More Insurance Beaters....

Some other cars that could qualify as "Insurance Beaters"-these aren't quite as cool as the previous batch but you may find a great hot rod or a nice driver depending on how you want to use it. # 1. 1971-72 SS Chevelle. From 1965-1970 the letters SS on a Chevelle meant at least 396 cubes. Some marketing genius came up with the idea to offer the SS package on any V8 Malibu. So it was possible to have a mean-looking machine with a domed hood, blacked out grille, rally stripes, and white-letter tires on Rally wheels, with a 307 V8 under the hood that wheezed out 130 hp or a 2 bbl 350 that had 165. Most had 350 4 bbl power, and there were some 402 / 454 models built as well. The Rat motors bring big dollars, but you can usually find a deal on the small-block models, and there's more speed equipment available for a small-block Chevy than anything else on the planet.  # 2 1972-74 Dodge Challenger / Plymouth 'Cuda. The Hemi and the big blocks were gone after '71, but you could still get a 340 which in my opinion was the most balanced performers as they handled good too. And in all honesty Cudas and Challengers are light enough that even 318 models can really run with minor upgrades-4 bbl carb and intake, headers, mild cam. Some 1974 models will have 360s but it's a truck engine with a lazy cam.  # 3. 1970-77 Firebird Formula 350.  T/A's and Formula 400s get all the glory, but 350 Firebirds run pretty damn good stock, and respond well to basic hot rod tricks-4 bbl carb and intake, dual exhaust, mild cam etc. You can get 325-350 hp and 400 lbs ft of torque from a 350 Pontiac pretty easily. More than that you'll need a 400 or 455.  # 4. 1968-74 Chevy Nova. Novas are about 600 lbs lighter than a Chevelle, and any suspension or brake upgrades that fit a Camaro / Firebird fit these cars so they have awesome potential. Most have 350 power, so you can't ask for a better base for a street machine. The "SS" package is mostly an appearance package, ( no Rat Motors after 1970 ) but it looks cool if you find a deal on one.  # 5. 1971-74 Pontiac Ventura / 1973-74 Olds Omega. These were Pontiac and Olds versions of the Nova. A lot have 250 inch Chevy sixes under the hood. The ones to look for are the 350 V8 models. In '74 Pontiac put the GTO name on the Ventura. These had a 350 V8 with a 4-speed or a TH350 , Rally wheels and a Trans-Am style shaker hood.  7,058 were built. Roy Scheider drove a Ventura in the awesome chase scene in the "Seven-Ups".  # 6. 1975-76 Chevy Monza with California emissions. These diamonds slipped through because of smog laws. The 262 and 305 V8 "economy" engines weren't EPA certified for California. If you ordered a V8 Monza in California you got a 350!!  Called the "factory V8 Vega" by the buff magazines these little cars can really rock with minor work-intake, exhaust and an axle ratio change. Dynamite if you can find one.