Although the American Muscle Car market has seen a sharp decline since its boom in the mid 2000s, there are still some blue-chip pieces that bring the kind of numbers no-one in the 60s and 70s would’ve ever imagined. The preeminent cars from the end of the era (‘68, ‘69, ‘70, and some ‘71s): the Shelby GTs, Hemi Cudas, and Chevelle LS6s can still fetch mid six figures or more. It appears to be more of a market correction where the bandwagon jumpers have jumped elsewhere, leaving the dyed-in-the-wool enthusiasts. This 1969 Chevelle Super Sport 396 is certain something that such an enthusiast can appreciate for about half of what it might’ve brought eight years ago. Although it is the base 325-hp 396, it is numbers matching and very well documented including complete owner history, records and Protect-o-Plate. A high-quality repaint in its original Frost Green stands out and is matched nicely to the optional vinyl roof and Midnight Green interior, which are likewise in like new condition. Other options include power steering and power brakes. Though it is a bench seat with no console, it does have the sought after Muncie 4-speed. It may not be blue-chip and it may not be a red-hot collectible, but this is an investment-grade SS that can be very enjoyable to drive. Find it here on Craigslist in Gardnerville CA for $66,000.
Tag: records
While its genesis was in the E9 CSL Coupés that preceded it, the BMW’s M badge—at least on these shores—established itself in the 6-Series-based M6. It was launched here in 1987 and was the swan song to the E24 that enjoyed a 14-year run, due largely to its timeless styling and the kind of performance that delivers on the promise of “The Ultimate Driving Machine.” While it is 30 hp shy of its European counterpart, with its brilliant M88 inline 6 derived from the M1, its 252 hp was quite respectable for a 50-state GT in its day (more a Porsche 911 or Ferrari 308 with roughly the same weight as the Porsche). Today, it’s unusual to find a car with less than 100,000 miles for under $15,000. The M6 presented here has traveled 83,000 miles, appears to have been very well kept with complete service records, a tidy original interior and what looks to be original paint with only one spot of rust from a poor windshield installation (easily addressed). Find it here on Craigslist in Lexington KY for $14,000.