What is the coolest most economical car for a daily driver?

I am working with my 10 year old daughter trying to help her pick out her 1st car. We build our cars as a family , so I want her to see all options. We have discussed 48-52 Ford F-1's but she likes the Chevys more.

Now with that said, we are going to be looking at Chevy pass cars as well. She'll want something with A/c, a decent heater, good ride etc. So chopped and channeled model A's are probably not a first choice. Plus she'll probably be 6 foot tall.

I was thinking maybe a 53-54 Chevy Bel Air? I still have to have the fickle 10 year old approval......

 

BTW, we did the same thing with my son and he's now the proud owner of a 50 Chevy Fleetline.

 

If I were 10, i'd probably want a 55-56 chevy, but given how expensive they are, if I were you i'd go with the 53-54 chevies, very nice cars, and good parts availability.

 

damn most people i grew up with smacked up there first car or second so would start her out with a belly maro or stang let her get a few years of driving before putting her in some thing classic but at 10 you got at least 6 years of build time there

 

Tri 5's can still be found cheap- I found this 4 door sedan with the original undercoating, rubber floor mat and blue flame 6 for $2500. All I did was scuff the paint with an S.O.S pad and throw a set of cragars on it. I sold it to my friend last year he re did the paint, bullnosed it, shaved it and lowered it:





Cheap and reliable!

 

Tri 5's bring big money around here....4 doors as well.

 

How old does it have to be? An early Mustang would be a good car to cut your teeth on and would be a very economical driver with the inline six. A Falcon would be another good choice.

The 49-54 Chevy is a good option too, just a bit more time & money!


Ed

 

grave nice car but tell your friend it looked better with Crager SSs

 

He's getting rid of the red wheels LOL

I told him they look real gay

 

Thought about a shoebox?
Girls dig shoes.

 

I like anything with a chevy six or the early Falcons/ Mustangs. Good economy and can be repaired with a dull butterknife if need be, to get you off the road.

 

Yes! 60-63 Falcon! Better yet: Ranchero...

 

There's about a '50 or so Chevy wagon on ebay right now (not mine), but could be cool.

A truck would be cool. I will say that a girl in a truck seems to be a guy magnet. At least that is my experience with my wife in Tennessee. Something to think about with daddy's little girl. (smiley face)

A '57 ford car appeals to me, and should be cheaper than a chevy.

 

Early Falcon style Ranchero. Man, those cars are so under rated. They're bitchen looking, they're small (good for inexperienced drivers), and they respond well to a couple different treatments. Oh, and they're a truck...kind of

Street machine
-Hop up the little six w/ an intake/carb/cam/headers
-Stick some big & little Americans, Radirs, etc. on
-Leave it stock height and roll

Kustom (my preference)
-Bag it
-Astros, Radirs, Cragar wires, reversed chromies and pinner whites
-Nice two tone paint or tinted primer and paint on the roof (econo. version)

 

60s GMs are great drivers also and can be had pretty cheap in 4 door hard tops most have both power steering & brakes V8s autos & not that there should be a crash but in event there is these big old tanks offer a lot of metal to protect the people inside & bout 56 i just love crager SS on them cars & myself am not intoo painted steelys i like mags not bullit crap but cheap crager, centerline, slots ,etc

 

I liked the suggestions of a falcons(great little cars BTW) but you said she was looking for a chevy, One of the coolest and economical little chevys I can think of(also make bad ass gassers) is a nova II wagon(o/t I love the look of a straight axle long roof). They also look great dropped 60's style on astros with skinny whites. They can be had cheap to. Just my .02c

Drew

 

I liked the Falcon idea so I showed her a 60 Ranchero....not gonna happen...I thought what a great car, good lines, small engine, reliable. I'm still working on her.

 

Early-'90s Geo, hands down. Avg 45 mpg. Drove one for six months (until a chick in an SL600 glanced over one day in traffic, smiled, caught a glimpse of what I was driving, then laughed).

 

O.K. I know I'm gonna catch hell for this. Get her somthing safe with airbags (in the steering wheel!). The way people drive nowadays I wouldn't let me kid drive in anything short of a sherman tank. Old cars are cool but they're just that, OLD CARS. I don't care how much you update. Build an old car for the weekends and the prom. My 2 cents. -stick

 

I'm thinking corvair.

 

My son changed his damn mind so many times,I bought him a VW Golf.
He can build his own ride if he ever figures out what he wants !!!

 

'58 Olds fourdoor.

Seats 13. If she hits the early '90s GEO, she'll go right through it.














.

 

I second this motion. This is exacly what I was thinking as I read this thread. Get air bags, 3 point belts, ESP, anti-lock brakes,....and get a car you won't cry over when she has her first, second, and third oopsy!

 

you guys are no fun!

you can have an old car and still make it safe. Fuck who would survive a colision better? a 60 Catalina or a Geo Storm?

 

There is a big differance in a daily driver over here!! I am getting this 1975 Mini together I need something cheap to run .And I promised it to my 5 year girl when she grows up !! Looks like I will have to look after it.

 

I disagree. I think in the hands of an experienced and knowledgable driver, like you, who knows the limits and characteristics of his ride, you are right.....but a 16 year old ???

 

Keep in mind we live in a town of 12,000.She has the opportunnity to eat,sleep,work and got to school in a 6x2 mile rectangle.

 

cool & economical? how 'bout a henry j with a chevy iron duke? a crosley wagon with a pinto/mustang 4-banger? early chevy II (wagon or 2-door post) with original 4 or 6 cylinder engine? an SS chevy II convertable if ya really wanna get fancy.

something a bit larger? first generation chevelle. even an el camino or wagon. 6 banger auto & hang an aftermarket a/c unit on it.

early 50's chevys: show her a pic of boones' wagon. or bob k's hardtop.

 

Now when I say economical...I am really not talking gas mileage persay....

I mean purchase price, part availability, parts cost etc.

 

BTW, I was that 16 year old a long time ago....I still have the truck and it's never been wrecked.....knock on wood.