Speed isn’t everything. A Porsche 911 Turbo will do zero to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and you’ll lose your licence nearly as fast if you drive it flat out on the street. Speed is usually expensive but style doesn’t necessarily have to be. These classic cruisers are all available on Kijiji right now for less than $5,000. Which one do you want take home?
1965 Chevrolet Corvair
1965 Chevrolet Corvair
Supplied, Kijiji
The Corvair is one of the best bargains in 1960s cars right now. This one is available in Ontario for $4,500 and is claimed to have covered just 20,800 kilometres. Regardless of whether that claim is accurate, this black sedan looks great with an oh-so-sixties red interior. Corvairs are air-cooled and their heaters are pitiful somewhat lacking but none of that matters in summer! The transmission is a two-speed powerglide automatic so don’t expect this one to burn rubber at stoplights.
1969 Volkswagen Beetle
1969 Volkswagen Beetle
Supplied, Kijiji
Looking more like a skateboard than a car, this 1969 Volkswagen Beetle chassis is available in Saint Isidore, Ont., for just $1,200. The ad is somewhat vague but it appears that this chassis was rebuilt and refurbished in Brazil. Registering a Brazilian made Bug could prove to be a fun adventure at the registry, but if you really like open-air motoring, this is the car for you! Though you might want to attach a steering wheel before you drive off.
350 V8 powered 1974 Jaguar XJ
1974 Jaguar XJ
Supplied, Kijiji
Many of us prefer our cruiser to be classy. And few things are classier than a regal Jaguar sedan. This 1974 Jaguar XJ is offered from Welland, Ont., for $3,000 and has had a Chevrolet 350 of unknown origin swapped in. The V8 likely makes more power than the original straight-six with greater reliability and only a slight loss in classiness. Drive it to any of the fanciest valets in town or add a supercharger like the Roadkill boys did and blow minds.
1966 AMC Rambler American Convertible
1966 Rambler American
Supplied, Kijiji
Are you a ramblin’ man? Because this car’s seller certainly isn’t. Aside from the make and model of the vehicle, the seller states just three words about the car. Nonetheless, this pretty 1966 AMC Rambler American ragtop is available in Gabriola, B.C., for $3,000. I’m not sure why they even made cars in this colour but a repaint in any other shade would greatly improve the look of the car. Depending on what kind of work the car needs, this could be a great summer driver.
1979 BMW 320i
1979 BMW 320i
Supplied, Kijiji
The E30 is the cult favourite BMW and it often overshadows the previous E21 generation like this 1979 BMW 320i available in Ottawa for $4,800. This one looks great in a cheery shade of ’70s orange and the tackle-box-sized fuse block under the hood is comical. This car’s engine displaces only two litres but driving it will make you see how these cars became so popular in the ’80s. These cars are incredibly modern for their age.
1964 MG Midget
1964 MG Midget
Supplied, Kijiji
There’s something almost romantic about a dilapidated red British sports car. This 1964 MG Midget (Try getting that name past a branding committee today) is available in Edmonton, Alta., with some scary rust for $3,250. So long as the rust hasn’t rendered the car structurally unsound, these roadsters are fantastic fun. Yes, you might get overtaken by a Segway, but think of the fun you’ll be having! Mud tires on wire wheels make for an odd look but this car is begging for a second chance at life.
Which of these classic cruisers do you want most? Let us know in the comment section below.
