During one of many late Friday night film screenings, I was asked which car I’d take as we watched the movie Joe Dirt. Far as I care, there’s three to pick from: The 1967 Plymouth droptop with the Hemi, town a-hole Robby’s 1979 Trans-Am and the car you see first and foremost in the film, the absolutely ragged 1969 Dodge Daytona, complete with the rear-high stance, the mismatched panels and the appearance that it was last washed, cleaned or even cared for in 1977. C’mon, it’s me we’re talking about. I’d take the Daytona clone in half a second and the only change I’d make, really, would be to find a set of Cragars for the front to ditch the steel wheels that were on the movie car. I’ve got a soft spot for the rough-and-ready machines that most would align with trailer parks and mullets. They’re cars you can have fun in. If you’ve got a restored 1969 whatever, cool, that’s great. But you’re going to treat it like a restored 1969 whatever, caring for it, loving it, treating it right. By comparison, that ragged out thing is ready right now, with donuts, brodies and general fun to be had.
Okay, so I fell in love with this 1972 Pontiac LeMans on site. The claim is a 454 that is thumping out over 600 horsepower. Not to be a stickler, but I’d want proof, But even if that’s an optimistic claim, the rest of the car is calling too. The interior has seen some love…a bit mismatched, maybe, but it’s serviceable and a good starting point for any kind of re-working you have in mind. We’d go ahead and finish off the black paint job so that the Monarch Yellow doesn’t peek through, and would make a call for matching wheels. I’m leaning towards the Cragars myself.
$5,000 even for a big-block A-body. That’s the whole budget, but that’s a hell of a car. What say you?
Obviously you’d wanna see it and drive it, but judging (and that’s exactly what it is) by the surroundings I’d bet a legit $3,800 offer would get it.
Also, I assume the SKYNRYD TOUR 2000 sticker has worn off and the Sudafed wrappers have been swept out.
None of which is to indicate that I don’t dig it, I do!
Where can I see this car? My brother in law bought one new fresh out of the army in 72. Had it 25 yrs then sold it to a guy who made a goat clone of it and sold. BIL wishes he’d never sold it. Like to see if its worth buying to restore and then give it to him. BTW, I’m also a pontiac fanatic. Love those ponchos.
Where can I see this car? My brother in law bought one new fresh out of the army in 72. Had it 25 yrs then sold it to a guy who made a goat clone of it and sold. BIL wishes he’d never sold it. Like to see if its worth buying to restore and then give it to him. BTW, I’m also a pontiac fanatic. Love those ponchos.
Unless someone transplanted a 70 nose on a 72 body, that is a 70 Lemans! I cant see enough detail on body to be sure but, definitely a 70 nose which I like better anyway. Check the frame just below the the back of the front fenders there is a tendency to rot out at that point.
A friend of mine had a ’72 Lemans GT ; Brand New in high school. That’s difinitely a 1970, as the ’70 Tempest/Lemans had the wide narrow grilles. In ’71 and ’72 they had a taller grille that sloped from the center towards the headlights. His ’72 was 4-speed ; with I think 3.55 gears and a 350 two barrel. — The car was a month old when he put Thrush mufflers on it , Edelbrock intake, and a Carter AFB. The car came “Alive” with the 4 barrel and glasspacks !!! The Pontiac dealer (Banyas Pontiac, Chillicothe, Ohio – gone) cancelled his warranty… But it was a really nice car and he never had any trouble with it. It turned mid 14’s in the quarter and got good mileage. –Tim C
You could buy this and then the Chevelle from Copart in other article and put the two together into a decant ride.