Welp, here we are, at the end of another week, and that means it’s time for a four-way shootout. This week was all about project cars, and I think we ended up with a good mix: we’ve got a couple that run and a couple that don’t, a couple that are shiny and a couple that aren’t. There’s something here for everyone, I think.
Yesterday, as you might have guessed from the headline, the old postwar Lincoln took home the prize. Yes, it’s a primitive design mechanically, and no, it no longer has its distinctive twelve-cylinder engine. But it is a looker, and there are all sorts of period-correct things you can do to a flathead V8 to soup it up a little.
I’m honor-bound to choose the Lincoln as well, because my wife loved it when she saw it. But I wouldn’t fault anyone for preferring that Fairlane either; it has a cool private-eye or unmarked-cop-car vibe to it, like it’s shouting out “This Is An Ordinary Nondescript Car From Its Era.” It would be fun to build it up mechanically, but keep it looking exactly the same.
All right; let’s get down to it. One of these cars is going to be your new winter project. Are you renting a trailer, or driving it home? Are you buying primer paint, or Turtle Wax? Let’s recap so you can make an informed decision.
Not-really-a-1965 Toyota Corona – $3,500
The case for it: It’s a cool Japanese classic, a car you don’t see very often anymore, at least not in this condition. It’s clean enough to be worth fixing up mechanically and would make a great conversation starter among car folks.
The case against it: The seller doesn’t even know what year it really is. It’s clearly newer than a ’65, but if that’s what the title says, that could be trouble. Also, a two-speed automatic doesn’t exactly scream “fun.”
1970 Ford Ranchero – $3,900
The case for it: Utes are cool, and Rancheros are somehow cooler than El Caminos – and that’s a Chevy guy saying that. It’s a great bodystyle, it has a big V8 already, and the seller says it runs and drives very well.
The case against it: It’s pretty ratty, and a little rusty. It could be fixed up, of course, but it’s probably more economical and practical to just come to terms with the condition it’s in.
1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E – $3,990
The case for it: It’s maybe one of the best-built cars ever made. And it’s a really nice car, too. It has low miles, and it’s in really good shape.
The case against it: It’s kinda boring, actually, now that I look at it again.
1947 Lincoln Club Coupe – $4,450
The case for it: Wide whitewalls! A big winged chrome hood ornament! Style for days! And it runs, sorta! Sure, it’s not the original V12, but a flathead V8 is pretty damn cool in its own right.
The case against it: A 1947 model is pretty much a 1939 model, technologically speaking. And that’s practically prehistoric, compared to what most of us are used to working on – and driving. Solid axles on leaf springs at both ends, single-circuit drum brakes, and power steering by Armstrong are all part of the deal.
So that’s our show for this week. Tune in next week when our guests will be – well, I don’t know, actually, but it’ll be something cheap and sketchy, as always. For now, choose your favorite among these four, and have a good weekend!
(Image credits: sellers)
Tree Hunnert E.
“Kinda boring,” Mark? No way. Not an edgy, state-of-the-moment design, but handsome, comfortable, reliable and really nice to drive. If this had been around when I bought my car, I would have picked it instead.
The only downside is parts. As in Big Dollar parts. But tell me which of these cars isn’t going to cost an arm, a leg, and probably an elbow?
Maybe the Toyota, but I’d just use duct tape on it when stuff fell off or leaked, anyway.
I voted Ranchero, but I have to point out that subjectively and objectively, the El Camino is and always has been cooler than the Ranchero.
Period.
Yeah, the El Camino was way better!
Went with the 544 last time, but I did like the Ranchero.
Out of all of them, it gets my vote this round.
Going with the Ranchero. It would take a bit of work to get it up to where I’d want it, but not a whole lot. The Merc would be much easier to deal with and both the Toyota and the Lincoln would be neat to have, but for me, the ute is definitely the coolest of the group. It’s the one I’d most want, even in somewhat scruffy condition.
Corona because it’s rare, simple and IMO cool. Runner up is of course the 300. It’s a nondescript anvil of a car.
The Corona grew on me, and it’s a car I’d keep around and drive. The Ranchero almost got my vote, since it’s probably much easier to fix up and get parts for, but if I were buying a Ranchero to keep, I’d look for an early ’60s model.
The Mercedes is my kind of “project” – one that isn’t a project at all.
What a tough decision! Came down to the Merc and Lincoln for me. I went Lincoln in the end because it’s complete enough to be an easy tinkerer with the limited time on my hands. It’s worthy of preserving as a testament to what was and where we’ve come from. The Met was a razor thin second though.
Stay away from the Mercedes. We inherited an ’89 years ago. Looked great, drove great. But nickeled and dimed us for $500 per quarter. There is a reason these things are cheap. All the little systems that only Mercedes sells, for big bucks.
I mean, $500 every 3 months or $2k a year seems relatively on par with what I’d expect a 35 year old vehicle to run you. Honestly, for an old European car that sounds fairly cheap to maintain.
Maybe if you had that kind of money 20 years ago
That is less than two car payments on the average new car today, leaving you with 10 months of driving for free. <shrug> And unlike the cars of today, these don’t suck. And they are very easy to work on yourself. BTDT, loved the car.
The trick is to go through the thing from stem-to-stern when you get it, swallow the resulting big bill, then enjoy it with minimal drama for a long, long, long time.
Probably why I don’t buy cars on credit. I can’t afford new cars now. I was brought up that if you don’t have the money to buy something, you don’t buy it. I remember co-workers in the ’80’s who were so much budget challenged that they were buying tires on credit.
I choose Mr. Lincoln mostly because 1930’s technology most closely fits my wrenching expertise.
The Lincoln, but only if I can swap a modern V12 into it.
The Merc just exudes presence. It was a lock when I first voted for it and remains so today
The Mercedes is one of very few cars of its age that will still be running when it’s the age of the Lincoln. Preserving a genuine future classic that you can drive now without a ton of work is a winning combination for me.
The only finalist I didn’t consider was the Lincoln … just-barely-postwar cars aren’t really my jam, but I totally see the potential.
And while I considered votes for the Toyota and especially the Ranchero, I had to go with the one car on this list that I’ve always wanted to own, and that’s the W124.
And once I swap those chromed-out alloys for Euro-taxi-spec wheel covers, no one will call it boring ever again!
I wanted to vote Nercedes because those are about as well built as it will ever get…but I went Ranchero. It could be a hot rod, with more work become a 4×4, a restoration or a restomod. It’d be fun to sort out.
Toyota. These are getting awful thin on the ground these days. And I remember these so well from my time as a kid. They were great cars and a great value for the bucks.
The local dealer has a restored one that’s been on the showroom floor for years now.
Wish I could buy it.
Realistically, the Merc is the pick for me. I would love the Ranchero too, but the pragmatist in me would only let it be a second choice behind the 300E.
I legit would love that ranchero. Sadly i am in NY 🙁
Scott Dixon’s sponsor has a tag line- “brilliantly boring”. This describes the 300 perfectly.
Would you take any of the others on even a 500-mile road trip? I think not.
They are so comfortable. There’s one with a for sale sign on it that I drive by daily and I am so tempted to say “eff it” and pick up.
In their current state? No. But give me time to sort the Rancho and it would be my first choice for a road trip (I don’t like travelling with too many people). In rural areas, you’ll have an easier time finding parts and mechanics for a 50 y.o Ford than for a 30 y.o. M-B when something inevitably goes wrong..
You’re right about that. But how much money would you have to put into the Rancho to get to that point?
Probably not that much if DIY’ed and left with its “patina.” I’d replace the radiator, alternator, brake pads/shoes, tires, battery, hoses, and belts. Maybe the fuel pump. All the usual fluid changes and find some junk yard seats that could be convinced to fit. Maybe $1000?
It was close between the Lincoln and the Ranchero for me. The Lincoln is undoubtedly the nicer of the cars, and possibly cooler. But I’d really just rather have the Ranchero. I know I’d have more fun with that one. Fun wins. Gimme the V8 ute.
Also, I realize this is early voting, as there are a total of 24 votes as I write this, but the Mercedes is currently winning the project car vote? Y’all are BORING!!!!
Right?! That’s not a project! I mean it will quickly and expensively devolve into one, but as is that doesn’t count!
It’s easily the most boring car ever featured on Shitbox Showdown. Nice cars and all, but c’mon folks! What are we doing here?
I wish my actual shop teacher had been as cool as Shop-Teacher.
Awe shucks! Thanks!
The Ranchero would be just my speed for a project. “This winter I’m definitely going to think about the possibility of repainting the hood.” But it won’t matter when I don’t manage to get around to it, because it’s pretty cool just the way it is.
*rattle-rattle-rattle*
I’m still loving the Lincoln. Style, and simple systems to work on.
Yesterday I was thinking of dropping an Italian 12 in there, but today I’m feeling the flathead. Either way, Lincoln is the answer.
I picked the Ranchero, because I know I’ll have more fun with it, but that Lincoln is freakin’ SWEET!
Keep it in the family, the ford v10 kinda qualifies.
Oh man no votes for the Corona yet. That would be my second choice, but I love the look of the Lincoln too much to go for anything else. The Benz would be third, and I wouldn’t touch the Ranchero. Just no interest in that one, or sitting on that bench that has been destroyed by one too many explosive farts.
I thought about making a “Taco Bell drive-thru” joke about that seat, but refrained.
I applaud you for being more adult than I! I always jump at the low hanging fruit.
Your low hanging fruit may get trapped in the hole in the seat.
Oh man. Too true, and don’t make me spit coffee on the keyboard please! My boss does not appreciate that.
The pristine Mercedes-Benz is an easy choice.
In honor of Roadkill, I picked the Ranchero and will use it for ice drag racing
*HIGH FIVE!* That’s what I’m talkin’ about!
Put the motor in the bed for better ice-handling. Or, just run TWO motors, AWD!