I need a V8 in my life, but...

[CSR Performance]

I have a 6ft teenager who will occasionally need to go in the back.

Budget £15-25k. Always wanted an American muscle car, I don't like the 300C or the modern Charger 4 door (except maybe the post 2015 facelift version).

Convertible would be nice, but not essential and I don't know how it affects rear passenger space.

Challenger, Camaro and Mustang are the obvious choices. Is it actually possible to get a full size human in the back of any of these?!?

[Soloman Dodd]

Buy your son a bicycle and buy a Mustang.
It's a bit tight in the back.

[alscar]

I’ve had my Dark Horse just over a year and have only ever tried to get coats and the like in the back.
If the passenger seat was fully forward ( whilst still being vaguely usable ) I think anyone in the back would struggle let alone a 6ft son unless really for short journeys and then even if sitting twisting slightly sidewards.
That said many years ago on a test drive the over 6 ft tall salesman managed to get in the back of the 911 ( 997.1 version ) - getting out took him a lot longer.

[some bloke]

Going slightly left field here, how about a 4 door? With all the go-fast goodies you can get for an American V8, you could get a 4 door that would keep up with the older muscle cars.

[CSR Performance]

Soloman Dodd said:

Buy your son a bicycle and buy a Mustang.
It's a bit tight in the back.

I did buy him a bike. Full suspension and everything, but apparently my wife thinks expecting him to ride down the M1 to Santa Pod for a family day out is "not even unreasonable, but downright stupid".

some bloke said:

Going slightly left field here, how about a 4 door? With all the go-fast goodies you can get for an American V8, you could get a 4 door that would keep up with the older muscle cars.

Any suggestions in mind? I can just about see myself in a newer Charger, but not much a fan of the shape of VXR8. Not sure what else is about other than the German offerings which seems pointless when my daily is a relatively quick VAG product.

[some bloke]

CSR Performance said:

Any suggestions in mind? I can just about see myself in a newer Charger, but not much a fan of the shape of VXR8. Not sure what else is about other than the German offerings which seems pointless when my daily is a relatively quick VAG product.

I was thinking of older cars.

A 55 Chev?
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2114010 - not that keen on the wheels.

A 57?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/168565119875?itmmeta=01...

A 60 Chev?
https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C2107577

a 70 Galaxie?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/168539789784?itmmeta=01...

A 67 Pontiac?
https://www.classic-american.com/advert/pntiac-bon...

http://classic-american.com/advert/1961-mercury-mo...


I have a 66 Impala 4 door, RHD, with a mild 383 SBC. It's great for getting your older mates in the back without them slipping a disc. It's simple to maintain, easy to get parts for and is around 350hp/400ft/lb.

It depends what you're after - just the rumble, or neck-snapping performance?

[Huffy]

I have a 2005 Mustang convertible. I am 6’ 2” , my son is about the same (although he reckons he s taller than me now). He can and does sit behind me on occasion. It’s probably fair to say we both have to compromise on our ideal seating positions but it is doable. Mine is a manual, an auto would be easier. Not sure either of us would want to do more than an hour like it and normally it’s just the two of us so he sits in the front. Access is easier when the roof is down but can be done when up. My son does love the car though so is willing to put up with a degree of discomfort. My daughter also pushing 6’ isn’t so bothered by the car so won’t do it ..so it may in part depend on your teenager!

Edited by Huffy on Wednesday 29th July 16:57

Edited by Huffy on Wednesday 29th July 16:59

[Windy Miller]

CSR Performance said:

Challenger, Camaro and Mustang are the obvious choices. Is it actually possible to get a full size human in the back of any of these?!?

Challenger is challenging. Maybe that is why they are so named. With the front seats right back, there is effectively zero leg room in the back. Seats almost touching. At 6'3, my normal seating position means the seat is right back. If someone is in the back, behind me, I have my knees up each side of the steering wheel....

I would wholeheartedly support the concept of the teenager getting a bike!

[fttm]

How about some practicality to placate the wife at the same time ? 2006 Magnum , station wagon AWD .... and Hemi powered . Cheap as chips too .

[aeropilot]

CSR Performance said:

I have a 6ft teenager who will occasionally need to go in the back.

Budget £15-25k. Always wanted an American muscle car, I don't like the 300C or the modern Charger 4 door (except maybe the post 2015 facelift version).

That's OK, as neither are 'muscle cars'.
If its not pre-1971, then its not a muscle car.

CSR Performance said:

Convertible would be nice, but not essential and I don't know how it affects rear passenger space.

Convertible's are not muscle cars either. They are cruising cars.

For a 6ft teen to sit comfortably in the back you need a proper old school yank.

This Dart is worth a look, only a 318 small block, but will make the right noises, your 6ft teen will fit in the back, and the Dart is quite small, not much bigger than an old Granada, so will fit in many UK single garages.

https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C2101422