"The kink is designed to allow the line of the 3rd window to meet up with the crease on the hatch. If the line had continued to rise, it would have met the hatch about 1/3 of the way up the rear window."
Rob--
Your explanation makes sense, but I still can't get past the appearance that the back quarter panel looks like it was assembled on the last Friday shift at the factory.
I find that these high beltlines, while arguably adding to the look of less mass and more elegance, only cause manufacturers to make these weird design choices, which lead to really bad rear blind spots especially when coupled with the sloping roof line that infects almost all new cars, SUVs and vans. The sloping roof line also really diminishes cargo volume, which one would think ought to be a priority at least for hatchbacks, SUVs and vans. What's so cool about tiny rear windows? The only ones that ever impressed me were in that badass chop-top 52 Mercury that the Pharaoh gang drove in American Graffiti.
Yeah, I came up with that too but the lettering seemed too prominent to be a dealer badge. You're probably right but it seems funny that the dealer letters are bigger than Buick's.
Thought it might be Canada-made/sold car that made it's way here. IIRC the Pontiac Bonneville was called the Parisian or something in Canada.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Years ago they would DRILL HOLES to mount these emblems!
One of the first Tacomas I bought was a dealer trade. They took off the emblem from the first dealer, drilled holes for the 2nd and left the holes from the first! I picked it up a few days later after they fixed an expensive mistake...
s Buick Skylark was sold as a Sutliff? Canada maybe? Driver?
Definitely nothing to do with Canada. In Canada we had Meteors as well as Fords and Monarchs which were similar to Mercuries. Ford just put different grills and trim on them and they were distinctively Canadian models.
I remember when I was a kid we went to New York city and my Dad just bought a new 1960 Meteor, it had a different grill, side trim, and tailights. People were really staring at it....they thought it had been customized.
I think that is a dealer thing or the name of the guy who restored it. btw...he's parked so close to the next car how does he even open the drivers door?
Thought it might be Canada-made/sold car that made it's way here. IIRC the Pontiac Bonneville was called the Parisian or something in Canada
I got the following off Wikipedia on the web, oldfarmer:
The Pontiac Parisienne is a full-size rear-wheel drive vehicle that was sold by Pontiac on the GM B platform in Canada from 1959 to 1986 and in the US from 1983 to 1986. The Parisienne wagon continued under the Safari nameplate until 1989.
The B platform was the Catalina's platform back then.
So it looks like it was built in Canada but also sold here as well for a short time.
It's too bad the picure feature isn't working. If you remember the 1960 Ford you can compare it to this link which is a good example of a 1960 Meteor. If you google 1960 Meteor you will see some comparison pictures.
If you flip the page you will see an old menu. They had a chicken dinner including fries, slaw, and a roll for $4.95. That sounded pretty good, then I noticed feeds 4 people!
Mercury made and sold the Meteor and the Comet in the U.S. in the 60's. Very similar, if not identical to the Meteor in your pic. The Comet was a little smaller and less expensive.
Some of those Canadian models were SO UGLY. It was like they knew they had to make them look "different" and they certainly did.
They would take full sized Pontiacs and put Chevy 283 engines in them along with Chevy suspension. The "wide track" Pontiacs looked so strange with their bodies hanging out over the front wheels.
Finding parts was fun too. some parts were Pontiac and some were Chevrolet.
Mercury made and sold the Meteor and the Comet in the U.S. in the 60's.
Close, but just slightly different. This is from Wikipedia;
Meteor was a brand of automobiles offered by Ford in Canada from 1949 to 1976. The brand was retired for the 1962 and 1963 model years, when the name was used for the Mercury Meteor sold in the United States.
The Meteor was only in Canada up until 1963. Fords and Mercurys were sold separately. The Meteor gave the Mercury dealers a less expensive car to sell, and the Ford Dealers could sell the more expensive Monarch (which was really a Mercury). Then, if there was a small town and they only had a Ford or a Mercury dealership, they were covered with a full line-up.
It was actually smart marketing for the times. I always thought the Meteors/Monarchs were a little overdone, just to be different.
Comets were in the US and Canada, and I know because I owned a 62 3 on the tree......about as gutless as a car could be. Mine had 2 round lights at the back...I liked the 61s with the sloping lights, but, the engine was the same. The Comet was like an upscale (if you could call it that Falcon) I think, probably the same gutless engine.
Interesting reading and you wonder whether the marketing department really knew what they were doing....but cars seemed to sell in those years and the only real competition was from the other big 3 players; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_%28automobile%29
Comets were in the US and Canada, and I know because I owned a 62 3 on the tree......about as gutless as a car could be.
My first car was a brand new 1973 Comet. I paid $3,600 for it with a $600 down payment and $97.16 per month for 36 months. It had no AC so I installed an after market AC system. Big mistake, as the car had relatively no power when the AC was on. As a matter of fact I had to shut off the AC when climbing hills. Don't know what the hp rating was but I'm guessing it was probably was no more than 60 hp.
Has anyone seen this bizarre drunk driving campaign? Funny but Real.
"Michigan State Police is rolling out its latest effort to curb drunk driving and seat belt violators. The car itself is real: the front half is a Novi police cruiser complete with flashing lights while the back is a taxi cab."
_______________________________________
we have one of those half cop car/half taxi's prominently displayed on Long Island.
It makes me think that is an example of really bad excessive design. But, "the Good old Boys Love Them", or people who are impressed with lots of macho metal, but little real substance.
I had a 1974 and while it was a bit massive it actually had a very nice suspension; no less an authority than Road & Track tested a 1973 and said that it could keep up with a BMW Bavaria on a winding road- if said road was wide enough. Dad wouldn't co-sign on a 2002, a GTV, or a Z/28 back in 1974, so I made the best of an otherwise terrible situation...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Maybe we have been thru this before, but as a freshman in college, my parents sprung for a brand new 1961 or '62 (don't remember) Comet in the late fall of 1961.
This sent my grades on a skid for the next year and I very nearly flunked out of school before I wised up and settled down. Lots of fun with that little car though.
Looking back, that car was very dangerous to drive. It would dip and dive all over the road in an era before radial tires were common. Radials would have made a huge difference in the driving characteristics of that car.
I think buyers thought the rear lights on the 61 looked too much like an Edsel or Cougar or some other higher priced Ford product at that time so Ford made it look cheaper on the 62.
I think the picture Kirstie posted was about a 2000 model. The reviews for the car were good, fast, sturdier construction, nice handling, nice instrument layout, comfortable seats. They didn't like the FWD. Interestingly, they say the styling is polarizing, either you like it or you don't.....
Here's a bit of the review; here's a certain amount of boy-racer charm exuding from this all-new Monte Carlo. That's been a traditional element of Monte Carlos going back to the first ones in the middle '70s - cars that won many, many NASCAR Winston Cup races. Aerodynamically, this new Monte Carlo is vastly superior to the body being used by the 1999 NASCAR racers. Though attractive to wind tunnels, the Monte Carlo's styling won't appeal to everyone. ****************************************************** One thing I noticed too, the 2000 LS Monte Carlo was about $20,000, but an SS was just $22,000. That's something to think about.
The very first Falcons and Comets of 1960 used a 144 cubic inch engine that produced (I think) 85 H.P. OF course they were gutless but they got the job done if you respected it's limitations. VW's at the time only had 36 H.P.
Then in 1961 they mad e 170 cubic inch engine an option and most buyers went for that. Actually not a bad little engine that went to 200 cubic inches a couple of years later. Much better!
I liked my Comet, but I will be the first to admit that I was too young, stupid, and irresponsible to appreciate it as much as I should have at the time. What they say about youth being wasted on the young is true.
Sorry driver, I still can't tell the difference. I do remember that they went to amber colored parking lights in the model year after mine.
I learned about seriously modding cars with my Monte Carlo. It had a 350 small block and I added 3.42 gears, an Edelbrock Performer Intake, a recalibrated(by me)Quadrajet carb, a Crane Hi-Torque Cam, Blackjack headers, CBQ Turbo Mufflers, a recurved distributor with a Mallory Unilite/MSD-5A ignition, a B&M Transpak Shift kit, Monroe Gas Magnum shocks, 15X7 Cragar SS wheels, and Michelin X tires. At full throttle the sled would chirp the tires on the 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts(at 40 mph and 70 mph respectively).
I also installed Cibie Z-Beam European headlamps and a Pioneer AM-FM cassette unit with a powerful(for its time) Pioneer amp and Pioneer 6X9 coaxial speakers.
It was faster than almost anything Detroit built in the 1975-1983 era save the Firebird with the 400 T/A motor. The only imports that could run away from it were exotics and quasi-exotics like the Porsche Turbo Carrera. My Dad borrowed it for work one day and pulled out to pass a couple of cars; it downshifted to first and he almost spun it. That night he told me, "Wow, son, you really DID hop-up that thing."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
1963 was the first year for amber parking lights/turn signals.
How could you know that! I checked out some pictures and if I put the cursor over the picture it gives the year. The 62 and 63 are almost identical, except you can make out those tiny amber turn indicator lights.
I forgot about them using amber lights all of a sudden.
I've been in two Tesla storefronts, Santa Monica, CA and Natick (West of Boston), MA. Other than the people working there, eerily identical!
Sorry to resurrect this thread but I just wanted to share my experience with the Tesla Model S.
Last Friday, I spent about an hour at the Tesla showroom in Natick, Massachusetts (the Natick Mall). I must say it was a pleasant experience. There was only one Model S on display as well as the bottom frame and skeleton of a second car displaying the battery pack, suspension system, and electric motor, etc.
Our host, an electrical engineer, explained every facet of the car from the tires to the onboard electronics. Oops, I forgot to ask if one has to be an engineer to sell these cars. Nonetheless, until recently they could only show the car but now they have a license to sell cars in Massachusetts, completely bypassing a dealer network.
And that makes sense as the car does not require routine maintenance as is common with cars with an internal combustion engine. He said, if the car is damaged in an accident, they have an arrangement with Audi to do repairs since Audi is highly skilled with working on aluminum frame vehicles.
To say I was impressed would be an understatement because the Tesla Model S is perfect in every way--just the right size and feel. Too bad there were no cars available for a test drive.
I met a curb stoner in the 80's who would buy used Gremlins -- do cosmetic work and put stripes and graphics on them and market them to college age girls. He said it was an easy sell.
Nonetheless, until recently they could only show the car but now they have a license to sell cars in Massachusetts, completely bypassing a dealer network.
Perhaps a little embellishment by the engineer/sales person. Dealer licenses are issued by the cities and towns, not by the state. Tesla already had a dealer license issued by the town to sell cars in Natick. They just couldn't sell at the Mall as it isn't zoned for car sales. Tesla was given a temporary variance by the Natick Board of Selectman to sell cars at the mall. The variance is good until March 1, 2014. To change the zoning permanently, Tesla has to go before the planning board and get their approval and then to town meeting for a vote next year. It will require a 2/3's majority of town meeting to change the zoning.
Tesla had a separate sales office in Natick in an area zoned for car sales where they actually took orders.
At least here in MA, zoning may be the issue that blocks Tesla. Most towns probably don't allow car sales in areas where malls, high end retail, et al are located. It's probably why they have not opened anywhere else in MA.
Most towns probably don't allow car sales in areas where malls, high end retail, et al are located. It's probably why they have not opened anywhere else in MA.
I can see why high-end retailers would want to distance themselves from pushy and obnoxious car salesmen. But that is the reputation I believe Tesla wants to change--to make the buying experience as upscale as one would expect from Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom.
So far Tesla has overcome most objections so going before the Zoning Board or Board of Selectmen is yet just another annoying cost of doing business. So much for unfettered capitalism.
I can see why high-end retailers would want to distance themselves from pushy and obnoxious car salesmen. But that is the reputation I believe Tesla wants to change--to make the buying experience as upscale as one would expect from Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom.
I don't think it has anything to do with keeping high end retailers apart from car dealers - it's about separating certain types of businesses from each other for some reason or another. In the case of malls and car dealers, it's probably related to the differing types of businesses.
Traditional car dealers have sales, service and storage all in one place. It makes no sense for a traditional dealer to be located in a mall. For Tesla's sales model, it makes sense. Now that doesn't mean a car dealer can't be located next to a mall as very often pieces of land next to each other are zoned differently.
My town doesn't allow car dealers in general retail/business areas. But the biggest dealer is located on a piece of land that was once zoned general business. The town approved a change in zoning for the dealer to build there.
Planning boards have to take into consideration so many factors when changing zoning as it can open a can of worms in the future. The idea of a Tesla store as opposed to a dealership probably wasn't considered when Natick created the zoning plan and uses. They will probably have to consider creating a new description for auto sales without service or test drives that could be located in a retail zone.
Trust me, I have nothing against Tesla or factory owned stores.
So much for unfettered capitalism.
I'll be a jerk - mind if I move next door to you, tear the house down and put in a medical marijuana shop, tattoo parlor or gentlemen's club? There is a reason for zoning.
Thanks isell. I was thinking that but was not sure. I remembered the amber parking lights because a guy pulled out in front of me and I rammed him. It was wet, he could not get enough traction to get out of the way and it was to slick for me to stop.
Anyway, I asked the body shop to put in the amber lights or lens covers when the repairs were made, but they wouldn't do it.
My first car was a '64 Falcon obtained used from another family in our small town in Ark. She had driven it to college and I did the same. Base version, 156 ci "Special" as indicated on the air filter cover. It had a 2 speed auto, AM radio a little pop in cover where the cigarette lighter should have been. Drove it quite a few time through the small mountains in Western Arkansas between Fayetteville and Texarkana... 80+ downhill dropped to maybe 50-55 uphill. Could almost keep it on the floor for long stretches without much other traffic.
Next car was a '73 Monte Carlo. IIRC paid the local dealer $4245 for that one new. Very advanced vehicle for the day. Dropped off the Falcon with dad and picked up the Monte Carlo after Spring semester started. Had to really watch it on the way back from east central Arkansas on I-40 headed back to Fayetteville. I kept looking down to see I was at 85-95, smoother and quieter than the Falcon at 45. First car I ever drove with radial tires...made a huge difference.
I though driver100 could pick up this little gem and hold it for me
I think that Capri could be a money pit. This is what Edmunds says;
What's New for 1991
This Australian-built convertible is based on the Mazda 323 platform. The 1.6-liter engine is available in turbo or regularly aspirated versions good for either 132 or 100 horsepower. An optional lift-off hardtop with a rear window defroster and interior lights is also available.
They were probably not the most reliable car in 91, and my guess is it will cost a lot to keep it on the road today. Edmunds says prices start at $1800!
Some hi-lites; * BMW, like all the German car companies, has a top-to-bottom EV plan, the money to back it, the marketing expertise to sell it and the global network necessary to reach into markets around the world – while overcoming a miasma of regulatory demands that change from country to country, region to region, continent to continent.
*BMW is confident tghey will earn money with every BMW i3 we sold from the launch on.
* BMW said the Canadian version would start at a shockingly affordable $44,950
*But unlike all BMW’s rivals or potential rivals – including Tesla with its shopping mall approach to retailing EVs – the Bavarian premium car company is readying a cost-effective delivery program tailored to EV customers in individual markets. We haven’t seen the details yet, but we do know that “customers will be able to personalize their entire purchasing process to suit their needs.”
Some markets will have a mobile sales force, in others online purchasing will be in effect
* Like other EVs, the i3 can get an 80 per cent recharge in 20 minutes.
*To prove the viability of a charging network on its home turf, BMW plans to lay down a chain of quick-charging stations along the 590-kilometre route from Munich to Berlin
I wouldn't rush into buying an EV until the smoke settles..........
That looks like investor bulletin. BTW, BMW said the Canadian version would start at a shockingly affordable $44,950 means, cheapest available on a lot will be 50 grand minimum and 60K with just half of the options.
, cheapest available on a lot will be 50 grand minimum and 60K
True, but a Tesla is about $130K. I think the point is the bmw EV will be more affordable, so will appeal to a broader audience. It isn't as nice but if they can make a superior vehicle for $50K, think what they could do for $70K.
Was that a bad car? The current Madza 3 isn't too bad from what I've read.
"...prices start at $1800..."
There are quite a few in that price range but with higher milage. Almost any car, regardless of type, would go for $3200 if it had less than 49k miles.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'm into low milage, rust free, cheap cars. I'm secure enough to not care about "chick" designations.
Also, somewhere in the back of my mind I can see turning it over/selling it to my niece who likes girlie things but much prefers driving my Corvette over any of my other cars.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
We had 2 of these, the 1st being a diesel which was horrible. It was an Oldsmobile engine as I recall and it had glow plugs so one had to wait till the light went out to turn the ignition key. Not sure why the folks bought it but after a couple of years, they got the '86. The 2nd looked like a Caprice Classic with 2 tone paint...really wasn't that bad looking! The folks knew the owner and he'd sell them demo's, usually the one's that his wife used for a short period of time...they bought 3 that way from this same guy.
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
A few years ago a local mall that fell on hard times had a used car showroom in a storefront location. They had a half dozen cars on display. I always wondered how they got zoning permission for that.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
A few years ago a local mall that fell on hard times had a used car showroom in a storefront location. They had a half dozen cars on display. I always wondered how they got zoning permission for that.
Auto sales may have been an allowed use under the zoning laws or the owner of the mall asked for a zoning change. Stuff like that happens all the time.
Comments
Rob--
Your explanation makes sense, but I still can't get past the appearance that the back quarter panel looks like it was assembled on the last Friday shift at the factory.
I find that these high beltlines, while arguably adding to the look of less mass and more elegance, only cause manufacturers to make these weird design choices, which lead to really bad rear blind spots especially when coupled with the sloping roof line that infects almost all new cars, SUVs and vans. The sloping roof line also really diminishes cargo volume, which one would think ought to be a priority at least for hatchbacks, SUVs and vans. What's so cool about tiny rear windows? The only ones that ever impressed me were in that badass chop-top 52 Mercury that the Pharaoh gang drove in American Graffiti.
Gogiboy
http://albany.craigslist.org/cto/4008165905.html
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Yeah, I came up with that too but the lettering seemed too prominent to be a dealer badge. You're probably right but it seems funny that the dealer letters are bigger than Buick's.
Thought it might be Canada-made/sold car that made it's way here. IIRC the Pontiac Bonneville was called the Parisian or something in Canada.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Years ago they would DRILL HOLES to mount these emblems!
One of the first Tacomas I bought was a dealer trade. They took off the emblem from the first dealer, drilled holes for the 2nd and left the holes from the first! I picked it up a few days later after they fixed an expensive mistake...
I can't believe they left the old holes!! How did they fix the damage?
Definitely nothing to do with Canada. In Canada we had Meteors as well as Fords and Monarchs which were similar to Mercuries. Ford just put different grills and trim on them and they were distinctively Canadian models.
I remember when I was a kid we went to New York city and my Dad just bought a new 1960 Meteor, it had a different grill, side trim, and tailights. People were really staring at it....they thought it had been customized.
I think that is a dealer thing or the name of the guy who restored it. btw...he's parked so close to the next car how does he even open the drivers door?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I got the following off Wikipedia on the web, oldfarmer:
The Pontiac Parisienne is a full-size rear-wheel drive vehicle that was sold by Pontiac on the GM B platform in Canada from 1959 to 1986 and in the US from 1983 to 1986. The Parisienne wagon continued under the Safari nameplate until 1989.
The B platform was the Catalina's platform back then.
So it looks like it was built in Canada but also sold here as well for a short time.
2024 Genesis G90 Super-Charger
http://www.flickr.com/photos/47661552@N00/4922463762/
If you flip the page you will see an old menu. They had a chicken dinner including fries, slaw, and a roll for $4.95. That sounded pretty good, then I noticed feeds 4 people!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Has anyone seen this bizarre drunk driving campaign? Funny but Real.
"Michigan State Police is rolling out its latest effort to curb drunk driving and seat belt violators. The car itself is real: the front half is a Novi police cruiser complete with flashing lights while the back is a taxi cab."
http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2013/08/michigan_state_police_to_use- _a.html
They would take full sized Pontiacs and put Chevy 283 engines in them along with Chevy suspension. The "wide track" Pontiacs looked so strange with their bodies hanging out over the front wheels.
Finding parts was fun too. some parts were Pontiac and some were Chevrolet.
Close, but just slightly different. This is from Wikipedia;
Meteor was a brand of automobiles offered by Ford in Canada from 1949 to 1976. The brand was retired for the 1962 and 1963 model years, when the name was used for the Mercury Meteor sold in the United States.
The Meteor was only in Canada up until 1963. Fords and Mercurys were sold separately. The Meteor gave the Mercury dealers a less expensive car to sell, and the Ford Dealers could sell the more expensive Monarch (which was really a Mercury). Then, if there was a small town and they only had a Ford or a Mercury dealership, they were covered with a full line-up.
It was actually smart marketing for the times. I always thought the Meteors/Monarchs were a little overdone, just to be different.
Comets were in the US and Canada, and I know because I owned a 62 3 on the tree......about as gutless as a car could be. Mine had 2 round lights at the back...I liked the 61s with the sloping lights, but, the engine was the same. The Comet was like an upscale (if you could call it that Falcon) I think, probably the same gutless engine.
Interesting reading and you wonder whether the marketing department really knew what they were doing....but cars seemed to sell in those years and the only real competition was from the other big 3 players;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor_%28automobile%29
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
My first car was a brand new 1973 Comet. I paid $3,600 for it with a $600 down payment and $97.16 per month for 36 months. It had no AC so I installed an after market AC system. Big mistake, as the car had relatively no power when the AC was on. As a matter of fact I had to shut off the AC when climbing hills. Don't know what the hp rating was but I'm guessing it was probably was no more than 60 hp.
Has anyone seen this bizarre drunk driving campaign? Funny but Real.
"Michigan State Police is rolling out its latest effort to curb drunk driving and seat belt violators. The car itself is real: the front half is a Novi police cruiser complete with flashing lights while the back is a taxi cab."
_______________________________________
we have one of those half cop car/half taxi's prominently displayed on Long Island.
I had a 1974 and while it was a bit massive it actually had a very nice suspension; no less an authority than Road & Track tested a 1973 and said that it could keep up with a BMW Bavaria on a winding road- if said road was wide enough.
Dad wouldn't co-sign on a 2002, a GTV, or a Z/28 back in 1974, so I made the best of an otherwise terrible situation...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
This sent my grades on a skid for the next year and I very nearly flunked out of school before I wised up and settled down. Lots of fun with that little car though.
Looking back, that car was very dangerous to drive. It would dip and dive all over the road in an era before radial tires were common. Radials would have made a huge difference in the driving characteristics of that car.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
https://www.google.ca/#bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=dd03cd386f1b260f&q=1961+comet
The 62 had round lights and little fins;
https://www.google.ca/#bav=on.2,or.r_qf.&fp=dd03cd386f1b260f&q=1962+comet
I think buyers thought the rear lights on the 61 looked too much like an Edsel or Cougar or some other higher priced Ford product at that time so Ford made it look cheaper on the 62.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Here's a bit of the review;
here's a certain amount of boy-racer charm exuding from this all-new Monte Carlo. That's been a traditional element of Monte Carlos going back to the first ones in the middle '70s - cars that won many, many NASCAR Winston Cup races. Aerodynamically, this new Monte Carlo is vastly superior to the body being used by the 1999 NASCAR racers. Though attractive to wind tunnels, the Monte Carlo's styling won't appeal to everyone.
******************************************************
One thing I noticed too, the 2000 LS Monte Carlo was about $20,000, but an SS was just $22,000. That's something to think about.
Personally I for one really like the style of the 73-74 Monte Carlo. I think that was a styling leader at the time.
Pix of 73 to 77 Monte Carlos: http://www.montecarloclub.com/1973_1977_Photo_Page.htm
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Then in 1961 they mad e 170 cubic inch engine an option and most buyers went for that. Actually not a bad little engine that went to 200 cubic inches a couple of years later. Much better!
Sorry driver, I still can't tell the difference. I do remember that they went to amber colored parking lights in the model year after mine.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
I also installed Cibie Z-Beam European headlamps and a Pioneer AM-FM cassette unit with a powerful(for its time) Pioneer amp and Pioneer 6X9 coaxial speakers.
It was faster than almost anything Detroit built in the 1975-1983 era save the Firebird with the 400 T/A motor. The only imports that could run away from it were exotics and quasi-exotics like the Porsche Turbo Carrera. My Dad borrowed it for work one day and pulled out to pass a couple of cars; it downshifted to first and he almost spun it. That night he told me, "Wow, son, you really DID hop-up that thing."
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
How could you know that! I checked out some pictures and if I put the cursor over the picture it gives the year. The 62 and 63 are almost identical, except you can make out those tiny amber turn indicator lights.
I forgot about them using amber lights all of a sudden.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sorry to resurrect this thread but I just wanted to share my experience with the Tesla Model S.
Last Friday, I spent about an hour at the Tesla showroom in Natick, Massachusetts (the Natick Mall). I must say it was a pleasant experience. There was only one Model S on display as well as the bottom frame and skeleton of a second car displaying the battery pack, suspension system, and electric motor, etc.
Our host, an electrical engineer, explained every facet of the car from the tires to the onboard electronics. Oops, I forgot to ask if one has to be an engineer to sell these cars. Nonetheless, until recently they could only show the car but now they have a license to sell cars in Massachusetts, completely bypassing a dealer network.
And that makes sense as the car does not require routine maintenance as is common with cars with an internal combustion engine. He said, if the car is damaged in an accident, they have an arrangement with Audi to do repairs since Audi is highly skilled with working on aluminum frame vehicles.
To say I was impressed would be an understatement because the Tesla Model S is perfect in every way--just the right size and feel. Too bad there were no cars available for a test drive.
Perhaps a little embellishment by the engineer/sales person. Dealer licenses are issued by the cities and towns, not by the state. Tesla already had a dealer license issued by the town to sell cars in Natick. They just couldn't sell at the Mall as it isn't zoned for car sales. Tesla was given a temporary variance by the Natick Board of Selectman to sell cars at the mall. The variance is good until March 1, 2014. To change the zoning permanently, Tesla has to go before the planning board and get their approval and then to town meeting for a vote next year. It will require a 2/3's majority of town meeting to change the zoning.
Tesla had a separate sales office in Natick in an area zoned for car sales where they actually took orders.
At least here in MA, zoning may be the issue that blocks Tesla. Most towns probably don't allow car sales in areas where malls, high end retail, et al are located. It's probably why they have not opened anywhere else in MA.
http://sarasota.craigslist.org/cto/3968573126.html
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I can see why high-end retailers would want to distance themselves from pushy and obnoxious car salesmen. But that is the reputation I believe Tesla wants to change--to make the buying experience as upscale as one would expect from Neiman Marcus or Nordstrom.
So far Tesla has overcome most objections so going before the Zoning Board or Board of Selectmen is yet just another annoying cost of doing business. So much for unfettered capitalism.
Imagine my surprise to see a 2 seater! Nice condition, looks like all the major issues have been addressed, and a decent price on top of it all.
I've seen several here in my small town of 50K. Are there lease deals available?
I don't think it has anything to do with keeping high end retailers apart from car dealers - it's about separating certain types of businesses from each other for some reason or another. In the case of malls and car dealers, it's probably related to the differing types of businesses.
Traditional car dealers have sales, service and storage all in one place. It makes no sense for a traditional dealer to be located in a mall. For Tesla's sales model, it makes sense. Now that doesn't mean a car dealer can't be located next to a mall as very often pieces of land next to each other are zoned differently.
My town doesn't allow car dealers in general retail/business areas. But the biggest dealer is located on a piece of land that was once zoned general business. The town approved a change in zoning for the dealer to build there.
Planning boards have to take into consideration so many factors when changing zoning as it can open a can of worms in the future. The idea of a Tesla store as opposed to a dealership probably wasn't considered when Natick created the zoning plan and uses. They will probably have to consider creating a new description for auto sales without service or test drives that could be located in a retail zone.
Trust me, I have nothing against Tesla or factory owned stores.
So much for unfettered capitalism.
I'll be a jerk - mind if I move next door to you, tear the house down and put in a medical marijuana shop, tattoo parlor or gentlemen's club? There is a reason for zoning.
Anyway, I asked the body shop to put in the amber lights or lens covers when the repairs were made, but they wouldn't do it.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Next car was a '73 Monte Carlo. IIRC paid the local dealer $4245 for that one new. Very advanced vehicle for the day. Dropped off the Falcon with dad and picked up the Monte Carlo after Spring semester started. Had to really watch it on the way back from east central Arkansas on I-40 headed back to Fayetteville. I kept looking down to see I was at 85-95, smoother and quieter than the Falcon at 45. First car I ever drove with radial tires...made a huge difference.
I think that Capri could be a money pit. This is what Edmunds says;
What's New for 1991
This Australian-built convertible is based on the Mazda 323 platform. The 1.6-liter engine is available in turbo or regularly aspirated versions good for either 132 or 100 horsepower. An optional lift-off hardtop with a rear window defroster and interior lights is also available.
They were probably not the most reliable car in 91, and my guess is it will cost a lot to keep it on the road today. Edmunds says prices start at $1800!
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Interesting views about the Tesla. BMW says there new electric cars are going to blow everyone else's e-cars out of the water.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/green-driving/news-and-notes/bmw-very- -serious-about-its-electric-vehicle-plans/article13646632/
Some hi-lites;
* BMW, like all the German car companies, has a top-to-bottom EV plan, the money to back it, the marketing expertise to sell it and the global network necessary to reach into markets around the world – while overcoming a miasma of regulatory demands that change from country to country, region to region, continent to continent.
*BMW is confident tghey will earn money with every BMW i3 we sold from the launch on.
* BMW said the Canadian version would start at a shockingly affordable $44,950
*But unlike all BMW’s rivals or potential rivals – including Tesla with its shopping mall approach to retailing EVs – the Bavarian premium car company is readying a cost-effective delivery program tailored to EV customers in individual markets. We haven’t seen the details yet, but we do know that “customers will be able to personalize their entire purchasing process to suit their needs.”
Some markets will have a mobile sales force, in others online purchasing will be in effect
* Like other EVs, the i3 can get an 80 per cent recharge in 20 minutes.
*To prove the viability of a charging network on its home turf, BMW plans to lay down a chain of quick-charging stations along the 590-kilometre route from Munich to Berlin
I wouldn't rush into buying an EV until the smoke settles..........
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2018 430i Gran Coupe
There are 1197 GMs listed on Tampa CL so you're right, there are a lot of them down there. Some are terrific bargains if the ads can be believed.
If you like that Capri here's another from the same list:
http://sarasota.craigslist.org/ctd/3973979562.html
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
True, but a Tesla is about $130K. I think the point is the bmw EV will be more affordable, so will appeal to a broader audience. It isn't as nice but if they can make a superior vehicle for $50K, think what they could do for $70K.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Hey oldfarmer, howcome you are into "chick cars" all of a sudden (tongue out)
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
ANY car that old could be a money pit.
"...based on the Madza 323..."
Was that a bad car? The current Madza 3 isn't too bad from what I've read.
"...prices start at $1800..."
There are quite a few in that price range but with higher milage. Almost any car, regardless of type, would go for $3200 if it had less than 49k miles.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I'm into low milage, rust free, cheap cars. I'm secure enough to not care about "chick" designations.
Also, somewhere in the back of my mind I can see turning it over/selling it to my niece who likes girlie things but much prefers driving my Corvette over any of my other cars.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
A few years ago a local mall that fell on hard times had a used car showroom in a storefront location. They had a half dozen cars on display. I always wondered how they got zoning permission for that.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Auto sales may have been an allowed use under the zoning laws or the owner of the mall asked for a zoning change. Stuff like that happens all the time.