An exciting Saturday night out for the Niedermeyers? Take the dog and walk into town, stopping off for a bite to eat at a side walk seating cafe, drop in a friend’s party (briefly), and then head up to Skinner Butte, which has an overlook. While we were eating downtown, I just missed shooting a fantastic 1946 or ’47 Cadillac convertible that rolled by, stock except for a tasteful lowering. Now that would have been a fitting finale for Convertible week. But I did not come up totally empty-handed, as this yellow Jensen-Healey greeted us as we made it to the top on this perfect summer evening.
I haven’t seen this particular car before, and it’s the only J-H I’ve seen for a few years now. But driving up to Skinner Butte for a view, which included two of the snow-capped Three Sisters (volcanoes) peeking out past the foothills to the east, is of course what a convertible is all about. So it’s a fitting ending to our open-top cavalcade of convertibles.
Thanks to all the Contributors who shared their open-top finds with us. And thanks for coming by and partaking. Any suggestions for another theme week in the future?
More:
They have buttes in Oregon?
Have you done a minivan themed week? Or a ‘bizarro dashboard’ theme?
Lots of them. The one in the distance is Spencer Butte.
It’s volcano country, and these are small basalt upwellings. Although these two were never actually volcanos; just little floating basalt islands that git pushed up during all of the underground activity.
I know the original alloys weren’t the prettiest, but it looks wrong on wire wheels too.
Still wondering why the hell Jensen had to buy engines from Lotus with out warranty, claims put them to the wall?.
Always liked these. As for a theme…..Hmmm….How about the overlooked and under appreciated, yet dependable ‘H’ bodied cars of 1986 through 1991, Long low and linear. they were the last GM cars to carry that theme before overly high rumps and general jeely bean style took over. The Buick version even had design Easter eggs like the clamshell reverse opening hood and a drop slot for the rear license plate, no bolts, anti theft.
I liked the Jellybean LeSabres, though the butt was rather large. Did the wedge LeSabres have the stupid trunk hinges that take up half the usable space? That is probably my largest pet peeve about my 1995 LeSabre.
They do not . They are static hinges. One piece with the torsion bar. but do not take up a great amount of space.
Surely that rear window is nowhere near vertical enough for a 1980s GM car?!? 🙂
I caught a Jensen Healey in morning rush hour traffic about a month ago, a very rare sight now. (apologies for the poor photo)
True, regarding the rear window. the 2 doors were sleeker, Both Olds and Buick had models of such, Pontiac was only allowed the 4 door sedan for its Bonneville. they had wanted to utilize the sleeker 2 door roof for their 4 door, but the bean counters would not authorize the expense.
Jensen-Healey and morning rush hour…quite a combination….
Nice looker but make sure Nigel the mechanic is a good mate. You’ll need him sooner rather than later.
Only a sport coat over a Vauxhall Victor hardly rocket science to keep running, any old Vauxhall agent would have parts, oh wait……
Worked with a guy who had one of these. I remember driving across the Sydney Harbour Bridge with the top down. Worth it for the experience, but was never a fan of the J-H.
Thanks for Convertible Week.
This might be ambitious but how about last year models for orphan brands. The obvious might be Packard’s and Hudson’s but now we have Plymouth, Mercury, Pontiac, Olds, etc.
That could be pretty cool! Finding a 2010 Pontiac Vibe could be hard, though.
To add to the list: AMC, Saturn, Hummer, Saab, Eagle, Daihatsu (US Only), Geo, Suzuki (US Only).
I’m holding out for land barges week, though!
I like the suggestion….last and best models of a retired brand. Britian has a few to contribute….
Did we have a station wagon week already? A theme week related to hub cap/wheel covers? Hatchback/liftback or quad headlight or wrap-around tailight week? I’m just trying to make some suggestions, but don’t have specific cars in mind. Another week on Mopars would suit me just fine.
Thanks to all who contributed, I’ve enjoyed this convertible theme week.
How about English Fords? Prefect, Zephyr, Anglia to kick off. A few Cortinas, gotta be some good Escorts out there, maybe a couple of generations of Capri. Perhaps someone could put up a Fiesta or two. And I’m pretty sure there’s someone who could do a Sierra estate for you… 😉
+1 let’s have some Dagenham iron.
I know where a couple of MK2 Zephyr utes are hiding and some friends have a herd of MK2 Escorts
Here is a thank-you to all the contributors of Convertible week at CC.
I just happened to visit the Hemken Collection in the week before. This collection is dominated by convertibles and it was a delight to get a tour by the owner herself. She allowed me to sit behind the wheel of a ’61 Lincoln Continental and together we raised the roof of a Playboy retractable top. This was the most hands-on museum experience I ever had. So, take a break at Iowa exit 144 on I 35 and have a look. http://www.the-hemken-collection.org/Hemken_Collection/Welcome.html
Here is a picture of the Playboy, one of only 7 running Playboy in existence.
and here is another shot: