Ford Gran Torino, Yellow, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $9,995.

One of the most enthusiastic segments of the car hobby is the entry level cruiser. Cars like this 1973 Ford Torino are the gateway for young car fans to get into the game without spending a lot of cash. This car would be welcomed at any AACA meet, where it would be a strong contender in the HPOF class (Historic Preservation of Original Features). And in case you haven't noticed, survivors like this are red hot today.

OK, so a beige Ford Torino sedan isn't a Shelby Cobra lost in a barn. But let me tell you about the virtues of this full-sized cruiser. First, you've got enough room to carry all your friends and all their luggage on a road trip, and if you've never been on a road trip in an old car, you're really missing out. With the original paint on this car, you might be a little mindful of chips and damage, but you won't sweat it if the weather turns against you. This one looks great overall, and the level of preservation is extremely impressive. There's no sign of botched repair work, fresh paint, or anything else that might be a tipoff that this isn't a true survivor. Sure, 1973 paint technology doesn't give us glittering clearcoat finishes, but the lovely soft patina of time can never be duplicated and gives this Torino a charm all its own.

The interior is also remarkably well preserved, with wide, comfortable bench seats that can carry six in a pinch. With nary a mark or a scuff, the front seat is so nice I kind of suspect that it has been re-covered, but we're told that this car is genuine FoMoCo throughout. In the same way, the carpets, the door panels, and even the floor mats are 100% original, making this a survivor that will blow you away in person. Another nice thing about cars of this vintage is that they're full of modern conveniences, and this one includes A/C, power steering, power brakes, and even its original AM radio.

Once glance at the engine bay will also reassure you that this car is the real deal. The original 351 cubic inch V8 remains in place, and with just 64,843 original miles, it runs like a luxury car should. Bright Ford Blue paint on the air cleaner and the original 351-2V decal signal that this is an original engine bay, and there are signs of proper maintenance and careful preservation of original markings and features. It's almost as if this car were stashed away for two decades. The 3-speed automatic shifts crisply, and there's a muted burble from the exhaust that sounds just right. There's no rust underneath, and it rides on a set of replacement 215/75/14 whitewall radials on the original wheels with hubcaps.

This Gran Torino is an excellent way to break into the hobby without breaking the bank, and HPOF status is highly sought by collectors.