Diego’s AutoHunter Picks

If you had a two-barrel 351 Ford product, would you add a four-barrel carb and manifold for more fun? That’s what the owner of the below Mustang listed on AutoHunter has done. I tend to lean towards the purist side, but some changes to improve the breed can be welcome depending on how conservative you are in your automotive outlook.

Among my other AutoHunter Picks,  the owner of the below Olds replaced the original 400 with a 455, which is quite a common upgrade, but I personally would draw the line on that if it was my car. Buying it already done is a different story, and I know there’s a lot of folks out there who would not blink in buying a car like this. Kinda reminds me of Chevy folks!

1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 Holiday Coupe
I owned a ’70 for many years, so I am familiar with these cars. The W-Machines in particular featured the most unusual air induction system of the era, with scoops poking from underneath the bumper to carry cold air through tubes that lead to the air cleaner and, hence, carburetor. Supposedly it’s one of the most efficient designs of the era, though it’s possible the cold air warmed up by the time it reached its destination.

This 1969 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 is being touted as a W30, with the scoops and red fender wells to show for it, but its original Ram Rod 400 has been replaced with a 455. A M21 close-ratio four-speed makes for the perfect pair. What seems to be a Hurst/Olds spoiler will impress the neighborhood kids, and the red interior will impress their parents – red is always cool. This is a street bruiser waiting for a new bully owner.

1971 Ford Mustang Mach I
As a rule, I lean more towards mid-size vehicles than pony cars. Among Ford’s pony cars from the muscle car era, this is the only Mustang I have ever driven. Did I mention it was a SportsRoof with the 429 Super Cobra Jet? I only drove it around the pits, so I didn’t get to absorb its power the way I would have liked, but it gave me an idea what a Ford pony car was like c.1971.

This 1971 Mustang is a Mach I, which came standard with a 302 though this one started life as the next step up, a 351 two-barrel. A four-barrel and ram air have been added, plus it is painted in Light Pewter, one of the most popular colors for that year. Of special note are the drilled and slotted power disc brakes with dual-piston calipers.

1989 Nissan Fairlady Z Twin-Turbo 2+2
I don’t understand why folks are importing cars from Japan that were available in America, but there must be a good reason. I asked our trusty freelance writer and Acura influencer, Tyson Hugie, and he says some folks consider right-hand-drive cars to have bragging rights. To me? A stick shift will help me become ambidextrous.

This 63,044-mile Japanese-market 1989 300ZX is from the first model year of this generation, one model year before it appeared in the American market. Yes, it’s an RHD twin-turbo 2+2, but your ambidextrous dreams will be shattered once you discover the automatic. The gold Equip five-spokers are a nice touch, as are the Japanese-spec side-markers. The charcoal cloth interior is perfect for overly hot Arizona summers.

1922 Chevrolet 490 Touring
The Chevrolet 490 was named because, when it was introduced in the summer of 1915, it was priced at $490. That would sound silly with a late-model car! This was Chevrolet’s Model T-fighter, powered by a 171cid OHV inline-four, which became the brand’s stalwart engine until the “Stovebolt” six replaced it as Chevy’s only engine from 1929-54. The 490 was produced through 1922 when it was replaced by the Superior.

This unusual 1922 Chevrolet 490 Touring was preserved in a barn and found in 1973 in fine condition. It features several mechanical upgrades that include an oil pump and six-volt starter, the latter eliminating the need for hand-cranking. Claimed to have under 20,000 miles, this Chevy has received a new leather interior and features a Klaxon horn for full effect.