I agree. Of course in some eras the exception to the rule is a needle in the haystack. In the early 80's, I find most cars pretty solidly in the turd category.
Styling, performance, or value seems to go against this era.
Car pics too cool not to share
- Thread starter Squatch
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Styling, performance, or value seems to go against this era.
OP
Head Lice
TJ Addict
This car? is artwork.
Just my opinion, it's a waste of a hemi.
The hemi's were made to sweep the streets of the GM/Ford riff raff.
Not happening with this vehicle.
With the exception of the Grand National, this little 1985 4 cylinder would spank almost every other car of the era, in every category. With just a little tweaking it was possible to get 300 hp, at the crank. I always wanted one, but never pulled the trigger. 
OP
Hand-built goodness. 5-lug wheels. Unique appearance. Great performance. All plusses, in my opinion. However, I could never get past the cost, the fact that it was a 4-cylinder, or that damn flimsy, shaky/bouncy rear spoiler. Nowadays, though, I wouldn't mind having one.With the exception of the Grand National, this little 1985 4 cylinder would spank almost every other car of the era, in every category. With just a little tweaking it was possible to get 300 hp, at the crank. I always wanted one, but never pulled the trigger.
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My, how time changes one's perspective.
A friend had one in highschool. He lost control of it and ran it through a fence ended up in a field.With the exception of the Grand National, this little 1985 4 cylinder would spank almost every other car of the era, in every category. With just a little tweaking it was possible to get 300 hp, at the crank. I always wanted one, but never pulled the trigger.
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With the exception of the Grand National, this little 1985 4 cylinder would spank almost every other car of the era, in every category. With just a little tweaking it was possible to get 300 hp, at the crank. I always wanted one, but never pulled the trigger.
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I didn't even know about them until 5 or so years ago when my dad stumbled across one sitting in a field. I don't know how many were made/sold, but I don't think I've seen another one.
I drove several and this car required experience to keep in control. The power to weight ratio was incredible for that time frame. It was one of the best handling factory cars I've ever driven and was way ahead of its time. Even faster and better that the v8 GT mustang. What it reminded me of was my '98 M3, which I loved!
Model Year U.S. Production Canadian Model Total
1984 .. ..........4258................ 250.......... 4508
1985 .............1496 .................19 ...............1515
1985 1/2 ......... 428................. 11.............. 439
1986 ..............2906.............. 476................3382
Totals ............ 9088............... 756.............. 9844
The 1985 1/2 is considered the holy grail. Most power and fewest made.
I had a buddy that built one to over 400 hp. It was a 10 sec car in the 1/4 mile, with great manners. He used to embarrass so many people, badly!
Nope, Iowa he sold it shortly after.Was it in NC and a gray one, and he just walked away?
Having had a wreck or two like that of my own, I assume he stained the front seat and couldn't get the smell out.
Not as bad as the handicapped newspaper photographer that had one of these. The story he told is he got his foot stuck underneath the brake pedal, shot the car off one of those circular on/off ramps and also through a fence, the car was a couple months old. Seems it was a bit too much car for him.Having had a wreck or two like that of my own, I assume he stained the front seat and couldn't get the smell out.
Since we are talking turbo cars I might as well talk stupid over the top turbo cars ! 1988 Callaway Corvette Sledgehammer. A Callaway modified version of the
optional Corvette you could buy at the Chevy dealer. This Vette was truly Badass. 254.8 mph, 898 h.p., 772 lb.ft. , 3.9 0-60 , 10.6 qt. mile. and had A/C .
The thing to remember is this happened 34 years ago !
optional Corvette you could buy at the Chevy dealer. This Vette was truly Badass. 254.8 mph, 898 h.p., 772 lb.ft. , 3.9 0-60 , 10.6 qt. mile. and had A/C .
The thing to remember is this happened 34 years ago !
Awesome cars. Having had an '03 Cobra around for a short while, I completely understand that car being too much for common folk. That thing was a blast. It would run up to 155 in 5th (they are 6-speed cars), and it would do it in a hurry, before the stock computer limited fuel at 155. Apparently, without a wing, the rear end has a tendency to lift and rotate around 175 and Ford thought that was unsafe for the public.
I'd like to have another one, but with a wing, smaller pulley and tuner. Maybe get a chance to dust-off 6th under boost.
Of course, I'm a little older now and might not have the "edge" needed to go that fast. Life is weird. How the hell did I go from fast cars like that to a TJ.
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OP
Here's your happy compromise...Awesome cars. Having had an '03 Cobra around for a short while, I completely understand that car being too much for common folk. That thing was a blast. It would run up to 155 in 5th (they are 6-speed cars), and it would do it in a hurry, before the stock computer limited fuel at 155. Apparently, without a wing, the rear end has a tendency to lift and rotate around 175 and Ford thought that was unsafe for the public.
I'd like to have another one, but with a wing, smaller pulley and tuner. Maybe get a chance to dust-off 6th under boost.
Life is weird. How the hell did I go from fast cars like that to a TJ.