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In another enthusiastic review from Roads Untraveled, we learn why pairing an American V8 with a German FR sports coupe is a wonderful idea. It blends what’s wonderful about a Corvette with the great visibility, short overhangs, modest proportions, and exquisite interior of the 944. Surprisingly, these very different front-engine sports cars complement one another. In fact, this particular car does the blending so well that the respective parts seem like they should fit with each other from the factory.
The particular example here is one of the first facelifted ’86 cars. The diminutive proportions, hints of muscle, and ability to mesmerize when the light illuminates some of its edges—all a feast for the eyes. Especially with those bucktoothy front bumpers removed and the signature turbo badge adorning the rear, it’s sleek. A few cosmetic tweaks like ’88 Carrera seats, some dished wheels, and the right stance give it enough presence to cause a few necks to crane. Still, it’s subtle; you can’t picture throngs of pedestrians gawping as it burbles by.
Those fenders! Oh, be still my beating heart!
Knowing this one is fitted with an aluminum-block LS3 somehow makes it even prettier. It’s a fitting replacement for the M44/51 for several reasons. The reliable LS3 doubles the power output, reduces the running costs, and doesn’t spoil the weight distribution. The turbocharged four is actually a touch heavier than the aluminum V8, but so many of these swap kits keep you mystified in regards to the additional weights of the custom motor mounts, crossmembers, and the like. Regardless, it retains that near-50:50 weight distribution.
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In addition to keeping the driven wheels nicely planted, the transaxle rear is robust (which, by the way, seems to be the word of the day). Robust enough to handle the torque, and with the limited-slip rear helping deploy that power, capable of using most of that power—a reported 430 at the rear wheels.
What’s more: it trims the heft from the pokier 928 and retains that wonderful V8 experience in a compact, agile, and understated package. There’s something oddly mesmerizing about this 944 and its refreshingly simple formula, and after you watch this review, you might agree.
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While exotic sports cars, muscle cars, pre-war classics and such that are rediscovered after decades in repose are often described as “barn finds,” here’s an actual workaday Chevrolet pickup that seems like the rancher just drove it into a barn one day and left it there.
Fortunately, this pickup was stored in a dry Texas barn, where it survived reasonably intact, and then was pulled out and put back on the road again in as-is patinaed condition.
The Pick of the Day is a 1949 Chevrolet 3100 half-ton pickup that the Rowlett, Texas, dealer advertising the truck on ClassicCars.com describes as “about as original as they come.”
“Here we have a genuine Texas barn find, rescued from an out building on a ranch in Corsicana, Texas,” the seller says in the ad. “With the exception of the wheels and tires, everything else is as it came from the factory.
“This old girl had to be dragged up (onto) the trailer, but since then she has received the TLC needed to make her roadworthy once again.”
There
are no signs of rust or rot, according to the dealer, who describes the
mechanical work that was performed to bring the pickup back to life. Pressure
tests confirmed that the original 6-cylinder engine’s compression and cooling
system were as they should be, the seller says, so the reconditioning went from
there.
“The motor got new fluids, hoses and belts,” the seller recalls. “A replacement thermostat and rebuild of her original Carter one-barrel carburetor (were) accompanied by a new gas tank, fuel lines and filter. The electrical system was rehabilitated and now with a fresh 6-volt battery all the lights and horn are working again.
“Underneath, she got new brake wheel cylinders and a master cylinder to ensure she stops safely. Fresh motor and transmission mounts and some brand-new whitewall tires finished the job.”
The
result was totally satisfactory, the seller says, as the pickup runs and drives
down the road as it did in its heyday, back when it was still working the
ranch. The odometer shows about 77,000 miles.
“With a push of the starter pedal, the truck starts up easy and idles calmly, almost silently (choke and throttle controls work smoothly),” the ad says. “The transmission and clutch engage perfectly. Acceleration is good and the brakes work well, for 1949 brakes. Steering is responsive. She runs cool in the Texas heat with good oil pressure.”
While
the pickup was repainted sometime in the distant past, fitted with new bumpers
and some lenses, and the interior partially refurbished, the pickup still looks
gloriously original. Naturally, there
are a few odds and ends that need to be fixed up.
“The speedometer needle is broken,” the seller notes. “Both front and rear windows could benefit from fresh seals. There is a heater under the dash that has not been tested or connected. Wiper motor works, but currently missing wiper arms. The wood bed is showing its age but is still solid.”
Sourcing
some original hubcaps would be good, as the white steel wheels look pretty
funky as they are now.
The
asking price for this “genuine Texas barn find” is $24,400.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
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