Let’s try something a little bit different. Let’s play a game: Curbside Classic Bingo! You’re probably wondering, “How do you play bingo when you’re not sitting in a big room in a senior center?” Well, it’s simple. In this post, I have included a bingo card. You can print it off, if you like, or simply save it on your phone. You have the next 7 days to keep an eye out for the cars on your card. I will post again this time next Sunday. Simply comment and attach a copy of your card or simply post a comment saying you found them all and the day of the week you spotted your 16th car. Include a photo if you like! Whoever has found all 16 first wins…
…the satisfaction of being a victor! Hey, that’s not a bad prize! And if you didn’t win, feel free to comment anyway and tell us how close (or far) you were.
Now, this game does have a decidedly North American bent. So, sorry to loyal Curbsiders from around the globe like Old Pete, Bryce and Gem Whitman (just to name a few), but that also means from where I’m living I also can’t win!
This game will require keen observational skills. I have thrown in some more common vehicles but there are definitely some challenging finds.
However, each car I have included is a car I have personally spotted on the road when I lived in the USA, except one. And to make it easier for those in the Rust Belt, there’s nothing too old included. So, keep your eyes peeled and good luck!
A compelling group of vehicles you have here.
Put me down for the Buick Rainier – the neighbor catty-corner to me has one.
See if you can find all 16!
The Suzuki Verona wasn’t sold here (we got it as the Chevrolet Epica), so Canadians are out. I’m also not sure whether the Phaeton or M45 were ever available.
I will accept a Chevrolet Epica 😉
And the Phaeton was sold in Canada, not sure about the M45.
Yes, we had M45 in Canada. I remember seeing it on the streets as well as on Auto trader. But they were not very common.
I knew someone who had a Rainier. And about a month ago I’ve seen a Phaeton in traffic. I had to do a double take. I also seen on HWY 403 a Merc A-Klasse. Looked like a loaded model, Brabus perhaps? And two summers ago I’ve seen a Seat, even have a picture as proof. Must’ve fallen under 15 year rule exemption.
A lady in my office drives an Epica 😉
Sounds fun to me. I’m game for the challenge!
Only for American readers I see.
I saw a Saturn Relay, 1995-2002 Kia Sportage, and maybe a Suzuki Verona all within the last week in Portland, OR
Here is a Celebrity from yesterday.
It’s an early model (pre 1986) Celebrity too.
Wow… There is not one car, on that whole card I would want.
Snoozefest. 😉
No love for the ’03-’04 M45? That’s one I’ve had a thing for ever since it was new.
Wouldn’t mind a K900 either as a discreet luxury cruiser, but I doubt I’d buy one any time soon.
Think I’ll pass. I stopped paying attention to cars in the mid 90’s. I thought they started to look alike and then turns out I was wrong. In the last 5-8 years they really do all look alike. Remove their badges and many would be hard pressed to tell what make they are from 50 yards. In 1968 that was easy to do.
I just got back from driving US 5 down to L.A. and then back to the Bay Area. On the side streets of Burbank I got to see a lot of pre-90 cars. Two that really stood out. The 1985 Tempo I just happen to see when I took a side street because I missed my actual turn off. The car was moving.
The second was a beauty. It was at In & Out Burger midway between LA and SF at 9 pm. Almost broke my neck as the corner of my eye caught the glint of a large chrome bumper and grille moving the the dark. When the car parked it was a 1991 Cadillac Brougham in a blue mist. I approached the owner inside to ask about the car and tell him how beautiful it is. Body pristine and with only 62,000 miles going down to the Phoenix area for the new vacation home.
No camera since I left it home as my wife would have her cell phone for shooting pictures at Universal Studios. She does not share my amazement concerning older cars. One piece of advice Universal Studios is on of the biggest ripoffs I have ever encountered.
I don’t think I’ll see a Mercedes-Benz R-Series in Wyoming. I’ve never seen one in person
If I get the 6 that are possible here (the UK), I will claim a special prize!
However, I could also say I’m glad I can’t expect to win outright, as it would involve seeing an Acura ZDX in the metal.
Or perhaps I could trade my second Jaguar X Type for an ZDX from a US reader?
I have seen literally every one of these oddballs within the last 6 weeks. But I drive A LOT. Advantage: Portland, Oregon! If it existed, somebody has one!
I also live in the Portland area. Here is a Spectrum I found.
I drive a (great condition) Isuzu myself! Those bumpers are crying out for some armor-all! But, like I said… It exists!
Do I get to start counting from, say, 1996? I win!!!! 🙂
Here in the midwest, the Oldsmobile Achieva is as close as you will get to a “free spot” on this bingo card. Pull up Oldsmobiles on my local CL and those damned Achievas will be 80% of the results.
Funny! I’ve never thought of looking for an Oldsmobile on Craigslist before, but when I just did here in DC, you get two Cutlass’, an Alero, and a Silhouette in the post 1990 time frame!
Now, if there were a 240D, 300d, or even a 300TD Wagon on the card, I’d at least have one car dozens of times.
Tells ‘ya something!
Thought I saw a ZDX when on my way to lunch today. Alas, it was only a BMW X6. Equally ugly, but much more common.
William, this idea is outstanding! I’m going to have to get on this.
The building that I currently live in has not just 1 but 2 VW Phaetons. One W8 and one W12 in addition to a Cadillac Allante and other CCs…I should take pictures and post them to the Cohort.
Got my corner square early.
I found a Buick Rainer cruising down the Banfield today. A Kia K900 would probably be a fun beater in 10-15 years.
I was throwing an 0fer until today, when I saw five. Numbers 1 and 2 (R-Class and Paseo) were about four cars apart on I-95 North.
Found a Suzuki Verona and a Buick Terrazza from Minnesota in Portland, OR today.