Starter Yanks

Think that a true American classic is beyond your reach? Then consider this buck-dodging quartet

If you’ve always hankered after a Yank Tank, but have erred on the side of caution, for various reasons such as, can I afford to run one, where will I obtain spares, what if I don’t like driving a left hooker, plus a myriad of others ‘what ifs’, read on. We’ve got four vehicles here that won’t break the bank to purchase. They represent a fi ne variety of cars that include the Chrysler Le Baron sporting coupe, Pontiac Trans-Am muscle, a luxurious Cadillac Seville, and even a pick-up truck.

Chrysler Le Baron

This compact sporting coupe from the Pentastar stable, doesn’t immediately strike you as being the quintessential Yank, far from it in fact, and it could easily be mistaken for a Eurobox! However, American it is, and absolutely heaving with every bell and whistle you ever dreamed of. The best bit is that you could possibly achieve as much as 40mpg on a good day, and overall 25-30mpg, which isn’t bad at all when you’ve got a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged SOHC engine, that was later replaced by a 141bhp Mitsubishi V6. With a fi ve-speed manual transmission, and anti-lock brakes from 1992, the Le Baron makes for a fi ne long distance tourer, or for simply nipping down to the local shops. Luxury options include things like illuminated vanity mirrors incorporated into the sun visors, illuminated entry system whereby you press the door handle and all the interior lights come on. There’s a light on the steering column which shows you where to insert the ignition key, power adjusted seats in every direction imaginable twin map reading lights, outside temperature and compass LED display, heated wing mirrors, cruise control, aircon, the list goes on and on!The two-door coupe is not a bad looker, though for a little more money, why not go for the convertible option? It’s true that replacement parts will be a tad more expensive than say for a Ford or Chevrolet, but with the Le Baron you’ve got an impressive compact coupe.

Chevrolet C-10 Pick-up truck

The American pick-up truck has become something of an institution, and at times production has almost eclipsed that of manufacturers passenger car division, such is the popularity of them. Nowadays the chances of picking up a classic 1950-‘60s Chevy 3100 or Ford 100 for a bargain price are long since gone. Even restoration projects can start at £4000-£5000, and modifi ed customs are in the £25,000 - £35,000 price range. However, have a look around at late 1970’s – 1980’s trucks and you’ll be able to purchase something for well under £4000 that’s up and running, though may benefi t from a little further TLC. The C-10 is popular with many enthusiasts, the C denotes its 2WD, the 10 that it’s a half ton truck. The C-20 is a three-quarter ton and C-30 full one ton etc. The K in any model designated that it’s 4WD.Engine options range from 230ci 3.8-litre straight-sixes through to 292ci 4.8-litre V6 and 327ci V8 for the fi rst generation trucks 1960- 1966. Second generation C10s feature coil spring and trailing arm rear suspension, a vast improvement on cart springs, and in addition to the continuing large option of engines, transmissions varied from three and four-speed manual to Powerglide and Turbo Hydramatic automatic. The third generation C-10 built 1973-1987 will be the most eminently affordable and later trucks were equipped with Oldsmobile and Detroit Diesel engines. Paradoxically trucks don’t always make the most practical all-round classics to own, but if you frequently need to haul light loads, for a self build for example, have a classic motorcycle to transport, go camping at weekends, or simply love old trucks, they make good sense, and later C-10s will be as comfortable to drive as a car!

Cadillac Seville

For those enthusiasts who appreciate and demand comfort and luxury, then look no further than the Seville. You have all the hallmarks associated with a prestige model, but in a downsized bodyshell that’s 17-ft long and a whisker under 6-ft wide. The Seville was built to compete directly with the European market and the likes of BMW and Mercedes. Engine options ranged from a 4.1 litre V6, 5.7-litre V8 Oldsmobile 6.0-litre V8 and even an Oldsmobile V8 diesel! There were two main body designs, one with conventional styled bootlid and one restyled by Wayne Kady and more colloquially referred to asthe ‘Bustleback’. This is perhaps an acquired taste for many enthusiasts, but is most distinctive nevertheless. The running gear on the Seville is reasonably bullet proof though should the fuel injection system require attention, this can be expensive to remedy. The engine management system ECU, a feature on cars from 1978 onwards cost around £600-£700 to replace.A rule of thumb when purchasing a Seville is to ensure everything is working as it should, with electrics, aircon, etc. Limited Edition collector models include the Gucci and Pierre Cardin, and the Elegante model features additional exterior aluminium trim, chrome wire wheels and interior centre console. Clearly the 5.7-litre V8 powered Seville is going to like a drink of petrol, but careful driving can return up to 22mpg on a good day. These cars represent an awful lot for your money. Regular servicing is the key to longevity and a neglected car may cause future headaches and much expenditure to remedy.

Third Generation Pontiac Trans-Am

The top of the range Firebird model, the Trans-Am in its third generation will provide starter classic muscle appeal. Built between 1982-1992 base models feature a V6 engine, though for most enthusiasts nothing less than a 5.7-litre V8 will suffi ce. In Tuned Port Injection TPI guise, the engine is rated at 215bhp, powerful enough for most folk new to Yankie muscle. The 1989 Indy 500 Pace cars were powered by a turbocharged Buick V6 engine, quick enough to get from 0-60mph in under six seconds and approximately 1500 were built. The 305ci and 350ci engines look identical, the only way to tell the difference is to check out the VIN number. If the eighth letter on the number is an F, then this denotes the engine is 305ci. If it’s eight, then it’s a 350ci 5.7-litre. There were problems on early 700R4 automatic transmissions. Early fi ve-speed manual transmissions could also be problematic and were notchy. Ensure electrically operated headlamps work okay, new motors for 1982-1984 cars are not available, nor can they be repaired. One of the most singly expensive replacement parts is the mass sensor on the fuel injection system, at £385. The good news is that there’s excellent Club support for owners of Trans-Ams and several specialists, including the highly knowledgeableRobin Gray of Autopontiac located at Hounslow, near Heathrow Airport, What he doesn’t know about these cars can be written on the back of a postage stamp. Models with the option of the removable T-Tops make for the next best thing to convertible motoring for the summer months. Cars with the WS6 handling package comprised of stiffer springs and dampers, larger sway bars, four-wheel power disc brakes and a LSD.

Prices

An excellent Chrysler Le Baron will be around £2000 - £2500, more for concours examples.Chevrolet C-10 trucks range from £1500 -£3000, again, more for mint examples. Expect to pay £2000 - £3000 for a very tidy Cadillac Seville, more for a low mileage cars with service history. Third Generation Trans-Ams around 1986-1989 will be £4000-£5000, and the last of the breed 1990-1992 £5000-£6000.