Tom Cotter, from Hagerty’s YouTube channel, has traveled far and wide to explore memorable classic cars and barn finds. But, his latest video involves a simple journey as he walks from his house in Boothbay, Maine, to uncover the motoring treasures kept by Cotter’s neighbors.
It’s an intriguing presentation, making viewers think that just about everyone in this quaint village of 3,000 is holding on to a unique automobile. Cotter’s discoveries range from a work-in-progress MG MGB roadster to a ready-for-the-road 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS.
British Roadsters That Live On
Cotter’s first encounter involves Mark, his neighbor from two doors down and owner of a 1972 MG MGB with 97,000 miles. While the car is on jacks and undergoing work, Mark reports that the little red roadster is driveable.
We learn the car is prone to electric problems, which harkens back to the owner’s first MGB, a vehicle he dubbed “the prince of darkness” because of a tendency for the lights to suddenly go out.
Later, Cotter checks out a Triumph Spitfire 1500 that his neighbor acquired from her deceased brother. There aren’t many details available about the car, but looking under the hood gives us a peak at an easy-to-work-on four-cylinder engine.
A One-Owner Honda Civic
While Honda Civics may not turn many enthusiasts’ heads, one example in this tiny Maine town might do so. Cotter heads over to Bob’s nearby house to look at a 1983 Honda Civic 1500 S. It’s a unique vehicle for two reasons. It’s the first sport version of a Civic and this particular car got purchased new by Bob.
Even with 120,000 miles on the odometer, the car has not required any major work other than replacing the water pump. An easy engine startup reinforces this Civic’s excellent condition. It’s a vehicle Bob has no plans to sell.
A Hidden Muscle Car
Cotter finishes his neighborhood stroll by uncovering a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle S tucked away in the garage of a retired lobsterman, Dave. It’s hard to believe the Chevelle’s clean condition despite having 126,000 miles of use. Underneath the hood sits a rebuilt 396 cubic inch V8, which offered 375 horsepower when it left the factory.
Dave’s other classic Chevy is equally impressive, a 1962 Bel Air sedan with 36,000 miles and a 283 small-block V8. Tom’s latest adventure just shows that you don’t need to go that far to find some classic car treasures