Vintage Hemmings Finds of the Day – Caribou, Corvette, Daytona, Datsun

What I love about the late 1970s issues of Hemmings Motor News is exemplified right here, in these four selections of classifieds from the July 1978 issue. First, a 1974 Cadillac Caribou, offered out of Albany, New York, for $11,900. “Metallic maroon with matching top,” the seller wrote. “Completed 6 months ago – showroom new, loaded. California padded top.” The seller was also willing to take in trades.

Next, a 1969 Corvette, modestly modified. It’s a T-top version, into which the Illinois-based seller dropped a 454. “Former show winning car with GT nose, air scoop, air spoiler, flared wheels, crushed red velour interior, air suspension, tilt and tele, air conditioning, and more. Lots of chrome in engine, including the rear suspension. Offers near $9,500.”

It’s not the $6,000 asking price that made me choose this ad for a 1969 Charger Daytona; it’s the definitely not-stock paint scheme and wheels. Nobody would dare dream of doing that today, especially not to one with a 440 Six Pack and four-speed, as this one had. I only wish the photo was in color so we can see which hue the seller – based out of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania – chose.

Finally, the Resurrection Chariot, a “woody wagon hot rod” based on a Datsun 1600 roadster chassis. “Mags, radials, spare engine, trans and many other parts,” the seller wrote. “I have driven it about 10,000 miles since I built it. Good potential for advertising your business. Will trade up or down for Jaguar Mk V engine or parts car.” The Glen Ellyn, Illinois, seller wanted $1,500 for the Chariot. Let’s just hope it didn’t become a Chariot of Fire (*groans*).

Hit the jump for fullsize versions of the above photos.