Archive for September, 2014

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Oldest Car Yet – 1926 Ford Model T Speedster

September 24, 2014

Ford Model Ts share a great deal of the appeal of many of the cars featured here on RustyButTrusty – they have character, they’re old, and they’re fun to drive. But ironically, this car that everyone’s grandpa traded for a suckling pig and $25 is now mostly out of reach of our self-imposed price limit, with good solid cars around $10-$15,000. That said, if you’re willing to compromise a little on your idea of a complete, running car, you might find something affordable. Like this 1926 Ford Model T Speedster for sale for $4000 in Erieville, NY.

1926 Ford Model T Speedster right front

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Back and Forth – 1977 AMC Pacer Wagon

September 24, 2014

While the AMC Pacer was mocked in its time for being a fishbowl, for looking weird, or just for being made by the number-four American manufacturer, it was quite innovative given their limited budget. It was designed from the passengers outward, made to be easily serviceable, and was the width of a full-size car to give drivers the feeling of being in a large car. Rack and pinion steering helped with handling, and the isolated engine and suspension designs helped with passenger comfort. The car also included many safety innovations – while the Big 3 were busy whining to the government about the impact on their bottom line, little AMC was diligently working towards the new requirements. Of course, that may have been part of what led to their undoing. Take a look at this 1977 AMC Pacer wagon for sale for $3995 in Portland, OR.

1977 AMC Pacer wagon left front

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And Prancer and Blitzen – 1980 Volkswagen Dasher Wagon

September 23, 2014

Thanks to some unusual marketing decisions including positioning and drivetrain choices, VW’s Passat was not a great success through its first few generations. The B1 Passat, known as a Dasher here, shared its name with a reindeer from a Christmas song, following the Rabbit and the Beetle in VW’s effort to corner the animal-lover segment. And the B2 Passat, known as the Quantum, referenced a form of physics, or computing, targeting the often-overlooked nerd segment of the North American car market. So if your tendency is more animal lover than nerd, you should take a look at this 1980 Volkswagen Dasher wagon for sale for $3300 in Orenco Station, OR.

1980 Volkswagen Dasher wagon right front

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