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Cars That Have Disappointed

57 messages,  Last post on Feb 09, 2011 at 9:34 AM

You are in the Classic Cars Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, Coupe, Convertible, Truck, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 7 of 7

#55 of 57 Re: Marlin, Avanti [uplanderguy] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Feb 09, 2011 (8:16 am)

Replying to: uplanderguy (Feb 09, 2011 4:14 am)
it may have been amazing, but it wasn't so smart. And I hope no one starts building Checkers again either.
 
I mean, look at the Avanti II or a hypothetical replica Checker from a purely pragmatic point of view. These are very old-fashioned cars. Very few people want to spend new-car money on a replica throwback to the 1960s. They either want the latest and greatest, or they want the *real thing*.
 
The pragmatism really stands out when you consider that they could have bought a real Avanti for the price of the fake one!
 
I mean, now really. Is there a better recipe for failure?
 
Madness is not uncommon when men become intoxicated with the allure of automobiles.
 

#56 of 57 Re: Marlin, Avanti [Mr_Shiftright] by andre1969

Feb 09, 2011 (9:08 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Feb 09, 2011 8:16 am)
I mean, look at the Avanti II or a hypothetical replica Checker from a purely pragmatic point of view. These are very old-fashioned cars. Very few people want to spend new-car money on a replica throwback to the 1960s. They either want the latest and greatest, or they want the *real thing*.
 
I remember around 1990, there was a company that took old 60's GM intermediate convertibles, refurbished them, upgraded them to disc brakes and dual master cylinders, put in a good sound system, and replaced the engine with a generic Chevy 350, which I think was the 200 hp TBI unit, and a 4-speed automatic (THM700R4 I think) They'd also put musclecar badges on them, so that Tempest convertible now sported GTO badges, the Chevelle became an SS, the Cutlass a 4-4-2, etc.
 
I think they sold them for around $25,000. Actually, for something that combines a lot of the advantages with a new car with the style and charm of an old car, it doesn't seem like a huge amount...although that $25K is probably more like $40K+ today. And I think they even had a 1 year/12,000 mile powertrain warranty.
 
However, the venture wasn't too successful, and I don't think it lasted long. Overwhelmingly, people either wanted their new cars to be truly NEW, or if they wanted an older car, they wanted the real thing.

#57 of 57 Re: Marlin, Avanti [andre1969] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Feb 09, 2011 (9:34 am)

Replying to: andre1969 (Feb 09, 2011 9:08 am)
Perhaps it was an idea before its time. Nowadays, people are upgrading classic cars. These are ofen called "pro touring" cars, and they make a lot of sense.
 
The marketplace in America is fickle and it is very saturated. Brand loyalty hardly exists anymore.

Messages Page 7 of 7

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