Diego’s AutoHunter Picks

This week on AutoHunter, we have several unique vehicles (save one) that aren’t on everyone’s radar. AutoHunter doesn’t get many Nashes, if not cars from the 1920s. And an International that’s not a Scout is a nice rarity for those into trucks. And then there’s the Datsun sports car that has received an injection (pun not intended) of modern engineering.

For once, the Mustang is the odd-man out. Which of the quartet do you prefer?

1925 Nash Advanced Six Roadster
Sometimes Nash doesn’t get any love because of its later association with American Motors (which may be the King of the Unloved). Before Ramblers and the goofy Airflyte sedans (which I think are pretty cool), Nash was a solid middle-class brand with lots to love, such as Weather Eye, the first flow-through ventilation system in 1938 (with a thermostat added the following year), and unibody construction in 1941.

The Advanced Six was Nash’s top-of-the-line series for 1925, sitting above the Special Six and entry-level Ajax brand. In an era where the class of a car was implied by the number of cylinders and wheelbase length, the 1925 Nash earned its name thanks to a new 60-horsepower OHV 249cid straight-six with seven main bearings. Four-wheel drum brakes are hidden by the optional Budd discs. Not many roadsters like this survive — someone in Internet-land has gotta preserve Nash heritage!

1970 International 1200D 4X4
We all know the Scout, but what about the 1000D? It was International’s series of pickup trucks, with versions between 1000 and 1500 determining the weight ratings, Available wheelbases were 115, 119, 131, 149, 156, and 164 inches, with engines ranging from a 266cid V8 to a 304, 345, or 392, plus a 304 that used liquid petroleum gas. That’s a lot of customization, though truck fans should not be surprised.

The 1200D was International’s ¾-ton model, and this 1970 4X4 was built on a 131-inch wheelbase and powered by a 392cid V8 backed by a Borg-Warner three-speed automatic with dual-range transfer case. Other features are a long bed, power steering and brakes, upgraded Kenwood AM/FM/cassette, and Ford aluminum wheels, among others. Truly a unique machine among the Chevys and Fords.

1968 Ford Mustang California Special
Despite the name, these Mustangs were sold outside of California. And despite the GT/CS decals, most of them did not have the GT package. Other than the striping, Shelby scoop and taillights, and European fog lights, the California Special was just your average Mustang coupe. That’s not a bad thing considering few collector cars are as popular or numerous.

Yet if Mustang coupes make you yawn, then a California Special should be an exception. Painted in Presidential Blue with two-tone Aqua interior, this one is certainly a looker. Power comes from a rebuilt (bored 30 over) 289 V8 with Holley Street Avenger two-barrel backed by a C4 automatic. A Classic Auto Air climate control system keeps things cool for you Boomers.

1969 Datsun 2000 Roadster
As you may have read in the past, I have never felt the pull of little sports cars, and the ones from Japan are no exception. A case could be made cars like this Datsun are better and more reliable than their British or Italian counterparts, but that doesn’t make a difference to me, even if its styling was better than most Japanese cars that were imported to the U.S. in the era.

But this 1969 Datsun 2000 roadster is different: someone upgraded the original 2.0 SOHC inline-four to an SR20DE, which translates to a 2.0-liter DOHC with electronic fuel injection that was used throughout the 1990s. It is paired to a five-speed manual, which was a stock unit back in the day. Other tasteful mods include seven-spoke 14-inch aluminum wheels and roll bar. This car looks like a load of fun!