Cash For Clunkers Brought In Exotics, Oddballs

Like many, we managed to parse over some of the preliminary data released by the U.S. government about its Cars Allowance Rebate System, or “Cash For Clunkers.” We’re somewhat surprised the program released a list of vehicles submitted for the rebates, but not as surprised as by a few of the cars traded in..

<P class=MsoNormal target=”_blank”>-The Exotics: Front-engined Porsches were cash for clunkers darlings, assix 928s andfive 944s were traded in under the program. Three 1995 Audi S6 Avants were traded in, along with a 1991 BMW M3 and M5. Perhaps most unusual were the 1997 Bentley Continental R and a 1997 Aston-Martin DB7 Volante — how were these cars worth only $4500?

<P class=MsoNormal target=”_blank”>-Oddball Brits: Someone apparently saw fit to trade in a 1985 TVR 280i convertible, but we’re most surprised at the fact that two long-wheelbase 1993 Land Rover Defender 110 wagons were scrapped. Only 500 were sold in the U.S.

<P class=MsoNormal target=”_blank”>-Il Tridente: We’re not saddened by the departure offour 1985 Maserati Biturbos and one 1989 222E, nor are we broken up over the 39 different Chrysler TCs submitted to the CARS program. The 1985 Quattroporte, however, was one of the few highlights of Maserati’s DeTomaso ownership.

<P class=MsoNormal target=”_blank”>-Tricked Out Trucks: Two 2008 Foose F-150s were traded in, along with two 2006 Roush Stage 3 F-150s, but we were most surprised by how many original Ford Lightnings were passed up:thirteen 1994 models andten 1995 Lightnings were surrendered. Someone also saw fit to scrap a 1992 GMC Typhoon — only 497 were built in its first year of production.

<P class=MsoNormal target=”_blank”>-Government specials: Nearly 17 AM General DJ-5s — you know them best as the Jeeps used by postal carriers — were clunked while no less than 817 police-spec Ford Crown Victorias were surrendered. Somewhere, Elwood Blues is crying…

<P class=MsoNormal target=”_blank”>-Take A Look At Me Now: We could live with a few less Buick Century wagons on our roads, but someone apparently didn’t need to live with a 1987 GNX. Only 547 of the ultimate Grand Nationals were built by ASC…

<P class=MsoNormal target=”_blank”>You can parse over the complete list of CARS submissions, along with purchases made with the rebates, on the official CARS.gov website.