Highlights of the '70s and '80s December 16, 2004 Having trouble recalling those really desirable and affordable collectible cars of the mid-70s through the '80s? Though the selection may be sparse, there are a few nuggets from those otherwise bleak times: 1985-86 DODGE SHELBY OMNI GLH: With tuning by Carroll Shelby, creator of the Cobra, the turbocharged four-cylinder of Dodge's economy sedan put out 146 horsepower and 0-60 times of 7.5 seconds. It's safe to assume that most have been used hard; survivors are rare. $2,500-$5,000. 1984-86 FORD MUSTANG SVO: Aside from the hood scoop and the dull gray color, this could be mistaken for any plain-Jane Mustang of the '80s. It handles well and has a high-strung turbocharged four-cylinder engine. But the car required fastidious maintenance. $6,000-$9,000. 1976 CADILLAC ELDORADO CONVERTIBLE: The front-drive Eldorado was (enormously) restyled in 1971 and stayed largely unchanged through '77. The '76 model was promoted as the "last convertible," which means that many were bought as investments and were rarely driven. $12,000-$22,000. 1987 BUICK REGAL GRAND NATIONAL: Named for the NASCAR series in which these brawny coupes ran, the squared-off Buicks used a turbocharged version of the company's 3.8-liter V6. The best of the breed were the limited-production GNX models, pumped up to 275 horsepower -- but the tweaks doubled the price to $29,290. Most people cannot tell the GNX from the cheaper Grand National. $14,000-$43,000. 1979 CHRYSLER 300: This gussied-up Chrysler Cordoba is probably the only one of the series that will ever be worth collecting. Most have been cosseted -- probably because they cost $1,500 extra when new. Figure on $5,000 to $8,000 -- and don't break its special grille. 1981-86 JAGUAR XJ6 SERIES III: The last update of the original 1969 design added some rear headroom to the classic British wood-and-leather interior. It handles beautifully, but the usual caveats about its unreliable Lucas electrical system apply. $3,500-$8,000. 1981-83 DeLOREAN: Owners who doggedly held on are getting their money back 20 years later. The DeLorean has a stainless-steel shell and gull-wing doors, but also an anemic 2.8-liter V6. Still, John Z. DeLorean's spectacular fall from grace means everybody recognizes the car. DeLorean built 8,583 cars in its three-year run. Some owners painted over the stainless body, which can look as dull as a dirty kitchen sink. $17,000-$26,000. http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/collect-bar116e_20041216.htm
