One and two-year models that are cool

  There are a lot of one and two year models that manufacturers thought were going to be successful, but weren't for various reasons-market conditions, or the cars weren't promoted by the factory or dealers or whatever. But there was nothing wrong with the cars, and they might be bargains that are priced less than the "Traditional" musclecar choices. # 1. 1970-71 Pontiac Tempest T-37 Often called "The poor man's GTO" this car was built as a low-priced "insurance beater" performance package. These cars had bench seats instead of buckets, and the standard powertrain was a 350 V8 with a three-speed manual. However, the 400 and 455 V8s were optional, as was a Muncie 4-speed or Turbo 350 / 400 automatic. Prices will be higher than a plain-jane Tempest or LeMans, but still substantially cheaper than a GTO.  # 2 1971-72 Chevrolet "Heavy Chevy" Chevelle. These cars were Chevy's T-37. A 2 dr Malibu with the domed SS hood, blacked out grille, and 14 inch slotted rally wheels. Any engine from a 307 to a 402 was available, but most will have 350's. Again, may bring more than a base Malibu, but will be way cheaper than a same-year SS.  # 3. 1970 Olds Cutlass "Rallye 350". Not a 442, but still cool. These cars had a super loud Sebring Yellow monochromatic paint job, a "Judge" type rear spoiler, and a 310 hp 350 V8. I hate to be a broken record, but it has to be said-I'd pay more for one of these than a base Cutlass or F85, but not 442 or Hurst/Olds money. # 4 1967-68 Ford "California Special" Mustang. These notchback coupes had Shelby-style taillights, side scoops and graphics. Engine choices range from a 289 to a 390. 390 models will bring more green naturally. Again, worth more than a base Mustang, but not Shelby money. # 5 1974 Pontiac GTO. The coolest Nova you can buy outside of a Yenko Deuce. This is the year Pontiac based the GTO on the X-body ( read Nova ) platform. These cars had a Trans-Am style "Shaker" hood, unique graphics, and Radial Tuned Suspension that included front and rear sway bars. The only engine was a 350 Pontiac rated at 200 net hp, backed by a Turbo 350 or a four-speed. Since they only weighed about 3,200 lbs- they actually performed pretty good for the times-15 second 1/4 mile times. But magazine writers and Pontiac purists howled to the high heavens because the GTO was no longer based on the LeMans platform and had an engine under 400 cubes. So the package only lasted one year. Pontiac collectors snub these cars like the plague, so you can get one at a good price. And a 400 or 455 is a bolt-in swap. # 6 1978-79 Dodge Li'l Red Express Truck. These-short-bed, stepside half-ton pickups had a special red paint job, semi-like chrome exhaust stacks, chrome 15X8 wheels, LR60-15 tires and a hotted-up 360 V8, a Torqueflite and 3.55 rear end gears. Except for a Pontiac Trans-Am or L82 Corvette, this was the fastest american-made vehicle available those 2 years.  Any of these cars would be a way to have something you don't see every day for not a lot of money. Mastermind