Industry

SLEEPER CARS

August 23, 2000

The 1953-54 Hudson Super Jet is a downscaled and less-expensive version of the highly prized Hudson Hornet. Lentinello says the most collectible Super Jets are those equipped with the optional "Twin-H" dual carburetor setup, though other desirable options include the continental kit and rear skirts, which was included on a Super Jet for sale in Hemmings Motor News with a $6,500 asking price.
The 1972-75 Jensen-Healey, which Lentinello calls "one of the most forgotten British sports cars ever built." He says the Lotus-built 1,973-cc four-cylinder is "a jewel of an engine that features an aluminum cylinder head with twin overhead camshafts, 16 valves, and dual carburetors that help it develop 140 horsepower. With an "excellent" power-to-weight ratio, it gets for a very exhilarating ride. Complete but rundown examples go for $2,000 or less, while a Jensen-Healey in excellent condition can be had for about $6,500 to $9,000.

The 1969-72 Pontiac Grand Prix, whose most distinguishing feature is the longest hood on an "intermediate" car. The standard engine was the venerable Pontiac 400, with the J and SJ options offering hotter versions of the 400 and the 428, and later the 455. Today, one can get behind the wheel of one of "these ground-bound cruise missiles" for a relatively light $2,500 to $8,500, depending upon condition, powertrain and options.
The 1966-69 Porsche 912 is the downscale sibling of the legendary 911, powered by either a 90- or 102-horsepower flat-four instead of Porsche's traditional flat-six. Lentinello says the 912 has better handling because it's lighter than the 911, and it takes less money to maintain since engine parts are cheaper and fewer. Everything else on the 912 is nearly identical to its more powerful sibling, which means other parts will be easy to find. Judging by the ads in Hemmings, Lentinellos says that about $6,000 will get you a 912 in really good condition.

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