I was in a local mega book store the other day to pick up a copy of "Mustang Milestones" to check out the great Shelby Dodge article. While looking at some other automotive magazines and books I came across a mini book about the most useless cars in automotive history titled "Crap Cars" by Richard Porter.
They listed the top 50 of what the author believed to be the worst cars of recent history. I wouldn't disagree with some of their choices but what annoyed me is some of the front wheel drive Mopars included amongst this collection. Three of these ones picked stood out the most and don't deserve the "crap car" label. First off the early 1980's K cars (Aries, 600, LeBaron) were mentioned as the #23 choice. While in most cases I agree they weren't very exciting but they served an important chapter in Chrysler history and were pretty sound mechanically since I still see a number of them putting in daily driver service on the road today. The also helped bring the convertible back to the American automotive market. Their #29 selection was the Chrysler TC By Maserati. With the blending of two completely different cultures, work attitudes & automotive design principles this vehicle should have a more respected place in Chrysler history. It did bring about one of the impressive versions ever of a 16v head ever made for the 2.2 engine. The last one (picked as a #4) I disagreed with the most. They selected the 1982-84 Dodge Rampage. While I do believe they never achieved their full potential I've always felt that they always have been ahead of their time. The mini pickup movement was just getting started and at the time the others were budget based imports that only had base model interiors & no overall sense of sportiness or style. Remember the hideous VW (Rabbit based) Sportruck? If they stuck with the FWD truck idea or better yet debuted it a few years later with a Shelbyized performance package like a turbo 2.2 option and factory installed ground effects package like the Shelby Charger it would have been much more respected & remembered today. Anyone driving a well restored (or customized) one today sees just how much positive feedback and attention they get. David Salamone Positive Impressions PO Box 441761 Jacksonville, Florida 32222 904-388-4040 phone [EMAIL PROTECTED] See the updated website at www.unleashedbyshelby.com -----------------------REMOVE-FOOTER-WHEN-REPLYING---------------------------- Questions? Visit http://www.sdml.org/ To be removed, visit http://www.sdml.org/pages/leave.html
