If you want a classic GM car, I would suggest a 1959-1970 Chevrolet full size car or something similar from another GM division. The transmission could be the 700R4 four speed automatic. The engine could a 283, 307, 327, 350 or 305. You can increase the compression ratio to about 10:1 and install an aftermarket camshaft for a turbocharged engine which has about 10 degrees more duration on the intake lobe. That will make it an atkinson cycle engine at low speed but give extra power at higher speed. You can also try using a thermal barrier coating on the pistons and combustion chambers.
Another possibility is to find a used Mercedes C or E class from the late 1980's or later. They had low wind resistance. If you can forgive the front wheel drive, the Saab 9000 turbo gives a lot of room, quick acceleration and over 40 mpg on the highway.
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