More "Rodney Dangerfields" that are good buys!

A few days ago we touched on cars that were treated like Rodney Dangerfield ("No Respect") but were still good buys for the bargain-hunting musclecar buyer. Here's a few more. # 1. 1971-73 Mercury Cougar. People will fight with machetes for a clean 1967-70 Cougar, but these are overlooked, bringing way less money. Even a 71-73 Mustang will bring way more money than these, yet their basically the same car. The Cougar has always been to the Mustang what the Firebird is to the Camaro; the better buy of the two. While the base engine in a Mustang these years was a 200 or 250 inch six, the standard engine in a Cougar was a 302 V8, with the mighty 351C optional, and most of them were optioned this way. Cougars also usually have upgraded interiors, full guages,factory air, front disc brakes, etc. If you can't afford a Mustang, or just want something unique these last of the muscle cougars (1974-76 models are based on the heavier and uglier Lincoln MKIV platform ) might be the way to go. # 2. 1973-77 Pontiac "A" body. This includes the Gran Prix, LeMans, LeMans Sport, and Grand Am models. While 454 Malibus and Monte Carlos, and 455 Cutlasses and Regals of this vintage are scarce and overpriced-95% of these have 350 inchers under the hood- the Pontiacs are a steal. Most have the mighty 400 as standard equipment,and a lot of 455 models are out there. The Pontiacs also had wrist-thick front and rear sway bars ( "Radial Tuned Suspension" ) and upgraded interiors. Any aftermarket suspension or brake upgrades that fit a Monte Carlo also fit these cars. # 3. 1975-79 GM "X" Body. This includes Novas, Venturas, Omegas, and Apollos. For some reason people will pay way more for a 1968-74 model than they will for these. I guess it's the "Classic" bodystyle. From a car-builder standpoint I find that funny because the older models were often strippy, six-cylinders models with 4-wheel drum brakes and no power steering. The later ones had front disc brakes and power steering standard, and most of them were V8 models. Regardless of nameplate, because of smog laws and GM playing musical engines in the late '70's a lot these will have small-block Chevys under the hood; which if anything, is a plus factor. Many suspension or brake upgrades that fit a Camaro also fit these cars so you could build a drag-racer or a Porsche-hunting G-machine if you wanted. # 4. 1979, 1982-86 Mercury Capri. That's not a typo; I said Capri. In these years a Capri was a Mustang clone, and you could get a 302 V8. 1979 and 82 models have a 2bbl carb ( an easy fix ) and either a 4-speed stick or three-speed auto. 1983-86 models have a 4bbl and a 5-speed, or a 4-speed automatic. Anything that fits a Fox Mustang fits these cars, so your performance potential is virtually unlimited, yet they are way cheaper than a same-year Mustang, which are reasonable to begin with!  # 5. 1982 Z/28 Camaro / Firebird Trans-Am. This was the first year of the new bodystyle-( The previous ran from 1970-81 ) that lasted until 1992. The only engines were a carburated 305, or a Cross-Fire injected 305, and the only transmissions were a 4-speed stick or three-speed automatic, and the Cross-Fire injection wasn't available with a stick. These cars are snubbed by enthusiasts in favor of the 1983 and later 5-speed stick and 4-speed automatic versions with the carburated L69 "H.O." 305 or 1985 and later LB9 Tuned Port Injected models. However, they came standard with the good suspension, posi rear ends, 4-wheel disc brakes were optional, and there are a million ways to build power into a small-block Chevy. # 6. 1984 Corvette. The first year of the C4 bodystyle and the only year of the Cross-fire injected 350 in this body. Most were 4-speed automatics, but there are a few with the "4+3" stick shift with overdrive in the top 3 gears. These cars are snubbed by 'Vette collectors in favor of the 1985 and later TPI L98 and LT1 models, which makes these a screaming bargain. I have seen these on used car lots as low as $2995! And again, there is a myriad of aftermarket equipment. Mastermind