Q. I’m tired of the astronomical prices charged for collector cars—not to mention what it likely would cost to bring them into cosmetically and mechanically good shape. Are there are distinctive collector cars selling in decent shape for under $10,000? — E.H. (via Internet)

A. Sure Try the fun-to-drive 1964 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Spyder coupe. It's got bucket seats, a sports car dashboard and a floor shifter—and easily keeps up with modern traffic. This rear-engine car is the best-handling of the first generation Corvairs because a change to its suspension. Its average price is $8,000, according to the Sports Car Market price guide. The convertible version has an average price of $10,500, but I’d stick with the less-troublesome coupe. Chevrolet built 6,480 1964 Corvair Monza Spyder coupes and 4,761 harder-to-find convertible versions.The Corvair has a national, supportive club network. For General Motors, the rear-engine Corvair was a radical design. Note that the brand-new generation Chevy Corvette has its engine in the rear for the first time.



Q. Are sales of electric vehicles catching on? — E.G. — (via Internet)

A. Combined U.S. sales of battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will drop about six percent this year to around 337,000 units, or just 1.7 percent of the total market. EVs are more expensive than gas-engine cars and better, lower-cost batteries are needed. Also, no maintenance or service needs exist for EVs, although costly Tesla models are said to be an exception in these areas. But what happens if rates go up in the electricity market? And what if there are occasional brownouts or no electricity at all? But more “electrics” are coming. Automakers are pouring billions of dollars to develop them to meet environmental standards.

Q. Hyundai once built good but plain-looking models, but has come up with slick looking vehicles in the past few years. Will it continue with stylish vehicles? — D.M. (via Internet)

A. Looks that way. Hyundai found that slick styling helps sell vehicles. For instance the automaker’s moderately priced mainstream 2020 Sonata sedan looks racy. It sits lower on a new platform with a coupe-like silhouette.



Q.  What do you think the “Ford v Ferrari” movie? Is it authentic? — G.R. (via Internet)

A. First off, this isn’t really a “car movie.” Audience attendance figures show it appeals to large general audiences, not just car buffs, with plenty of gripping human drama. Reviews have been very favorable. Ford v Ferrari is based on the real life drama of the 1960s battle between Ford and Ferrari for victory at the famous, grueling 24-hour Le Mans race in France. Both Ford and Ferrari (Henry Ford II and Enzo Ferrari) were headed by the overpowering executives you just don’t find today at major auto companies. And the story is pretty much authentic. Henry hated Enzo, who turned down giant Ford’s offer to buy small but race-winning Ferrari) and was determined—cost be damned—to beat him at Le Mans, where Ferrari kept winning in the early 1960s Matt Damon does a decent job playing the colorful retired winning race car driver and Cobra sports car builder Carroll Shelby, who I knew for 30 years. And Christian Bale skillfully plays top British racer and auto mechanical whiz Ken Miles. This movie shouldn’t be missed.




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