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I’ve wanted an American pick up really for years, but various reasons means I haven’t got one yet, Talking to the other half a couple of days ago, she says just go and buy one, but then made the point that there are 3 of us now, and probably be a 4th in the next couple of years, so a two seater pick up will end in arguments, and we could never go anywhere as a family in it, so I’d just be driving it around on my own. Which I’d never really thought about as I just like pick ups. I’ve got too many cars that don’t get used and I’d be far better off having just 1-2 cars, so sell those to finance the yank. So what American cars from the around the 1960’s would be good as a family car? for road trips, weeks holidays to the sea side with bikes and all sorts stuffed into it. I just keep looking at Chevy and GMC suburbans now. Still got the truck front end.   I like vans but wouldn’t really want one, estates like the vista cruiser look good too. |
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Last Edit: Jun 6, 2019 11:14:32 GMT by pauly22
1994 BMW 525i touring
2004 BMW Z4 sorn and broken
1977 Ford Escort
1982 Ford Capri getting restored
1999 Mazda B2500 daily driver.
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A nice problem to have!
...or you could buy a crew cab pickup?
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rodharris83
Club Retro Rides Member
Day Dreamer...
Posts: 759
Club RR Member Number: 4
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1960’s American family car?rodharris83
@rodharris83
Club Retro Rides Member 4
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Without knowing the budget I'd look at something like this.... 1969 Ford Country Sedan Station Wagon  link |
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If I were in that predicament I think I'd go for a 67 caddy coupe deville.  |
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The Suburban has the advantage of a decent parts supply being based on popular trucks, especially if you don't mind custom/ modified things. I know a couple of people who switched from British classics to American cars because of the relative ease of finding parts. The peace of mind in knowing that the bits and bobs to keep your car/truck on the road are available off the shelf (even if that's a shelf 3000 miles away) would make a difference if I was in your shoes.
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I'd definitely go for a station wagon over a sedan for a family vehicle. So much more versatile. It can do many of the jobs a pickup can do but can still transport a crowd when required.
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. If I was in your position I don't think Id be looking much further than this. Loads of proper space for stuff in the back, not the usual choice, cool as. I don't know enough about american stuff to suggest much really, but that definatly gets my vote. |
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Depending on your budget, motivation and all the rest..... Look at www.tubatrucks.comHe will probably be able to find something, restore etc if you want. |
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If I get what a couple of cars are worth when I sell. Should be around £15k up to maybe £20k if needed The Suburban has the advantage of a decent parts supply being based on popular trucks, especially if you don't mind custom/ modified things. I know a couple of people who switched from British classics to American cars because of the relative ease of finding parts. The peace of mind in knowing that the bits and bobs to keep your car/truck on the road are available off the shelf (even if that's a shelf 3000 miles away) would make a difference if I was in your shoes. That’s true, nearly everything is available, I watched wheeler dealers the other day and mike went to a car place about bought loads of brand new trim parts all in bags, yet here when I needed some trim for my mk2 escort, which is a popular car nobody here had and and I ended up getting some from Sweden, I may have identified another sleepless nights worth of 1960's metal.    I like that but what is it worth? Guessing the 4 door ness of it hurts the value? |
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Last Edit: Jun 6, 2019 20:39:52 GMT by pauly22
1994 BMW 525i touring
2004 BMW Z4 sorn and broken
1977 Ford Escort
1982 Ford Capri getting restored
1999 Mazda B2500 daily driver.
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Everything has a price.
I would not let two or four doors stand in my way.
The car is in Winfield, Kansas very near the Oklahoma border.
There is a guy on FB who specifically ships from Oklahoma.
Remember that four doors allow easier access rearwards.
Look at the actual lines and profile and the rear doors disappear.
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Last Edit: Jun 6, 2019 20:58:10 GMT by grizz
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diff
South East
Posts: 1,165 
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Last Edit: Jun 6, 2019 21:43:40 GMT by diff
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Dez
Club Retro Rides Member
And I won't sit down. And I won't shut up. And most of all I will not grow up.
Posts: 11,712
Club RR Member Number: 34
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1960’s American family car?Dez
@dez
Club Retro Rides Member 34
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One thing to consider is are you REALLY able to use such a vehicle as you intend? They’re around 18-20ft long and 8ft wide. You can’t park them in most car parking spaces, narrower country and village roads are an issue, and they don’t fit in most UK garages.
I know loads of people who bought full-size Americans and got rid as they can’t hack em. It’s more like driving a LGV than a car.
If any of the above are a consideration, I look at a falcon or similar. They’re about the same size as modern estate cars at 6ish feet wide and 15-16” feet long , so are truly usable in all conditions.
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Or an Aussie Falcon cos it'll have the steering wheel on the correct side and won't be a pita at the drive-through or when trying to see if it's clear to pull out to pass.
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One thing to consider is are you REALLY able to use such a vehicle as you intend? They’re around 18-20ft long and 8ft wide. You can’t park them in most car parking spaces, narrower country and village roads are an issue, and they don’t fit in most UK garages. I know loads of people who bought full-size Americans and got rid as they can’t hack em. It’s more like driving a LGV than a car. If any of the above are a consideration, I look at a falcon or similar. They’re about the same size as modern estate cars at 6ish feet wide and 15-16” feet long , so are truly usable in all conditions. Dez has mentioned some very valid points. And some of them I have experienced. One of the reasons I bought the short Fleetside C10 and the Blazer is exactly that they are long. And most regular U.K. properties do not necessarily cater for them. My house is a 1921 build. Semi-detached. The driveways are weirdly staggered as from the front, street side, the house on the left (mine is one) had a wider driveway, so I am able to get a full-size American down the side. I always reverse down to the garage as it’s easiest that way, and makes leaving easier. Check this out down the side of the house. The second half is size vs road, this is a B road I guess. HOWEVER....... DO NOT LET THIS PUT YOU OFF. If you really want an American or similar interesting car then get it and use it. You probably won’t regret it. Imagine living with a high roof, long wheelbase Sprinter van. That’s the sort of space it takes up. Not sure where you live, but if it is Birmingham area, and if you have access to anyone who has a full size American, see if you can drive it in town for an hour or so, but if you want to drive the Blazer while I still have it, (looking at selling it as I have seen something more Project-like) you are most welcome. Maybe someone else near you has something, even just a LWB pickup truck with left hand steering, that way you get a better feel for it. diff was at Brands Hatch last weekend with his wagon, and it does look rather lovely in the company it was keeping. Hopefully more advice will be posted on here. |
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Last Edit: Jun 7, 2019 6:08:34 GMT by grizz
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moglite
Part of things
Posts: 815
Club RR Member Number: 144
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1960’s American family car?moglite
@moglite
Club Retro Rides Member 144
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A little early - being a 57 Ranch Wagon. But this was on Discovery Turbo in Hand Built Hot Rods  |
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1967 Morris Oxford Traveller
1979 Toyota LandCruiser BJ40
1993 Daimler Double Six
2007 Volvo XC70 2.4D
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One thing to consider is are you REALLY able to use such a vehicle as you intend? They’re around 18-20ft long and 8ft wide. You can’t park them in most car parking spaces, narrower country and village roads are an issue, and they don’t fit in most UK garages. I know loads of people who bought full-size Americans and got rid as they can’t hack em. It’s more like driving a LGV than a car. If any of the above are a consideration, I look at a falcon or similar. They’re about the same size as modern estate cars at 6ish feet wide and 15-16” feet long , so are truly usable in all conditions. Didn’t think about that either. Are they not similar size to a modern Range Rover? One thing to consider is are you REALLY able to use such a vehicle as you intend? They’re around 18-20ft long and 8ft wide. You can’t park them in most car parking spaces, narrower country and village roads are an issue, and they don’t fit in most UK garages. I know loads of people who bought full-size Americans and got rid as they can’t hack em. It’s more like driving a LGV than a car. If any of the above are a consideration, I look at a falcon or similar. They’re about the same size as modern estate cars at 6ish feet wide and 15-16” feet long , so are truly usable in all conditions. Dez has mentioned some very valid points. And some of them I have experienced. One of the reasons I bought the short Fleetside C10 and the Blazer is exactly that they are long. And most regular U.K. properties do not necessarily cater for them. My house is a 1921 build. Semi-detached. The driveways are weirdly staggered as from the front, street side, the house on the left (mine is one) had a wider driveway, so I am able to get a full-size American down the side. I always reverse down to the garage as it’s easiest that way, and makes leaving easier. Check this out down the side of the house. The second half is size vs road, this is a B road I guess. HOWEVER....... DO NOT LET THIS PUT YOU OFF. If you really want an American or similar interesting car then get it and use it. You probably won’t regret it. Imagine living with a high roof, long wheelbase Sprinter van. That’s the sort of space it takes up. Not sure where you live, but if it is Birmingham area, and if you have access to anyone who has a full size American, see if you can drive it in town for an hour or so, but if you want to drive the Blazer while I still have it, (looking at selling it as I have seen something more Project-like) you are most welcome. Maybe someone else near you has something, even just a LWB pickup truck with left hand steering, that way you get a better feel for it. diff was at Brands Hatch last weekend with his wagon, and it does look rather lovely in the company it was keeping. Yeah it does look quite wide in the video but guess soon get used to it. Should really get myself down to an American car show or something and have a look in person Needs to be American though, nothing much interests me enough to buy that was sold in the UK, and things seem so expensive for a lot of it. Hopefully more advice will be posted on here. |
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1994 BMW 525i touring
2004 BMW Z4 sorn and broken
1977 Ford Escort
1982 Ford Capri getting restored
1999 Mazda B2500 daily driver.
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Are you on FB? There are loads of American car groups, national and local. All you need is a small group to get going and get a feeling. Like this forum.retro-rides.org/thread/208681/kent-breakfast-meet-april-photosMost people are friendly, open and approachable and love talking about their cars. Very little dickswinging too. Try hang around with non make specific groups. |
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