<![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II? - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II? - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Hell will be a lot easier & more fun with the GT6. The GT6 is a simple tub on a ladder frame. Body rust issues? Easy, & not urgent. The engine & carbs are simple, & will go with just a little fiddling. The electrical schematic fits on 1/2 a page of paper. If you break the headlight switch, you can clip the wires together until a new one arrives from The Roadster Factory. It is 4 wheels, an engine, & simple brakes.Crank it, put old road signs in the floorboards until you want to take the trouble to weld them; drive like a laughing, screaming maniac. The Mustang has a complicated body structure with nooks & crannies to rust out. When they go, the body starts falling off. The brakes & steering are even more deterioration-prone than the GT6's basics. Gas mileage is awful. Even when you get the engine going, you'll still be working hard to hold it together & make it turn & stop. It will make more horrible clanking, grinding noises than a VW camper being blown off an interstate ramp. Also, the Triumph 2 liter 6 cylinder engine is famously one of the smoothiest, torquiest, sexiest engines ever put in a car. Most important reason: The Triumph GT6 notoriously has an incredibly hot cabin temperature when in use. But nobody who's being dragged around in one cares about that anymore. Oh yes baby, whatever you want. I mean HOT. I mean nobody who owns a GT6 is impressed by whatever today's high temperature in Hell might be; they've been there & past it. The passengers complain, but passengers complain about everything in a GT6: scrunching down to get in it, the incredible heat, the terrifying 3-inches-from-the-road traffic position, the freakin' heat, the way you drive this car, its being SO HOT, etc., etc. It doesn't take long to melt the passenger & let it drain out the bung in the floorpan though, so it's only a brief distraction.

QuinbyCassandra

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> The GT6 is too easy to fix, just get a Moss or Rimmer Bros. catalog and start spending. The Mustang is going to require serious effort to re-engineer and keep in one piece.

slowjoecrow

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I'd looovvee I GT6 (had a Spitfire - great fun) but with their relatively low values restoring that would be hell.

Dave7

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I've wanted a GT6 ever since one of my older brother's friends got one back in 1970 I was ten at the time and thought it was one of the coolest things I'd ever seen. I'd surely take a trip to hell for one of those. This one looks like it offers an eternity in hell. British sports cars aren't so much a means of transportation as an excuse for a bloke to own a really good set of tools.

evil2win

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Lessee....sold with "bill of sale only", photos taken with 9 pixel cellphone cam (or Kodak 'Funsaver'), on what appears to be a squirrel/coon hunt in a distant holler-I'm thinking your first step will be convincing the DOT that you're not the guy who stole/abandoned this car.

powermatic

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> mustang drag car???
sure...you drag it everywere!!!!

so i choose the british green fairy of hell...

Stuntdriver

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> The Mustang's only like 2 hours from my house I am hitching up my car hauler now

derf9350

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> South Kakalaki continues its current reign as Jalop epicenter/ black hole. If the editors ever venture into my back yard, pretty soon they'll be doing a DNTB series (Down Near The Barn).

mechimike

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> The GT6 comes with panache under all that rust. It's sat for 23 years and is still recognizably a car, something magical must be going on there. Buy it, fix it, live the dream. Some of that living may be done at rest, but hey.

The 'Stang is another story. Now unless I disremember, the 429 was never an option on this little beast. In fact, the Mustang II shared an awful lot of its DNA with the Pinto. I'm guessing the front end, the back end, and most of what's left in between was never designed to put up with even half the twist a 429 could generate. So I reckon this car is doglegging everywhere it goes, and emulating a Rabbit GTI in mild lefthanders, hiking up that inside rear and tripodding around the bend. Combine that with the usual backcountry hack job build quality, and you've got yourself a SatanoStang!

Elhigh

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Even with a 9" rear end, the Rustang will still give new meaning to the term 'Axle Tramp'.
I normally would call anything British true hell only surpassed by anything French, the Rustang is the holy grail of PCH!

CEman

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Back in high school I helped a friend restore a GT6+. It was a nice car when finished, but hell to work on. He took it to college with him, drove it from Minnesota to Lynchburg Virginia. His first year at Liberty University he was driving it in the mountains and flipped it end over end. The frame was twisted. He had it hauled back to MN, and we found a new frame to put the mostly intact body on and restored it again.

newport413

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> How can anyone think either of these cars will ever be roadworthy in their lifetimes...

justalf

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Why hasn't anyone suggested 429 in a GT6?

tяs

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I'm a little conflicted here because I once had a ride in a Spitfire which had had a small block Ford engine grafted into it with little regard for structural integrity issues. While it was scary fast when the wiring wasn't sparking, it was mostly just scary. Spitfire, a runaway winner in this PCH.

avantijlt

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> There's a GT6 on my craigslist right now, actually. "Great Project Car! Filled to the roof with spare parts!"
[neworleans.craigslist.org]

I'm actually debating a 70s triumph with an engine in pieces for the low, low price of hauling it away...

cq

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I had a friend in high school whose brother spent a couple of years unsuccessfully trying to mate a small block Chevy with an MGB. I learned from that experience that just cuz you see an improbable engine actually sitting inside the engine compartment does not mean there is a serious chance that it is or ever will be connected to anything so as to make an actual car. Making your own hell by trying to put the square peg into the round hell is kinda-sorta cheating. Factory installed hell trumps over that and the GT6 has got plenty of same.

MadHungarian

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> @dohcspit:

Argh, I thought I was going to be the first one to notice the Triumphs missing two cylinders. Maybe it has a 1498cc four-banger under the hood? Does an engine swap for a smaller one translate into extra jalopnik points?

mr.chophoppers

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> @dohcspit:

The 4cyl is what makes it very rare, instead of just rare.

Also notice "bill of sale only" as in he has no title for it which he did mention in an earlier ad. IIRC the earlier ad also stated it had been stored in a barn.

Surprised to see the rustang II holding its own, expected it to get clobbered but couldnt find a 74 Ford Capri to put it up against.

ktek01

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Anyone who tells me 'A Mustang II is a Mustang too!" just makes me laugh.

Triumph!

Benito

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Let's see. Leyland goes in rhythm with terror, and Lucas goes in rhythm with "Island Devil"

hootjigga

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> The GT6 is British and has sat for 23 years. Even if the Mustang has sat that long, it's not British.

musicalmcs8706

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> @Bumblebee: my bank account would disagree...

and i'm guessing the engine of the Triumph only turns over because the pistons and conrods, made of 100% rust, completely disintegrated when they owner tried to crank it over.

smokyburnout

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I vote for the Mustang. Bust your ass getting in to run and you still have a POS>

dulcamara

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> @dohcspit: I was wondering if I was the only one who noticed that.

Mike the Dog

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> The Triumph pictures are an eye test, right? "Which is clearer, left or right?" "Uh, left." "OK, now for these?" "Hmmm. Left again."
I voted for it anyway. Never a fan of the Mustang II--too cute to take seriously as muscle, it was like the Mustangette. Plus, it looks WORSE than the Triumph--parked in a piney-wood for 23 years. Was the Stang in a swamp all this time? Down by the sea shore? Next to a corrosives factory? And the inside looks like a yeti nest.

NovaloadMissesPolar

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> In honor of Major Robert Anderson, I surrender to the superior numbers of the 429 Mustang II.

thatguy01

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I like how the Triumph appears to be photographed while the owner is fleeing, perhaps from some Evil Dead style beast of unfathomable cruelty and nightmarishness. That said, it would make more sense for him to be running away from the Triumph.

voodoojoo

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I had to go with the Pintang. Ford's the only company I know of whose plastic rusts, add to the fact that the thing will be so nose heavy it won't turn, and all those wonderful Pinto safety features. Forget Dante, this is Iacocca's Inferno.

Sydscraper

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I picked Moosetang II, because even after you get it running people still won't understand.

Froggmann

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I'm going to pick the Mustang because every time you mention you have one you'll hear either what a POS it is or that it was in Charlies Angels. Doesn't matter if it's powered by a 429, OM617 diesel or nuclear reactor, the stigma of it's origin will never go away.

TurboBrick

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I had to vote for the mustang, because I already have a triumph.

However, the GT6 seller does get PCH cred for listing it as a 4 cyl. Hint, the 6 in the name stands for something.

dohcspit

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> The Triumph is unquestionably the hell-mobile in this matchup. Besides, no matter what happens with the Craptang, you've got a 429 and a 9 inch just waiting for a real project. Like a 70 Torino, or a 67 'Chero.

Smells_Homeless

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> GT6 looks like it may well be haunted.

Gimme.

Rust-MyEnemy is stll out there!

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Putting a 429 in a Mustang II is like giving Rosie O'Donnell a Boob Job! Give me Spitfire and a Nissan SE-R motor and I'm good to go!

Mysterious Utility Bento

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> The Mustang is just a bigass engine with a POS along for the ride - you expect it to torture you, but it'll run quick, frame twisted, with one front wheel constantly in the air.

The GT6, it's actually a nice car, covered in 23 years of rust, disrepair, and British Leylandosity. No matter how well it'll run, there'll always be more, and the car will be just worthy enough for you to care.

Maymar is convinced M.C. Escher engineered his car

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> @graverobber: whoops. i was thinking "spitfire" and yet, typing "roadster"

ah hell, all british cars are roadsters in spirit.

abgwin

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> @abgwin: Roadster? I don't believe the roof has THAT much rust.

graverobber- My Yugo Nova!

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> @PeteJayhawk: BINGO.

if by some fluke of god and man you actually got the Triumph to run, people would be impressed and chicks would want you (it's a roadster, after all!)

but no matter what you do with the PintoPlus, it's still a Malaistang.

abgwin

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Tough choice but when faced whith a tough choice concerning the Gates of Hell, I have to go British. I have actually worked on these things. How many years sitting in a forest? My guess is that the poor thing will turn to brownish red dust at the first attempt to get it on a trailer.

TR3-A

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I'll take the one photographed with the pinhole camera.

cyclopticgaze

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> 429 of anything is a good amount.

Bumblebee

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> The Mustang, obviously...because even after thousands of dollars, hours, and buckets of blood/sweat/tears, you've got a '74 Mustang II.

Pete Gaines

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> The pics for the Triumph looks like part of a promotional campaign for the next Blair Witch movie. You could rebuild the whole thing from Moss for only about 4 times the price of a good one.

Have to go with the Mustang here. 429 in a Pinto with absolutely no brake or suspension mods, NO PROBLEM....

P161911

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> My buddy raced a GT6 in the GT2 class, (2 litre and under) holy crap did that car fly. Held together with bailing wire and other racers used tires, but nasty fast with the set up he had.

smart42

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> it's really not a fair comparison since British cars set the standards by which all other PCHs are judged.

smokeydog001

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> i have a hood scoop and a cobra kit on my slantsix dart

deskman

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Rustang.

There was one of these for sale on a Denver-area car lot last year 'bout this time, low miles, and it was almost showroom condition. I think the asking price was $8K. Must have been some nice, Mile High doobage goin' on when that figure was picked.

Still, I'd not have taken this "nice" example, even if it were free. Why? It's a Rustang. Disgustang. Worthless pile-o-parts. Even if it were gold-plated, the Rustang's influence would counteract any perceived value and would have turned the gold to lead. An alchemist's nightmare.

Kelly

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> @graverobber: good point

sliderule

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> All that Rustang really needs to be finished is the COBRA II decal kit applied- without doing any bodywork first.

Slantsick- on layaway at SPATULA CITY

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> gotta say the 429 mustang if only for the idea that I could have a mustang with a 429 in it... I do notice there is NO MENTION if it runs...

crazygutgut

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Mustang, if you can call that a mustang.

The Triumph would be a fun project and one that I still have a few parts lying around that will fit. Also the blurry photos make it look like it's wicked fast.

No matter what you do to the stang, you're still going to end up with the automotive equivalent of a 15 year-old's mustache- something that gets universally derided despite months of effort.

graverobber- My Yugo Nova!

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> There's no hell like British hell. That Triumph could be in perfect condition and I promise you given enough time, no matter how good the care is, it would end up being more hellish than the 'Stang.

That's because it's British and it hates all of us for ruining the empire.

Madness (Possibly Sparta, maybe baggy trousers.)

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> "Really, storing a British Leyland car in a pine forest in the Deep South is much like storing a good bottle of wine in a temperature-controlled cellar... except for the constant rain, temperature extremes, and critters making nests in the upholstery, that is."

That, and the fact that Lucus electrical components were fabricated entirely from composed steak-and-kidney pie, and faded dreams.

staircar

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> God, that GT6 is sexy. I'd love to own one someday, and they're sufficiently rare and finicky enough to warrant true PCH.

But that Mustang II...it's the red-headed stepchild of the Mustang, and people will continue to question your mental health even after you rescue it from the mud and the muck. Though I suppose you could always do something cool with it...

[ltproshop.com]
I've got the actual model kit, so maybe it's time to build a life-sized replica.

bzr

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> I have a hood scoope like the mustang on my slant six dart.

deskman

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> That 'stang looks pretty hellish, by old blighty just takes teh cake. 26 Years. Gawd damn.

Schm, lord of Torques!

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Mustang. It looks like it has set for 23 years too and there's no telling what has been cut up or cut out to make that engine fit. And there is the slightest possibility that you might, someday, make it work. Not so much for the BL lump.

NatefromOgden

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> The Rustang, if only for the phrase "Ready to be finished..."

That is PCH gold right thar.

///Mink

]]> <![CDATA[Project Car Hell, South Carolina Edition: GT6 or 429 Mustang II?]]> Give me a British car for PCH and I'll do something stupid with it.

Wait.

Thats not how that saying goes. Oh well. Triumph.

MadNachos

]]>