'64 Ford Econoline
Pros: Style. Makes everyone who sees it smile and give thumbs up or peace sign in my case. Most people think it's a VW, but the real gearheads know better. Respected on the highway even when doing 50 mph. Simplicity. Everything is mechanical. Makes you want to tinker and understand your vehicle better. No electric locks or window motors to fail. You actually pay attention to driving because you have to. Fairly reliable/efficient due to very few parts. Got a dent? Pound it out! Three on the tree w/ toploader tranny just feels like your a man doing something manly. Not many people even know how to start/drive my van so a little theft protection. Somehow I get 20 mpg @ 55 mph after installing electronic ignition and headers and hi-flow intake (not bad for a 51 year old vehicle). It was made to work (fits 4x8 plywood inside, let see a new truck bed do that nowdays). Most replacement parts are made in U.S.A. The feeling you get when driving is just much more analog (good and bad). Telling Prius owners that their car is actually damaging the environment more than my vehicle that isn't a throw-away. Depreciation? Oh no friend, mine will only appreciate as long as I take care of it. Fairly cheap insurance. Can't go fast enough to get speeding tickets. Smog check? I don't think so.
Cons: Sound insulation? What is that? Power steering? Yes I have strong arms. Parking is an actual P90X workout. Power Brakes? Nope. Just keep pushing the pedal on those four drums and plan waaaaay ahead. A/C? Yes, the windows open. Heat? Engine is located between driver and passenger; just open the "hood". Handling? Well, it turns doesn't it. Top speed is MAYBE 75 (this is not actually a bad thing due to braking and handling). Ride quality? There is a certain quality to impacts that jar your body. The clunks and creaks and squeaks (pro and Con). Driver fatigue on long trips makes your arrival well deserved. Highway Patrol either loves my car Or assumes that I've got drugs in the vehicle. Parts aren't always cheap but I don't have to replace much. Radio? whistle while you drive. You will become angry at inattentive drivers. Safety? perfectly safe below 10 mph. Lap belts will basically cut you in half in event of high speed crash that you wouldn't live through anyway, which is nice.