1968 Ford Thunderbird

Curious how the hood and trunk are the main areas for patina.

Vinyl roof has a curious sort of "alligator" pattern to it. Paint above the side ridge is much more dulled than paint below that line. No "Ford" markings as far as I can tell. Such an excellent colour.

1979 Porsche 924

Love the dark huge bubble of a rear window, which gives the illusion that this is a notchback. The circular side marker lights, the shut line of the door which extends into a seam above the window behind it. Suspect the reflector between the tailights is aftermarket. The dynamic curve of the sloping hood is only slightly interrupted by the interface with the windshield.

But even in this car German pragmatism is present -- the functional fuel cap instead of a door to hide it, the almost complete absence of chrome, the simple door pulls, a (minimal) back seat.

1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula

Thanks to Pat, who told me about this car, and about how he autocrosses it. It was apparently found buried under pine needles and other forest debris down in Washington State, and after much work we can see the results. As you might guess, the wheels are from a larger but contemporary Pontiac, and they look great. Rear spoiler is from a Lumina (which certainly never needed it). Pontiac didn't build the Fiero for very long, and it wasn't until this, it's final year, that the car started living up to it's sporty looks.

I seriously thought about buying a Fiero in 1985. At the time it seemed impractical, but the boy racer in me was severely tempted. Examining this car, I love the oversized looking wheels, which fit the wheel wells perfectly. Almost every surface and shape slopes forward. The nose makes me think of a marine predator. A remarkable design for GM, better than expected. Too bad they didn't have the chops (or perhaps the management) to make the car under the skin as good as it's surface.

1979 Chevrolet Corvette + 1973 Ford Ranger Super Camper Special

As promised, the other two vehicles of interest visible in the background of the previous post. All in all a remarkable find.

The Corvette looks great, its just that it tries too hard. Earlier generations of the 'Vette never needed front and rear spoilers to look amazing. This is more like marketing than engineering. Of the three, this vehicle seems closest to roadworthy.

Love the Ford's cockeyed headlight, oddly wide rear tires, earnest look, plus the all important fuzzy dice. And how can you not like a vehicle that calls itself "super". There will be more super vehicles here.

Once again, working in a cramped space, so profile shots are nearly impossible. Also I ran up against the 200 character tag limit on this post.

1987 Toyota MR2

1987 Toyota Celica GT

Once in a while a manufacturer hits a peak in their design and engineering. This is what I think happened with Toyota and the Celica. Here was a not-too-expensive, reliable, attractive, sporty car that sold well. Then the market changed, or management decided they wanted to go after the high end, or ... something. Regardless, this car is an example of the late peak period of the Celica -- a great smooth shape that still managed to be a good car as well.

1969 Ford LTD XL

Almost don't know where to begin. First off, this is fine example of wide, long and macho, with those continuous lines from front to back and flying wings around the rear window. Pictures can't really convey the awesome presence of this old beast. Next that colour -- it's radioactive in this dull grey light. Those over the top wheels and tires. Too much!

Overall, it's grand, regal, absurd, and delightful.

1986 Honda Prelude