1991 Volkswagen Passat GL

Such a peculiar looking car -- no grille (though not strictly needed) plus a near Saab-like profile. A serious effort at aerodynamics with the flush headlights, rear wing, and rounding of every surface. A nice fine texture in the tail lights and plastic panel between them.

Love the curved slope of the front hood, the slight extrusion of the name stamped into the trunk lid, the shut-line of the rear door which merges with the fender, and how the aluminum wheels are exactly the same colour as the paint.

Next post will be something completely different.

1989 Toyota MasterAce Surf

Another eclectic little spaceship/van straight from Japan. Looks like it should be hovering on a cushion of air. All the streamlining and sunroofs in the world can't hide it's utilitarian roots though.

Still -- gotta like a vehicle where most of the roof is plexiglass.

1988 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Convertible

Always found the convertible Camaros of this generation awkward looking. The notchback style forced by the roof simply did not suit it, and when the roof is down it is worse. The IROC Camaro, with all it's extra aero bits looks like a parody of itself. Just like the Corvette of the same years, it was trying too hard.

Kind of sad really that such a promising model succumbed to mismanagement.

Pininfarina #2: 1987 Cadillac Allante

Interesting shapes, subtle elegance much like it's late 80s Eldorado/Seville siblings and unlike most other Caddys I'm ever likely to feature on this blog. Love how the digital dash is almost completely blank when not operating. Also interesting is the subtle placement of the fuel door just behind the driver's door.

Regretfully not shown: the control stack next to the instruments, with 1000 black rectangular buttons + cassette deck.

The owner was very patient in allowing me access, for which I am grateful.

Pininfarina #1: 1979 Fiat 124 Spider

This one is missing bits of trim + the rear rack and has a few dings but is still in working condition. Love the "power" bulges on the hood, decorative wreath around the "Fiat" badge, exposed bolts on the wood grain dash, interesting indicator needles in the dials.

A classic profile that probably sustained the model way past it's best years.

Next post: Pininfarina #2.

1966 Land Rover Series IIa

This looks like a long loved vehicle. Replaced metal at the rear corners, plus the checker plate doors says to me that it has been practically maintained, but not restored. Love those great exposed hinges, especially on the rear doors. They look like they are sagging until you realize they were designed to fit that way, keeping the bolts on both sides at the same height.

And then there is the faded red.

1988 Rover Mini Canvas Top

That classic shape from an unexpected source. This Mini looks completely normal until you notice the peculiar headlights, then that it is RHD, then the Rover badge. Of course, they had tried to spiff it up with bolt on fender flares, but the effort was half hearted at best.

1981 Toyota Vanguard Camper Conversion

So many nice features -- the hubcaps transplanted from an Oldsmobile, the rust that matches the 70s brown stripes, the overhang which contributes to the slowly collapsing rear suspension. And the retro space-age shape; a collision between a fibreglass sci-fi space shuttle and a pickup. The heart shaped coat hanger antenna is a nice touch too.

But it is still in use, no doubt providing many a pleasant mile to a comfortable night in a campground. Large and small at the same time.