Like many a jalopy (5)

I believe the answer is:

cheap

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'like' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'many a jalopy' is the wordplay.
'many' becomes 'c' (C is the Roman numeral for 100).
'a jalopy' becomes 'heap' ('heap' can be a synonym of 'jalopy').
'c'+'heap'='CHEAP'

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(Other definitions for cheap that I've seen before include "Contemptible" , "Inexpensive or tastelessy showy" , "Vulgar" , "Shoddy" , "not doing much damage" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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