AmericanClassicCarSale.com

A sign that reads  Classic Mustangs for sale means there should be stangs there built from between 1964 ½ and 1973.  If it is any other year then it’s not a classic mustang.  The Ford Mustang carries the title of American Classic Car very nicely.

1969 Mustang - flickr

Most people and mustang enthusiasts love the little pony car especially the early years.  As an old mechanic I preferred the older ones.   It was basic to me, I am a big guy and those early ones were so small and the engine so large they were hard to work on.

From the year 1971 thru 1973 there was enough room to turn a wrench and not bust a knuckle. This was the first time the mustang’s wheelbase was extended to 109”.  In addition only big engines were placed into the engine compartment. Gone was the mild 200 cu in six-cylinder. For 1971 the Boss 351 with 330 horsepower was the most widely produced stang that year.  But also available were 2 versions of the 429.  The standard and the Ram Air both with 370 horsepower.

The hood was longer and sleek looking while from the rear the large bold triple lenses could be seen as you pulled away from all that were behind you.

In 1971 was also the first year with the high bucket seats and power windows were an option. The Mach I trim option was still available along with the Boss trim option that came standard with the 351 Cleveland with the 4 bolt mains. The completion of the Boss package was the suspension combined with a 4 speed transmission and a Hurst shifter along with the 3.91:1 traction lock rear end made this car a dream to drive.

If you can find one of these classic mustangs for sale and they are still in good shape you have a true selection of muscle cars..

A good used muscle car is hard to find.  Remember these cars were built to run fast and look bad.  Most are over 30 yeas old and have a lot of miles on them So if you are in the market for a used muscle car whether it is a Mustang, Barracuda, Camaro, Firebird, GTO or Corvette, take your time and know the weak points of that particular model.

A perfect example is the Camaro and Firebird weaknesses.  With large engines their bodies had a tendency to twist. This was because the designers built them on a unibody.  Yes, it was not a complete frame just one that goes back about mid way where the transmission ends.  The rest is just sheet metal. I have seen many of the Camaro’s with the 396 engines that would side step down the road.

The same goes for the Firebirds and Trans Am’s, a twisted body because of so much torque from the large engines. This can be corrected in a properly equipped body shop but that costs a lot of money.  This should only be done if you are restoring a muscle car.  If you just want to build a muscle car then buy a model with a smaller engine.  You can still buy frame extensions to prevent the twisting.  Have them in place before the large engine is installed.  This is one way to be assured of ending up with a fine American classic car.   If you are like me once the engine goes in I am out on a test run.  Just to make sure it is running properly of course.  Even a test run can twist the body or at least I can do it.

Just be careful with used muscle cars. Know the model and its weaknesses so you will get what you think you bought.

The all time American classic car for most is the 1957 Chevy Bel-Air. This classic car is better known as just 57 Chevy.  This is one of the most loved and best recognized car in American automobile history.  It was the last of a 3-year series that introduced the Chevy small block V-8 to the world.

Not too many people know this but the 57 Chevy was the car that almost wasn’t.  General Motor’s executives wanted a whole new car for 1957 but they had production delays and were forced to continue the shoebox design of the 1955-6 for another year. Some redesigning was done which increased the length and made fuel injection an option. The ad for the car stated “The road isn’t built that can make it breathe hard”. The V-8 was combined with the all-new Turboglide transmission that gave this a quick smooth ride. Chevy officials were said to describe the car as “Sweet, Smooth and Sassy”.

An unusual point that I do not understand is that the 1957 Ford outsold this American Icon. But the 60’s is where this car made it big hit, as a used car.  The car was cheap, light and fast that made it perfect for the younger crowd.

Today there is the Danchuk Manufacturing Inc and Classic Chevy International that makes and sells parts to keep the 57 Chevy’s running as long as you keep buying the new parts that are needed.

This car has been used as an icon for toys, graphics, music movies and television. This is the all time American Classic Car.

The need for the grease jockey to have a project classic car is great. But from time to time they get stuck on where to go and what is next.  Sure there is the internet today with listings and listing of old cars for sale. These also have had added to their prices the finder’s fees and storage of the facilities that house them.

If one thinks back just a decade or so ago, before the internet there were still project classic cars being restored.  Most of the older generation had a project car just to get to work.  Not all of them were fancy but most of us had to work and the price of a new car was out of reach so we built one.  You might end up with a great American Classic Car.

Do what was done in the past for a bargain project classic car; look in the rural gas stations.  Old farmers that have passed on but left their cars in these small garages to be repaired and then forgotten about by the family is a great source, I know I found an old truck that way.

Other places to look are those old farms.  With today’s farms being run by large corporations, a large number of family farms are no longer occupied. I know of a family friend that found a 1958 MGA in one. For a future car enthusiast, it will still be there.   Yes it was purchased and has been worked on for 30 years but the engine still does not run nor is there any interior, including no seats. The last time I saw it was 10 years ago and I know nothing has been done to it.  It is just waiting to be restored.

The internet is great for finding all the parts but the body to start your project classic car will be easier and cheaper if you rely on the best source of knowledge in the world, your elders.