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CARS THAT REFUSE TO DIE
Some old autos neither die nor fade away—they just live on with transplanted parts.
BY JIM GORZELANY
Among the hottest rides on the collectible market are a number of sporty cars that baby boomers lusted after as children or young adults. With incomes at their peaks and the kids moving on, these boomers are finally at a place in life where such an automotive indulgence is an economic possibility. Yet the prices of many fully restored classic cars have swelled beyond even an affluent aficionado’s budget. And while auto enthusiasts might enjoy the thrill of owning a vintage sports car, some would prefer a model that’s based on modern mechanicals. Fortunately, a number of entrepreneurial companies are making what amounts to fresh versions of classic cars for those who want something distinctive yet familiar with up-to-date specs. Here’s a look at three modern classics:
DODGE CHALLENGER
While Chrysler will soon be releasing a new version of this classic muscle car, enthusiasts can buy a fully modernized version of the 1970 original from Perfection Autosport, headquartered in Grafton, Wisconsin. A 575-hp Hemi V8 resides under its long hood and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission. It rides on a newly fabricated fully independent suspension and is given a luxurious leather clad interior that’s graced with full wool carpeting and a high-end audio-video system, all for $225,000.
Burt Reynolds Edition Trans Am
Yes, that Burt Reynolds. This is a modern version of the 1977 Special Edition Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Reynolds piloted in Smokey and the Bandit. Recreated by Braselton, Georgia-based car restorer YearOne, it starts at $129,900, more than $122,000 costlier than the original upon which it’s based. Still, it affords super-car performance, thanks to a 430-hp V-8 engine (with 500- and 550-hp power plants also available), and offers modern amenities like an iPod-compatible stereo and navigation system.
DeLorean
The car the movie Back to the Future made famous—and automotive mogul John Z. DeLorean made infamous—is coming back to the present. A Texas company that previously sold replacement parts for the low-slung aluminum-bodied gullwing sports car will begin selling “brand-new” DeLoreans starting at $57,500 this year. They’ll be assembled by hand with an amalgam of original parts salvaged from the original factory in Ireland, reproduced old components and brand-new parts. Unfortunately a “flux capacitor” will not be among them.
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