Good Starter Yank Tank?

[cjhillman]

This is just a thought but, if I wanted to replace my Focus with something yank (if it dies at the MOT) for say 6 months or a year. What are good starter Yank cars that wouldnt cost the earth to buy and run to get that kind of vibe?

The main reasons i want one are... Bench seat, Auto column change mainly... generaly for cruising around in as i guess yank v8 noises and grunt would but out of reach. I would have to do a fair few miles in it probably here and there unless i use my old 1.1 Escort. 

[Dez]

from the pics you want something a bit curse word/garish and 80s?

if so, buy a G-body. chevy monte carlo, pontiac grand prix, buick regal. loads of parts interchangability, easy to get parts even over here, lots get broken up as engine donors and bangered. proper simple mechanicals but with all the ingredients you require. even v8 ones are pretty cheap.

[VIP]

Dec 6, 2015 14:34:34 GMT Dez said:

from the pics you want something a bit curse word/garish and 80s?

if so, buy a G-body. chevy monte carlo, pontiac grand prix, buick regal.

You forgot Oldsmobile Cutlass.

[Rusted Pistons]

I run a 92 Lincoln Towncar as a daily. It's LPG converted and averages the equivalant of about 30mpg. Stick around 30 miles a day on it and it's been great. Had a few issues but nothing major. Needed a ball joint for its mot, got it from eBay, no probs. Had a problem recently where the light switch burnt out (I'll update my reader's rides soon) but I ordered one from RockAuto online and it arrived in about 3 weeks, so it wasn't out of action too long.

It's a bit big for carparks but that doesn't stop me. Usually sticks out about 3 foot and is a few inches from the lines either side. It's a bit hairy going through thin country lanes, not just the hulking size, but the inaccurate vague steering not allowing me to be as precise as I'd like! I've put new lower ball joints on it, had it laser aligned, new tyres and regreased every joint and its still got about 2" play in the steering. It's got 145k on it now, I'd imagine the steering box could be tweaked but in all honesty it was probably never particularly precise!

You can fit 6 people in it, and the boot can hold so much curse word it's unbelievable! Just smashed up two 7' wardrobes and took them to the tip in one go. Chopped up a 3 seater and 2 seater coach and got them both in, too!

It has a 4.6 litre modular V8 which, although not the most powerful, has torque for days! Instant throttle response, and it launches off the line when you want it to, which always impresses me for a 19' long, 2 tonne battleship. Just realised I've waffled for ages but Strictly's on so I may as well! Hope some of this helped!

[gazz81]

Got to be a fox body Mustang!

and I'm sure they did it in rhd too

[dodgerover]

what about an Aussie, like a yank but rhd?

[cjhillman]

Great responses guys thanks!! The square 70s/80s one are what i think of tbh. I think i just saw a lot of them in films as a kid and think they might be attainable . The Oldsmobile Cutlass is great but probably out of the price range.

It interesting to hear about the Lincoln on LPG. i remember a few years ago looking at volvos on LPG and people telling me to stay away from them but, on a V8 i cant see anyway around the cost of running one.

I don't know a lot about Aussie cars but, will do my research.

Just having a look around on the net and saw some stuff that fits the bill...

www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C670167 ( Probably the best one)

www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C676922# ( Estates are great as I'm a musician!)