Good morning! This week, we’re going to look at pairs of cars from the same year, and each year will also be the same as the release year of an album I love. Hey, they didn’t tell me I couldn’t write a little about music as well as cars, so let’s push the envelope a bit. Today’s choices both hail from 1983, the same year as The Police’s fifth and final studio album, Synchronicity.
On Friday, we looked at a pair of Corvettes for a hypothetical cross-country purchase and flip. I originally meant to find a C3 and a C4, but I couldn’t find a C3 that I liked, so we wound up with two C4s. Worse, two white C4s. Given the similarity of the cars, it came down to condition and transmission type, and the automatic convertible’s $1500 price discount wasn’t enough to recommend it over the stickshift coupe, which really is in lovely condition for the price.
For what it’s worth, I agree with the majority here. The Doug Nash 4+3 gearbox is a little weird to operate, but at its heart it is a good old H-pattern four-speed, the manual transmission of choice for Corvettes dating all the way back to 1957. The later ZF six-speed is undoubtedly better, but only if you get rid of that dumb skip-shift thingy.
Now then: The old adage “you have to suffer to write” isn’t necessarily always true, but it seems to be the case that the really good stuff in any artistic field comes from a place of friction. Conflict creates passion, which fuels creativity, and in a collaborative medium like a record album, the members of a band hating each other a little bit often leads to some brilliant music. When everybody is having fun and getting along, you get Hanson. When all the parts are recorded separately because nobody can stand to be in the same room as one another, you get Let It Be. Or Rumours. Or Synchronicity.
If all you remember are “Every Breath You Take,” “Wrapped Around Your Finger,” and “King Of Pain,” do yourself a favor and listen to the whole thing again, straight through, in order. It’s 40 minutes of musical genius, and the big hits actually make more sense in the context of the rest of the album. From the bouncy 6/4 time signature of “Synchronicity I” to the jazzy and sinister “Murder By Numbers,” allegedly recorded in one take with no prior rehearsal, it’s excellent. (Yes, even that weird Stewart Copeland song on side 1.)
And while you’re listening, here are a couple of cars to check out.
1983 Datsun/Nissan Sentra – $2,500
Engine/drivetrain: 1.6-liter overhead cam inline 4, three-speed automatic, FWD
Location: Folsom, PA
Odometer reading: 52,000 miles
Operational status: Runs and drives well, has been in storage
In the early 1980s, while small Japanese cars were slowly taking over the suburbs, one automaker was busy trying to get buyers to call it by a different name: Nissan. Along with the new name came a massive ad campaign, and a bunch of new models, including the all-new front-wheel-drive Sentra, which replaced the popular RWD Datsun 210. “The Name Was Nissan,” but for a couple of years, the cars wore both badges until the market got used to it.
This 1983 Sentra is practically a time capsule. It has only 52,000 miles to its name, and apart from some sun-bleaching, it could have been bought yesterday, and driven home in time to watch Cheers. it’s not the most desirable spec – a four-door sedan with an automatic transmission – but it’s probably representative of what rolled out of most Datsun, er, Nissan, dealerships back then.
Nissan’s tagline may have been “Major Motion” back then, but don’t expect miracles from this little car. It has a carbureted 1.6 liter four that sends a meager 69 horsepower to the front wheels through the aforementioned automatic. I’ve driven a Pulsar from this era with the same engine and transmission, and it was leisurely, to say the least. The seller says it runs and drives well, but they also mention that it has been stored for sixteen years. Best be ready to replace some rubber parts.
It appears to have escaped the rust that consumed so many cars of this era, but the paint is really dull and faded. It’s hard to say whether it would shine back up or not. But even as it sits, this car is neat to see. It has beaten (or rather, hidden from) the forces of time and attrition, and it serves as a clean example of the way economical cars used to be.
1983 Ford Thunderbird – $3,500
Engine/drivetrain: 5.0-liter overhead valve V8, three-speed automatic, RWD
Location: Columbia, MD
Odometer reading: 138,000 miles
Operational status: Not running; needs fuel pump “or something”
Meanwhile, over in Dearborn, Michigan, one of the oldest automotive names around – Ford – was trying like hell to claw its way out of the doldrums of the malaise era. Its versatile Fox platform made up the lion’s share of its midsize offerings, but while the platform was well-thought-out, the cars themselves were, with the exception of the Mustang, pretty uninspiring. The Thunderbird personal luxury coupe, in particular, seemed lost and awkward when it moved from the full-size LTD platform to the smaller Fox in 1980. It wasn’t until this aerodynamic new body style was introduced in 1983 that the Thunderbird started to get its mojo back.
The coolest version of this generation Thunderbird was the Turbo Coupe, which featured a turbocharged version of Ford’s 2.3 liter four, often paired with a five-speed manual. It had blackout trim and really sharp-looking alloy wheels. This isn’t one of those. This is your grandma’s Thunderbird, with lots of chrome, fake woodgrain, a column-shifted automatic, and fake wire wheel covers. But at least this one has a 302 V8, not the lame 3.8 liter Essex V6.
That V8, however, is the source of this car’s problems. It’s the first year for throttle-body fuel injection, which requires higher fuel line pressure than a carburetor, meaning the old engine-operated diaphragm fuel pumps won’t cut it. Fuel-injected cars have electric fuel pumps, and if I understand correctly, this car has two of them, one inside the fuel tank and one in-line under the car. One or the other – or maybe both – has failed, and the car won’t start. The seller can get it to run for a few seconds by dribbling fuel straight down the throttle body, but that’s it.
In-tank fuel pumps are a colossal pain in the ass; just ask our buddy Stephen Walter Gossin, who has seen people resort to drastic measures to access them in the past. But if that’s really all this car needs, it could be worth the effort. It’s mighty clean otherwise, and these are comfy cars, among the last of the traditional personal luxury coupes.
And that takes care of 1983. the year when “Every Breath You Take” was on MTV constantly – along with some short film about dancing zombies. Tune in tomorrow for another musical journey, and two more crappy old cars. And no, they won’t all be from the ’80s, I promise.
(Image credits: Craigslist sellers)
I can’t believe that’s true about “Murder by Numbers;” if nothing else, there’s gotta be a straight-time throwaway drum track somewhere. Otherwise…wow.
It is certainly not the sane choice (fuel pump “or something”??), but I can’t resist the T-bird. That interior is sweet and there’s at least a somewhat anemic V-8 instead of a completely anemic little 4. At this point in my life, I’m picking style and fun over basic, reliable, appliance-level transportation.
And thanks for the reminder. Haven’t listened to Synchronicity in many years, so it’s on now.
It is certainly not the sane choice (fuel pump “or something”??), but I can’t resist the T-bird. That interior is sweet and there’s at least a somewhat anemic V-8 instead of a completely anemic little 4. At this point in my life, I’m picking style and fun over basic, reliable, appliance-level transportation.
And thanks for the reminder. Haven’t listened to Synchronicity in many years, so it’s on now.
The only way to drive the Sentra is with your foot planted firmly on the floor. It’s not going to result in much, but it’ll take the abuse for a long time before dying. If you need a basic car, take this.
The Thunderbird and it’s Mercury Cougar sibling are the Fox platform cars that I actually like. The Mustangs are just plain ugly.
I’d take the Thunderbird and give it all the performance parts a Mustang usually gets.
The only way to drive the Sentra is with your foot planted firmly on the floor. It’s not going to result in much, but it’ll take the abuse for a long time before dying. If you need a basic car, take this.
The Thunderbird and it’s Mercury Cougar sibling are the Fox platform cars that I actually like. The Mustangs are just plain ugly.
I’d take the Thunderbird and give it all the performance parts a Mustang usually gets.
For most of the ’90s I lived in Wilmington, DE, and a neighbor of mine in the same building had a Sentra exactly like that one. The car was on Google Street View of the building in 2008. Given that Folsom PA is less than 20 miles from Wilmington I almost wonder if this is the same car.
For most of the ’90s I lived in Wilmington, DE, and a neighbor of mine in the same building had a Sentra exactly like that one. The car was on Google Street View of the building in 2008. Given that Folsom PA is less than 20 miles from Wilmington I almost wonder if this is the same car.
Between the TBI, Ford quality, and the myriad electrical issues in these ‘birds, I voted for the shitbox slushbox
Between the TBI, Ford quality, and the myriad electrical issues in these ‘birds, I voted for the shitbox slushbox
Normally I would go t-bird, but it’s a POWDER BLUE STANZA! I’m skinny like 24, so who wants to be my 21 and go hench for THE MIGHTY MONARCH!!!!!!?
I think the Stanza was better honestly.
This car is even more depressed than HELPER on a bad day.
Let’s go hit on Dr Girlfriend, brother, but let’s take the T-bird.
Or that sweet ride Monach keeps hid in the bottom of the Cocoon
Normally I would go t-bird, but it’s a POWDER BLUE STANZA! I’m skinny like 24, so who wants to be my 21 and go hench for THE MIGHTY MONARCH!!!!!!?
I think the Stanza was better honestly.
This car is even more depressed than HELPER on a bad day.
Let’s go hit on Dr Girlfriend, brother, but let’s take the T-bird.
Or that sweet ride Monach keeps hid in the bottom of the Cocoon
Maybe 1983 wasn’t such a good year. I appreciate the effort though, and the Police.
Maybe 1983 wasn’t such a good year. I appreciate the effort though, and the Police.
The problem is that the Toyota is just joyless. So Thunderbird it is.
Good thing it’s not a Toyota… it’s a Nissan!
The problem is that the Toyota is just joyless. So Thunderbird it is.
Good thing it’s not a Toyota… it’s a Nissan!
It might be time to earn my wings: T-Bird fer this guy.
It might be time to earn my wings: T-Bird fer this guy.
I’ve always preferred Zenyatta Mondatta myself. With that said, in my digital music collection I have a brilliant jazzy rendition of “Murder by Numbers” by Frank Zappa and his band, including Sting on vocals. Sting shares a hilarious story about how Jimmy Swaggart railed against the song and claimed “it was written by Satan! Performed by the sons of Satan! (pause) Beelzebub! (jazz sting) Lucifer! (jazz sting) The Horned One! (jazz sting). I wrote the f—ing song, alright?”
Found a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBsFoUVj_FE
Regarding the cars I can’t imagine getting any fun out of a slushbox malaise-era Sentra so the Thunderbird wins by default. At least you could turn the T-bird into a fun sleeper.
Zenyatta is the best Police record, I agree. But I found two 1983 cars, which is what gave me the idea, so I had to go with Synchronicity.
I’ve always preferred Zenyatta Mondatta myself. With that said, in my digital music collection I have a brilliant jazzy rendition of “Murder by Numbers” by Frank Zappa and his band, including Sting on vocals. Sting shares a hilarious story about how Jimmy Swaggart railed against the song and claimed “it was written by Satan! Performed by the sons of Satan! (pause) Beelzebub! (jazz sting) Lucifer! (jazz sting) The Horned One! (jazz sting). I wrote the f—ing song, alright?”
Found a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBsFoUVj_FE
Regarding the cars I can’t imagine getting any fun out of a slushbox malaise-era Sentra so the Thunderbird wins by default. At least you could turn the T-bird into a fun sleeper.
Zenyatta is the best Police record, I agree. But I found two 1983 cars, which is what gave me the idea, so I had to go with Synchronicity.
Sentra is terrible—shit spec and bland. Someone else can have it for display as “an example of early ’80s economy cars” or something, though it’s not really museum condition. Not even sure I’d buy another ’83 Subaru sedan if it had an auto, though maybe if it were the right colors. Manual, coupe, wagon, yes, but this isn’t about those cars. Not a big fan of that particular trim T-Bird, but I like big 2-doors (even if I prefer G-bodies), the fix should be easy, and there’s an endless aftermarket.
Sentra is terrible—shit spec and bland. Someone else can have it for display as “an example of early ’80s economy cars” or something, though it’s not really museum condition. Not even sure I’d buy another ’83 Subaru sedan if it had an auto, though maybe if it were the right colors. Manual, coupe, wagon, yes, but this isn’t about those cars. Not a big fan of that particular trim T-Bird, but I like big 2-doors (even if I prefer G-bodies), the fix should be easy, and there’s an endless aftermarket.
If I’m buying a 40 yr old vehicle it better be cool, with plenty of aftermarket support and look the part for weekend duty.
The Sentra runs & drives, looks ok and gets wonderful MPGs, but I could care less about MPGs if it’s not going to be my daily driver and I just don’t feel that lucky (nor miserable) to do so.
It’s Gentleman’s Fox body for me.
I agree with everything you’ve just said, with the exception being “I could care less”. This phrase drives me nuts, as it makes no logical sense when examined for even a movement. You couldn’t care less, because you have no level of caring currently.
Aside from that, T-bird all day because that Sentra is so goddamn boring unless you’re going to make it some kind of weird project car. Plus, a Fox body even with the weird version of the 302 is still full of possibilities. A buddy had a 70s Zephyr in HS and it was a lot of fun.
“I agree with everything you’ve just said, with the exception being “I could care less”.”
Well maybe he does actually care at least a little bit and thus, could care less…
LOL
Always a possibility.
If I’m buying a 40 yr old vehicle it better be cool, with plenty of aftermarket support and look the part for weekend duty.
The Sentra runs & drives, looks ok and gets wonderful MPGs, but I could care less about MPGs if it’s not going to be my daily driver and I just don’t feel that lucky (nor miserable) to do so.
It’s Gentleman’s Fox body for me.
I agree with everything you’ve just said, with the exception being “I could care less”. This phrase drives me nuts, as it makes no logical sense when examined for even a movement. You couldn’t care less, because you have no level of caring currently.
Aside from that, T-bird all day because that Sentra is so goddamn boring unless you’re going to make it some kind of weird project car. Plus, a Fox body even with the weird version of the 302 is still full of possibilities. A buddy had a 70s Zephyr in HS and it was a lot of fun.
“I agree with everything you’ve just said, with the exception being “I could care less”.”
Well maybe he does actually care at least a little bit and thus, could care less…
LOL
Always a possibility.
I feel like this is my standard answer at this point…but Thunderbird and I will toss a 5.0L HO in it
I feel like this is my standard answer at this point…but Thunderbird and I will toss a 5.0L HO in it