Car: Pontiac Firebird 400 Convertible

Year: 1967

What makes it special: Designed as a Pony Car to compete with Ford’s Mustang, Pontiac’s Firebird was introduced in February 1967, the same model year as GM’s platform-sharing Chevrolet Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford’s upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang.

What made it famous: The first generation Firebird had characteristic “Coke-bottle” styling shared with the Camaro. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird’s bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The Firebird’s rear “slit” taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. Most buyers opted for one of three V8’s: the 250hp, 326 cu in with a 2-barrel carburetor, the 285hp, 4-barrel “HO” 326, or the 325 hp, 400 cu in from the GTO. All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors’ second barrels from fully opening. A “Ram Air” option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 RPM.

Why I would want one: It’s the slightly more plush version of the Camaro, but still retains enough heat to make it a credible street performer.

Fun fact: Originally, the car was a “consolation prize” for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the “Pony car” market through sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet.

Car: Ford F-1 Pickup

Year: 1951

What makes it special: The first-generation F-Series were a series of pickup trucks and commercial vehicles produced by Ford. Introduced in late 1947, the F-Series was the first post-war truck design and would remain in production until 1952. F-Series trucks were assembled at sixteen different Ford factories. The most common model was the F-1 with a 6 ½-foot bed followed by the F-2 and F-3 Express models with an 8-foot bed.

What made it famous: The 1951 trucks were restyled with a single bar type grille and a headlight at each end of the grille bar. The grille was painted argent silver to complement the chrome headlight bezels. During the model year, the grille was painted ivory and the headlight rings argent silver. The hood got new side spears and a three slot embellishment at the front. The front bumper was redesigned. A V8 emblem was used on the upper grille support on corresponding trucks. The pickup bed and tailgate were redesigned. The bed used a hardwood floor instead of the previous all metal floor. The rear window was larger. Door panels were also added. The F1 was a 1/2 ton pickup, powered by various engines, such as a 95hp, 226 or 110hp, 254 Flathead-6, or a 100hp, 239 or 145hp, 337 Flathead V8, all mated to a 3-speed light or heavy-duty, or 4-speed spur gear manual transmission.

Why I would want one: Early pickups are just plain cool. If it’s left as an untouched “Survivor,”  full resto or street rod, they are all awesome.

Fun fact: A red, faded 1951 Ford F1 pick-up was the silent star of the wildly popular 70’s Red Foxx / Demond Wilson TV comedy series “Sanford & Son.”