Ever fall for an "ugly" car?

[audiman08]

I saw an old Oldsmobile the other day, an early eighties model... No, they are not that collectible, most people (including my wife) would say they are ugly/dated, the 350/307 V8s aren't that powerful, and most car guys would scoff if you brought one to a car show...but something inside me likes these Toronados. I dated a girl once who had one of these early "downsized" GMs and I really liked it. If I ever have more money than sense, I will probably buy one:

Not the same car but:



I also like a few other "undesirable" American cars, I dunno...

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Yeah, a 914. I ended up selling it though. But I'll get another someday.

[scottmandue]

I had one of these, wish I never sold it:



I paid $600, put a battery in it and away I went.

Park it anywhere with the windows down without a worry, most carefree car I ever had.

The manual brakes and steering were a bit much to handle.

[EarlyPorsche]

Old American iron is good because no matter how it runs at least you are comfortable, have a soft suspension and steerings, and ice cold AC. What kind of an idiot would buy a tiny 6-cylinder car with a super clattery sounding engine!?

[dhoward]

Olds Toronado.
I owned two in the 80's. Nice luxury car. great ride, good power, front wheel drive. Down trim version of Cadillac Eldorado.

[Rikao4]

Jay Leno and GM tweaked a Toronado..
thing just lays rubber forever..
around 1000 HP
Corvette susp.

Rika

[Z-man]

I owned a 1973 VW Fastback. The car's ad slogan was, "It's Ugly, but it gets you There!"
Although I owned the car, I didn't really "fall" for it.
The ad:


The car:


Some ugly cars I've fallen for:
1984 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds:


Studebaker Avanti II:


VW Thing:


The Trabant:


Ugly? I'd rather call my tastes eclectic!

-Z-man.

[Tobra]

Raymond Loewy was a genius, I love Avantis and the Studie Hawks

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by dhoward

Olds Toronado.
I owned two in the 80's. Nice luxury car. great ride, good power, front wheel drive. Down trim version of Cadillac Eldorado.

The Eldorados are nice too, but I like the Toro's styling better. I've heard the Olds engines (except for the Diesel) are supposed to be a little more rugged than the Cadillac 368.

[azasadny]

I had one of these and loved it! My wife insisted it was ugly... Mine was a hardtop...

[Brillo]

I have wanted one of these since they were new.

[GH85Carrera]

Some people with bad taste think my El Camio is ugly. I love the way it looks.

I have owned it for 19 years and it is my daily driver. 289,000 miles and going strong on the original 305.

[Rick V]

Yeah this thing, 82-Z28. The 305 didn't last long and was replaced with a 73 Pontiac LT350. It would at least get out of it's own way then.

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by Brillo

I have wanted one of these since they were new.

This was featured in Hemmings Classic Car this month...the bustleback's not bad but I wish a coupe version was made.

[A930Rocket]

I bought one of those from a friends dad. Same 2 tone black and silver color. It had been stolen and recovered. New tires/wheels, paint, radio and steering column and I was good to go. Had a Bose big stereo in it. Made a killing when I sold it.

I have wanted one of these since they were new.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by Rikao4

Jay Leno and GM tweaked a Toronado..
thing just lays rubber forever..
around 1000 HP
Corvette susp.

Rika

That's not all it had...

Corvette engine and tranny too.

Was converted to rear wheel drive.

[lm6y]

Glen, I had the same Camino. White, with a blue pinstripe, and blue velour interior. Put a set of Chevy Rally wheels on it, and they look even better. Got tired of the anemic 305, and swapped in a 454 with a 200-4r. It actually got better mileage than the 305, and would make CLOUDS of smoke on command!

[pavulon]

after looking at these things, I'm really concerned about the next round of confessions....

[audiman08]

Originally Posted by tcar

That's not all it had...

Corvette engine and tranny too.

Was converted to rear wheel drive.

Not much Toronado left, and RWD? Toronados were always special because they were the first American FWD cars...I don't get modifying a perfectly good car, but I guess I'm a purist.

[sc_rufctr]

The ugliest car I've owned (from Google)... And completely ridiculous.
Almost no power and as basic as you could imagine. Non synchro gearbox and cable pull starter!

A lot of people say they look "Cute" but Cute to me means ugly but interesting.