If you wonder how I choose four cars for my AutoHunter Picks, it’s quite simple: sometimes it’s just an objective attempt to highlight four vehicles that stand out among the AutoHunter roster. If I’m lucky, I may find a theme to connect the quartet, but that doesn’t happen often. Sometimes it can be a struggle because I can’t promise that the available vehicles will move me, though there us purpose in choosing cars that may move someone else.
In other words, it’s mostly about “check this car out!” while I try to avoid my whims and biases (although human nature suggests it’s almost impossible to avoid). Do you think I’m successful in this week’s endeavor?
1951 Henry J. Custom Coupe
A stock version of this car was on the cover of a book I had as a kid, and I continue to scratch my head because it’s not the most photogenic vehicle out there. However, when hot-rodded, it takes on a different personae, a lightweight compact that screams to have a big V8 to replace the original four or six.
This one already has had that done, though it’s a modern GM Performance LS3 crate motor backed by a 4L85E tranny and not anything vintage. Built on an Art Morrison chassis, this junior Kaiser has power windows and steering, plus four-wheel discs just so you don’t kill yourself.
1941 Willys Custom Coupe
I reckon that the above Henry J would pair well with the Willys Americar we have here. Of course, this car also gave hot rodders an opportunity to do their thing. This custom build comes from J&R Street Rods and features a custom frame, body (Outlaw Performance fiberglass), and paint.
Replacing the stock four-cylinder engine (the same Go-Devil used for Jeeps) is a GM RamJet 502 V8 paired with a TCI-built 4L60E automatic. If you were a racer and had your pick of a stock Henry J or a Willys, which one would you rather build?
1970 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe
Truth be told, the Gran Coupe is closest to my heart out of the trio of available Barracudas. I love the “Astrotone” rear paint treatment and subtle details like the fluted rockers and special grille inserts. Inside, you’ll find a fancy-pants houndstooth interior (an alternative to the standard leather and vinyl) and overhead console.
This one is powered by the top available engine, a 383 four-barrel, but what I find most interesting is the missing “V5R” side trim, which would look stunning upon the black flanks.
1963 Dodge D100 Town Wagon
The Town Wagon was part of Dodge’s “Medium Tonnage Conventional Models,” touted as a “good-looking combination people-and-load carrier.” It was capable of carrying eight people or a good-size load.
It may be hard to believe it’s powered by the Slant Six, but this was from a time when sixes were popular powerplants for trucks. Backing the engine is a four-speed manual. This example previously served courtesy shuttle duty at Johnson Creek Airport in Idaho.
