From the start, I will say this: I do not condone the combination of an older body theme onto a newer body. It makes me cringe to see any of them. But when it comes to the game of “Would You Rather?”, my opinions get launched out of the window. Your options today are two hybrids of the 1950’s and the 1990’s that were slammed together into one car. Both of these are compromises that suggest that you couldn’t afford the older car, or at least didn’t want to be bothered with modifying an older car. You get the choice of picking which car you’d drive to the car show. Let’s take a look at our contenders, both of which come by way of a company called Easy Rods:
1. “Belaro”
The fourth-generation F-car has a slightly maligned reputation: mullet ride, Tupperware muscle car, trailer park special…which is sad for what is one of the top dollar to horsepower ratio cars you can find. Early versions go for a song and even clean last-year high-end versions are easy scores. But the styling, which looks like the worlds angriest doorstop, isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. That can be changed, however, by turning your Camaro into a Bel Air. Just drop the top and nobody will be the wiser. At least this one comes with a six-speed manual and a healthy small-block right out of the box if you bought the right car to convert.
2. “49-51 Ford”
The entry price to a decent 1950’s Ford custom can be start deep in the five figure range. But let’s say that your overall budget is about fifteen grand at best, but you really want that look. Here’s your option: take any Thunderbird (or Cougar, if the notchback suits you), spend just about $4,000 on the replacement body panels and you can end up with your compromise. The 2v 4.6L V8 isn’t much to write home about but the 4V version fits. If you want a manual trans you can either use a Super Coupe or fab up the pedals from a Mustang Cobra.
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little.
You forgot the Rodster. Blazer/Street Rod monstrosity.
NOT!
The early Ford / Thunderbird: Blech.
The ’57 Chevy on a Camaro: BLEEEEEEEEEEECCCCCCCCCCCCHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
So the T-bird wins.
I wouldn’t build anything cross generation cars. It’s the same thing as putting engines in cars from another manufacturer as far as I’m concerned.. It should never happen.
But to each their own. If that’s the way the boys building them want them then it’s their business.
Ew, neither. Though I’ve had two F-bodies (’91 & ’99) and a ’95 T-Bird, and the T-Bird was a far better car in every way except acceleration.
Seeing these cars makes me want to punch babies….
I’d rather have a TRAR than one of these ugly concoctions. I’d also lump these current Camaro turned TransAM/GTO creations. If you want an old car, buy one!
Still haven’t aeen a single one that didnt look like some kind of automotive genetic lab accident.
Got a ’94 Z28 and 95 Formula LT1 – great cars, go good, look good
If, at gun point, I had to choose one of these gag enducing abortions…I would have to just pick the “57” assuming it had an 8 and a manual trans…it would/should perform better than the T-bird…..
So cars can wear Halloween costumes. I suppose I could drive one of these while wearing a mask.
There is a T-Bird-to-50 amalgam running around the NW Houston area as a daily driver. Appears to be a 3.8L V-6 version. Gotta hand it to the owner for driving it everyday.
That still doesn’t make it right, though.
These cars are abominations. For the life of me I can’t understand why? Why would anyone do this to a f-body or even a Thunderbird. That being said I guess I would drive the Belaro because it’s faster and a convertible.
Don’t forget those under-powered & ugly Fiero Lambo conversions.
uh….is catching the bus one of the choices?
one word…. thundercougerfalconbird
While neither are very appealing I’d go with the Belaro and drop the top then at least you can appreciate the rest design
Pass the eye bleach, please? I can’t see it through my tears.
Those cars are awful.
Oh great! Two more THINGS I can’t un-see!
Neither one they’re both fugly.
I say T-Bird, only because it’s slightly more subtle so hopefully wouldn’t draw as much finger pointing and laughter.
uhhhh….. neither but maybe this “Nomad” Caprice design by Thom Taylor http://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-Chevrolet-Bel-Air-150-210-/251698254465?&_trksid=p2056016.m2518.l4276