Q. What happened to the Ford Mustang Steve McQueen was seen driving in the famous chase scene in the movie “Bullitt”? — E.H. (via Internet)

A. It recently was found after 50 years, in a Mexican  junkyard, with no powertrain and is being restored, according to reports. It’s supposed to be worth a lot of money because of the McQueen connection.



Q. Why did  General Motors sell its German Opel car division after owning it for many decades? — J.G. (via Internet)

A.  Because Opel has lost a lot of money for GM for years, and GM is getting rid of its losing operations. It’s shooting for maximum profits now and not trying to be a top volume producer of vehicles.



Q. I’m thinking of getting a 1965 Ford Mustang. Should I get the regular notchback model or the fastback version for the best possible resale value when I eventually sell it? I’m assuming it should have the V-8, not six-cylinder, engine. Should it have a manual or automatic transmission for the best resale? — G.H. (via Internet)

A.  The racier-looking fastback  has a median value  of $35,700, while the more conservative-looking notchback’s median value is only $18,200, says the Sports Car Market pocket price guide. Both versions are mechanically identical. Definitely get a V-8. An automatic transmission will give you a wider buyer audience, if only because lots of potential buyers won’t know how to drive stick shift or want to hassle with one. Of course, there’s always the 1965 Mustang convertible, but it’s median value is $29,300 and it will be hard to find one a buyer is willing to sell.

Q. I’ve read that the 1967 Mustang is superior to the 1965 and virtually identical 1966 models? Is that accurate? — E.T. (via Internet) 

A. The 1967 Mustang was nicely restyled, while keeping the basic styling and (notchback and hatchback) body styles of the much-loved earlier models. It was more refined and a bit larger and is a better-quality car.



Q. A large number of people now want a smaller SUV or crossover vehicle. Does that mean the small car is dead, even if gasoline prices stay reasonably low? — R.A. (via Internet)

A. Automakers who produce small cars say that many auto buyers will continue to want a small high-economy car because it will be used as the second or third car in an American family. Also note that some small cars are being made a little larger to make them more practical, with no loss in fuel economy. Also, many automakers sell cars on a worldwide basis and thus in countries with higher fuel prices, narrower roads and car buyers that are less affluent than those in America.



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