50c: End Of An Era: 1986 Pontiac 1000
The Pontiac T1000 (later renamed 1000) was introduced to an awestruck public in 1981, but it was no terminator. The little Pontiac shared all body stampings with the ice racing king Chevrolet Chevette, but it cost a few bucks more with the Pontiac badges. The 1000 may have been badge engineering turned up to 11, but it was one of the last compact rear-drive platforms offered by any of the big three. Find this 1986 Pontiac 1000 offered for $250 in Emmett, ID via craigslist. Tip from Oldsmobuick.
The Chevette flew off showroom shelves during the late 70s and early 80s (400k per year), but the Pontiac version did not sell as well, with only 60k per year finding homes. Original production figures don’t really matter because they have all been rusted, crashed, and crushed into oblivion, so you might even be able to call them rare…hah! This 1000 is powered by a 1.6 liter 4-banger making 60 horsepower and mated to an automatic transmission. The engine in this one is “burned up” according to the seller, so you’ll need to start roaming the junk yards now for potential replacements. LS1?
See a better compact classic powering the right wheels for less? tips@dailyturismo.com
How about the truck in the back yard? What you want for that?
Didn't you mean end of an Error?
Steve, you made me blow coffee out of my nose. Thanks (I think)
awestruck
Yes, the Chevette was yet another one of those designs pulled together from the Opel/Vauxhall parts bins. Nothing special to be sure, but not the worst of designs.
I had an '82 Chevette, pretty sure it was the worst.
If you can believe it, the '80 Chevette that Chevy loaned my Dad was a far superior car to the '80 Citation he was having bought back (lemon). He was offered an '81 Citation and decided to stick with the Chevette until the Celebrity arrived "new for '82".
Man, typing that made me realize how awful GM cars were in the 80's… and how much better they are now (relatively, of course).
Horrible, but not that horrible…at least my aunt n' uncle's Chevette, they put 10 brutal MN years on theirs and it just wouldn't quit. Maybe they got a Monday morning post-QC meeting car vs. Friday 4:48pm happy hour car, I dunno.
"CDeezy"??? What kind of a crazy name is that???
The car looks rust-free.
These things are rarer than steak taken from a bull still running at Pamplona.
I think I would retain almost everything except for the motor, and replace that with an electric motor from a forklift or something. To assuage guilt, I would have the brakes upgraded and roll-cage installed before selling it cheap to a granola granny who seems able to take care of it.