There has been a lot of talk ever since the Cash for Clunkers rebate was announced and it's subsequent popularity, about the possibility of the program crushing the classic cars of the future. The most recent article we saw was posted in the New York Times where author Norman Mayersohn even gives examples of cars he would miss should they be crushed to extinction; 1988 Jaguar XJ6, 1987 Ford Mustang, 1991 Pontiac Firebird and a 1996 Buick Roadmaster.
We would really like to know why the 1996 Roadmaster?
So that got us thinking about which 1984 model cars would we want a good quantity of to remain properly maintained and preserved for prosperity. Easily coming to mind is the Datsun 300SX, Pontiac’s Trans Am and Fiero, and Chevy’s El Camino and Monte Carlo SS. We could see a future bidding frenzy over a 1984 Chrysler LeBaron Convertible with Town and Country trim as well.
Anyway, newly published statistics show that none of Norman’s or our favorite 1984 models were reported as being junked en masse under Cash for Clunkers program, and we would be surprised if they were. The top ten clunkers being turned in so far include:
1. Ford Explorer 4WD
2. Ford F150 Pickup 2WD
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD
4. Jeep Cherokee 4WD
5. Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD
6. Ford Explorer 2WD
7. Chevrolet Blazer 4WD
8. Ford F150 Pickup 4WD
9. Chevrolet C1500 Pickup 2WD
10. Ford Windstar FWD Van
We weren’t surprised that 5 out of the 10 top clunkers are Fords – wasn’t the company anointed with the term Fix Or Repair Daily in the 1980’s?
So what’s your favorite clunker? Use the comment section to include your choices.
Well, i’d say anything GM built in the 80’s and early 90’s was pretty reliable. Its a real shame to see so many getting scrapped. My personal Chevy fave is the Caprice. doesent matter if its a coupe, sedan or wagon. Even they will become rare some day, and a Prius won’t. And besides, alot of the vehicles they turn in are quite rare. I’ve seen a video of someone that had to prepare a 1997 Lincoln Town Car Presidential Series for its destrucion. Was that really right? I don’t think that that is what this program was meant to be. All these great 80’s and 90’s cars will probably not be around anymore in 5-10 years. The Goverment should really consider to stop this, and look at whats getting crushed. You hearing me Obama?
If you think the DC pundits give 2 load of chit what the citizens think, you are living in a fantasy world. The government should fear the people is as large a myth as “the check is in the mail”.
I have seen quite a few Jeeps being turned in along with Suburbans. I love Suburbans. On You tube, there are 2 videos of Chevrolet Caprice wagons that were turned in for Cash for clunkers. Before you blame the government though, look at the owners who did not take the time to try to sell the vehicle themselves. I know plenty of people, me including, who would have loved to grab one of the Caprice Wagons, or Suburbans or even Jeeps sent to an early death. Also, most of the cars are American and are being replaced by Japanese cars. Way to keep American working. Sheep.