Car Gals respond to top 10 chick magnet collector cars
After Jeff Sabatini wrote a tongue-in-cheek story about what he considered the Top 10 Chick Magnet Collectors Cars – and included what he guessed women might say – many of you responded. So we decided to take another stab at it, entirely from a woman’s point of view. We asked several collector car enthusiasts from Hagerty to tell us what cars they are attracted to and why.
Their answers were surprisingly varied. For instance, Tanya Nelson didn’t select a car built before 1963, while Tabetha Salsbury didn’t choose one made after 1938. Maybe that’s the point: One women’s junker is another’s magnet.
TANYA NELSON, Senior Manager
1967 Ford Mustang Fastback GT 500
As a little girl I loved horses. When I grew up, that infatuation stayed with me. To hear the motor run, to feel the vibration from the pounding hooves of 355 horses under the hood of a 1967 Mustang Fastback GT 500… some things never change!
1970 Dodge Challenger RT (425 HP)/2008 Challenger SR/T-8 (470 HP)
Almost any classic muscle with a Hemi would make my list, but a sure magnet for me is this pair: matching black Challengers – a 1970 Challenger RT (425 HP) and 2008 Challenger SR/T-8 (470 HP). And yes, both have a hemi.
1967-69 Chevrolet Camaro/2008-11 Camaro
While we’re matching old to new, I can’t leave out the Camaro. Always one of my favorites, a 1967-69 is a sure-fire magnet – and the new 2008-11 is no exception. Since you can’t drive two at once, pass the keys my way and I’ll meet you at the restaurant!
1963 Pontiac Catalina 421 Super Duty
While a stock Pontiac Catalina 421 Super Duty packs a strong 425 HP and a real good hummmm, my favorite is this 700+ HP model ready for the drag strip!
1968-69 AMC AMX
With a factory 390 ci motor, 315 HP and that V-8 rumble, I can’t leave out the 1968-69 AMC AMX since this was the ultimate magnet for me and sits in my garage.
Overall, nothing beats the sound of a great exhaust and nothing gets this girl’s heart racing quicker. Offer me a ride FROM the driver’s seat and your magnet is engaged!
TABETHA SALSBURY, Youth Advocacy Coordinator
1932 Packard Twin Six 905 Convertible Coupe (former Clark Gable car)
While any “full classic” Packard catches my attention, this specific Twin Six makes my heart throb. From the elegant lines of its coach-built body to the V-shaped grille topped with the “Flying Lady,” this Packard has it all in my book, including the 160-horsepower, 12-cylinder powerhouse under the hood. One of just over 300 built, this 905 was once owned by a young Clark Gable, which only adds to its appeal. To this “chick,” it’s more attractive than diamonds.
1933 Duesenberg Model SJ Arlington Torpedo Sedan (The “Twenty Grand”)
One of the first Duesenbergs I had ever seen, the “Twenty Grand” immediately caught my eye and melted my heart… especially when I took a peek under the hood and saw its supercharged straight-8! The level of luxury and craftsmanship put into this one-off automobile really gets my blood pumping.
1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen
I’m often drawn to an automobile more for its history and mechanics than its looks, and this 1886 Benz three-wheeler always puts a smile on my face. It marked the first successful use of the internal combustion engine and, as simple and primitive as it appeared, the Benz was “state of the art” for its time. This is no luxury automobile, but grabbing hold of the large flywheel to start it, then sitting high off the ground with the wind (and a few bugs) in my hair is exhilarating! (Did I mention that I’ve always said I was born 100 years too late?)
1912 Cadillac
As a female in the male-dominated classic car hobby, I’m drawn to innovations that directly impact women. So, in addition to loving the large, open style of the 1912 Cadillac, it’s the electric starter that gets me excited. This was the first automobile to offer one, and the invention gave women another level of freedom by making it easier to operate. So what turns my crank on this car? The absence of one.
1938 Mercedes-Benz Type-S Murphy 26/180 boattail speedster
I’m attracted to the Mercedes-Benz S-Type for its high performance, but this specific speedster also has a historic past. It belonged to Zeppo Marx and was part of a legendary race against Phil Berg’s Duesenberg Model J in 1932. The Duesenberg took honors that day, but the Mercedes captured my heart. It’s elegant, powerful and has a great story to tell. It’s a real attention-getter, right up there with jewelry from Tiffany & Co.
KACY SMITH, Claims Adjuster
1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible
As a collector car enthusiast, it was really difficult to decide which classic muscle cars to put on this list, but this Firebird just does something for me. Don’t get me wrong, the Mustangs, Camaros and Corvettes of that era are great vehicles, but I have always been one of those folks who likes to stand out from the crowd. This vehicle does not have the standard styling of its competitors (the aforementioned Mustangs, Camaros and Corvettes). With the unique front fascia and grille assembly, this vehicle just makes my heart melt. Being a convertible only makes it better. If I had the coin, you would definitely find this car in my garage.
1950 Chrysler Royal Town & Country
Growing up, I loved spending time with my family, especially when we took a trip. So this classic road-trip car is a must on my list. Many vehicles have tried to make wood paneling work, but nothing quite comes close to this great family vehicle. I would love to explore the country in a 1950 Chrysler Royal Town and Country. Route 66, here we come.
1967-72 Chevrolet Cheyenne
Being a huge truck lover, I had to include this vehicle. Not only do I own one myself, but I think America has an immense love for this pickup. It is a timeless example of a hard-working and effortless design that is still practical today. Bottom line for me: It just looks cool.
1950 Mercury Lead Sled Custom
This vehicle reminds me of the heyday of the car-loving society, when people would jump into their cars and head to the drive-in to show off their rides and gather with friends until the wee hours of the morning. I have similar memories of my college days, when friends and I would cruise around our small college town every Thursday night. We all look back on those memories as the best times of our lives. No wonder this car puts a smile on my face.
1936 Buick 8 Special
I immediately fell in love with this car after having an opportunity to actually work on one. I have to admit that I am not normally a huge fan of older (pre-1950) vehicles, but this one just takes the cake for me. It has classic lines and reminds me that luxury does not have to be too flashy.
AMY PULLEN, Executive Assistant
1967 Sunbeam Minx
I own one. So simple and cute. Love it.
1964 International Pickup (unrestored)
It just seems like a workhorse vehicle that everybody should have out in the barn.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
Who doesn’t love a red race car? This one is rare, respected and fast! It just has that “drive me” look.
1949-50 Talbot Berline
I saw a ’38 Talbot Lago Teardrop at a car show and it intrigued me, so I started researching it. That’s how I discovered the Berline. It seems so elegant and stately.
Just about anything unrestored
It doesn’t have to be shiny and perfect to be beautiful and interesting. The imperfections show that their owner has restraint and good judgment. And whether it’s a car, truck or tractor, if it’s unrestored, it likely has a good story.
