3rd Rock Followup+racism+student options

Dear readers:

First, thank you to those that responded to my questions regading what car the Solomon family drives. Now I do have some questions:

I have no experience, or knowledge of the classic car community.

So, as a Korean-Canadian, I guess I will be the only nonwhite male there? No big deal if I am, but nevertheless I am wondering what you out in the community thinks of such an odd character in your midsts.

Is the Solomon 60s Rambler convertible an excellent choice for classic car for a university student? Is it easy and cheap to maintain, while offering excellent relability?

What do you think the ideal classic and yet 'cool' looking car is for a young man on a tight budget, what do you say to the young college guys with dreams of chrome and classic rubber like me...any sage words, do we need lots of money, etc? What car, income level, etc do you recommend?

Sincerely,

Paul Lee Toronto, ONT

First, 'classic' cars are not solely for white folks. They're for folks with a nostalgic dream and more money and time that brains. (Kind of like me except the money part)

Next, a 'classic' car in not normally a daily driver - it usually takes some mechanical clues and a fair amount of money to bring it up to 'classic' status. You can probably better spend you money on a decent newer car for the same dollar. The big difference is that the newer car will cost you up front and the 'classic' car will nickel and dime you to death. This is why there are so many other people's unfinished project cars for sale. The money or the interest dries up.

Next, a 60 rambler is only a 'classic' if two or more people think it is and the other guy should have a parts yard. If memory serves, it was an ugly underpowered car that never sold well and parts these days can be most difficult to come by.

I'm not trying to turn you off of 'classic' cars, but before you get into it, find a place to work on it and a parts source and be prepared to pay through the nose if you have no car clues.

Pete

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

why do you care that you are not white? get over it. if you like classic cars buy one its for you and nobody else. If you figure what a new car costs and spend half of that on a classic you will have a fine ride.

Ugly, well you're entitled to your opinion.

Underpowered? hardly (90hp,125hp,138hp). (quite good compared to Falcon, Vallient, ChevyII during '61-'63)

Never sold well? Did you know that Rambler knocked Plymouth out the the #3 spot in 1960? And as far as parts go, these cars have a good club (the AMCRC), and parts are quite available ( though not at your local store, of course).

Ken (A guy that drives nothing but Ramblers)

No, that would be a SAAB 95

Never seen a Rambler but I drive a '67 camaro daily. It's all in the engine and up keep if you want to drive em daily. A short stroke cam makes the engine run nice and smooth. If they aren't made fast you always rebuild the engine and plan on it once you buy it. All engines can be made fast and efficent, it just depends on what your pocket can handle. Wanna post somewhere I can find a rambler pic?

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

rambler pic?

These guys have some nice Rambler pics: