1958 Corvette

The 1958 Corvette was redesigned mostly in the front, the new style, credited to Harley Earl, had a more aggressive, almost mean look to it. The most distinguishing feature being the four headlights

All the instruments (except the clock) were placed in front of the driver, allowing him/her to use them while still paying attention to the important business of driving. Most prominent was the all-important 6,000 RPM tachometer. The refined layout brought rave reviews from buyers.

A grab bar was installed for the benefit of the passenger, which was probably often appreciated by the passenger, considering the Corvette's performance potential. The grab bar was most commonly known as the sissy bar or Oh Jesus bar.

1958 Corvette hood, sported non-functional louvres. It was affectionately known as the washboard hood. The trunk featured two spears (nicknamed suspenders) that ran the length of the panel. Both items identify the cars as 1958 Corvettes as they were not used on any other year.

The coves remained as part of the styling, gaining a side vent accented with three horizontal spears. I love the coves.

Base Corvette with 283 cu -in V8, produced up to 290 horsepower engine and three speed manual transmission. You could have had this baby sitting in the driveway for the base price of $3,591.00

I would absolutely love to have one of these beauties!

The Lady

1971 Chevelle 454 SS

I have always loved this style of the Chevrolet Chevelle SS. I had a friend in Texas that had one fully restored, but I've lost contact with her so I could not get the photo's she had.

We used to drive into Dallas on a Friday night and go to the clubs. The car always drew more attention that the two blonds inside!

The 1971 Chevelles came in two packages. The SS- 454, and the other was simply the SS, available with either the 402, 350-4 or 350-2 engine. Base price was $4000

I love the Silver one.

I have a friend with an older Chevelle, I will get pictures and post them soon.

MHL

Preparing a new post...

Hi Everyone,

Sorry for the lack of posts for the last 3 days, I was out of town and now trying to catch up on work!

I'm doing a new post later tonight.

Thanks for the comments and visits!

MHL

1970 Plymouth Roadrunner for Kenny

When I see a 1970 Roadrunner it brings back some of the best memories of my later teen's.

My best friend's boyfriend, Kenny, had a car just like the one pictured except it was yellow with black stripes but the top was yellow not black. I also remember it was a 4 speed with this very cool Hurst shifter, an Air Grabber on the hood, Mag wheels and raised white letter tires.

We used to grab Kenny's keys on our lunch break and I would drive up and down our main street in town. We lived in a very small town, population about 700, so everyone knew that was Kenny's car! We could not get away with much, Tracy and I never let Kenny take the blame on purpose, for our joy rides, we always tried to speak up since I was a student aide in the office, it's amazing the principal continued to let us leave the building at noon!

On my Christmas vacation to Florida during my Junior year in high school, I found a Roadrunner license plate, with the cartoon bird that the car was named after and bought it for Kenny. I don't remember if he put it on the car or just put it in the back window, but I bet it is still in some of his things at his mom's house. Kenny has promised to try to find his old pictures to share with us. Sweet friend he is!

We are all still good friends although, we don't see each other often enough. To this day Kenny wishes he had never sold his Roadrunner.

This car could really move too. It came with Mopar's 383 V-8, with heads, manifold's camshaft, valve springs and crankcase windage tray from the big 440 Magnum. A four barrel carburetor and unsilenced air cleaner, the new mill made 335 bhp! For an extra $714, Plymouth would install a 426 CID Hemi rated at 425 bhp (317 kW) and 490 lb·ft (664 N·m) of torque. Kenny's didn't have the Hemi.

There was also an Air Grabber option that consisted of an air duct assembly bolted under the hood, that connected to twin rectangular scoops in the hood. (Kennys might have been a little different, but these were the factory details). When the hood was closed, this assembly fitted over a special air cleaner assembly to force air directly into the engine. The scoops in the hood could be opened and closed via a lever under the dashboard.

In 1968 you could pick this baby up for a base price of $2,896.
(picture found here)

Thanks for all the great times Kenny,

Tracy and I love you!
MHL

Third Generation Barracuda - 1970 Plymouth HEMI 'Cuda

The redesign for the 1970 Barracuda consisted of coupe and convertible models. John E. Herlitz, styled this 'Cuda, built on a shorter, wider version of Chrysler's existing B platform, called the E-body.

The E-body Barracuda could no longer be called an economy car.

Three versions were offered: the base Barracuda, the luxury Gran Coupe, and the sport model 'Cuda. The high-performance models were marketed as 'Cuda deriving from the 1969 option. The E-body's engine bay was larger, which brought about the release of Chrysler's 426 cu in (7 L) Hemi.

Two six-cylinder engines were available, a new 198 cu in (3.2 L) and the 225. Also available, six different V8s! The 318, 340, 383, 440-4bbl, 440-6bbl, and the 426 Hemi. The 440- and Hemi-equipped cars received upgraded suspension components and structural reinforcements to help transfer the power to the road.

Some of the special Barracuda options included very in your face colors, like Vitamin C, In-Violet, and Moulin Rouge.

As we all know by now, the 'Cuda and many other great American cars of that era, eventually suffered a decrease in the performance in order to meet safety and exhaust emission regulations. The big-block engine options were discontinued.

A sad ending, but not really, because now we can still own, love and most important, DRIVE these cars today. They still turn heads, just as they always did decades ago!

MHL - enjoy!
--------------
References

Young, Tony (1984). Mighty Mopars 1960–1974. Motorbooks International. pp. 25. ISBN 978-0879381240.
a b c "The Plymouth Barracuda: First Pony (Fish?) Car". http://www.allpar.com/model/cuda.html. Retrieved on 2008-09-02.
a b c John Samsen's Plymouth Barracuda design history
Young, p. 33
Willem L. Weertman; E.W. Beckman (January 1964). "Chrysler Corp.'s new 273 cu in. V-8 engine". Society of Automotive Engineers. 640132
Barrett-Jackson auto auction results 2005
Newhardt, David (2000). Dodge Challenger & Plymouth Barracuda. MotorBooks/MBI. pp. 7. ISBN 9780760307724. http://books.google.com/books?id=31CLdf2RfFAC&pg=PA7&dq=Barracuda+stigma+of+economy+car+1970&lr=&ei=3orISNKuDpX8ygSt3PygCw&sig=ACfU3U2aUnvCYEapoytNTEF3fH2XamJPLw.
1970 Barracuda production totals by powerteam
Forbes - Covetable 'Cuda
1975 Barracuda - The Fish that Got Away
Motor Trend's Return of the 'Cuda

Sales Tactics You Should Watch Out for When Buying a Car

When you go to buy a car, it is a big decision and should not be entered into lightly. You need to consider many things about price, make, model, and even color. You need to compare prices. This all takes a great deal of time, but salesmen often try to hurry the process. To them, time is money. Some car salesmen are shameless and resort to all kinds of tactics to get you to sign on the dotted line quickly when purchasing that car. Here are some tips to watch out for.

* A popular ploy many salesmen use is to tell you that someone else is due to look at your preferred car that very afternoon so if you don't make the decision now, you'll probably miss out on it. Some will even have a set time and get a friend to come and pretend he wants the car.

* If you seem unable to make up your mind, he may have pre-arranged for the girl in the office call him on his cell phone. Then he'll tell you he has to see another important client very soon, but he'll wait a few more minutes for your decision.

* He'll go to great lengths to assure you that this car only had one owner who hardly ever used it. It's usually a little old lady who only went to the supermarket and back in it once a week.

* He'll warn you of a soon to be implemented price rise - that you'll just escape if you sign today.

* He'll mention that some other salesman in some other town is about to collect the car for one of his customers to look at, so it won't be available tomorrow.

* He may say that this is his afternoon to leave work early and he cannot vouch for others to keep the car for you.

* He may assure you that this model is so popular that there are not many more left, so if you don't decide on it now, you could miss out. There won't be any more delivered for months.

* He may tell you that there is a specific deal on that car, but it ends at 5pm today. Aren't you lucky to get it at that price?

* He may say that he is the only one who can get you this good deal, but his holidays start tomorrow.

You'll soon get to know if a salesman is sincere. Watch his eyes; if he can't look you in the eyes while he is speaking, suspect a lie. Watch his body language; if he laughs a lot, crosses his arms, speaks quickly, or turns away from you often, be suspicious.


Stay on your toes, and don't be pressured.
MHL

69 Charger R/T-SE for the Joker

The 1968 Charger R/T pictured above was used in the famous Steve McQueen movie Bullitt. I couldn't find an original picture of that Charger.


Here is the 1969 Charger R/T SE that the Joker posted about.





Well Joker, here you go. I couldn't find exactly what you were looking for in the Charger, but this one is amazing! I hope you like it.

As most of us know, this car was most recognizable as the General Lee in The Dukes of Hazzard, a TV show that aired in 1979-1985. Personally, I like this Charger R/T-SE that I have pictured much more than the General Lee.

(pictures courtesy of WebRidesTV)

The Lady

1967, 1968 and 1969 Yenko Camaros

This makes my Cougar just a little bit jealous, shhhhh!


Did I hear someone say ROAD-TRIP! ?


Time for a cruise, where's my shades?


Yup, I could drive one of these...noooo problem, just hand me the keys!


Hubba Hubba Hubba!!!

Look at these fabulous Yenko's. Wow!

The Lady

How a woman CAN get a fair price on a car.

Many women think they will be at a disadvantage when they go to buy a car, but remember, you will only be taken for a ride if you let it happen. There are many things you can do to reduce the risk and earn the respect you deserve. The number one thing to do is research. Get on the Internet and find out all you can about the car you want to buy. The dealer listed invoice price is important. Print it all out, read it and keep it in a folder. Take the folder with you so you can refer to it when buying a car.

Many salesmen will try to win you over with a mild flirtation. Don't let yourself be pulled in. Ignore it, or give them a very cool look. Practice in the mirror or with a friend if you have to. When you can freeze water with a look, they'll be able to tell you. Don't let the salesperson ask all the question asking. If you do, it gives them a lot of power. If you don't know what questions you should be asking, find out from a trusted friend - or a mechanic.

Refuse to discuss money - especially monthly payments- until you're through looking. If a salesperson knows your monthly limit, they often feel challenged to see how much more they can get. Have a list of all the things you are looking for in a car and bring it with you. Refer to it often so you don't get sidetracked.

Don't wear your most expensive clothes or jewelery to the dealership. This will peg you as someone with money to spend no matter what you say. Park your car a block away and walk into the dealership. If you intend to trade your vehicle don't let on until you've talked money, or he will factor this into the price.

It's a good idea to take a friend along for moral support. The salesperson is less likely to try flirting or be patronizing. But if your friend is male, make sure the salesman knows it's you who is buying. During the test-drive, make sure you are the one to drive and your friend gets to ride in the front passenger seat. Relegate the salesperson to the back seat where he can't interfere with your concentration. Coach your friend beforehand to be the one to talk to him if he turns out to be a chatterer.

Don't let him pass you on to another salesperson. One of their tricks is to try and keep you there and wear down your resistance like this. Remember, you are the one with the money, so if you don't like the way he treats you, leave.

Good luck!
MHL