Dual Overhead Cam Classic: 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The C4 generation Corvette ZR1 was the result of a project between GM and Lotus Engineering, which resulted in a 375 horsepower DOHC V8 engine, big brakes, heavy duty suspension and active ride control.  It was really ahead of its time for a GM product from the early 1990s but a hefty price tag (twice the cost of a standard Vette at $60k) and special assembly plant limited production to 6900 units over 6 years.  Thankfully the magic of depreciation has dropped them into el cheapo territory and you can get one for the price of a 10 year old Camry.  Seriously. Find this 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 offered for $12,000 near Cincinnati, OH via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

The Future Was Then: 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

If you want the most technologically advanced Corvette ever built you shouldn't head to your local Chevy dealer.  And don't wait for the mid-engine abomination that is coming out for the next model year.  Nope.  Those new cars might be available with something called an LT5, but they use push rods (gasp!) and a single cam running down the middle of a V8...but if you want 4 cams  and 32 valves in your Corvette, you'll need to look to the past. Find this 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 offered for $17500 in Ocean City, MD. Tip from Rock On!

Fast Panther: 2004 Mercury Marauder

Some cars have a cool back story and others are just plain cool.  I'm not sure what is the backstory behind Mercury's Marauder, but it was a bit more than just a hot rod version of the Mercury Grand Marquis, which was really just a fancified version of the Ford Crown Victoria. Regardless, somehow, some product planner at Mercury in the early 2000s Mercury's managed to convince the normally shortsighted bean counters at Mercury to let them shove the 302 horsepower Ford Mustang Mach 1 DOHC 4-valve engine into the full-sized Panther platform sedan and the rest is tire burning hot rod history.  Find this 2004 Mercury Marauder offered for $6500 with those 22" blingy wheels and, mercifully, $5000 with stock 17" steelies located in Phoenix, AZ via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.