As was frequently the case, the number four US automaker of the Big Three was playing catch-up in the pony car race. In spite of thin development budgets and frumpy sedans, they found ways to come up with ingenious features and exciting designs to stay relevant. Witness the remarkable Gremlin, the first-in-class Eagle, and the sexy Javelin. That last one is the car featured today – check out this 1973 AMC Javelin SST, for sale for $2000 somewhere in the east San Francisco Bay Area, CA.
With all the insanity going on in the market for Type 2 VW Vans and Porsche 356s, it’s a wonder the alternatives to these hot vehicles aren’t getting more attention. There are some great alternatives with similarities that are no secret, and that offer greater driveability, and their domestic origin means parts availability at least equal to that of the German products. So let’s get started. What would you pay for a 1963 VW Type 2 bus? Over $200,000? Are you insane? If you want to be a true winner, both by the pocketbook and at the races (who says you can’t race a van?), check out this 1963 Chevrolet Greenbrier for sale for a mere $3500 in Los Angeles, CA.
Honda S600 and S800 cars are no longer in the affordable range, if they ever were. Neither are original Minis. But if you look around at alternatives to either of those (and who is really cross-shopping both those cars?) a sort of mash-up of those cars can be found in the Honda N600 and Z600 series of cars. And while they’ve started moving up in price as well, occasionally there’s a deal to be had. It appears today’s car is one of those deals – check out this 1972 Honda AZ600 for sale for $3500 in Anaheim, CA.
Rusty But Trusty 