I spotted an (insert obscure car name here) classic car today! (Archived)

auerbach

had to be fearless.

He was in the left lane on Route 46 west in the West Paterson area of New Jersey - surrounded by SUV's and the like - all unprotected.

That's what I call open-air motoring!

ateixeira

My Miata almost seems like a cocoon compared to that.

You saw all 3 I-Marks in one day?! LOL

-juice

andre1969

a few years back, a buddy of mine had a '55 DeSoto Fireflite Coronado. That was one of their "spring specials", a trim package for the Fireflite 4-door that had one of the industry's first triple-tone paint jobs. It had a turquoise body, black spear, and white roof. There's a similar one in a junkyard about an hour and a half from here that's got a black roof and white spear, so evidently they were available in a few different variations of that color.

One thing that was cool about it though, is that it must've come out before vinyl was really practical to use, because just about everything in the interior was either leather or cloth. Not like most cars today, where the side bolsters and seatbacks are vinyl on leather-trimmed cars!

lemko

...offer a specially trimmed Plaza called the "Silver Special" in 1957-58?

vikd

...obscure or inapropriate badges or something of the sort? I couldnt find it again if there is (prolly a topic within a topic) but I saw something at lunch today that made me chuckle. Saw a early model Chevy Astro mini van proudly proclaiming itself as a "Mark III", on both front quarter panels and the rear spare tire cover...???!!!

Regards... Vikd

Mr_Shiftright

Well "Mark" used to stand for "the next version" of a car---so a Mark II would be a model conspicuously different from a Mark I. This is terribly British and it seems to CLUNK when used on other country's cars.

fintail

A Mark III is likely an aftermarket conversion label...the van probably has/had some tacky shiny velour interior and some cheaply made wood trim sold and tacked on with a gigantic markup, when new.

stever

There was even a discussion about it:

Mark III conversion vans

Assuming you can call a board with one message in it a "discussion."

Steve, Host

evilhomer

My part of Michigan is one of the Midwest's premier vacation spots for well-to-do folks who try hard to fit the "active lifestyle" niche.

Hence, I've regularly seen SUVs that are a bit outside the current North American mainstream (Mercedes G-Wagens when they only were available in the U.S. as private imports, Land Rover Defenders, etc.)

I've also seen more than one SUV given the stretch-limo treatment (Hummer, Navigator, Excursion).

Still, none of this prepared me for seeing a stretched '80s Jeep Wagoneer "limo" drive by as I glanced out a restaurant window tonight.

andre1969

I've never heard of a Plymouth Plaza "Silver Special". If it was available on the Plaza lineup though, it must've been some kind of cheap stripper model, as the Plaza was the base Plymouth back then.

DeSoto used the name "Seville" twice. In 1956, it was a stripper model on the low-level Firedome series. Probably an early attempt to steal some market share from Dodge, and see how the public would respond to a cheaper DeSoto. Around this time, Chrysler's plan was to take the Chrysler nameplate downscale so it wouldn't compete too much with Imperial, so DeSoto had to move down, too. In 1959, it was used again, but I think this time it was a spring special model, which back then was a marketing ploy to get people back in the showrooms after the winter doldrums with new colors, fabrics, trim, etc.

As far as I know, Cadillac never filed suit with Chrysler for using that name.

ateixeira

This scared everyone off:

mini blinds falling apart and some windows leaking )

On a different note, I saw my first EVO on the street yesterday, white with the huge ironing board on the back. Funny how scoops, gills, and spoilers make an ordinary econobox stand out.

-juice

vikd

...I drive by a Mitsu dealer every day to and from work. They've had multiple EVO's on the lot for some time now; doesn't seem like they're selling too well. Maybe it's the (and I'm not at all exagerating) $10,000 ADM sticker plastered to the window!!!???

...so the Mark III is three times better, more conspicuously appointed than the Mark I huh? Hate to see what that Mark I conversion pkg on the Astro van looked like...ugh!

Regards... Vikd

andre1969

yesterday, I actually saw an artist's rendition of a '68-72 Nova! Poor kid was only 17, having died in 1987. I'm guessing he had a Nova and/or loved them, to actually have one on his headstone (or whatever they call it on a mausoleum). Got me thinking though...I wonder if the kid had just got his license, got a hopped-up Nova as his first car, and gone out and killed himself in an accident?

I wonder if they'll make a plaque of a '57 DeSoto for me when I die? ;-)

Which leads me to my next story. On the way back from that funeral, we were coming around the DC Beltway. Once we got across the Legion Bridge, and back into MD, traffic slowed to a crawl right about where the I-270 spur breaks off. We must've been stuck in it for about 45 minutes. A few miles up the road, where the other I-270 spur runs back into 495, I was what was causing the blockage. Right smack dab in the middle of what must've been about 5 lanes of traffic plus a merge lane on either side, was a perfect-looking two-tone green 1954 DeSoto Firedome! Just sitting there, with a couple cars in back with their 4-way flashers on. I dunno when the hazard light was invented, but in 1954 most cars didn't have them.

I just thought it was kinda amusing, considering how much I like DeSotos, to get stuck in traffic for almost an hour because of one!

checkme

As you're going to be in LA in September, let me know if you want to get together for lunch or something. matthew-hess@msn.com

lemko

...pictures of cars are quite common on headstones. I recall seeing one with a 1930s LaSalle. In fact, any image may be placed on a headstone these days due to new engraving technology. I wouldn't mind having an image of my 1989 Cadillac Brougham on mine. I recall one wealthy Korean executive has a full-size sculpture of his 1980s Mercedes S-Class over his tomb in California.

ateixeira

Wow, we had great cruising weather yesterday and the sweet cars were really out there!

First I saw a Ferrari F355, coupe, in yellow. Nice enough, but right behind it was a Porsche 356 speedster. I almost shed a tear, it was so beautiful. Silver, perfect shape.

Then, on the way home, at the same intersection (!), I saw another Ferrari, a Mondial convertible.

Still, it was the 356 that got my heart beating fast. What a sweet ride.

Top that off, saw a Shelby this morning. It was going in the opposite direction, though, so I couldn't tell if it was authentic or a kit car. Sounded like a 429 though. :-)

-juice

jrosasmc

On this beautiful morning, I saw what had to be a pristine VW Rabbit GL 4-door parked outside the post office. It had to be one of the later models from the run (between '82 and '84), because it had the square headlights and the bad American-style interior. It also had the corny "Wolfsburg Edition" badges on the sides.

I know that the first few years of the U.S. Rabbits (1975-79) were not that good because of teething pains. But were they still fun to drive and high-quality when they switched production to Pennsylvania around '79 or so? Must be cheaper to find Rabbits than it is to find Saabs.

andys120

and a great car for carving up Boston traffic and had few problems. The interior was tacky, except for the Recaro-style seats and extra guages.

I sold it after a couple of years because it was
just too noisy and wound up @ highway speeds (3800 rpm @70mph in 5th). The Prelude that replaced it wasn't nearly as much fun tho.

ateixeira

Those seats were great. My buddy had an '84. He still misses it. To me, those seats set standards for side support that I still use today.

-juice

vikd

...I still long for the side bolstering in my '78 Scirocco. The one drawback to them was that because the bolstering was so pronounced, the left side wore out quickly from rubbing it upon ingress/egress...and I was much thinner then ;-(

Regards... Vikd

Mr_Shiftright

Early Rabbits had a lot of engine issues, like head gaskets blowing (you could tell because your overflow tank suddenly became pressurized---oops!) or the head actually pulled off the engine. (corrected with RaceWear studs or similar).

The first GTIs were really spirited and agile, and actually one of the few early 1980s cars worth driving (it was a dismal time for enthusiasts). The GTI brought fun back to America, and I think it was truly a landmark car for that reason.

1st generation Sciroccos are minor collectibles these days.

jrosasmc

I've been told that the first GTIs are more fun to drive than, say, a BMW 320i or Volvo DL.

andys120

But then again nearly anything is/was more fun to drive than the plodding 240DL.

I once rode in a 320i all they way to Watkins Glen
I was jealous of the owner but the word is that it's probably the dullest sedan ever made by BMW, good looking tho.

The 320s were said to be a huge step backwards from the 2002s, ditto the Volvo 240s vs. the previous 122s.

jrosasmc

jrosasmc

Sorry, Andy, computer error- when you refer to the 320i as dull, you mean in driving dynamics?

andys120

I never drove a 320 but it was heavier than a 2002 and had the same engine and a softer suspension. It just wasn't as sporty as Beemers that came before and afterwards. Some brought in grey market 323i-s with 6-cylinders to get good performance out of a 3er.

jrosasmc

I would love to be able to drive a 2002 one of these days!

andys120

I'd love to drive one again myself. Those old cars without power assists and weighty gizmos had an agility and directness that's completely missing in modern cars.

I think you'd get an even bigger kick out of a 122S, imagine a Volvo that you can toss around like a lightweight 2-seater!

jrosasmc

A P1800 could be flung around too.

andys120

A buddy of mine had a '64. Well made and stylish but hardly a real sportscar as we understood the term then. It drove more like a 242 than a Healey (or the Ferrari many thought it resembled).

Mr_Shiftright

2002s were okay until they put those big ugly bumpers on them and emissioned them to death. Best one would be the 2002Tii, IMO, worst one probably the last year 1976. You also have to get used to rock hard seats and a steering wheel more suited to a Greyhound bus. But compared to most 70s sedans, still nice to drive---all those windows!

2002 Tii is getting a bit obscure. They are worth double a normal 2002, and its obsolete fuel injection is not for the faint-hearted, should it require attention. But the pleasure is worth the pain---they are so much more fun than a run of the mill 2002.

jaserb

I know it's pretty common for RV's to tow along a little runabout - a Saturn SL, Civic, etc. The other day I saw something that made my jaw drop - a monstrous diesel pusher motorhome with Lebron's ride as the runabout. That's right, a Pewter H2. Wanna make any bets as to which of those gets better gas mileage?

-Jason

ateixeira

You said diesel, right...

LOL

-juice

Mr_Shiftright

Whoever that was has used up 20 lifetimes of energy-producing cosmic solar radiation.

lemko

...but an AM General U.S. Postal Service Jeep in the old dark blue with white roof scheme. I was still being used by the local post office.

I recall AMC made a run of RHD Ambassadors for the postal service in 1967-68. They must've been the most attractive postal vehicles of all time.

jaserb

Interestingly enough, I saw it at a gas station...

A couple of years ago I saw an even stranger RV related scenario. I was driving down a semi-rural 2 lane road when traffic backed up behind a small motorhome - the Toyota chassis "Dolphin" style. It's struggling to keep moving at 15-20 MPH. When I finally had a chance to pass I noticed it was being pulled on a tow strap behind a GEO METRO!!! If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed it.

-Jason

Mr_Shiftright

I saw an old Subaru today with about 600 little rubber animals glued on it, and you know, it somewhat improved the looks of it. If it were mine, though, I would have used fewer dinosaurs and a more Daffy Ducks...but that's just me.

jrosasmc

Spotted an '80 MGB Limited Edition today- looked to be mint, something that can't be said of many late '70s MGs. But being a Limited Edition, last of the MGBs, doesn't necessarily boost the car's value, I presume?

Mr_Shiftright

Nah, just a sad end to a once great marque. I guess they are back again but the new cars bear no relations whatsoever to the old ones.

andre1969

I got stuck behind an old Beetle. I dunno the year, but it had a "1600" badge on the back. I think that was the slowest I've ever gone on that highway, unless traffic was backed up!

It looked like it was in excellent shape, but man did that thing stink!!

andys120

Alfetta GT coupe, a rare animal. This one was white and appeared to be an earlier model (ca. '72?) w small bumpers and no hood bulge as on the GTV6 model.

The car wasn't perfect but it looked in good river condition. White does not flatter the Alfetta GT.

zukeeper

The old AM General Postal Jeep, a friend of mine (former girlfriend) delivers the mail in a '77 DJ5. Apparently I've become the designated mechanic as I've already worked on the electrical system (kinda scary, wiring is in poor condition), replaced the ignition control module and replaced the heater hoses and rubber fuel lines. I'm scheduled to check out the brakes next week.

It looks good, though, she had me tint the cargo area windows very dark, the door windows not so dark. Very striking on an all-white Jeep.

ghulet

Lemme think, I saw a very nice old Beetle (in that nice apple red), I'd say probably a '64 or so, much like the car my parents had when I was born (in which I was allegedly conceived).

Oh yeah, and a really beautiful '68 Plymouth Fury convertible, red with white racing stripes on the side (perhaps a Sport Fury?). Unfortunately, it had some nasty aftermarket wheels, the kind that would have looked more appropriate on a late-'70s Chevy pickup.

Around the corner, some guy has a '63 Galaxie 500 sedan, all done up in Fire Car guise (lights, labels, etc.). Reminds me a bit of Mayberry.

stickguy

a Subaru SVX (not old, but still rare to see one on the road). And just after that, a nice looking Opel GT in a snappy Orange color (don't you miss the 70's?).

Also a gigantic 1970ish Caddy convertible (convert d'Ville?). Man, is that thing big. This one was for sale if you are in S. Jersey and need a land yacht, or an artificial reef.

lemko

...if it was a 1970 Cadillac convertible, it would be a DeVille. The 1971-76 Cadillac convertibles were Eldorados.

Anyway, I saw a drop-dead gorgeous teal blue 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham at the Cadillac dealer last night when I picked up my Seville after an oil change. It belongs to a man who owns two very successful seafood restaurants in Philly - "Chickie and Pete's." One is on Frankford and Robbins and the other is on Roosevelt Boulevard not far from the Nabisco plant. Check 'em out sometime when you're in Philly.

ateixeira

One day I might buy one of those big classic convertibles. Seats 6, I bet.

-juice

michaellno

This week, I've seen 3 Ferraris. First was a dark blue 456GT, the second was an F355 coupe in red, while the third was an F360 Spyder, also in red.

Of course, having a Ferrari dealership open up a few months ago might explain things.

On a completely different note, I spotted an immaculate early 70's AMC Matador (the 4 door sedan - might it have been called the Ambassador?). This thing looked like it was just driven off the showroom floor. Sort of a burnt orange color with a vinyl roof. Quite amazing.

fintail

I saw a Ford EXP today...it wasn't looking too sharp, but it was still going. I remember I thought those were pretty cool when I was about 5.

stickguy

the caddy was definitely a Deville. Big square momma. Six is probably a low guess. I'd say at least 8 (4 across in both rows)

zukeeper

Saw a gorgeous Plymouth Superbird driving down Grand Avenue in Fort Smith, Arkansas this afternoon. Looked like it just came off the showroom floor. My buddies and I wondered why anyone would want to drive one on the street, and especially why drive to a beer joint??