Some one or two year "less than premium" models that can be cool and unique...

Every manufacturer had some "budget" hot rods that were pretty cool and priced less than the top of the line models. These can be fun rides not- "cookie-cutter" rods that you see at every "Show-n-Shine" every weekend. Here's some of my personal favorites in no particular order. # 1. 1970-71 Pontiac Tempest T37, 1972 LeMans GT.  The buff magazines called these the "Poor Man's GTO". You got a 2 door Tempest coupe with a 350 V8 and a 3-speed stick, although you could also get a 4-speed or an automatic, and a 400 or a 455. In 1972 the "T37" moniker was dropped, but the "LeMans GT" was the same basic package. Cool because their NOT a GTO that someone gussied up like a Judge.  #2. 1971-72 "Heavy Chevy". These were a 2 dr Malibu with an SS style domed hood,a blacked out grille, hood pins,slotted 14" Rally Wheels and "Heavy Chevy" badging. Most have 350 small-block motivation which certainly isn't a bad thing, and some have 402 Rat motors. 6,727 were built in '71 and another 3,000 or so in '72, so their not a moon rock. I wouldn't pay "SS" money for one-but they are cooler than a garden-variety Malibu. #3. 1971-72 "Rally Nova". These were a 2 dr Nova with slotted 14" Rally Wheels, a blacked out grille, and a Black Stripe down the side that said- duh-"Rally Nova". Most have the ubuiquitous 350 for power. I personally think they have cleaner styling than the SS model-with it's fake hood scoops and side louvers.  # 4. 1971-72 Satellite Sebring. These look just like a Road Runner, and a lot of them have 383 or 400 cubes under the hood. 318 models are dirt cheap, and you could swap in a stompin' 360 or 360 based stroker pretty easily. # 5. 1971-72 Dodge Demon. These were the Dodge Boys response to the 340 Duster that was wildly successful in 1970. Besides the potent 340 V8, these cool rides had a scooped hood, a Go-Wing spoiler, special stripes, and cool little "Demon" holding a Pitchfork emblems. Even in the '70's Political correctness ruined things. A bunch of Christian groups complained and Chrysler caved in to the pressure, so the "Demon" moniker was dropped and the name changed to "Dart Sport" for 1973. Much Cooler than a Duster in my book. Mr Norm's Grand Spaulding Dodge even put Paxton Superchargers on a few and called them "Demon GSS". # 6. 1972-73 Mercury Montego GT. David Pearson had great success in NASCAR in one of these fastback coupes. I think their better looking than their more sought after Torino cousins. Most will have 351C power which is if anything, a plus factor. A few were built with 429s, but they may be pricey-and Ironically-the 351C was rated at 266 hp and the 429 was only rated at 205. I'd paint one like the Pearson's "Wood Brothers" racer-ala-Popular Hot Rodding's "Project Talledega".  All of these cars offer a lot of bang for the buck and are something you don't see everyday.  Mastermind