In acting, it’s known as typecasting: someone is so perfect for a typical type of role that they are always chosen for that kind of gig and not chosen for others. For example, John Wayne would always be typecast as the solid, white-hat cowboy type that spoke little but spoke strong. Can you picture The Duke playing Willy Wonka or in a slapstick comedy? No…though, if you sort back through history a little, Mel Brooks did approach him about playing a role in the movie Blazing Saddles, and even though he turned it down, telling Brooks that the movie was too raunchy for him but that he’d “be the first in line to see it”.

I don’t know if there is a word that aligns “typecasting” with what is going on in this situation, but it feels pretty damn close. My inboxes started blowing up with another orphaned, unloved Chrysler Corporation product, a project that if completed (“if”…) would be a rolling badass, something unique and potentially inspirational. Right, sit down here for a minute and let me tell you all about the fun that comes with that kind of decision making skill. Trust me, I have a Ph.D in Bad Chrysler Decisions, and forget the Patron Saint of Automotive Lost Causes, half the time I’m Captain Save-a-Wreck. So for all of you who sent this Mirada into my inboxes…well, I’d respond, but I’ve been warned by those who are in charge of me that the language I’d use will never be tolerated. Ever.

What we have here is a 1980 Dodge Mirada in T-top form. Great. One Chrysler J-body in rear-wheel-drive form, combined with the biggest reason I miss my 1987 Monte Carlo SS, the T-tops. At some point in this car’s life, it was treated to the Pro Street look of the day, complete with shifted leaf springs, a Ford 8.8 rear axle, and some cage work in the interior. There’s no engine, no transmission, no rear fender extensions and no surprise about that part one bit, I’m pretty sure they were composed of wet cardboard and a quick spray of a rubberizer to make them look legit. Since the car is from Ohio, there is a bit of body rot, but there is also a parts car with a full interior included in the deal and a set of really decent looking Cragar SS/T wheels available for an extra cost.

I need another project like I need a hole in the head. And I’ll have a few holes in my head courtesy of an ice pick if two dead Dodges show up in my yard, I promise you that. So do me a favor, please: Build it yourself. One 360ci V8, one transmission of your choice, and go have fun with a car that isn’t too valuable to put tons upon tons of miles on.

eBay Link: 1980 Dodge Mirada, with parts car