Crapwagon Poll: 1967 Ford Mustang Vs. 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Mark’s look today at a couple of late Sixties’ performance icons has inspired me. Yes, my automotive ADD kicked in and off I went to eBay in search of affordable Cutlass and Mustang projects.

And, really, I’m still searching. The majority of what I’ve found are either total basketcases, poorly-done “customs,” or pristine show cars with prices to match. I’d love to find a car that has needs, but could be driven away and worked on over time.

To the car nuts of the internet, please stop it with the “Eleanor” clones. Yes, even this import fanatic drooled over the fiberglass-clad Mustang in the Gone in Sixty Seconds remake, but it’s over now.

On the Mustang end of things, I really dig this ’67 notchback in a polarizing shade of green. Said to be a factory 390 big-block car, it will drive quite differently than a lighter, small-block-equipped Mustang — more like a muscle car than a sports car. The interior looks absolutely perfect on this example and it appears mechanically sound as well. The catch here is the paint. On closer inspection, the paint is quite faded and will need a respray if a show car quality shine is desired. A couple weeks ago, it had a reserve around $17,000, which seems a bit much considering the work needed, but short of rusted-out six cylinder cars, there aren’t many this cheap.

Regarding your father’s Oldsmobile, this ’68 fastback will probably sell around $7,500, if I had to guess. The base steel wheels with dog-dish hubcaps are disappointing. The car really needs a set of color-matched Olds Rallye wheels. It needs some metalwork, and some attention to the interior, but this could be a nice, easy project.

It’s not quite to the level of the Ford and Chevy rivalry — I don’t believe I’ve ever seen Calvin pissing on an Olds emblem — but these two cars have rather similar target collectors.

Best & Brightest, which would you rather?

This poll has been removed.