Gas Crisis

Gas prices are all I'm hearing about at car shows this year. It seems like we all have to adjust to the fact that our gas guzzlers and muscle cars may be a little less desirable than they were last year or the year before. That doesn't mean that car enthusiasts have to stop going to shows and events. Keep the big collector car in the garage or take it to local shows only. Then go out to the next car corral or auction and start looking for a collector car that gets 25 to 30 mpg. They do exist and they are available. Imported cars are one option. Cars made in countries like England, France or Italy were designed to use less gas. And there are very interesting variations from sports cars to sedans to station wagons. American automakers also produced cars that were good on gas. If you like them small, you can opt for a Crosley, a Hudson Jet, a Henry J or an Aero-Willys. If you need a little more room, take a look at the Nash 600, an entry-level 1950 Plymouth, almost any Kaiser or a Studebaker Champion. After all, they didn't call the later Champs "Scotsman" models for nothing. For an all around great combination of size, economy and convenient travel to shows, try the Corvair, Falcon or Valiant. Like I say, there are economical collector cars and we should all be buying at least one before the prices go wild.

Let's hear your thoughts. Click "comments" below or send me an email at John.Gunnell@FWPubs.com.