On the obscure car note, another not old oddity - an Impala SS. Not the cool mid 90s version, not the oddball late 00s V8 FWD model, but the early 00s version, which was more of a trim package with I believe a 3.8. I remember seeing one on a lot around 2001-02, hadn't seen one in ages.
Important to differentiate between the first-gen FWD Impala SS and the 2nd-gen, which had a SBC V-8 and ate transmissions for breakfast.
Anyone here driven the FWD with the V8? Would seem to combine unlimited torque steer with front-end plowing, a GREAT combination!
I've never driven one, but I do remember one time, in my 2000 Park Ave Ultra, trying to pass someone who was getting on my nerves. When I punched it, the torque steer was a bit of a surprise, and I had to fight with it a bit to keep the car going straight. That's just with a supercharged V-6, I imagine the V-8 would have been really brutal!
Oh, as for that earlier FWD Impala SS, I think it used the supercharged 3.8, as well. I can remember though, when the 2000 Impala came out, some local dealer was taking the cheap base model with the 3.4, dressing it up with a bunch of aftermarket crap, sticking "SS" badges on it, and trying to push it for around $30K! And that was an era when I think a base Impala started at around $20K, maybe a bit less.
That's what I remember about seeing that V6 SS years ago, sticker was over 30K. I seem to recall it was a 3.8 and not a sticker special though. I think I laughed out loud, a tough pill to swallow with the styling of that car, and its interior material quality.
I remember when the V8 FWD was on the market, a ton of them got put in rental fleets - I wonder how many claims were made with that power and handling.
Oh, as for that earlier FWD Impala SS, I think it used the supercharged 3.8, as well. I can remember though, when the 2000 Impala came out, some local dealer was taking the cheap base model with the 3.4, dressing it up with a bunch of aftermarket crap, sticking "SS" badges on it, and trying to push it for around $30K! And that was an era when I think a base Impala started at around $20K, maybe a bit less.
On the road tonight I saw a goodie, a Porsche 356 cabrio (not a Speedster, and I am 99.999999999% sure it was real), black with gold rear nameplates. Not using its signal, but I am not 100% sure it worked, so I will let it go.
All of the supercharged or V8 GM FWD cars of that era had massive torque steer. My buddies Grand Prix (late 90s) was a handful on a rough roads and heavy acceleration. I also drove a 2006 Lucerne with the V8 and it wasn’t much better. (My review of that is buried somewhere here in one of the forums and I got flamed for it).
GM really tamed that in later years if you ordered a model with the Hyper Strut (probably spells differently) suspension. I remember test driving a 3.6 LaCrosse first without it and then with and the difference was night and day.
went to a local small town festival today (the bouncy house and lions club booth type) but they had a couple of oddballs parked in the lot. A passat W8 4motion (which apparently must move under it's own power!) and a original generation Acura NSX. was really surprised to see one of them out and about.
All of the supercharged or V8 GM FWD cars of that era had massive torque steer. My buddies Grand Prix (late 90s) was a handful on a rough roads and heavy acceleration. I also drove a 2006 Lucerne with the V8 and it wasn’t much better. (My review of that is buried somewhere here in one of the forums and I got flamed for it).
A few years back, I thought about getting a used Lucerne to replace my Park Ave, once that car was getting past its prime, but, it never happened. And, now that time has marched on, and those cars keep getting older and older, it probably won't. I think the Lucerne's last year was 2011, same as the Panther, so even the newest examples would be 8 model years old now. I guess if I ever want to pick up another used car, my choices in the range of cars I really like are getting slimmer and slimmer. Probably just the Charger or 300 these days, although I do kinda like the current Impala.
I always had a bit of trouble really warming up to the Lucerne, as well. I thought it looked good in profile, and I even thought the rear was attractive, if not really "Buick-y". But the front-end always left me a bit underwhelmed. I didn't think the early models were bad, but IIRC, the V-8 models had a grille that just seemed over-sized, and then after a few years they gave it a facelift I didn't care for. Also, in my opinion, the Lucerne seemed to split the difference between the LeSabre and the Park Avenue, but ended up coming up a bit short in some respects. For one thing, it was heavier, so performance with the base 3.8 was down, compared to the previous LeSabre, and even the base Park Ave. The 3.9 they started using a few years later might have helped out here, though. But at the top end, I don't think the Northstar was much, if any quicker than a Park Ave with the supercharged engine. Even though the Northstar had more power, the increased weight offset that. The Lucerne was on a longer wheelbase than the Park Ave, but I think interior room was actually reduced a bit. One thing I'll say for it though...the interior quality of the Lucerne definitely seemed improved.
Followed a Toyota Mirai onto the freeway on-ramp. ("Mirai" means "the future" in Japanese, apparently). It's interesting to speculate if this could be true, and could dethrone both ICE and EVs in 20 years. It seemed to move along quite well.
Also a Tesla Model 3 in black, saving the planet at 52 mph in the left lane. Long string of cars passing him on the right didn't faze him a bit. I stayed behind to watch but gave up after 5 miles. Running out of juice?
And last of all, early 90s Buick Roadmonster Wagon. Remember those? Kind of a guilty pleasure of mine!
I think the problem with the Tesla 3 is that it falls prey to that old Bill Mitchell trope "styling a small car is like trying to tailor a dwarf" or something like that. That Tesla style looks good on the bigger cars...unadorned, but still expensive looking, and graceful proportions. But, on the smaller 3, it just looks like a generic small car to me...kinda like they took a Mazda3 or Hyundai Elantra, but stripped away any of the excesses that made those cars unique.
It might be bad for the car enthusiast, but I think there's a demographic of Tesla dorks out there who like the egg styling, and think it is chic. Think Prius people with more money, rather than someone who covets a vintage Ferrari.
Here's an eBay Pontiac that's grabbing me. I do think the woodgrain panel that Bonnevilles and Grand Prixs had really added to that instrument panel, but I like this car a lot anyway. Bringing serious bidding too.
Had an old timer next to my Note in the parking lot yesterday. I didn't notice the tie dyed Toyota across the aisle until I just looked at the pic before uploading it
Got behind a black last resurrection of the Mercury Marauder today. Never saw many of them a decade ago really. But still looks like a cop car from the back of it. Very hot and humid today, but it had all its windows rolled down. Maybe broken AC.
I remember Shays seemed all over the place when I was a kid in the 80s. I had a thing for 20s-30s cars then, and I wanted the one that randomly ended up on the used car lot of the local Ford dealer. They also ended up with a VW-based Bugatti race car replica that I thought was pretty cool. Both were better than the somewhat awkward looking MB-themed Gazelle. Both the Shay and Gazelle always seem to be a tan/brown combo, period correct (that is, late 70s style), I guess/
With how Model A prices have evolved, you can now get a real one for not insanely more than a Shay.
So where does the owner get the alkaloids, again? Is this like re-enacting the booze trade during Prohibition? That sneaky jump seat has to be good for something....
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
But I'd be stuck on the inside, looking at it. I'd rather do 35-45 on the back roads with a real one. Like the pack of (real) Model As we saw in the Texas Hill Country a couple of years ago. Looked like they were having lots of fun.
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Parked on a local street.
'99 SLK in red, for sale
37K miles.. looked almost new. Unfortunately, chrome wheels.
Also, unfortunately: $11K asking.
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2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/buick/lacrosse/2008/2008-buick-lacrosse-super-first-drive/
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Oh, as for that earlier FWD Impala SS, I think it used the supercharged 3.8, as well. I can remember though, when the 2000 Impala came out, some local dealer was taking the cheap base model with the 3.4, dressing it up with a bunch of aftermarket crap, sticking "SS" badges on it, and trying to push it for around $30K! And that was an era when I think a base Impala started at around $20K, maybe a bit less.
I remember when the V8 FWD was on the market, a ton of them got put in rental fleets - I wonder how many claims were made with that power and handling.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
GM really tamed that in later years if you ordered a model with the Hyper Strut (probably spells differently) suspension. I remember test driving a 3.6 LaCrosse first without it and then with and the difference was night and day.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I always had a bit of trouble really warming up to the Lucerne, as well. I thought it looked good in profile, and I even thought the rear was attractive, if not really "Buick-y". But the front-end always left me a bit underwhelmed. I didn't think the early models were bad, but IIRC, the V-8 models had a grille that just seemed over-sized, and then after a few years they gave it a facelift I didn't care for. Also, in my opinion, the Lucerne seemed to split the difference between the LeSabre and the Park Avenue, but ended up coming up a bit short in some respects. For one thing, it was heavier, so performance with the base 3.8 was down, compared to the previous LeSabre, and even the base Park Ave. The 3.9 they started using a few years later might have helped out here, though. But at the top end, I don't think the Northstar was much, if any quicker than a Park Ave with the supercharged engine. Even though the Northstar had more power, the increased weight offset that. The Lucerne was on a longer wheelbase than the Park Ave, but I think interior room was actually reduced a bit. One thing I'll say for it though...the interior quality of the Lucerne definitely seemed improved.
Also a Tesla Model 3 in black, saving the planet at 52 mph in the left lane. Long string of cars passing him on the right didn't faze him a bit. I stayed behind to watch but gave up after 5 miles. Running out of juice?
And last of all, early 90s Buick Roadmonster Wagon. Remember those? Kind of a guilty pleasure of mine!
The base model wheels/hubcaps on the 3 are pretty homely,
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pontiac-Catalina-2-2-All-Original-Survivor/323458659901?_trkparms=aid=111001&algo=REC.SEED&ao=1&asc=20160908105057&meid=e7e8f72d9bcc44138a8cb44966b056e5&pid=100675&rk=5&rkt=15&mehot=pp&sd=192666662050&itm=323458659901&_trksid=p2481888.c100675.m4236&_trkparms=pageci:a0163272-be8f-11e8-96e2-74dbd1807c88|parentrq:026514fc1660ac1ec3d68d75fffc8b81|iid:1
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I sort-of like the color combo. Seems like so many of those cars were light yellow or navy blue.
I love original/authentic. Outside and inside, that car is the real deal.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
In some ways it reminds me of the Timmis-Ford, which may or may not still be produced. It was a more authentic reproduction using a flathead V-8.
http://www.timmismotor.com/
(parts of the website look like they haven't been touched since the '90s)
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
With how Model A prices have evolved, you can now get a real one for not insanely more than a Shay.
Hey Fin, you may be a relative youngin' here, but our lingo is starting to rub off on you
I wouldn't have a problem with an A owner with non stock paint, improved engine, better brakes. We're not talking about a Duesenberg here...
After looking at those Shay photos, I'm like 'why bother?' If I want a Model A, why put up with all the kit-car crap?
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Maybe they are trying to counter some acidic comments
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.