Sorry guys but as there is no misc forum, and because many of you have a wider interest in classic cars than just corvettes, thought this would be the place for some help and recommendations. Have a 4p family. Would like to buy a car that would fit all 4, should be convertible, preferably a nice big block (396, 427 etc). Looking at Impala's but have no idea what year to buy; would like to avoid a 68 corvette situation (although I like my 68 a lot). Or are there other car makers and models outside GM Impala's? My aim is to have a nice driver to go to shows and not a valuable collector. Any recommendations are appreciated!
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
If I were looking for a classic convertible that could fit 4 people in it I would seriously consider a Chevelle SS 396 or 454. The 70 SS 454 is one of my all time favorites. -
Re: family classic car; what to buy?
For sure the chevelles are a good choise we chose little smaller and went with a 1st gen. camaroComment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
Buy what you like, not what someone else likes. There are lots of land yacht convertibles out there. It's just a matter of how much you want to spend.Comment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
a nice 65-67 Impala SS 396 or SS 427 would be a great family car you can pick them up much cheaper then a Chevelle SS 396 in a convertible. of coarse the big thing to look out for are fake BB cars or fake SS (the vin will tell you if it is a SS or not from 65-68) and hidden rust. good luck. if you need help with looking at 66-67 Chevelles give me a shoutComment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
My apologies for asking on this thread, but could someone direct me as to where, who, or how to identify an Impala SS? My uncle passed. And I have been asked to help sell off a few of his cars. One of them is a 1968 impala convertible with Impala SS and SS427 emblems on it.
Anyone that could help, please PM me.
ThanksComment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
Thanks
Will check it out.Comment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
Size matters!!! If you just want a backseat and your kids are still young/small or otherwise flexible there is the sporty Camaro as others mentioned. If you want a land yacht, then Impala/Caprice. Chevelles in between which is my choice.
I have Chevy's so I am biased, but wouldn't discount other GM equivalents, i.e. I think a big old classic Cadillac Convt would be awesome. Even many non-GM's appeal to me. Always wanted a mid-60's Ford T-Bird Convt...my baseball coach when I was a kid had one...neat interiors.
As has been mentioned, buy what you like, what you think looks good and fits your personality. Look around and see what appeals to you. Lots of choices out there.
Enjoy the search, which is sometimes as much fun and having one.Comment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
I agree. If you want something unusual, a big block Impala SS would do it.
I had a 66 Caprice with a factory installed solid lifter L72 425 HP 427 with a 4-speed years ago and it was a lot of fun. I wish I still had it.Comment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
Wow' could not have said it any better than Jack just stated and ya as a kid we had a 64 cadillac conv. and it was the s**t . Would proudly drive one today.Comment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
the bigger Pontiacs with the big motors would be cool to have. and if you want a mid size car get a Olds 442 or Buick version of the A-body. they can be more rare and still get them cheaper then a Chevelle counter part. but like said above get what you likeComment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
Erik,
You have mentioned mid to late 60's Impala's. Comparable cars are the Pontiac Bonneville, the Olds Ninety Eight (and pre 68 442), and Buick's Electra, although the last two are 'land yachts" known more for comfort than performance. These last two also fit in with the big Cadillacs that someone in Sweden is importing several of every month. Also popular at this time was the Chevelle, Pontiac's GTO, Oldsmobile's 442, and Buick's Skylark.
Don't forget that Plymouth, Dodge, Ford and Mercury also made some great cars during this period. Some of these cars go for considerably less for convertable drivers. However, some of the Mopars go for more.
To get an idea of what these cars look like, go to the Mecum website, "Past Auctions" Auction Details, Photo Gallery of Lots. You will need to sign in to see the prices (but don't pay too much attention to these). After you have identified the types of cars that you might be interested in, then Google those cars and visit the websites that discuss them and have pictures.
PaulComment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
A1957-58 Bel-Air/Impala convertible, timeless classic.Big Tanks In the High Mountains of New MexicoComment
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Re: family classic car; what to buy?
On May 23, 2002 I purchased a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass convertible to use exactly as you are describing. We use it for going to car shows, driving to the ice cream parlor, going to church and having fun around town. I drove it to most of my daughter's softball games this year as well. While I love the look of the old Impalas it's nice to have a midsize car to drive in and especially to park. In addition, our family of 5 can fit in it with no problems at all. Ours is gold with a white top and ivory/black interior. I've replaced a few items but overall it has been a great car.
My Corvettes are special, but after 11 years I like this Cutlass so much it will probably be one of the last cars I ever sell. And, it receives more compliments and comments than all my other cars combined.
I'd post a photo of it but my computer crashed so I don't have access to them.
PatrickVice-Chairman (West), Michigan Chapter NCRS
71 "deer modified" coupe
72 5-Star Bowtie / Duntov coupe. https://www.flickr.com/photos/124695...57649252735124
2008 coupe
Available stickers: Engine suffix code, exhaust tips & mufflers, shocks, AIR diverter valve broadcast code.Comment
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