Tag: Save the Manuals
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Mercury Cyclone 351/4-speed
The Mercury Cyclone was different things in different years, having started as a variant of the compact Comet. This 1970 model, however, was a stand-alone, mid-sized model, although Cyclone would be rolled into the Montego lineup later. Cyclone typically meant performance, and this example, while not a CJ, fits that mold. This Cyclone GT was…
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What’s Better than an AWD, Manual Wagon?
How about one modified to be a pseudo-Subaru Baja? This was once an AMC Eagle wagon; but someone took an angle grinder to it and added too much diamond plate. The end result is a not-so-weatherproof mini trucklet with a carpeted bed. Wasn’t that one of the downfalls of the Lincoln Blackwood? Fittingly bidding sits…
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Wagon + Woodgrain + 383 + Four-speed = Heaven?
This is a Dodge Custom 880, which was the top-of-the-line offering in 1965. Even better, this is the wagon example, originally with woodgrain and a four-speed! This one currently has a 383 V8 in it, but we think a ’65 should have a 361. In any case, it’s not clear which 383 this is. If…
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Mercury-Branded Pinto Cruising Wagon with Manual Trans
If you know oddball cars, then the Pinto Cruising Wagon needs no introduction. No other vehicle brought quite as much 70s van culture into a compact size. What could be better? A Mercury version! Let’s make one thing clear in order to avoid claims of false advertising: This is a Pinto with a Mercury front…
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Daihatsu Kei Truck in the US
If what’s missing from your life is a single-seat pickup with a three cylinder engine and four-speed trans, this is just the ticket! Kei Cars are common in Japan and underachieve certain weight and size figures in order to be taxed at lower rates versus typical passenger cars. This example would typically see use as…
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Non-Gordini Renault R8 in Los Angeles
The R8 is one of the most unusual-looking (or least usual looking?) small sedans, which means we love them! This example awaits you in Lawndale, CA and has been upgraded with a 1.1L engine. Yes, that’s an upgrade vs. the base 0.956 liter unit… French with a rear-mounted engine – what’s not to love? With…
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Old School Cool:1970 Datsun 521 with Chevy 327
Small Block Chevy (SBC) swaps are all the rage these days, but they’re nothing new. The original swaps were into 1920/1930s hot rods and usually involved Ford’s “Flathead” V8; but Chevy swaps have a history, too, as evidenced by this 1980s swap involving a tiny Datsun pickup and a Corvette 327, which is older than…
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1989 Nissan Sentra Surf-Mobile
A two-door Sentra surf-mobile? Why, yes, it is! The racks on top hold the boards and there’s a shower for rinsing off. What more do you need? If your answer is Mercedes, AMG and “Turbo” emblems, then this is the car for you! Ignore the entertaining mods and this is basic transportation, which isn’t a bad…
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AMC Eagle Wagon with Manual
Wagon body, inline six cylinder engine, all wheel drive and a clutch pedal – does it get any better? Well, okay, there are faster and more attractive wagons that check those boxes, but they lack the retro coolness of this one. The particular example has about 130K miles, which means the ubiquitous AMC 4.2-liter I6…
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Not Ogilvie Home Perm: Cutlass Salon with Manual Trans
Yes, Oldsmobile thought they’d extend their popular Cutlass into the fastback realm when they launched the fifth generation for the 1978 model year. The result was decidedly odd, although the Cutlass would go on to become the best selling car in 1979. This two-door, manual trans-equipped version was likely rare when new and is almost…