Diego’s AutoHunter Picks

What is cloning? Are the tributes the same? I’m not trying to define every type of car here, but rather introduce a few cars listed on AutoHunter that could be one of them. What my four AutoHunter picks may lack in pedigree, they make up for it in power, presence or otherwise.

Of course, the car hobby is a big tent where everyone is welcome, so the four cars below will suit some but not others. Which one are you most interested in?

1969 Chevrolet Malibu
19 Sixty-nine was a strange year for SS 396. It became an optional performance package on four different Chevelle models: 300 Deluxe Coupe, 300 Deluxe Sport Coupe, Malibu Sport Coupe and Malibu Convertible. This means there were potentially four variations of the 1969 SS 396, two of which might look the same until you look inside and discover one has a nicer interior than the other.

According to the VIN, this 1969 Chevelle is a Malibu, but the VIN cannot determine if it is a real SS 396. Currently, this Fathom Green Sport Coupe is equipped with a 454 engine and is paired with a console-shift TH400 automatic transmission. Other features include air conditioning, power steering and brakes, clock, and vinyl top.

1972 Chevrolet Chevrolet
All A-bodies produced by General Motors in 1970 were facelifted in 1971, with slight differences in 1972. For the Chevelle, it went from quad to twin headlights, which was very unusual at the time. Influenced by the second-generation Camaro? Maybe. I don’t think any other midsize car had dual systems until the 1973 Colonnades.

Although equipped with 1971 parking lights, this Chevelle has a VIN of ’72. It looks like an SS due to the rounded hood and stripes, but there’s no SS insignia visible – OMG! With great colors and a 350 with dual exhaust pipes, Cragas will make you the envy of the high school parking lot. If you’re a Chevy man or woman, this car has potential.

1965 Pontiac Le Mans Convertible
Although the Le Mans is more commonly known as GM’s midsize Pontiac model, it was originally the sportiest model in the Tempest. Even in 1965, the Le Mans two-door car came with standard bucket seats, although engine options were the same as other Tempests. The GTOs were modified in the same way, except they had larger engines and scooped hoods.

This Capri Gold 1965 LeMans convertible has been given the badge and hood, but the engine is still the 326 V8 with the addition of Tri-Power. The owner added a four-speed transmission, making it the GeeTO Jr., an M22 “rock crusher” mounted in the optional console. The custom bucket seats, modeled after classic Pontiac design, are also a nice touch.

1965 Pontiac Tempest Custom Convertible
This model often gets lost in the shuffle, because for most of the 1960s, there were two types of Tempest: the base Tempest and the Tempest Custom. Pontiac’s least expensive convertible is the latter, which has a slightly different grille and taillights than the Le Mans above. Engine options are the same, but the Tempest Custom comes with a bench seat.

This 1965 Tempest Custom convertible has been given some modern touches for those eager to drive it. Power comes from a 5.3-liter LS V8 engine and a four-speed 4L60E automatic transmission. The buckets of the LeMans/GTO with console are a nice touch, and the red interior combined with the gray accents is very attractive.