The Last of the Mohicans

It's funny how public opinion is. The first of something, is always considered cool, while the last of something is often treated like Rodney Dangerfield- "No Respect." However, some of these "Last" models can be steals for the musclecar enthusiast, especially if he wants a driver and not a trailer queen. I'll list them in no particular order. # 1 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1. In 1974 the Mustang II was introduced. Based on the Pinto, it was a disaster. A V8 wasn't even an option. However in 1973 you could still get a "Real" Mustang. The top engine option was a 351C with a 4-barrel rated at 266 hp. However, quite a few were built with 351C 2-barrel engines that were rated at 177 hp. The 2V heads are actually better for street use. And Edelbrock makes a 4V Performer manifold that works with the 2V heads. For some reason, even Ford collectors snub this car, which makes them great buys for the rest of us. # 2 1976 Pontiac Trans-Am. I know that 400 cube T/A's were built until 1979, but 76 was the last year you could get a 455 with a 4-speed.  No their not as fast as the 1971-72 455HO models or the 1973-74 455SD models. But they can be bought for a fraction of the price of the older more sought after ones, and with minor work-intake, exhaust and maybe a cam change, can easily equal or surpass the performance of them as well. # 3 1974 Dodge Charger. Richard Petty won a ton of races in this bodystyle. The last "Real" Charger. The 1975-77 models were based on the ( Ugh! ) Chrysler Cordoba. The 400 and 440 V8s were still available, and 360 versions can be real bargains. # 4 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. The last C3 "Stingray" bodied model, as there technically is no 1983 Corvette-the C4 was introduced in March 1983 as a 1984 model. These are unique because it was the first year the 700R4 4-speed automatic was offered, and the first year "Cross-Fire Injection" was offered. The base powertrain that year was a carburated 350 and a three-speed Turbo 350 automatic. They weren't bad performers, and they make nice weekend cruisers, and they can be hopped up easily. And one of the few times you'll hear the words "Cheap" and "Corvette" in the same sentence. Even Vette collectors snub these cars in favor of the 1980 and earlier L82 models or the 1984 and later ones. But that keeps the prices low for bargain-hunters. # 5 1977 Olds 442. The last "Real" 442. By "Real" I mean based on the A-body Cutlass with an engine over 400 cubes. Olds tried to revive the nameplate in the '80's but those models were based on the downsized G-body, and had anemic 307 inch Olds motors that wheezed out about 140 hp. In 77 you got a 403 which moved them along briskly, and the handling was excellent. Because they were used in so many Pontiac Firebirds, there's actually a good amount of speed equipment available for these engines.  These cars may not be rockets in stock trim, but they are very nice drivers, and with a little work can be great sleepers. Mastermind