Post by comstar on Mar 8, 2021 4:15:16 GMT
I know the forum is predominantly about old motorcycles in particular our beloved SD but I'm sure some of you are also into old cars too as 'retro petrolheads'. As with the football scores, if not then look away now.
So maybe this is a complete mistake and will end up being a regret of mine.....but nevertheless an itch I have needed to scratch since being over in the States...that itch was to buy a retro American car, a car from my childhood. Watching shows such as Knight Rider, Miami Vice and the A Team, etc. And it was always a particular car that I wanted at that, just something about the shape / design of it. Possibly a marmite design, but after nearly 40 odd years of seeing this car for the first time, I still think the shape is fresh and attractive to this day.
Enter my recently acquired 1984 Pontiac Firebird.....known as the 'Iron Duke' as it has a 4 cylinder engine, often frowned upon over here. It's a 4-speed manual car and very rare, not meaning it desirable in any way because of that. Apparently, the engines in these are slow but extremely durable and has been put into many vehicles, even the US mail trucks. Ideally I would of held out for a V6 or even V8 manual but with what I was offered this car for then I was happy to let those thoughts go, I think it was a bargain (we are talking around 2k GBP).....fuel consumption figures also make me think I made the right decision (for now).
Rich (80sRich) inspired me more to do this now with his recent purchase of an 80s Ford Capri. I think the 80s was a golden period of bike and car design and I am glad we celebrate this important era on the forum. I will post regular updates on this thread about my experiences and ownership of an old American classic car, be it good or bad.....I think we probably all know the road ahead will not necessarily always be smooth. I hope you enjoy.
So maybe this is a complete mistake and will end up being a regret of mine.....but nevertheless an itch I have needed to scratch since being over in the States...that itch was to buy a retro American car, a car from my childhood. Watching shows such as Knight Rider, Miami Vice and the A Team, etc. And it was always a particular car that I wanted at that, just something about the shape / design of it. Possibly a marmite design, but after nearly 40 odd years of seeing this car for the first time, I still think the shape is fresh and attractive to this day.
Enter my recently acquired 1984 Pontiac Firebird.....known as the 'Iron Duke' as it has a 4 cylinder engine, often frowned upon over here. It's a 4-speed manual car and very rare, not meaning it desirable in any way because of that. Apparently, the engines in these are slow but extremely durable and has been put into many vehicles, even the US mail trucks. Ideally I would of held out for a V6 or even V8 manual but with what I was offered this car for then I was happy to let those thoughts go, I think it was a bargain (we are talking around 2k GBP).....fuel consumption figures also make me think I made the right decision (for now).
Rich (80sRich) inspired me more to do this now with his recent purchase of an 80s Ford Capri. I think the 80s was a golden period of bike and car design and I am glad we celebrate this important era on the forum. I will post regular updates on this thread about my experiences and ownership of an old American classic car, be it good or bad.....I think we probably all know the road ahead will not necessarily always be smooth. I hope you enjoy.