Just because it's rare, doesn't mean it's worth big bucks!

The title to this post says it all. We all want a unique car, but don't fall into the trap of paying ultra-premium prices for cars that are somewhat rare, and "Almost" special. Some were factory "Budget" or "Insurance Beater" models, some were regional or "Dealer" specials. Every manufacturer had at least one, some had several. Allow me to explain the difference between something that's worth the price of a nice house anywhere except New York or California, and something that's only worth a tiny bit more than a base model. I'll try to include all the examples. If I miss a couple, forgive me, or feel free to write in your candidates. A "California Special" Mustang is not worth anywhere near the price of a Shelby GT 350 or Boss 302. A "Rallye 350" Cutlass is not a Hurst/Olds. A "Heavy Chevy" Malibu is not an LS6 SS454. A T-37 Tempest is not a GTO "Judge." A "Rally Nova" is not a Yenko "Deuce." A Javelin SST is not an AMX. A "Macho T/A" is not an SD-455 or Ram Air IV T/A or Formula. A "Sport Satellite" Or "Satellite Sebring"  is not a Six-pack Road Runner or GTX.  Also beware of later models that were the "Wrong" bodystyle with anemic engines that tried to capitialize on a classic name to sell a car that's performance and value wasn't even close to it's namesake when new, and certainly isn't now. Some examples. The last "Real" Hurst/Olds was built in 1975. That's the last one built on the GM A-body platform, and the last one available with a 455 V8. The one offered in 1979 was based on the downsized G-body platform and was only available with a 350 Olds engine that put out about 170 hp!. The 1983-84 versions were built on the same G-body platform, but had even more anemic 307 inch Olds motors!  The last "Real" Pontiac GTO was built in 1973. This was the last year they were based on the A-body LeMans platform, and the last year you could get a 400 or 455. The 1974 model was based on the X-body-( Read Chevy Nova ) platform, and could only be had with 350 Pontiac V8 . The last "Real" Road Runner was built in 1974, on the B-body platform, and you could still get a 400 or 440 V8. In 77 or 78, they marketed a "Road Runner" that was based on the Plymouth Volare, and was only available with a 318 or 360 that made 150 and 175 hp, respectively. The last "Real" i.e- Javelin-based AMX was built in 1974, and you could still get a 401 V8. In 78-79 AMC marketed an AMX, but it was based on the econobox Hornet/Spirit platform, and the only engine available was a 304 V8 with a two-barrel carb. The last thing to look out for is "Special Editions" that aren't really special or rare. A few examples-1978 "Silver Anniversary" Corvettes. There were thousands of these cars built with the two-tone paint and silver leather interior. That's the only thing different from a regular 1978 Corvette. Black And Gold "Special Edition" 1977-79 Pontiac Trans-Ams. After "Smokey and the Bandit" there were literally thousands upon thousands of these cars built. And again, except for the paint job and gold dash panel, their just a regular T/A, no special engines or anything else. "Starsky and Hutch" Torinos. Because of the popularity of that T.V. show, many Ford Dealers across the country painted 2-door 1974-76 Gran Torinos Red with a White stripe, and put slot mags on them, and sold them for over sticker, but there was never an official version released from Ford. Hope this helps everyone out! Mastermind