Found On Hemmings - Issue 1 - Introduction

So what do we have here?

For a long time I've been looking through Hemmings ads, and for the last two months or so, I've been posting all of the ads I like to Pinterest, a sort of digital garage of all the cars I love. I like to share, I enjoy writing, and therefore, the blog seemed like the next logical step. I find myself more and more reading discussions, and sometimes to the point where I wish the ads had discussions, so that people could provide their expert analysis and opinion.

Each week I will post my favorites, and a little bit about why I chose them. I'll also talk about ones I didn't like so much. Thank you for coming along for the ride.

Top 5 of the Week

1959 Chevrolet Yeomen Wagon

So what's so great about a a car named after Yeomen of all places? Well really let's start off by calling this car what it is, it's a version of the Impala. I first fell in love with this style of Impala after seeing American Grafitti, in which Ron Howard drives a '58 with reverse chrome wheels; the one that gets stolen. I also have a thing for wagons, for whatever reason. This specific wagon does not sport the original inline 6 it came with, but does come with a period correct 283 V8. What makes the Yeomen rare is that it was a one year only style. What makes it slightly less desirable is that the Yeomen was the entry level trim, the Brookwood and the Nomad had upscale interior trim and exterior chrome. What makes the Yeomen work as a mild hot rod is indeed that 50's flair with the touch of minimalism at this trim level. This mild custom is one you won't come across too often.
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1971 Porsche 911S Targa

If I had the money, which I would if I sold my Mustang and took out a mortgage (but I'm not going to do that) I might seriously consider slapping it down on this car. Porsche 911 models around this era are notorious for giving McQueen fans a wet dream due to the 911 S coupe cameo in Le Mans. I also can't figure out why anyone would want a new Porsche compared to a technical and artful masterpiece like this example here. Then again, most of the people I find that drive new Porsches are dickholes. Anyway, for $148,000 and change, you can purchase this one owner, 2.2L turbocharged all original car. Here's what I don't like about this car: it's too perfect. There's something about driving the snot out of a 911 like this, maybe taking it on a weekend trip to the mountains or something, that a pure collector's original would not lend itself to. That being said, you won't find a better example of a car like this.
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2011 Ford/Shelby Mustang GT350 Prototype #3

I'm not a huge fan of collector cars for the sake of collecting, I like to drive my cars, and the dent in the rear 1/4 panel of my Mustang shows that. Having one of the GT350 prototypes of the now infamous Coyote powered line of Shelby specials, one from when Mr. Shelby was still alive for that matter, makes for some serious collector weight. But there's more to it than that. When the 2011 Mustang dropped it was an unbelievable car, and I know, I have one in the garage. But, as with all things, cars can always be more powerful, and Mustangs can always be better handling. Shelby and his team prepared these cars with a supercharger and a handling pack that the magazines just went nuts over. Moreso, Shelby's Bespoke components are typically only available in packages. Someone had one of their GT350s freshened recently at Shelby American in Las Vegas, and I tried to purchase their used valve covers for use on my own Coyote. Alas, someone else won the auction. Part of it was because of the prestige of Shelby. Nowhere is the prestige of Shelby more recognized then on an amazingly built Mustang. This car is headed to Mecum's auction in Dallas.
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1953 Willys Utility Wagon

When I look at this thing, I see the original version of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Believe it or not, this was one of the most successful post war Jeep vehicles until modern day. It's powered by a 'Hurricane' flat 6 engine. The original design dates back to 1939, but it's definitely timeless, even in this 1953 iteration, with traces that still exist on the current Wrangler. This specific one has been restored with all period correct parts and can be had for a hair under 30k. That might seem like a lot for an early 50's wagon, but Jeep people will just get why this is cool, and why it's worth that much.
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1969 Chevrolet Corvette (L71)

I find the C3 Corvettes to be quite the lookers, but not everyone would agree. True, in the mid 70's the watered down 350 and enduro nose brought the design right down into the malaise era. However, there are some of these beasts, like the late 60's model years, where the deeply arched fenders and fluid lines work. This is one of these examples. The 427 tri-power engine puts out (probably north of) 435hp, and the silver paint just works well here. Bonus on these babies (and most 'vettes) are their removable tops. This version has a 4.11 rear and 4-speed M21 transmission. Even driving a 205hp crossfire C4, riding in a Corvette is an experience: you're buckled in to this tight interior, with these huge fenders rising above you, and you're basically sitting on the road, and it's loud. It's the funnest go-kart ever built. This one would be even more fun.

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Passers-By

There are some cars I'd normally freak out about, but I passed by. Here's a few.

This 1966 Impala was going for 11 grand. Okay, so yes, it's a collectible SS 396 model, but the ad also indicates there's a hole in the trunk, the quarters and fenders are rusting it out, and it was pumping oil in '88 and then was parked. So basically you need a full restoration and an engine. Really, however 'collectible' a car may be, it's still a car, and there's something to be said for paying a ridiculous price.

This car isn't that bad, actually, and the price is just listed as Inquire, so it may be completely reasonable. I liked the C3s again when they went to the euro nose. What I realized before I posted this car is that I was going to post it just because it had fat tires and matching wheels. But, it is a nice example of a 350/350 car.

I have a soft spot for 635csi models, the original 'M6' as it were. If you've ever driven one of the fantastic straight-6 normally aspirated BMW cars, you have to admit the way they sound and shift is pretty sublime. This one, however, didn't make my list because of the automatic transmission.

This is a beautiful '67 Impala convertible. But like a lot of car guys, my tastes can sometimes run very particular. First of all, it's a 454 car, and most Chevy guys will recognize that it can't possibly be the original motor. Now, sure, it needed a new motor, and a 427 may not have been available or economical. But that begs the question of what else might also be on the car just because it was available or economical. Right down to the wheels here, I'm not sure Rally wheels were available until '68, so it's another one of those things that actually make this car a resto-mod, not an actual restoration. Wheels are one, minor thing, but an entire engine might be a little hard to forgive. Apparently it is a true SS car (but was it a 427 or a 396 - and what happened to the original motor if so), but too many things were changed to make it valuable for me.

This car is sketchy as f**k mainly due to the price. It should probably be about 5k more than what they're asking at least. This is a 360/727 car, and so we know it's already not the original motor, which is fine, same with the hood, and the wheels and the paint, and a bunch of other stuff probably, which again, is fine. So my question naturally becomes what's wrong with it? Is it just a ton of bondo under that paint?

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