One-hit wonders that might be a bargain

VH1 has a show called "One-Hit Wonders" where they talk about rock bands that exploded on the scene and then faded into obscurity after one or two records. Think the "Knack" and "My Sharona" or MC Hammer and "Can't touch this." There are some musclecars that for whatever reason-usually poor sales were only made for one or two years. However,they are good performers and can be great buys for the discerning buyer. # 1. 1970 Olds Cutlass Rallye 350. This package included a super loud Sebring Yellow paint job, body colored urethane coated bumpers, a "Judge" style rear spoiler and Super Stock wheels. The only engine was a 350 4bbl backed by a 4-speed or a TH350. Other than the paint job there's really nothing special about them; I certainly wouldn't pass up a great condition base model Cutlass for a ratty one of these; but if you can find one in good condition they are a cool ride.  # 2. 1970-71 Pontiac Tempest T-37. Buff magazines of the day called them the "Poor man's GTO." They were a strippy Tempest with a 350 V8 and a three-speed manual. However,the 400 and 455 V8s were optional, as were a 4-speed stick or 3-speed automatic. The same deal was offered in 1972, but the option was re-named "LeMans GT".  # 3. 1971 Dodge Charger Super Bee. This was the only year the Super Bee package was offered on the Charger instead of the Coronet. Engine choices included the standard 383, the 340 small-block, the 440 4bbl, the 440 Six-Pack and the 426 Hemi. Hemi and 440 models are priced in the stratosphere, but you can still find a good deal on 340 and 383 versions. # 4. 1973-75 Pontiac Grand Am. Touted to have the "Performance of a Trans Am, and the Luxury of a Gran Prix" these cars didn't sell well, because perfromance buyers bought T/A's and luxury buyers bought GP's. However, if you find one, they are a great car. 400 power standard all years with the 455 optional. Wrist-thick front and rear sway bars and front disc brakes gave them the handling to match. And the interiors are sumptuous. # 5. 1974 Pontiac GTO. Often called the "Best Nova Ever Built". This was the year that the GTO nameplate switched from the "A" body LeMans platform to the "X" body Ventura. Enthusiasts and magazine writers howled to the high heavens and derided the car. However-they actually stuck true to the original GTO concept-a powerful engine in a light car. The only engine was a 350 backed by a 4-speed or a TH350, they had T/A style front and rear sway bars, front disc brakes and a limited slip rear end. They also had a Trans-Am style "Shaker" hood scoop. Over 7,000 were built so if you find one they make a nice driver, or swapping in a 400 or 455 would make a killer sleeper as they only weigh about 3,200 lbs. # 6. 1977 Pontiac Can-Am. Hoping to cash in on the Trans-Am's popularity-this package was based on the LeMans. Special features included a T/A style "Shaker" hood, a "Ducktail" rear spoiler, a Gran Prix dash, and a white paint job with special stripes. Powertrain was a 400 Pontiac or 403 Olds backed by a TH400. Radial Tuned Suspension and Rally II wheels completed the package. The car was well-recieved by buyers and the automotive press; however a shortage of GP dashes and the mold for the rear spoiler breaking delayed production. Then the GM middies were downsized for 1978 which killed the package. # 7 1978-79 Dodge Li'l Red Express Truck. This was a 2-wheel drive short bed pickup with a trick Red and gold paint job, vertical Semi-style Exhaust stacks, a hotted up 360 V8 and Chrome wheels and Fat tires. Except for a WS6 Trans-Am or L82 Corvette, this was the fastest production American made vehicle those two years. They have kind of a "Cult" following so they might be a little pricey, but enough were made that you might find a deal. # 8. 1982 Chevrolet Corvette. This was the last year of the C3 body and the first year you could get a 4-speed automatic and "Cross-Fire" injection. They were ok performers-0-60 in the 7 second range; they'd make a nice cruiser and they are unique, and could be hopped up with a little work. However in stock trim the earlier carburated L82 and the later TPI L98 models will blow their doors off. This is why their snubbed by 'Vette collectors, but there's nothing wrong with them otherwise if you want a nice C3 'Vette. There's other "One-Hit Wonders" through the '80's and '90's, but that's another story. Mastermind