Special Edition
A few weeks ago, we discussed classic cars and which had the best survival rates and brightest futures. Today, we will continue with that general theme, except we will only focus on cars from 1984 to 1994.
Certainly, one does not expect to see roadways filled with 20 and 30 year old cars, but some definitely seem to have lasted longer than others.
I have compiled a list of the 10 cars made in this time period that I have observed more than other cars in recent years.This is strictly based on personal observation, not registration records, etc.
-Lincoln Town Car: During the 1980s, the Town Car was a big-seller in the American luxury market and popular with limosine companies.They also didn't rust as quickly as lower-priced cars. In the past 2 weeks, Ive seen about 5 of them in my county, most still in great shape. Later versions (1990s) suffered from problems with the air-ride suspension, but despite that, it was not unusual for the engines to run past 200,000 miles-no small feat in those days.
-Cadillac Fleetwood/Deville: The last of the really big Caddies, these were the true "bigshot" cars of their day. Many limosines were based off of them, and they were always seen on tv or movies being driven by the well-to-do or their personal drivers. Yes, they are largely impractical today, but many people still view them as a car fit for a king. Thousands still sit in driveways and parking lots across the country, the apple of their owners eyes.
-Mercedes-Benz W123: Even though these were being phased out during the mid-1980s, no list is complete without them. Also known as the 300/300D, this car was virtually immortal. The strong diesel motors and solid bodies have helped these trudge on even in the saltiest, snowiest climates. I live in a small,blue-collar midwestern city of about 17,000. There are few imports and luxury models are rare.Yet, over the past 2 years, Ive seen 5 of these just in my town. Several were in near perfect condition.Need I say more?
-Chevrolet Camaro: This one tends to surprise me. Countless teens have bought Camaros over the years, abused them, crashed them, and left them neglected.Yet, in many parts of the country, its almost a guarantee that you'll still see several in any given town. You name the Place-Ohio, Georgia, Florida, etc., and plenty of them can still be found.
-Chevrolet Caprice: One of the latest fads in the car hobby is "donking"- putting really big rims and custom paint on large, older cars. The thing I've noticed most about this movement is just how many old Caprices are still out there. New, unmodified "opportunities" continue to crop up regularly.
-Chevrolet full-sized trucks-Silverado, Scottsdale,etc: Chevy trucks are the most popular of the older trucks for everything-scrap hauling, lawn care, customizing, and so on. Pretty much everywhere 1980s trucks are found, Chevy and GMC models have the largest presence.
-Chevrolet Corvette: This one almost didn't count, since they often are used as "second" cars and only in good weather, yet it often requires very specific reasons like those for a car to survive in decent quantities. Many 'vettes were kept in garages with low mileage, and the rust-resistant fiberglass was an added bonus to their longevity.
-Buick Lesabre: You might have heard about the 3800 engine GM used during the 1990s, and how durable it was. That engine is the secret to the popularity of the Lesabre. These cars were boring and dull. Yet, the engines were so reputable that some used car lots that typically wont sell anything for less than $4000 will still offer beaten-up, rusted Lesabres with 3-digit price tags.Especially in Michigan, they are still among the most common cars in some towns.
-Mercury Grand Marquis: Maybe its just that so many were purchased by elderly drivers who put very few miles on them, but the Marquis has always been one of the more common older cars. The only reason you don't see quite as many now is because many were scrapped during "Cash For Clunkers". Even so, there are still more Grand Marquis remaining than most other cars their age.
-Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance: Seriously? Actually yes. I saw one a few days ago. Then I saw a another one today.They made me realize that I'm aware of about 4 more that are within 1-2 miles of my house.That may not apply to all regions, but around here, they just won't die off.
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