I’m no fan of clones, but who am I to say what someone wants to do with his/her money and car? Plus, clones allow you to drive the vehicle without worrying about the pedigree, so they’re perfect for those who want to race or drive instead of dealing with a trailer queen.
Of the below AutoHunter Picks, only the Camaro is a true clone; the LeMans received a half-baked attempt and is waiting for you to finish it (use the Car and Driver 421 GTO as inspiration?). The other two can’t be cloned, but they’re both nice choices for collectors who may sit on opposite ends of the sphere… Enjoy!
1964 Pontiac LeMans
Everyone wants a GTO, but few settle for a LeMans. The early ones share the same strong styling of the Goat plus an element or two that make them stand out, like the hash marks on the rear fenders and the engine call-outs on the front fenders. Top engine was the 326 HO, which at 280 horsepower was no slouch, and it responds to mods just like a 389.
This 1964 Pontiac LeMans hardtop has had some GTO badges slapped on it, but otherwise it demonstrates the sporty style that was part of early LeManses, including bucket seats. Note the American Racing Torq Thrust Ds, which make this Poncho look even more fantastic. The four-barrel carb helps it scoot better than your run-of-the-mill Tempest. Drop in a 455 and fun will be had by all.
1985 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler
I remember when the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler came out, but I never saw many on the street. It stands to reason because the Internet is telling me only 27,792 were built from 1981 to 1986. Basically a 10-inch-longer CJ-7 with a pickup bed, the Scrambler was available with several engines during its production run, ranging from GM’s and AMC’s 2.5-liter fours to the renowned 4.2-liter six.
This restored 1985 Scrambler is one of 2,015 built (though the Internet did not specify calendar or model year – I suspect the former). It is equipped with the straight-six and a four-speed manual, which makes for a stellar combo. Not all Scramblers were created equal, but this one seems to have the Laredo trim package that included striping and center console. These may be hotter than you realize, so get ready to bid!
1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO Tribute
It seems the Hemi ’Cuda is the Big Kahuna of muscle cars, but that template was set by the 1969 COPO Camaro with the L72 427. Because General Motors had a rule limiting series by cubic inches, the Camaro was limited to the 396. The Central Office Production Order channel, usually used for fleet orders, was a useful loophole for Chevrolet to exploit.
This Hugger Orange 1969 Camaro looks to be an honest recreation of the ultimate Chevrolet pony car. The L72 427 build features headers and it’s backed by a four-speed like most of the real ones. Inside, you’ll find wood accents and houndstooth cloth that impart a classier vibe than the bare-bones exterior suggests. With real COPOs gathering dust, have some fun with this one for less money.
1988 Porsche 911 Carrera
I think Porsche may be the beacon of all mainstream brands, but 911s these days have gotten expensive and large. Ever compare the new “992” 911 to a classic air-cooled version? You’d be shocked by the size difference. And then there’s the music of an air-cooled flat-six – certainly no V8, but romantic as only a Porsche can be.
This 50,004-mile 1988 Porsche 911 Carrera has all the swagger and gravitas that the sports car is known for. Guards Red hue? Check. Whale tail spoiler? Check. Nothing digital except the radio? Check. Aside from the air conditioning and perhaps the sunroof, if you want sports car purity the way Gott intended and enjoy the 930 turbo inspiration, look no further.
