AutoGuide Dream Car Garages: $500,000 Edition

Mike Schlee's Dream Car Garage

I have a broad taste in cars that usually borders more on the obscure. Rather than fill this fantasy list with a ton of bizarre, one-off cars that I would never find to purchase or be able to acquire parts for, I decided to keep it a little more mainstream. Every vehicle listed below was available for purchase online at the time of writing this article and yes, I want them all very badly.

2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 w/ Z07 Package – $89,985 – The car I’m anticipating more than other right now is the 2015 Corvette Z06. What could most likely be the ultimate Corvette, this car ticks off all the right check boxes for me. Of course it would need to be equipped with the Z07 package because, why settle for anything but the best? Although a Porsche 911 Turbo S would work just as well as a weekend ride/part time track weapon for me, the Corvette leaves a lot more left over money for other toys.

1970 Plymouth Superbird – $180,000 – If the Corvette Z06 is the new car I want the more than any other right now, it’s the winged warrior from Plymouth I want more than any other car period. There is something about the look, folklore and presence of this NASCAR special I’m absolutely crazy about. I’m not picky, I’ll take a 440 or the 426 HEMI.

1987 Buick Grand National – $27,500 – Since I’m buying cars I have an irrational love for, I also need a Buick Grand National. There may not be a more sinister looking car produced in the past 30 years than this beast. Sure a GNX is a far cooler, more potent car, but it’s also a lot more expensive. Plus to the untrained eye a Grand National looks the same and I won’t feel as bad when I begin modifying that turbocharged 3.8-liter V6.

2003-2005 Acura NSX T – $69,000 – Now that my quota of bad-ass muscle cars is filled; it’s time for something with a little more precision. I’ve always loved the looks and sound of the NSX and would love to put a low mileage example in my garage.

Of course, I would use this car properly as it would see track time just like the Corvette Z06.

2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5 – $17,500 – Like many in my profession, I’m a huge MX-5 Miata fan. After driving a low mileage, pristine example of the 2005 Mazdaspeed MX-5 this summer, I want one badly. Even with the highly capable, more powerful machinery featured on this list, I can’t think of a better car to exploit on the street than the Mazdaspeed MX-5.

1973-1974 De Tomaso Pantera – $70,000 – What fantasy car list would be complete without an exotic? Well here is mine. Like I said earlier, I like things that are a bit more obscure. So, while most lust after Ferraris and Lamborghinis, I want something different. The De Tomaso Pantera is just that.

I would have put a Vector on this list if they weren’t so expensive and impossible to find.

1991 GMC Syclone – $20,000 – My list is getting a bit car heavy so it’s time for a truck and another turbocharged GM V6. The Syclone in my mind is the ultimate sport pick-up truck ever built. Sure the F-150 Lightning and Ram SRT-10 were both more powerful, but they were also much bigger, heavier and not all-wheel drive.

1994-1999 Subaru Impreza WRX STI (RHD) – $11,000 – I live in a region where we have snowy winters and despite most of the vehicles on list being able to handle snow just fine, I’d prefer to have a dedicated winter “beater.”

A first generation Subaru WRX STI imported from Japan complete with right-hand drive will do just fine, thanks.

2008 GMC Yukon XL – $14,000 – Finally, I need something that can haul all the inevitable parts I’ll need for the old fragile cars I just bought, as well as transport my family every now and then.

The Yukon XL is up to this task and can tow a trailer full of gear as well when needed.

1982 Subaru Brat – $500 – Oh wait, I got an extra $500 left? Well, might as well grab myself a Subaru Brat that I can turn into an ice racer or rallycross beater. Maybe I’ll just take it off a sweet jump for some YouTube fame.