After two weeks of vacation overseas, it’s time to talk AutoHunter Picks. Though faced with a barrage of cars that would make most Americans cry, I emerged back to the States uncorrupted, still filled with the same vim and vigor that shows me to be a product of the Great American V8.
Thought not all the cars here have V8s, they all tug at my strings and are worthy of spreading the word to the world. Which one is your favorite?
1962 Mercedes-Benz 220SE
Mercedes introduced the W111 coupe early in 1961, initially available as a 220 SE, then 250 SE, 280 SE and, finally, 280 SE 3.5 through 1971. That’s a long run, but we’re talking about Mercedes here, which traditionally made marginal changes to improve the breed. Thanks to conservative styling, these did not age as poorly the sedan with its nubile fins, which was updated for 1966.
I’m a sucker for a cool coupe, and I love Euro-spec headlights, so this Mercedes checks all the boxes for me. Other notable features include a nifty Pastel Blue with red interior trim combination (though originally a black car) and, of course, fuel injection. Not a scorcher by any means, this Merc was built to plug along Wilshire and impress the ladies at the hair salon with your dignity and style.
1966 Pontiac GTO
I might as well say it now, but the 1966 GTO (along with the Grand Prix) featured among the nicest taillights of the era. Those squinty, semi-hidden lenses look cool and show the creativity that was put into the styling. Certainly, it doesn’t hurt that everything else about the GTO is fantastic, from its Coke-bottle flanks to its tasteful use of chrome. No wonder Pontiac sold almost 100,000 of ‘em!
While this Goat is not quite stock, it does have the bones to be a terror on the street thanks to the 428. Though never available on the GTO (and not appearing until 1967), you’ll find a faction of Poncho fans who feel the 428 has the best combination of bore and stroke in Pontiacland. I probably would hunt down some Day 2 parts to give it more vintage appeal, so I see tons of potential for fun.
1933 Willys Coupe
I’ve never been into race cars, which also means I’ve never been into Willys. Can’t say I remember seeing any (stock or modified) at shows when I was younger, and the Jeep-derived vehicles never were of any interest anyway. But then, while I was at the Chrysler Nationals at Carlisle I went to the York US 30 Reunion show and had my mind blown. Willys galore!
While not a Gasser, this ’33 Willys coupe (a fiberglass replica — just learned those exist) features everything that’s great about modified Willys: small stature and a ton of horsepower with a dose of Art Deco and streamlining thrown in. Though more hot rod than drag racer (air conditioning and power windows are but some features), the 350 small-block features the usual cast of thousands is enough for some solid Banzai romps.
1969 Chevrolet Camaro
When it comes to vehicles of the 1960s, there are few cars as iconic as the 1969 Camaro. Though some may argue the 1967-68s featured better styling, clearly there’s a segment that absolutely loves the 1969 updates, which makes the ‘69 more unique than the others. The Z/28’s increased visibility and popularity also helped the 1969 Camaro become the seminal classic that it is.
I personally prefer the earlier Rally Sports, but this coupe pulls me in. From outward appearances, it doesn’t look like much — just a 307-powered car — but this one has a great color (code 72 Hugger Orange) with a great interior (code 713 black houndstooth seats), plus the Z21 Style Trim group (X11 on the data plate), which means it has sill and trim moldings to brighten things up. Pray that no one clones this into a COPO!
