When I posted that rusting ’67 Cutlass yesterday, I failed to notice that Curtis Perry had three more in a series of Olds junkers. This one, shot in Pendelton, OR, not only features a rather rare 1973 442, but a whole lot of other interesting machines. Right behind it is a Kaiser Henry J (unless it’s an Allstate), and behind it is a lwb Chevy C30 panel van converted into a passenger-hauler, with a high top roof and windows. And of course, there’s more. (click on image for maximum size).
This 1955 Super 88 is taking its well-deserved retirement in Goldfield, Nevada.
Also in Goldfield sits this 1954 88. At the rate it’s aging in this dry desert air, it’s going to have a very long retirement. And the nearest scrapper is probably so far away it doesn’t pay to haul it there.
Those Colonnade 442s. Even as young as I was then (six years old), I could tell they were just window dressing on a Cutlass.
In a way it was a Cutlass without all the window dressing so many had. and with a 455… But this generation of Cutlass somehow looked more at home with the 70s décor in place. Perhaps why it was so successful.
Time to grow up then. When equipped properly, these cars were quite fun and fast. Even if not equipped properly…I see no problem with them.
“…..window dressing on a Cutlass.” I guess it’s just me, but I don’t see anything wrong with that. After all, in 1973 the GTO was a mere shadow of it’s former self and the Mustang was a bloated pig.
Really nice photos here .
The Desert used to be jamb packed with old vehicles , many dating to the 1930’s and 1940’s , so many have vanished , hopefully to be restored .
-Nate
Great pictures. The ’54 and ’55 Olds still look to be pretty solid. If they don’t eventually get saved, I hope their parts go to a restoration instead of the crusher.
Both cars appear to have plenty of usable sheetmetal and chrome, particularly the front bumper and grille of the 1954 Olds.
The 442 would make a good before and after feature car in an autobody shop ad.
The Olds looks like a Sparrows Point car. (If you grew up around Baltimore, you’ll know what I mean.)
Yep, the Bethlehem Steel parking lots used to be full of cars with an orange patina from various deposits from the mills stacks. Not many complaints though from the 35,000 skilled, blue-collar guys (my dad included) who used to work there, as the plant provided high paying jobs with excellent benefits. Now the plant – and the jobs – are gone forever.
I’m not one to lament about the good old days and tIme and technology do bring new opportunities, but the demise of the skilled blue-collar worker who fueled post-war American prosperity does make me feel a bit nostalgic.
It may not be a “real” 442 but still one of the better variants of the Colonnade.