by Martin Pettitt

Question: I have a classic car “predicament”, if you can call it that…?
I really just want a few opinions, because I’m sure there are some options I’m not considering here. I recently bought two highly regarded, sought-after classic cars… A 1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air 2-door hardtop and a 1968 Dodge Charger.
The ’55 Chevy is a 100% original car. Has the original #’s matching 283 and EVERYTHING. It doesn’t run, but it supposedly ran like a top up until about 10 years ago when it was parked and all but forgotten about. It’s a really well-preserved specimen in terms of cosmetics, considering it’s never been restored.
The ’68 Charger was an original R/T 440 6-pack automatic. However, the 440 in it is not the original engine. The body is as straight as an arrow and only has some VERY minor surface rust. The owner informed me that the frame is slightly warped. It looks fine to the naked eye, but I’m sure he’s right because… well… Why would you say that if it’s not? The rest of the car is 100% there. It’s also an excellently preserved car. Its main problem is (like the ’55 Chevy) it has sat for quite a while… 15 years according to the owner.
My question is this: Do I sell the Chevy to restore the Charger? Or do I sell the Charger to restore the Chevy? Or do I sell them both to acquire and restore my dream car (a 1966 Dodge Coronet… which would be a R/T 426 Hemi clone if I can’t find a real original R/T Hemi)?
Otto: Is it possible that a few Bel-Airs as early as ’55 were equipped with the 283 as somewhat of a “prototype” or “test” engine? I’d love to show you the matching #’s on the car. Because it’s damn sure a 1955 Bel-Air equipped with a 283 V8. I know that you don’t know me, but please… don’t call me a liar.
It’s also a possibility (because I’m no Chevrolet officianado by any stretch) that it is a 265 and the man I bought it from (a long time family friend who wouldn’t lie to me) just had his wires crossed. I couldn’t tell you the difference between a 265 and a 283 by simply looking at it. The numbers match on the car. I’ve checked. I’m a mopar man 100%, but I’m considering keeping the ’55 because it’s the most beautiful, classy and muscular car Chevrolet ever produced in my opinion. Also, the parts are cheaper and easier to come by than mopar stuff.

Answer:

Answer by Joe
Definitely the dream car!
So many reasons:
1) You can’t drive 2 cars at once
2) 3,000 normal women don’t beat the woman of your dreams
3) If you have 2 cars that are nearly your favourite, you’ll always think “I wish I had my favourite car”