Mystery car pix

andys120

tmart said:

I think your two chips are a winner! Definitely a 54 Ranch Wagon.

Yup, that's a '54 Ford Ranch Wagon

Mr_Shiftright

Definitely a heater, and definitely not AC--you'd need an extra engine to drive the compressor!

I bet you could retrofit it though, and use the AC switch as a passing gear....

iluvmysephia1

Shifty, you're gonna need to lay that answer out again and pretend you're talking to a 4th grade car enthusiast. I could retrofit it and use the AC switch as a passing gear? Come again?

kyfdx

iluvmysephia1 said:

Shifty, you're gonna need to lay that answer out again and pretend you're talking to a 4th grade car enthusiast. I could retrofit it and use the AC switch as a passing gear? Come again?

Switch off the A/C, for extra acceleration (or, any acceleration)

iluvmysephia1

Thanks, kyfdx. Looking at it that way I think it could be accomplished. The car's engine produces only 86hp if memory serves me, anyway, so some reverse suckage from the A/C wouldn't spoil the day. Flip the switch ta accelerate around a VERY slow driver or achieve freeway speeds. This '68 Datsun 411 Bluebird would not work if I still lived in western Washington. Kansas, yes, though it gets really hot here, hence the A/C concern.

kyfdx

iluvmysephia1 said:

Thanks, kyfdx. Looking at it that way I think it could be accomplished. The car's engine produces only 86hp if memory serves me, anyway, so some reverse suckage from the A/C wouldn't spoil the day. Flip the switch ta accelerate around a VERY slow driver or achieve freeway speeds. This '68 Datsun 411 Bluebird would not work if I still lived in western Washington. Kansas, yes, though it gets really hot here, hence the A/C concern.

Past girlfriend had a Mercury Monarch with an asthmatic six-cylinder. She would turn off the A/C to go uphill.

iluvmysephia1

And the  Merc had a 6 cyl. , this little orange one has a 1.3L I-4. I respect Datsun engineering, I'm reading tons of online material. One guy said his 411's engine "would never stop turning."  I won't let that bring up thoughts of the engine regurgitation and prolonged burping that would happen with carbutered 60's, 70's and 80's rigs sometimes after turning the engine off. I think what he meant was that his 411's motor was competent and strong. 

andys120

stickguy

The original fiat 500XL?

Never saw this "estate" version before.

magnette

That isn't a Fiat badge - it's an Autobianchi Giardiniera. In Britain they were sold generally as Fiats - I knew someone who had one years ago - but in Italy and some other markets it was sold directly as an Autobianchi.

The suicide doors were continued for longer on this version than on the standard 500 saloon, I think.

andys120

magnette said:

That isn't a Fiat badge - it's an Autobianchi Giardiniera. In Britain they were sold generally as Fiats - I knew someone who had one years ago - but in Italy and some other markets it was sold directly as an Autobianchi.

The suicide doors were continued for longer on this version than on the standard 500 saloon, I think.

Yup, some confusion on this one, it's based in Italy but the ebay ad refers to it as both an Autobianchi and a Fiat.ebay.com/itm/281930494971?rmvSB=true

Like most Autobianchis it's based on the Fiat Cinquecento.

stevedebi

Mr_Shiftright said:

Definitely a heater, and definitely not AC--you'd need an extra engine to drive the compressor!

I bet you could retrofit it though, and use the AC switch as a passing gear....

Reminds me of the '81 corolla my wife had when we got married. I used to engage "turbo boost" whenever I went onto an off ramp - reached over and shut off the A/C compressor.

iluvmysephia1

Reminds me of the '81 corolla my wife had when we got married. I used to engage "turbo boost" whenever I went onto an off ramp - reached over and shut off the A/C compressor.

My (yeah right) 1968 Datsun 411 Bluebird would need a AM/FM/CD (yes, I'm still playing CD's) stereo and speakers installed. Eh, $400 or so.

Anyone know what a competent A/C unit might run me to get one of those installed. Ballpark figures accepted. I'm inquiring softly in to this pup, but I'm considering daily driving it instead of buying it to complement the 2011 Kia Soul base, clear white and 5-speeds. So trading in the Soul. The 411 is listed with 41,874 miles and a total restoration 5 years ago and they're asking $12,900.

stickguy

Many thousands of $$. Way more than it would be worth. And you would be totally nuts to try to make this your only car. If your wife would skin you for getting an ia, she would hang you from the yardarm if you traded in the Soul on a 50 YO Datsun!

Mr_Shiftright

"Vintage Air" might be the ticket. You can call 'em up and ask. I would think a couple grand installed. I'd also collect a nice big parts stash, or better yet, another parts car.

iluvmysephia1

Many thousands of $$. Way more than it would be worth. And you would be totally nuts to try to make this your only car. If your wife would skin you for getting an ia, she would hang you from the yardarm if you traded in the Soul on a 50 YO Datsun!

Oh yeah. They may not want a 5 y/o Soul in trade, too. Auction purchase might work better.

Vintage Air" might be the ticket. You can call 'em up and ask. I would think a couple grand installed. I'd also collect a nice big parts stash, or better yet, another parts car.

I can call 'em and get a quote. Another vintage Datsun person is needed now, too. Doesn't have to be a mechanic. Dodge City has a lot of domestic cars and garages. I need some point people and I have a feeling they're there. This 1968 Datsun 411 Bluebird could very well not sell at AutoExotica in St.Louis and in that case it goes to an Auction sale 200 miles south of me in Oklahoma City. So there will be another try for it there by all rights. The little orange one goes to OKC in 9 days.

On the count of 3...we'll just see what you've got, Mr.Earp!

bhill2

In the vein of putting A/C in a Datsun 411, there is an ad in HMN for a Mercedes 200D with auto and A/C. I'd bet that if you were at a stop and had the A/C on, the car wouldn't even move from where it sat.

texases

If you do add a/c, you'll probably have to upgrade the cooling system. I added a/c to a '72 with a 6, I quickly found out the fan and (cleaned out) radiator weren't up to the task in Houston. New fan and bigger radiator solved the problem.

iluvmysephia1

If you do add a/c, you'll probably have to upgrade the cooling system. I added a/c to a '72 with a 6, I quickly found out the fan and (cleaned out) radiator weren't up to the task in Houston. New fan and bigger radiator solved the problem.

Yeah, I don't have a lot of knowledge in automotive HVAC, and what you're describing is a definite possibility. I could stand to find a Datsun restorer in NB, KS or OK. Dodge City has a semi-load full of independent mechanics, I just need ta post an ad or two and find them ta get their help.
The little orange '68 Datsun 411 Bluebird may get sold before I'm ready ta make a move for it, but, I am going to learn a lot in the process. I won't toss out a great '11 Kia Soul 5-speed base in clear white ta get a bag full of automotive projects. We're not gonna go there so this venture may get stunted at any time. It's basically a labor of love, I happen ta be of the age of those who have seen a lot of cool rigs in the 60's ta 1970 range and I can't block them outta my mind. They're just way too cool for school!

stickguy

It would make a fun weekend toy. Just a lousy only car/daily driver.

iluvmysephia1

Ci!

Mr_Shiftright

bhill2 said:

In the vein of putting A/C in a Datsun 411, there is an ad in HMN for a Mercedes 200D with auto and A/C. I'd bet that if you were at a stop and had the A/C on, the car wouldn't even move from where it sat.

Do NOT laugh...this actually happened to me in my 300D. I was in Aspen at about 8500 feet, parked on a slight incline, and the car literally would not move forward....just stalled out. I had to back down, put it in low and charge the "hill". This was not a turbo, and I suspect the altitude was a real killer for that already anemic engine.

Mr_Shiftright

texases said:

If you do add a/c, you'll probably have to upgrade the cooling system. I added a/c to a '72 with a 6, I quickly found out the fan and (cleaned out) radiator weren't up to the task in Houston. New fan and bigger radiator solved the problem.

Definitely you'll need an electric cooling fan--that's pretty simple to install. As for mechanics, these cars are very simple to work on.

iluvmysephia1

Simple is good. Strong, Asian engines and trannies plus Hurst shifters are also cool. This one will stall with no action taken if I don't keep myself excited about it. I have a buddy in Dodge who has already invited me to bring my rig(s) to his garage 'cause he likes ta tinker, I'm gonna keep the green light on regarding the little orange one.

Mr_Shiftright

If you can repair a Vermont Wood Stove, you can fix that thing.

iluvmysephia1

If you can repair a Vermont Wood Stove, you can fix that thing.

All right shifty, you're making it all OK. You're my Edmunds.com PointMan. I can do maintenance and repair, an HVAC system with somebody with excellent mechanical skills. If I can find the system I know someone who can help me install it.

The little orange tadpole will squirm away ta someone else if I don't aim and shoot. Hate ta see that happen.

Mr_Shiftright

I've probably owned every crappy car ever made, so I wouldn't steer you wrong.

iluvmysephia1

Good. I know one car we both like - the Scion xA. I like the new iA, too, but am liking this vintage car more. I still haven't brought this up to Mrs. iluvmysephia1... everything could come to an immediate halt...then. 

stever

Best win the PowerBall first.

iluvmysephia1

She holds the line very well. You'd think this padre would learn.

 Predictable outcome.

andys120

stickguy

1986+ vintage Toyota Supra. I liked the 1985 and prior generation much better. This just got too big for my taste. Though the Turbo was quick.

andys120

Yup, that's a 1988 Toyota Supra, this one didn't have the turbo.

kyfdx

stickguy said:

1986+ vintage Toyota Supra. I liked the 1985 and prior generation much better. This just got too big for my taste. Though the Turbo was quick.

Agreed. I liked the 2nd gen, much better than this one.

Michaell

My ex-wife's father owned one of those Supras

andys120

stickguy

Ferrari Ranch Wagon?

Michaell

stickguy said:

Ferrari Ranch Wagon?

FF. I saw one a few weeks ago at our local rec center.

texases

Michaell said:

stickguy said:

Ferrari Ranch Wagon?

FF. I saw one a few weeks ago at our local rec center.

Almost - the FF replacement, the GTC4 Lusso

bhill2

texases said:

Ferrari Ranch Wagon?

FF. I saw one a few weeks ago at our local rec center.

Almost - the FF replacement, the GTC4 Lusso

i like Stickguy's answer. 

andys120

Texases is correct, it's the new Ferrari GTC4Lussowhich replaces the FF. The styling changes are somewhat subtle but IMO effective.

2015 Ferrari FF-


2016Ferrari GTC4Lusso-


There are a lot of tifosi who are a bit put off the use of "Lusso" which graced perhaps the most beautiful Ferrari ever built for street, the 1963/64 250GT Berlinetta Lusso. Others are put off by the hatchback in the rear but I've
always liked the "shooting brake" look. Pending actually seeing it in the metal, I think this might be the prettiest
Ferrari in over a decade.

It's odd that this closely follows the new F12tdf which bears an unfortunate and very strong resemblance to a Corvette C7. Maybe Ferrari styling has still got it after all.

Mr_Shiftright

It may provide "lusso" but it sure ain't "bella" from the doorhandles back. Reminds me of a BMW Z3 coupe stretched out like Gumby.

fintail

Mysteriously wealthy young new arrivals in Bellevue, rejoice.

Mr_Shiftright

Is that turbine-like sound Enzo Ferrari spinning in his grave at 15,000 rpm?

andys120

Am I all by myself in sorta liking this design?

kyfdx

andys120 said:

Am I all by myself in sorta liking this design?

I agree with the dorky Z3 coupe comparison.... and, I sort of like it, too.

Mr_Shiftright

andys120 said:

Am I all by myself in sorta liking this design?

[chirp] [chirp]

tjc78

Awful, just awful.  

stickguy

Well, I always liked the clown shoe Z3, so I might not be the best judge.

stever

I like it. Ranch wagons are kind of cool.