# A classic question... classic car, that is **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 7, 2026, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200 "2026-08-07T03:30:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/61 "2026-08-07T15:29:17Z")
Give me a 1976 Mercedes-Benz W123 diesel. Easily one of the most reliable and bulletproof vehicles of all time. Would be no sweat having a mint one as my daily driver for a year. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/62 "2026-08-07T15:31:58Z")
Your '57 Chevy, unless the “they dropped in…” was the factory itself. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/63 "2026-08-07T15:34:43Z")
> [@steronz](#): > > You are correct and I’m ashamed I didn’t catch that. I’d do my best not to let Burt down. [![](https://media1.tenor.com/m/q75yUSVVqLEAAAAC/smokey-and-the-bandit-smile.gif) ](https://media1.tenor.com/m/q75yUSVVqLEAAAAC/smokey-and-the-bandit-smile.gif) ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/64 "2026-08-07T16:32:15Z")
It was modified. OK. I prefer the 350 and 5 speed and not three on the tree. Like I said, frame off restoration. I have no desire to drive an original '57 without power steering and brakes. ---
**Author:** ![ThisOneGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c0e974/32.png) [@ThisOneGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisOneGuy)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/65 "2026-08-07T16:37:49Z")
> [@Mk\_VII](#): > > All the cars from that era were terrible. Terrible brakes, terrible steering, crossply tyres, and they practically rusted out on the dealer’s lot. Sure, but since it is just for one year, and the maintenance is covered so why not? Another vote for a 1970ish Bronco. Don’t know if the op’s rules would let me install modern tires on it tho. Happy to do/pay for that myself. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/66 "2026-08-07T16:50:33Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I have no desire to drive an original '57 without power steering and brakes. I believe both were options on the 57. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/67 "2026-08-07T16:54:33Z")
> [@Mk\_VII](#): > > All the cars from that era were terrible. Ehhh, your brush is pretty broad and inaccurate. [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/19zDpoZGA4M/hqdefault.jpg "Super Seven Gymkhana") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19zDpoZGA4M) ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/68 "2026-08-07T17:18:45Z")
The '57 Bel Air had both as options, so no mods necessary. By the way, here is the Wiki write-up on that car: [Chevrolet Bel Air - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Bel_Air#Second_generation_(1955%E2%80%931957)) ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/69 "2026-08-07T17:51:16Z")
I popped a chubby just seeing this pic! ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/70 "2026-08-07T18:08:53Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > The '57 Bel Air had both as options, so no mods necessary. By the way, here is the Wiki write-up on that car: [Chevrolet Bel Air - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Bel_Air#Second_generation_(1955%E2%80%931957)) Well, excuuuuuusssse me. This was a new High-powed engine, transmission and brakes and power steering. Like I said frame off restore. It’s georgeous. ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/71 "2026-08-07T18:16:37Z")
I’m an air-cooled guy in my heart of hearts, and I’d love to have a mint condition Volkwagen Type 181 (Thing), probably MY’73 or '74. They’re quirky, easy to work on, damn near bulletproof, and get a lot of attention. Pretty fuel efficient, too. I have go-fast cars. A Thing would be a fun car to drive around when I don’t care about driving fast. ---
**Author:** ![GargoyleWB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gargoylewb/32/199_2.png) [@GargoyleWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GargoyleWB)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/72 "2026-08-07T18:51:43Z")
“Riding in a [Stutz Bearcat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stutz_Bearcat), Jim…You know, those were different times” ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/73 "2026-08-07T18:59:31Z")
Jaguar XKE. The most beautiful car ever designed. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Jaguar_E-Type_Series_1_3.8_Litre_1961.jpg?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Jaguar_E-Type_Series_1_3.8_Litre_1961.jpg?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_campaign=index&utm_content=original) ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/74 "2026-08-07T19:10:19Z")
[Buick Centurion](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_Centurion) convertible, like this. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/1971_Buick_Centurion_convertible_fl.jpg/1920px-1971_Buick_Centurion_convertible_fl.jpg?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/1971_Buick_Centurion_convertible_fl.jpg/1920px-1971_Buick_Centurion_convertible_fl.jpg?utm_source=en.wikipedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail) Once had a chance to buy a brown one but couldn’t swing the moolah. ---
**Author:** ![ricepad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/b38774/32.png) [@ricepad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ricepad)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/75 "2026-08-07T19:27:55Z")
The closest to vulgarity I ever heard from my mother-in-law was the time we saw an XKE: “That guy probably has a small penis.” ---
**Author:** ![sb1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a87d85/32.png) [@sb1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sb1953)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/76 "2026-08-07T19:35:04Z")
1966 Corvair Corsa with AC and the 4 speed. Metallic blue with the white interior and redline tires. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/77 "2026-08-07T19:46:01Z")
And this is why guys can’t have nice things, LOL. (Although, the design of the body is about as phallic as it can get, without being totally obvious). ---
**Author:** ![Dropo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce7236/32.png) [@Dropo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dropo)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/78 "2026-08-07T19:58:41Z")
> **[Bizzarrini Strada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bizzarrini_Strada)** > > The Bizzarrini Strada (also 5300 GT Strada and 5300 GT), is a sports car produced by Bizzarrini from 1964 to 1968. Sold as a low slung, two-seat coupé, roadster, and track-tuned "Corsa" racer, it proved to be Bizzarrini's most successful model. Designed by ex-Ferrari chief engineer Giotto Bizzarrini in 1963, the Strada was launched by his company in 1964. It was similar in concept to the Iso Grifo, also designed by Bizzarrini, and even used the Grifo name while in the planning stage, as well as t... ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/79 "2026-08-07T20:50:51Z")
That is easy, I would like my older brother’s car that I got to drive in high school. He worked in the parts dept at a car dealership and bought a brand new 1970 Buick GS, or Gran Sport. Kind of like a Chevy Malibu but very upscale. Beautiful seafoam green/blue, white vinyl top, all the bells and whistles, interior was all white leather, just a 350 engine and not the larger ones that came in the GSX, but it rumbled. Older bro was a bookworm, stamp and coin collector that never went on dates. My parents were paying for the insurance so they said, if Dallas wants to go out you let him drive your car. So many Friday and Saturday nights driving that awesome car. Big Bro was not a car guy, didn’t maintain it well, got tired of working on it, and it broke down on the freeway and he sold it to some kid for $50! Unrestored just sitting in a barn somewhere it would still be worth $50,000. Restored it would be much more. Barrett-Jackson people would be fighting for it. It is long gone now and I have tried to find it, but there was a time in my highschool days that I drove the best car around. ---
**Author:** ![commasense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/commasense/32/3017_2.png) [@commasense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/commasense)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2026, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200/80 "2026-08-07T20:52:24Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > Just for the record, an LP400 is in my list in my post… D’oh! Read for comprehension, @commasense! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-classic-question-classic-car-that-is/1032200.md?page=5)