Which american V8 classic to buy? Ideas?!

[Davenott]

Not for me, but for my brother who lives in the States [Missouri]
My brother went to the States to do some weapon firing tests for the Apache helicopter project, met a girl and decided to stay. He has been following my Stag and MGB V8 projects over the years, and now fancies an American V8 classic.
He has asked me for some ideas to start researching.
I must admit I would love one of those 1950s beat up pick ups that sound so great. Also I almost bought a split rear screen Corvette instead of my Stag many years ago. Also my neighbour has an original Carrol Shelby 427 that sounds rather nice when he starts it up!
I have told him that what ever he chooses, he should get something with as rot free body as possible [he can't weld,but should be able to manage virtually everything else, or know someone who can]
Open to ideas to pass on.
Dave.

[Stagdad]

64 impala ,less obvious than the 64 mustang but still nice.

[stagmuffin]

a 1948 Studebaker starlight coupe

[404ROD]

I thought Thunderbirds were go.

Rod

[Andrew S]

Cougar?

[davidf]

Late 60's Mercury Cougar with the brake lights in 3 sections that light up sequentially for indicators (sorry, turn signals). It was based on the Mustang; effectively the up-market version. 2 door coupe in the first couple of years, convertible introduced in '69.

[davidf]

Andrew - you got there first while I was writing more and checking my facts on the web!

[Tdm]

Always admired these.

[Staghound]

AC Cobra replica and try shoehorning a 572ci motor in, would be my choice.

Andrew.

[jagorstag]

A '72 Plymouth Roadrunner! Failing that the Satellite version of the same... 440 cid engine is hard to beat, tonnes of torque and reliable.

It also looks incredibly cool and seems like it was born to eat tarmac...

[RNF]

He should be able to find a rust free car somewhat easily. If I can find a rust free Stag, he can find a rust free....whatever.

The Corvair's are great and can easily fit a mid engined V8. I had a '68 with a 350hp Chevy LT1 5.7l. Good fun and made a great sleeper....until it pulled the front wheels off the ground shifting into 2nd. Got 26mpg too.

The Porsche 914 makes a great V8 conversion too.

If he is set on a classic, the Olds 442 with the 455ci is always fun.

John

[dasadrew]

Wasn't the Corvair that "Unsafe at any speed" car that gave birth to the Consumer Protection movement?

[stag8manod]

Yes, Dasadrew but the last of them were factory upgraded and like Stags they can be fixed.
Cheers Ian A

[RNF]

Wasn't the Corvair that "Unsafe at any speed" car that gave birth to the Consumer Protection movement?

Yes it was Drew, but turns out it was much better with the big V8 in the middle. After the swap was completed you had two choices how you wanted to steer it; the steering wheel or the throttle pedal. It was a great addition.
With a new modern aluminum V8, Ralph Nadar may just show up at your door step and ask you to stop.

John

[Davenott]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts; plenty of ideas for me to forward on.
Dave.