Good morning! Today is a special day in the history of this silly little column. This is my 100th Shitbox Showdown! Thomas kicked things off on April 4th, and I took over on the 5th, so this is technically Shitbox Showdown number 101, but it’s 100 for me. To celebrate, I’m setting aside the price cap to look at two cars on my own personal “always wanted one” list.
So let’s get yesterday’s results out of the way, and we’ll take a look:
Brave souls, I think. But that Benz does warrant a look, just to see if it really is legit. Besides, the Datsun already sold, so it’s out of the running.
Now, I’m sure I’m not alone in having a list of reasonably-priced cars that I’ve always wanted to own, but haven’t (yet) had the chance. And I’m sure mine isn’t the only list that changes with my mood. But there are some constants: a Fiat 128, a Dodge Shelby Charger, an early Mazda RX-7, a Chevy El Camino, any old 5-cylinder Audi Quattro… and these two. They’re not cheap by our usual standards, but they’re not totally out of reach either. Something to aim for, I think, because you have to have goals. Here they are.
[Editor’s Note: Congrats to Mark Tucker! He’s doing a great job with our Shitbox Showdown. Good writing, good car choice, good man. -DT]
1988 Pontiac Fiero GT – $7,000
Engine/drivetrain: 2.8 liter V6, 3 speed automatic, RWD
Location: outside Puyallup, WA
Odometer reading: 135,000 miles
Runs/drives? Indeed it does
I’ve always felt sorry for the Pontiac Fiero. It started out as a half-baked idea, ended up five years later as a halfway-decent sports car, and then was unceremoniously scrapped. Good old GM, ruining a good thing just when they finally got it right. It was the Corvair all over again. But at least the Fiero actually saw production: Pontiac’s previous attempt at a two-seat sports car, the XP-833 (which was to be called the Banshee had it been produced) was killed off by GM’s brass before it ever saw the light of day. The XP-833’s sin was outshining Chevy’s Corvette, which had to maintain its place as GM’s performance halo car. The Fiero was sold to management as an economy car that just happened to be a mid-engined two-seater. Verrrrry sneaky.
Of course, it wasn’t much of a sports car to begin with, more of a half-assed collection of parts from other GM cars under a flashy plastic body. Half-assed engineering begat fires, fires begat recalls, and Fiero sales tanked. But nobody told the Fiero project engineers; they went on making improvements right up until the bitter end. This 1988 Fiero GT has an all-new suspension design and some improvements to the corporate V6 engine that finally made its performance match its looks. Sadly, it was too little too late, and Pontiac pulled the plug.
That makes this Fiero the one to get, if you want one. And because it’s no secret that this is the “good” Fiero, values for ’88 Fiero GTs are higher than the earlier versions. This one is an automatic, which will turn off a lot of you I’m sure, but I’d be fine with it, honestly. For some reason, GM sporty cars get a pass from me on the three-pedal rule. Fieros, Corvettes, Camaros, and Firebirds are all cool with a stick, but they’re fine with an automatic too.
We don’t have a lot of facts to go on from the ad; it says “call for details.” Usually this means the seller is older and not internet-savvy. So, if you want details, call. But the facts that are there are encouraging: low miles, lots of work done, no obvious flaws. It’s a nice car, and although it’s more than I can spend, it’s not more than I would be willing to spend for a good Fiero experience.
1965 Plymouth Barracuda – $7,000
Engine/drivetrain: 225 cubic inch inline 6, 3 speed automatic, RWD
Location: Lakewood, WA
Odometer reading: 228,000 miles
Runs/drives? Great, the ad says
The Plymouth Valiant Barracuda (as it was known in its first year) shares a birthday with this very website: March 32nd–I mean, April 1st–of 1964. Mopar fans love to point out that this was two weeks before Ford introduced the Mustang, making the ‘Cuda the first “pony car.” But of course, the term “pony car” was coined for the Mustang, and while the Mustang shared a platform with the Ford Falcon economy car, the Barracuda shared a name and three-fourths of its sheetmetal with the Plymouth Valiant. In 1965, when this car was built, the Barracuda became a standalone model, but retained its Valiant looks.
I have always loved the styling of the first-generation Barracuda. The second-generation is even prettier, with its split grille and Coke-bottle curves, but something about the long glass fastback of this car speaks to me. I had a neighbor with a gorgeous 1965 Barracuda Formula S that I really admired; that car also features in one of the funniest anecdotes from my ill-fated college career.
This Barracuda isn’t a Formula S, but it is, as that one was, a one-owner car. Fifty-seven years and 228,000 miles, all with the same name on the title. How often do you see that? It looks like it has been remarkably well-kept, and according to the seller (who I suspect is not the owner, but rather their next-of kin) it runs and drives well. It’s powered by the legendary Chrysler slant six, here in 225 cubic-inch “Super Six” form, backed by a floor-shifted Torqueflite automatic. Not exactly the stuff of muscle-car dreams as some Barracudas are, but it’s plenty for someone like me who honestly doesn’t give a damn about horsepower.
[Editor’s Note: Man I love a Slant Six. -DT]
It’s “honestly dirty” under the hood, with a smattering of new parts and no obvious bodges or red flags. The interior looks nice, just old, and the gold paint shines nicely, and I’m sure it’s original. There is a little rust, and a few dings and scrapes, but those are just character marks from a life well-lived. I really like this car. It’s just about exactly what I would want if I were shopping for an old Barracuda. I would be tempted to add some Cragar mags to it, just for a little style, but otherwise I’d leave it just as it is.
And that’s that! I want to thank you all for going along on this ride with me every day; I’m still having fun and I hope you all are too. And thanks again to David and Jason for letting me babble about old crappy cars every day. Let’s just keep it rolling, shall we? Cast your vote for your favorite, and just to keep the conversation going, feel free to list your “always wanted one” cars in the comments. Thanks for reading!
(Image credits – Craigslist sellers)
Had a 64 Barracuda with the same drivetrain with the push button shift. It came with 13″ wheels and could “bark” the tires on the upshift from 1st to 2nd. I put a set of 14″ Rallyes on from a 70 Duster (same small lug pattern). That was a great car that never broke unless I broke it. Wish I still had it.
FWIW, this is not a ‘cuda. They didn’t come along until 70.
Gotta go with the Fiero. That chassis looks clean. Assuming the rockers and rear subframe are sound, it’ll be a L67 (supercharged 3800 Series II V6) away from a lot of fun. While it’s out a manual can be swapped too. That swap will about double the horsepower and add gobs of torque.
Fiero. Always adored the 88 GT. Such a sharp looking car.
Shame about the slushbox. It seems a bit silly to buy such a nice stock example and mod at all, but this is a car I’d look at doing a trans swap, minimum, if not a complete drivetrain (the 3800 SC II seems to be popular, but it would be interesting to do something weirder, like that 5cyl L52 vortec GM offered in their pickups for a few years).
I need to have a V8 in my 60’s American iron.
But a slushbox Fiero?
Ooof, tough choice, but I went with the butt-engined Fiero. Even with the autotragic transmission, it’ll be more fun on back roads around my home.
Personal realistic wants?
Some form of 70’s PLC. First choice would be a Lincoln Mark IV, but I also have a weird fascination with the mid-70’s LeMans in its swoopy, pointy glory.
Merkur XR4Ti. Despite the made up brand and alphabet soup silliness, an American Sierra Cosworth would be most excellent.
Mitsubishi Starion/Chrysler-Plymouth Conquest. Turbo + fender flares.
Isuzu Impulse. One of Giugiaro’s best real-world designs. Timeless.
The Baracuda. All. Damned, Day.
“I would be tempted to add some Cragar mags to it, just for a little style”
Being a Mopar, shouldn’t you go with Magnum 500’s? I think the answer is yes.
The Fiero is really nice, but if I’m getting a 2-seat mid-engine sports car, Imma need a manual in that. A slightly scruffy but still really clean slant-6 Barracuda, however, I’m perfectly happy to stick that fish into D and go cruising. And the wheels are the only thing I MIGHT change about it. Magnum 500’s and some raised white letter tires.
So, just what WERE you playing?? Excellent anecdote, man!
An honest one owner, non-hacked Mopar wins my vote today. If that Fiero was a manual the decision would have been much, much harder, but, if I’m cruising with a slushbox, the Barracuda’s style is the clear winner.
Gotta go with the Barracuda, though of course that song is going to be in my head for the rest of the week.
Dream car is a Nissan Figero with EV conversion! Just something to zip around with on a sunny Saturday morning.
Fiero for sure.
Not only Pontiac’s best wheels, but the center caps have Pontiac’s wonderful attempt to create a crest just for the Fiero. How can you beat that?
(answer is probably the Monte Carlo, but I don’t care…I like the Fiero’s ’80s-tastic version)
Good points. Those wheels ARE great.
I went with Barracuda as the rear window alone can sell for thousands.
As a DD classic, I would love to have that in stable. I would not do huge mods. Tires, wheels, vintage air, hide a modern radio etc.
As for always wanted one. Some of these are get again.
1969 Ford Ranger F-100. My grandfather gave me one and however the engine self destructed as I was getting ready to repaint it ($500 with a neighbors setup, just pay for paint). Being a broke college kid, I gave it back to the family and last I knew it was rusting at a camp in VA.
1990 Taurus SHO. I had a very bad example of one. For the first 3 months it was awesome. Then I found out it’s history and repairs needed (unreported accident, frame damage, new front clip) and sold it 3 months later. Would like to have one in good shape.
1980’s Monte Carlo. Doesn’t have to be an SS, the other models were just a fun to drive.
2000s Suburban. Just cause.
The first car I bought what wasn’t from a relative was an ’89 SHO. I occasionally see a rust-free version on the internet and wonder if the experience would still be enjoyable. Mine was in the midwest, and the gaps between urethane and metal panels would trap salt and water, causing rust bubbles on the trunk, hood, and other seams.
My ’93 version lost some of the sport, but was a better design. If I was rich, it would be on my list of nostalgia cars in my garage.
Fiero just because I’ve always wanted to drive one but not necessarily own one (especially at those prices).
Also on my wish list, 300ZX and a C4 ZR1
Thanks for your work on these past 100 articles. My day just really can’t get started without a Showdown!
Glad you’re enjoying it, and thanks for reading!
The Fiero fits the “always wanted one” perfectly, except I still had to go with the Barracuda. I love the looks of those, and seeing that one I think “instant daily driver”. Since it already has a good start, trying to push it to 300,000 or more miles would be fun.
(Some) other cars I’ve always wanted to own, but haven’t (yet) had the chance: Ford Model T, Ford Model A, Audi A8L, Mercedes S550 or any Packard, any Corvair, BMW 7-series (90’s with a 12 cylinder), Jaguar XJS, Fiat 500 Abarth, early 50’s Hudson, late 70’s Lincoln Town Coupe, bullet-nosed Studebaker, Cadillac Allanté, and Type 3 VW.
Reasonably priced car wish list (that I can remember right now):
Mid-Late 60’s Beetle
1965 Buick Riviera with those amazing clamshell headlights
67-72 Chevy C10 Long bed
Early RX7 (preferably fuel injected, but will entertain carb cars)
NA Miata – like my sister’s that I learned to drive stick on and totaled in high school
E30 or E46 3 Series – can’t be picky with values increasing
E34 5 Series – see above
Datsun 240Z
80’s Mercedes S Class
90’s Taurus SHO
Add an old American land barge convertible as well – on lots of other lists, and it is a great choice.
Definitely yes on the Buick. I mean, how can you not want the car Leonard Nimoy spent his Star Trek on?
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/leonard-nimoy-actor-and-director-whose-career-was-dominated-by-his-role-as-the-vulcan-science-officer-spock-in-the-star-trek-franchise-a151981.html
That’s “Star Trek MONEY”
I went with the Fiero, but the lack of a third pedal makes me sad, its priced accordingly however, most manuals are a few thousand more.
Best Year and trim Fiero except for the slushbox vs the worst of the worst barracuda’s. Fiero wins, but I would be hard pressed to pay that much for either.
I like them both, but went with the ‘cuda today. That is one extremely honest example that has actually been used and clearly loved. I love the whole survivor look. It wears its miles well. The only shame is that it has a 5 digit odometer, so people will just have to take your word on it.
I have a suspicion there’s an entire file box of service records that comes with it, probably mostly written in cursive.
I am teaching my 10 year old how to write Cursive since the schools fail to anymore. your dig is valid and infuriating at the same time.
Cursive +1. The WKRP reference is gold.
I’d tend to believe the seller on the 228K miles. Who’d lie about that?
I voted Fiero, but that ‘Cuda is an excellent as well.
My car wish list:
65-66 Impala SS convertible: As others have stated, the perfect summer (or spring / fall in this part of the country) cruise mobile.
Porsche 911, preferably a well-sorted air-cooled model, but I’ll take something newer.
91-94 Nissan Sentra SE-R: The irrational choice. My first new car, always put a smile on my face.
Fiero
I always wanted the 1988 Formula version in high school. This one will do.
As for other cars I always wanted.
2005 Dodge Power Wagon reg cab, long bed.
Jeep TJ Wrangler Rubicon
CTS V series first gen
1986 Dode Charger Shelby (I know I’m weird)
Fiero for me.
A friend of mine back in the 80’s had narrowed down his car search to a Camaro or a Barracuda. When he asked is dad for his opinion on the matter the old man just said “The Barracuda is a Mopar son, and you can’t polish a turd”. Granted, the Camaro was just the lesser of two evils, but those words have served me well over the years whenever I have been shopping for a vehicle.
The ‘Cuda is probably a death trap by today’s standards, but it’s just so stylish. That glass fastback will be sure to get some heads turning (just don’t leave anything back there in a Texas summer). I’ve always liked the looks of the Fiero myself, but if I’m driving something like that I want three pedals, not a three-speed slusher. On the ‘Cuda that’s not a huge issue, it’s more of a cruiser.
Neither of these cars are particularly to my taste…I can think of lots of similar stuff I’d rather have, but that’s neither here nor there. Personally I’d rather have the fantastic 80s styling of the Fiero than a not-quote-muscle car. This one at least has the right engine, and if I’m buying a 60s pony car it needs to have a V8.
At risk of sounding like a grouchy Boomer, no V8=no dice for me when it comes to anything muscle related. If you’re going to go that direction you shouldn’t half ass it with a lesser engine, because at that point you’re already drawing a world of attention to yourself anyway…although I did give the current HPP Ecoboost Mustang more consideration than I’d care to admit when I first found out about it.
There’s something appealing about the weird Frankenstein nature of shoving the Focus RS engine in a ‘Stang, not to mention getting like 85% of the V8’s performance without the hideous fuel economy and stratospheric insurance costs, but I digress…it’s the Fiero for me.
Check out https://www.whichcar.com.au/features/reworked-1966-plymouth-barracuda for what a ‘cuda can look like. Cameron Tilley had a slant 6 powered turbo’d Valiant street car that dyno’d at > 650 hp so there’s a lot you can do with that car.
Pretty sure you can get 300 NA horsepower easily enough. And you can get a brand new 360 (they used to be 360/360, not sure now) from Summit for relative peanuts. Like cheapest crate motor there is practically. If the car is 7, you could easily drop another 8 in and stil be at $15K. I’d buy this car right now if I was up north.
I can see how a 4-cylinder mustang could appeal to someone: My favorite 80s Stang was the SVO, it just seemed like a fresh take on an old formula at the time. To me it was like a European version of a Mustang (even though it was just another Fox-body car).
Sadly I never got to drive or ride in one…my friend at the time owned one that had been a graduation gift from his dad (these people were from Beverly Hills), but just before I met him, he literally lost his license for speeding. I had to give him rides in my Mazda GLC wagon. I think his dad gave the car to my friend’s sister.
“feel free to list your “always wanted one” cars in the comments.”
This could be a long list, so in the spirit of the column, I’ll stick to some of the weirder ones that don’t cost as much.
-Late 70s Lincoln Town Car or Town Coupe. Never much cared for the styling of the Marks, but the squared off design with the cushioned velour seats really speaks to me. For maximum 70s vibes, this would need to be in the green over green color.
-Any double digit cylinder German sedan. V10 Audi or BMW, V12 BMW or Mercedes, W12 Audi. In my head I know there are good reasons these cost 1/10 or less of their original sticker, in my heart I don’t care.
-Toyota MR2 Spyder. I actually owned one of these but it never ran well and I needed something with more space. When it did run though it was awesome and I wouldn’t mind trying again with one in better condition.
-Any midsize or full size domestic convertible 1950-1972. As I’ve stated before, these are great for summer cruising, even (or especially) if you don’t get the popular ones. Give me a Mercury, Buick, Olds, Plymouth, or some other lesser loved model.
-Isuzu Vehicross. Not really any reason other than the obvious one.
-Any GMT800 truck with the 8.1L big block and the ZF6 manual. I love this engine, and it would be both ridiculous and awesome to run it through the gears. These are super rare though and I regret not grabbing one when I had the chance.
-McLaren F1. OK I needed something to strive for.
In about 06, I test drove a MRS with the SMT. I liked the car, hated the transmission. Bought a WRX instead – then got rid of it when the kid was born in 08 cause rear facing seats don’t fit in GD Imprezas.
I’d still love to find a Mk1 or Mk2 MR2 like the one I almost bought in 98 (bought an AWD Talon instead)
Good call on the VX. I bought one new in 2002 it’s still my DD. By the way if you do go Cuda never break that back window. Expensive if you can find it.
All great choices. I always had a soft spot for the BMW 840. The sound of those 10s and 12s alone are worth it. I would love to pull up next to an EV Dodge with the fake exhaust in something like that (or a Maserati), and rev the crap out of it just to rub it in.
This is my plan the first time I see one of those when I’m driving the Viper.
The first-gen Barracuda is the best by far. I think they’re awesome 🙂
I came in honestly expecting to vote for the Barracuda, but that Fiero looks REALLY good. I don’t think there is a wrong answer here, but the Fiero wins it for me.
This one is tough. I kinda want them both because they are very nice and reasonably priced but… Automatic Fiero? Slant six Barracuda?
I voted for the fish because there are lots of go-faster parts for the Slant-6 (who knew?) and it looks like the most honest example you will ever find.
Oh, you can make good power out of the slant. Hell Mopar had a 200 hp-ish FACTORY kit in the early 60s. Hyper-Pak I think?
There are lots of inline 6 mods. I have a fun story about running into a guy with a 71 Maverick with a 200 6 and a 4 speed
I’m probably going to get hate for this, but the Fiero never did much for me. Like many, I appreciate THE IDEA of the Fiero, but it pisses me off that GM hamstrung it because they had to protect their precious baby Corvette. What, afraid of a little friendly competition, guys? The Fiero could’ve been so much more.
Barracuda it is. That fastback styling is gorgeous and although there’s no front shot of this, it manages to be both interesting and attractive. The leaning tower of no-power isn’t doing this any favors, but I think it’d be pretty straightforward to rectify that. I think the only real question about this particular vehicle is, what’s up with the footwell basket??
The footwell basket is for transporting adorable kittens.
Maybe the basket is some kind of clip-on cargo bin? I remember the clip-on cup holders people used to put in older cars made before anyone thought about riding around with a drink. Either way, very observant of you..
It’s a wastebasket. Very popular old-people car accessory once upon a time.
Yes. Old people actually threw away their trash, unlike more modern people who simply throw trash on the floorboards and then rake it out yearly. So much more efficient nowadays!
Barracuda all the way, although as an owner of a 2nd gen I may be a bit biased, imho 65 is the best looking of the 1st gen, I really don’t care for what they did with the grille in 66. That said I’ll echo what another commenter said that there really is no wrong choice here, the Fiero is a great example of what designers and engineers can accomplish when they figure out how to sneak under the corporate radar.