If you are like probably all of your favorite Autopian staffers, you probably spend too much of your time on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, or maybe even eBay Motors looking at projects. I get it, Mercedes’ Marketplace Madness is based on my own lists! If you’re like us (or at least, me), you’ve probably even come at a crossroads between two vehicles. One is interesting and maybe not particularly thrilling but at least it won’t break down on you. The other is sitting in a dark corner, leaking oil sweating horsepower, and tempting you to follow it down an endless pit. What do you choose?
That was the question posed by today’s Shitbox Showdown. Do you choose a reliable and running 2000 Toyota Celica or an alluring and very British 1974 Jensen-Healey? Canopysaurus offers sage advice with today’s COTD winner:
It comes down to transportation versus entertainment. If transportation is the goal, the Toyota is your ride. If the goal is entertainment, then go for the Jensen. A restored Jensen can be wildly entertaining. Failing that, your family and friends will still reap hours of entertainment watching you stomp, curse and throw tools around the driveway while your Jensen defies resurrection. It’s a win win. I chose entertainment.
By now, you’re pretty well aware that all of us at this site seemingly choose “entertainment” every time. For a brief moment there I strayed away when my wife added a Prius to our fleet, but we’ve returned to normalcy after she got Bishop’s E39.
Stephen Walter Gossin has asked me to include a second COTD today, and I can’t say no to a wrenching hero like him! GDankert left some heartwarming words on SWG’s Dodge Stealth post:
When I finished reading this piece — and felt my own breath catch a bit as I saw the Stealth leave the driveway for the final time — I found myself thinking about time.
This car was created for a bygone time when fast sports coupes were what everyone wanted … and in its current form represents a five-year commitment from a guy who spends his own time (and as little money as possible) to keep cars out of junkyards and on the road.
Beyond that, the process of building a piece like this takes a lot of time. Writers know: this took HOURS, probably late at night, after day jobs and side gigs.
Mr. Gossin, it’s clear you don’t do this because you’re trying to “flip” a car, or turn a quick buck with “content.” You do this because time is precious, and telling stories is a way to share meaningful time and experiences with people.
Thank you for taking the time to rescue this car and give it the second life it deserved, and thank you for bringing us along for the ride. Looking forward to the next one, and the ones after that.
Have a great evening, everyone!
Or your current daily is old and used enough for stuff to wear out. Then it turns into a project. No additional vehicle purchase needed!
I have a 2000 Ranger that was bought new by an idiot teenager. It’s still on its first owner. Rebuilt the engine at about 144k miles, and now I need to replace the engine again at 270k miles.
No WAY I got COTD! Thanks, Mercy (and Stevie G)!
I would just like to give a hearty hell yeah to both of those comments.
Amen.
Not article and comment.