and drank high test gasoline, but was a true land cruiser on the freeway. That only got worse when Dad visited Mom’s brothers who had a machine shop and convinced them to shorten the drive shaft and install a splitter box behind the transmission. With that, we had a car that could go 150mph. Over that the front end lifted up and the front tires lost traction, so Dad would back down.
All of us kids learned to drive on it. By the time it came time for me, we had to buy lead additive and the best years were behind it, but it still reigned supreme when called on to race.
When the last of us left the nest, Dad reluctantly sold the Polara to a guy who wanted the engine and drive train. It was expensive to run, and my parents didn’t need the space any more. My siblings and I still talk about that car when we get together. The station wagon that could pass anything but a gas station.