More one or two year wonders that might be cool...

A friend reminded me of some other overlooked one or two year wonders that I didn't include in the previous post.  Here they are, in no particular order. # 1. 1967-68 "California Special" Mustang. These coupes had Shelby-style side scoops and taillights, special striping and rally wheels. Most were 289 powered, but a few had 390s. Their a little cooler than a base-model Mustang, but I wouldn't pay Shelby money for one-other than the taillights and scoops their really nothing special, but they are unique.  # 2. 1968-70 "W31" Cutlass / F85. These "Insurance Beaters" ( Insurance companies were jacking up the rates on musclecars; especially anything with an engine 400 cubes or more ) were a base-model Cutlass-contrary to popular belief-they are NOT a 442 in any way, shape or form. They have a 350 V8 with special heads, a hot 308 degree cam, an aluminum high-rise intake, special exhaust manifolds, and was so radical that it was only available with a 4-speed and 3.90:1 or 4.33:1 gears! They were grossly under-rated at 325 hp. ( The standard "station wagon" 350 had 310 hp; all that trick stuff was only worth 15 hp? Please.)  The "Catch 22" is-Olds collectors covet them so badly, that they usually bring the same amount of money as a 400 or 455 powered 442. Dynamite if you can find one at a reasonable price.  # 3. 1971-72 Dodge Demon. After the phenomenal sales success of the 1970 340 Plymouth Duster-the Dodge boys decided they wanted a piece of the action. The Demon was basically a Duster with a Dart grille, a scooped hood, a go-wing spoiler, and striping and a cool little grinning Devil holding a pitchfork emblems. And the high-winding 340 V8. Some Christian groups griped about the "Demon" name and the emblems, and Chrysler caved into the pressure and the name was changed to "Dart Sport" for 1973. Since Chrysler went bankrupt a few years later-where were all the "Christian" buyers they were supposedly catering to?  Anyhow-they are cooler than a 340 Duster if you can find one.  # 4. 1977 Pontiac Can-Am. Trying to capitalize on the Trans-Am's immense popularity, Pontiac came up with this performance package for the LeMans. Power was a 400 Pontiac V8 ( or a 403 Olds in California or High Altitude areas ) backed by a TH400 with a shift kit. Styling touches included a Trans-Am style "Shaker" hood scoop, a "Ducktail" rear spoiler, a Gran Prix dash panel, body-colored Rally II wheels, and "Judge" style striping. Since the GM "A" bodies-Chevelle, LeMans, Cutlass, Monte Carlo, Regal, etc were downsized, and for some odd reason re-named "G" bodies-for 1978-it only lasted one season. They have a ton of potential if you can find one. There are a million ways to build power into a Pontiac V8, and any suspension or brake upgrades that fit a Chevelle will fit these cars.  # 5. 1979 Chrysler 300. These were based on the Cordoba platform and included an E58 360 Police Interceptor V8, a Torqueflite and a 3.21:1 Sure-Grip rear end. Trim included special Rally Wheels, a special white paint job and a red leather interior. If a gussied-up Cordoba tickles your fancy-here's your ride. # 6. 1984-86 Ford Mustang SVO. These had a Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 175-205 hp depending on year, 16" aluminum wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes, and Recaro seats. Since the "5.0" V8 models were both faster and several thousand dollars cheaper the SVO's didn't sell well when they were new. If you can find one today they are a fun ride, and the Ford 4-banger has a bulletproof bottom-end if you want to turn up the boost.  # 7. 2003-2004 Mercury Marauder. These were supposed to be a tribute to the old full-size musclecars like the Pontiac 2+2, the Impala SS, and the original Mercury Marauder. Ford hoped they'd sell as well as the LT1 Impala SS did in the '90's.  They were based on the Crown Victoria platform and included the 302 hp 4.6 liter V8 out of the Mustang Cobra, a 4-speed automatic with a high-stall converter, 18" chrome wheels and fat tires, and a special interior with Auto Meter guages. Strangely-Ford never promoted the cars-I don't think I ever even saw a single road test in any of the buff magazines. Then they were shocked when they didn't sell!!  If you can find one-they are better performers than a "cop car" Crown Vic.  Mastermind