Worth Saving?

[jryan464]

A friend out west found this yesterday east of Spokane. '67 Executive 4dr Hardtop. He said it's complete, and the rust in the pictures is surface rust and that it's straight car. The one hood hinge is messed up. He doesn't know if it runs. No factory air, has cornering lights! He knows the guy who has it at an old junkyard. The guy has fallen on hard times and apparently has crushed most of the cars there. This is one of the last older cars. I think this is way to decent to crush! I am mulling the idea of getting it back where I live in MN to restore it. Would I be nuts? I always love the big B-bodies and Executives were rare to begin with. I like the hardtop style too. Here are two pics he sent me. I should hear from him today or tomorrow about how much the guy wants for it. My friend thinks $4-500 takes it.

[Larry]

I find the '67 full-size Pontiacs one of the most interesting Pontiacs ever built. Where ever have you seen a car with stacked headlights-- one in the bumper- the other in the body? How unique!

Plus the full-sized Pontiacs then rode like dream boats. I had a '67 Ventura 2-door hardtop here in Florida as my everyday driver from about 1985-'90. Wish I hadn't let it go.

The 4-door hardtop is a much more "accepted" hobby car today considering that just about every car built any more is a 4-door. The hardtop styling was just as nice in 2-door or 4-door version.

As for rarity, out of 46,987 Executives sold, only 8,699 were 4-door hardtops.

Mechanically, there is no shortage of parts around. And, starting with a great body, other needed items should be a short list, able to find. Places like Indiana Pontiacs near you will be able to supply most of hat you might need. Steve (owner) gives our members a nice discount too.

I wouldn't worry about lack of A/C. In Minnesota it's probably still snowing now, right?

What a sharp cruiser that Executive would make. Goose up the 400 a little so it rumbles nicely, add dual pipes, and float down the road in style and comfort.

[jryan464]

Thanks Larry for not thinking I'm crazy about maybe getting this rig! Now, to tell the wife LOL! It does get hot in the summer here in MN. From -25 in the winter to 90-100 in the summer and the humidity! But with all 4 windows down, should be fine!

I'm gonna see what my friend found out about the Executive. Then I need a good, reliable, cheap transport to get'er here. I am so busy with work and some other things I don't have the time to rent a truck and go get it. I do like the sleek 4-door hardtop lines. I had '67 Bonnie in HS. Same size. That trunk was as big as an El Camino's bed! Could haul lots stuff in it!!

[Larry]

Keep us posted on weather you get this car and if you do, the "adventures" that follow.

For that one bad hood hinge, there is a place that advertises in Old Cars Weekly that rebuilds hinges. But that is a minor problem.

I like the shot with what appears like an Australian Dingo dog by the car. Looks like outback territory.

[jryan464]

Well, if the car was near me, it would be a no brainer! I talked to the guy who knows the owner Saturday and he told me the guys wants $500 for the car. Fine. But transporting it 1500 miles is the issue. I also need to line up a place to put it for the time being...with that said, I am going to start researching the cheapest way to get it to MN. I mean, looking at the car it sure doesn't need an enclosed transport! But something safe and reliable is all I need. I have no time frame. They could circle the globe with it to get it hear for all I care! I know in the past if you aren not in a hurry to get it, that transporters will route it all over to fit their schedule. If I could get it here for $1000 I would be ecstactic. Am I unrealistic? Let me know!

[Larry]

If you can carch someone "deadheading" from that part towards you, they should be anxious to make $1k rather than travel empty.

Just as a shot in the dark, drop a note to Steve at Indiana Pontiacs and see if he is planning a jaunt that direction any time soon. Also contact a few haulers and let them know you have $1,000 waiting for them if they are interested.

[jryan464]

Thanks for the suggestion about checking with Indiana Pontiacs. If I get this I am sure he and I will become good friends (and a customer too).

So, I did find someone who would haul it for $1100, so that's kinda in the budget. I am now trying to get back with my friend out there and get the transaction going. I also need to find a place to keep it. Wife ain't gonna let that thing sit in the garage! She likes my '75 Grand Am and we have a super mint '67 T-Bird, but this will have to go somewhere else to get put back together!

The guy that said he would haul it would really like it to move. I have no idea if it is able to start/run. I am going to see if my buddy is willing to throw a battery in it, prime the carb and see what happens.

My vision of the car is to see with some 8-lug wheels (already have Rally II's on my GA); and find a '67 Bonnie interior for the nicer contoured seats with the pull down center armrest...or even some out of a Wildcat would work too. I know where I can get some new redone hood hinges (which it obviously needs LOL)...

I will keep you posted on the "Project Executive"...