Sometimes the "Real Deal" is the better deal!

I see musclecars going for insane prices in magazines and on the speed channel auctions, and as I've discussed people are even paying insane money for base models-i.e. Non-SS 350 Malibus etc. However, sometimes in the craziness people overlook bargains on the genuine article.  Now I'm not going to tell you stories about $500 57 Corvettes or $1000 Hemi Cudas, the cars I'm talking about go for sometimes big money, but less than you'd think, and sometimes less than base models. Here's some examples.             #1. 1969-70 Shelby GT350 Mustang. I know you'd never think you'd see a Shelby on a "Bargain" list but here it is. These have the 290 hp 351W for power and either a Top-Loader 4-speed or an FMX 3-speed automatic for trannys. I personally think these are the best-looking of all the Shelby Mustangs. I have seen rough but running examples for around 15-20K and I have seen pristine, low-mileage examples for around 40-45K. In between I've seen "Driver Quality" versions-i.e.-not a concours show car, but still in great condition for around 30-35K. That's not cheap, but try to touch any other Shelby for under 100 grand. Boss 302s or even 428 Mach 1s bring over 50 grand if their in top condition. Ironically I see earlier 289 fastbacks, or later 351CJ versions sometimes bringing more than this model. Weird, but good if you want one.   # 2. 1970-73 Pontiac Trans-Am.  "Disco Era" or "Smokey and the Bandit" T/A's are making a comeback, and their values are rising to insane levels. Don't get me wrong, their great cars with a lot of potential, but I've seen 1979 models sell for $24,000 at auction with a 185 hp,403 Olds engine, aTH350 and 2.56:1 gears.  At the same auction a 335hp RAIII, TH400 1970 model sold for $21,000.  I've seen 1978 400, 4-speed WS6 models go for $30,000. I've also seen 1971 455HO models go for $32,000.  I mean which you rather have?  Again, that's not cheap but I'd damn sure rather have a Ram Air III, 455HO or 455SD version than an 8:1 180-220 hp smogger 400 or 403 Olds model.  # 3. 1966-67 426 Hemi Belvedere or Coronet. Never thought you'd see a Hemi car on a Bargain list. It depends on what you consider a bargain. I have seen, documented, low-mileage examples of these cars in Hemmings for $50-60K.  That's definitely not chump change, but when you consider that any "Real" Hemi Road Runner, Charger or Challenger in top condition brings 250K on up, and "Clones" with Mopar Performance crate Hemis are bringing 100K, that's a screaming bargain. # 4. 1968-72 Olds 442 . I know that I'm comparing this one to "Sister" cars, but it applies. I have seen 1970 W30 455, 4-speed models in excellent condition sell for 35K. Try to find an LS6 Chevelle or RAIV GTO for under 50K. If you can live with a base-engine 400 or 455 442, the gap really widens. I've seen nice 442s of this vintage selling all day long for 12-20K.  Try to find a same-year SS396 or GTO in the same condition for under 25 large. # 5. 1973-74 Z/28 Camaro. Like their Pontiac Trans-Am cousins, the "Disco" models are making a comeback. I've seen 1979 models going for $20,000 plus at auctions. The 73-74 models go for about the same. However, the 1977-80 models are powered by the "generic" 180hp L48 pickup/Impala/station wagon 350 that was used in every Chevy built from 1971 until 1986, and have catylitic converters and smog gear out the wazoo. The 73-74 models had the L82 Corvette engine which had 4-bolt mains, a steel crank, forged pistons, "2.02" heads, and the "350hp" L46 cam, with catalyst-free dual exhausts, backed up by a 4-speed or an automatic with 3.42 or 3.73 gears. And they were much better looking and had cleaner styling than the later ones, that were trying to have more scoops and spoilers and be gaudier than the Trans-Am. Which one would you rather have?  Sometimes the term "Stepping over dollars to pick up dimes" really is true. Mastermind