The cupboard’s bare, and I’m bushed. So there just isn’t going to be a full-length CC today. Instead, I’m going to post some Outtakes, and you’ll have to fill in the details. Like this Ford (Fox) LTD. We’ve never done it here before ever, in any post. I’ve shot a couple, but that’s the easy part. And when I saw this one in traffic the other day, I had a tinge of guilt.
We’ve done some cars two, three or more times, but there’s still a huge number of CC virgins in my files waiting for their day to be exposed to the world. Which cars are most neglected? Before you hit “Post Comment”, check our archives, and/or use the Google search box up there (we’re running way behind on keeping the archives current, any volunteers?)
May I suggest the 1994 – 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS.
Neighbor has 2-3 of them. Could get you many photos & a CC possibly.
1973-75 Pontiac Grand Am (know location of one & will photograph when able).
Does this LTD win the award for the least attractive car ever built on the Fox platform? Personally, I remain on the lookout for the wagon version. I had one – a loaded Mercury with wood and everything. Other than a gas tank the size of a pregnant woman’s bladder, it was a really nice car.
“Other than a gas tank the size of a pregnant woman’s bladder…”
Another comment that almost made me spew a mouthful of morning coffee!
Having owned an early Fox-platform Mustang, I can relate. I always thought the tank held 10 gallons – but just looked it up and learned it held 12.5 – so 175 miles was my “comfort zone” between fill-ups. My current daily driver gets 24.5/30 (city/highway) with a 20 gallon tank, so I’m going about two-and-a-half times as far between fill-ups. But boy, I miss the days of filling the Mustang’s tank for less than $10…
I think the tanks in the wagons was smaller than in your Mustang, like 10 or 11 gallons. With the 3.8 V6 and 3 C5 auto, it was 175 miles between fill-ups, unless you were on the highway, then you could stretch it to 225 miles.
My 81 Imperial has a relatively small gas tank for such a car – of course because it uses the same gas tank as the Cordoba/Mirada. Small gas tanks are not bad on small cars but luxury cars need big tanks especially if they get poor mileage. The Caddy has a 24.5 gallon tank so on the open road I may get 23-24 and that translates into a 500+ range. The Imperial’s tank is 18 gallons but since the tank has no baffle it is advised not to let the tank go below 5 gallons so that you don’t starve the electric pump which sits at a 45 degree angle in the tank. Basically giving me a 13 gallon use at same 23 MPG less than 300 miles. I realize at the same MPG the cost factor is the same but it still feels wrong somehow.
I generally don’t like stretching my luck on the highway with gas (even though I have AAA) but in December I drove my 93 wagon (with 18 gallon tank) that got 28.9 MPG on the highway 478 miles before fill up which I thought was pretty impressive.
Not sure if it was available on the Fox LTD, but when I factory-ordered a 1982 Granada during the era of the oil embargo, I selected the option for an Extended Range [20 gallon] Fuel Tank for $46. Back in the day you could customize the car with all kinds of little options (see sticker – saw very few like mine with the bucket seats/auto floor shift).
Its something when even in 1982, just getting a/c and an automatic transmission on a midsize vehicle cost you $1,000+.
No – the award should go to the ’84 – ’87 Lincoln Continental. The ’84 facelift is something even a mother couldn’t love.
+1 I suppose the Fox LTD wasn’t exactly a pretty face, but it looks more generic than ugly, to my eyes anyway. Plus, I always thought they were cool because of the stealth hotrod LTD LX version (and I was a big fan of the Fairmont too). The Continental looked like a fusion of the bustleback Seville and a LeBaron K-car… pretty frightening
The ’84 Mark VII was the first North American car with the European-style headlights. As Ford was the manufacturer that petitioned the government to use them, I am surprised that they were not applied to the ’84 Continental. I remember (way back when) seeing a spy photo of the Mark VII with headlights that resemble the Continental in the event that the petition to use the Euro lights was denied.
Yes, though the Fairmont Futura comes close (were they trying to build a Ranchero or what)? I’ve begun to see one regularly – surprisingly rust-free for a New England car. We already had a CC on one that you wrote, though.
The funny thing is – when you combine the LTD and the Futura, the product ends up looking surprisingly decent.
I agree – that looks very nice the way it’s presented in the photo.
Give it some clear headlight covers, lose the silly ass hood scoop and I’d be in love. I’d prefer some alloys that were a little more subtle and “80s”, but the Mustang rims look OK too.
I think the LTD front end works so well because it adds much needed symmetry to all those sharp angles on the back half of the car. In stock form I always (greatly) preferred the 2-door sedan Fairmont to the Futura coupe, but this is wicked… and black is perfect on it. I’m pretty sure the fenders on these type of Foxes are all interchangeable, because I’ve seen a few mix-n-match LTD/Futura wagons over the years too.
I actually like the Fox LTD. It was a modest but interesting step towards the Taurus with the added Aero elements and mandatory 6 cylinder engines on civilian models(excluding the extremely rare 5.0L LX). Interestingly it used the 80-82 Thunderbird/Cougar XR7 dash rather than carry on with the Granada dash it effectively replaced. Even more interesting is that the LTD was considered midsized in 1983 while overlapping the “compact” Fairmont of exact dimensions.
I’ve lusted over this particularLX since the moment I saw it, and I’m normally not a 4 door fan. Body coloring the grille “mustache” and matching the grille with the headlight buckets works wonders on that front end.
No, what about the 80-82 ThunderCougar?
Jason Shafer has already done that one.
That LTD deserves a write-up, if only because it has the optional opening vent windows! That’s well worth it, right there.
87-88 Cougar would be neat to see as a CC. I had a 20th anniversary model that was a really sharp car. I thought it was one of the more interesting looking Ford products of that era…
1995 Chrysler Cirrus, which I thought was the prettiest car on the road when introduced.
I had a 1997 Cirrus LX. I liked that car, until we had a child and bought a minivan. Worst car mistake I ever made.
Pretty car
Yes, and I seem to remember that the Cirrus and Cloud Cars received a number of awards when they were new. My daily driver 2.0L, 5-speed 1999 Stratus is up to 205K miles and still in great running condition.
I always liked the look of the Cloud Cars. The ’95-’98 Cirrus was definitely the best looking.
’82 – ’88 Ford EXP (Mercury LNZ). I think it’s been referenced in a few articles but hasn’t had it’s own CC.
The trick is finding one…
I have one…will let you have.
How about the 69-73 Mustangs? Bloated and cartoon images of their former selves.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1969-mustang-mach-1-sliding-down-the-slippery-fastback-slope/
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1969-ford-mustang-everybodys-second-choice/
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1971-ford-mustang-grande-como-se-dice-brougham/
Every generation of Nissan Maxima, the heir to the Cutlass, in that its customers would mostly be happy in CamCord (Ford/Chevy) but wanted a little extra something. Each gen defined that “extra something” a little differently.
CCCCC = MMMMM
Good call on the Maxima, Imp.
Early model Jaguar XJ-S anyone?
1970-75 Buick Electra 225?
BTW: saw ‘Point Blank’ last night and I wholeheartedly recommend it for many reasons, the badass Lee Marvin, the glorious Angie Dickenson, Dean Wormer and the most awesome set of mid 60s wheels you could ever lay your eyes upon!
Good movie, have to watch it again. Love me some good ol’e Lee Marvin ass kicking movies.
My favorite is “The Killers.” Remake of the 1949 version with Edmond O’Brian.” Ronald Reagan as the bad guy, Angie as his girl. Slapping Angie around is my favorite scene.
Funny how times change. I’d be appalled to see such a violent, degrading scene (to a woman) in a modern movie. Back then, it just seemed to fit.
Oooooh good call indeed… I think the mid-80s Maxima may have had a CC done (too difficult to check on my phone, sorry) and I vaguely remember seeing an 810 on here at one point. The definitive Maxima – a modern classic as far as I’m concerned – was the ’89-’94 “4DSC” model, and that one definitely needs to get it’s CC props. It would be great to see that make’s entire history covered in the same fashion as the CCCCCC articles were done (one of my favorite CC series ever). It’s followed a pretty interesting evolutionary path over the last 30+ years.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-asian/curbside-classic-1982-datsun-nissan-maxima-810-diesel-wagon-bitching-betty/
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cohort-classic-1987-nissan-maxima-wagon-the-smart-side-of-luxury-wagons/
Hows about the 1986 chevrolet nova/toyota corolla. Unless it has been done and I missed it, the corova would be an interesting.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/automotive-history-1985-chevrolet-cornova-%E2%80%93-lessons-not-learned/
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-outtake/cc-outtake-this-nova-is-a-no-go/
May I suggest the C4 Corvette? This is a car that I never (even when I was a kid and they were new) got into. Now, I’m old enough to finally buy my own weekend project car and the ’84-96 Vettes are a dime a dozen around these parts–some clean-ish examples are cheaper than old Monte Carlos and Regals of the same era. I like the sound of “my Corvette” but I’m not sold on them. Their price and availability make me want to change my mind.
I could re-run one from the other place, but it’s a Deadly Sin. Are you up for that? Most folks weren’t the first time around.
Nah, I didn’t see it the first time. Interesting write up though. I never thought of them as horrible cars, just (as the article says) soulless and somewhat incohesive compared with some other contemporary sports cars. I used to hate Fieros too, but now that they’ve all but disappeared from the roads, I’ve grown to appreciate them for the goofy-but-interesting cars they were. Maybe it’s because C4s are still everywhere and looking as craptastic as ever. Perhaps they would be well-suited for duty as a more entertaining but similarly priced alternative to the Cam-cord work beater until they finally become scarce enough to eclipse the Pinto as the “so bad it’s good” car of choice.
Mazda B2000 pickup? Once ubiquitous, now rapidly disappearing.
I saw a bunch of those on a road trip to the coast this past weekend. You must be in the rust belt.
Having moved from the east coast to the west coast, I can provide insight on both sides. Yes, they’re almost completely gone in the rust belt. Mine finally had every cab mount rust away from the frame and have to go to the junkyard a few years ago.
On the west coast, you still see a fair number of the 86-93 generation around. Locals tell me they’re still a lot more rare than they use to be. The older trucks, up to 1984, are very thin on the ground.
I will gladly volunteer to do a CC/COAL/My Curbside Classic on the 86-93 trucks, as I’ve now had two – a 1988 B2200 SE-5 that was my first car, and now a 1992 B2600i 4×4 LE-5 I have in California.
I just got an email the RKM is bring out the very last documented 426 Hemi that left the factory in 1971 to the Charlotte AutoFair next weekend. It was purchased and is being restored locally.
So perhaps a modest retrospective of the models that had Hemis over the years. Including a brief touch on today’s “HEMI”
Oh that poor Charger.
How about the ’72-76 Thunderbird. That was my father’s second & last car.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1974-thunderbird-a-mark-by-any-other-name/
D’oh!
Wartburg 353
Melkus RS 1000
Trabant 601
Ford Scorpio 95+
Citroen Hy
Just a few that popped into my mind and couldn’t find in the past posts. I know some were partially mentioned, but didn’t have an entire post dedicated to them. To some of these I can also send my own pics, to some like the Melkus and the Citroen Hy are so rare that impossible to get a shot.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/1961-wartburg-camping-the-vista-cruisers-inspiration/
Would you like to become a Contributor?
Yes, I saw this one, but its the 311, which is the older and nicer one, the 353 is the one with less design more functionality.
Sure, I would love to. Let me go through my archives, to see the pics I can find and put the story together.
Any guidelines, deadlines for the article? I think all the above cars fit into CC.
Just send the the text, and attach pictures (don’t embed them into the text) to curbsideclassic@gmail.com No deadlines; at your pleasure.
I see a blue Citroen H-van working as a coffee truck in NYC occasionally. I’ve got some pictures of it, but they’re on my old phone and they’re not any good anyway. Here’s the same company’s other van with some crazy looking contraption on a trailer. Seems like they drive these things all over the country, pretty cool… never thought I’d see one on this continent.
I’ve never tried the coffee. The people working at it look young and enthusiastic and that’s just too much for me to deal with early in the morning.
Checking the archives, I am surprised this has never been done before but I once owned (if you can believe it) a 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T convertible. I would have to dig up pics and scan them but it was an interesting vehicle to say the least. In addition to the car, the whole concept of Diamond Star Motors is an interesting story one that stretched back to 1970 for Chrysler that continued in various forms until only recently.
Google didn’t turn up any prior posts about the 1965-69 2nd generation Corvairs. Those cars (the 2-doors especially) are gorgeous.
I need to run that one, and soon.
1986-1989 oldsmobile toronado trofeo.
I could help with that one! A friend had one……now gone.
For a while, we sold more Trofeos than regular Toronados. The Toronado was rather slow selling (like the other E bodies of the time) but the Trofeo was popular in its niche.
well i’d love to read about it , in any case. that’s another one gone…
Perhaps that is why I am stuck on them, I had one for all of 2 months.
I’ve been watching DVDs of Ironside lately from 1967 to 1969. What a smorgasbord of great vintage vehicles all over the streets! The very first car you see in the pilot is a pea green 1957 Rambler. At that point I knew the plots would be competing with the cars for my attention.
Volvo 122S (Amazon). There have been many references, but I think it deserves its own Profile. In many parts of the US these were very common and remain true CC’s today. I’ll also second the ’66-’69 Corvair, and if not already covered, the 1st or 2nd gen 3-series BMW.
Overdue; I’ve got ready to go.
My parents owned a ’64 wagon for 22 years and I bought a ’65 2 door as my first car. I can provide some trivia about sedan/wagon mechanical differences and the 1965 model year refresh.
I’ll second the Amazon Volvo. Have we done the BMW 2800CS/3.0CS yet? Or the Bavaria?
What about the Volvo P1800?
Bavaria: Not properly, sad to say. I haven’t found the sedan version.
CSi: A short post: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/more-from-the-cc-cohort-bmw-3-0csi-coupe-the-neue-klasses-valedictorian/
I have pics of the P1800; I just need to write it up
The ES is here: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/our-ex-curbside-classic-1973-volvo-1800-es-gone-but-not-forgotten/.
1989 Dodge Omni-my second car
Coming soon.
The NA Miata. There’s certainly been plenty of discussion of this car here — in the MGB writeup, for instance — but I don’t think it’s had a CC.
I’m looking forward to doing my ’93 Miata NA as a CC, AH and/or COAL. All it takes is time and energy. 😉
Nice car! I sure sympathize re. the time and energy shortage. And of course what will make an NA Miata writeup particularly challenging is that the car’s story has already been so often told. I think what will make it an interesting CC ultimately, though, is that there are so many different kinds of owners, from would-be racers, to impoverished students driving beaters, to fanatical collectors.
Good ideas, thanks!
Yep, I had a 96 and now a 99. Got the last one with 57K miles, now 81K. LOVE ’em!
The Mitsubishi Delica, specifically the 1980’s 4wd version. This is a rare sight in the U.S., and less than common in Canada, though I did just see a great example out in the Mojave. To my mind, the sexiest van ever!
…there is a CC thread discussing, but not devoted to, the Delica: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-outtake-another-odd-suv-old-van-pairing/
Another vote for the Mazda b2000/b2200. Still see these things all over the place.
I’ve seen a few Mercedes 190e Cosworth models for sale recently. Don’t know much about them.
The 1980s Toyota 4runner with the pop-off top. Tons on still the road today. From ’90 the 4runner was an SUV, but the ’80s model was…something else. Predecessor was the Toyota Scout (U.S. domestic modification of the Hilux).
That’s Toyota STOUT, not Scout. Obviously a name that didn’t translate well for the Anglophone market, though not much worse than Hilux or Hilux Surf (4Runner).
The Stout is a proper model of Toyota truck. Ran for decades. The Scout was a Hilux with a fiberglass top and a backseat. It was made in the U.S. for a few years, not sure exactly, before the 4Runner was released. I have seen them here and there over the last few years, usually setup for dedicated off-roading, but they are quite rare.
argh. my bad memory: the Toyota Trekker, it was called.
Also, saw a Fiat 131 a few months back. Cool car. Not sure how common they are these days.
A Fiat 131 would be a find.
My most lasting memory of the 131 here in the US was the “Benzina Non Etilata” (unleaded fuel) sticker by the fuel filler. At the time I thought it was really tacky (or cheap) not to apply an English language label, but now it seems very cool. I think a late-model 2 litre 131 (Brava? Super Brava??) would be a very nice car but I suspect even here in California they would be rusted.
Wow a 131 would be neat, but I think a really hard one to find would be a Fiat 128 3P….probably more common in Europe, but I know they sold them briefly in the US, probably around 1976. Back then I had a 128 3 door wagon, and I used to pretend it was a 3P (much nicer looking car). Alas my 128 wagon succumbed to a gear that came off in the transaxle, and the existing rust made it unworthy of repair, so it got junked, but I still think about the 3P (even though it likely would have ended up much the same…guess that’s one reason they’re probably very hard to find here…haven’t seen one in years).
Delicas are common as mud here wanna pic?
Oh, I have seen them. I see them much more often in Canada then in the U.S., and of course, NZ and Australia have vastly cooler Japanese vehicles 🙁 Toyota: the model 70 Land Cruiser has, to my knowledge, never been available in North America, though I have seen the Prado, and obviously, the current Hilux, in Mexico.
78-80 Pontiac Grand Am, Was it really a Grander Le Mans?
Mercedes R107 SL (1972-1989), and its rarer SLC variant.
Fine Fine Fine, I’ll get on the 1964 Oldsmobile Jetstar 88……
Have we done the 1961-62 Dodge Lancer yet?
Trying to think of things that I’ve found over the last couple of months that we haven’t done. Have we properly done the ’62 big Chevy or the Chevy II? I would say the Chevy II (in original form) hasn’t been covered yet, right? And we’ve done the ’63 and ’64 big Chevy, but not the ’62.
No Lancer yet. And I haven’t found one yet.
The original Chevy II is way overdue. I have pics; just need to get on it. Unless you’d like the honors…
Mitsubishi or Austin Lancer the Austin is rare the Mitsu not so much
So I’ll take on the Lancer, And… I do have an assortment of Chevy II pics, I’ve just never taken a full set of just one I think. But the ones I’ve taken shots of are still around.
I’ve already been mulling over my text on Chevy II, so I’ll do it. But if you a couple extra shots to springlike in, especially of a ’62 or ’63, Id be glad for those.
Well I’ll send over what I have. I can’t really tell the ’62’s from the 63’s from the 64’s.
I have a few car show pics of a ’63 Chevy II wagon (if my memory is correct on the year), if you want them.
Nobody has mentioned it, but I have a 63 Chrysler New Yorker captured (finally)
i’m biased, but how about the Nissan Pulsar NX (N12). Perhaps there was an Outake done on this, though.
Otherwise, maybe the ’87-’89 Nissan Sentra 3 door. Toyota Paseo. Or, Diahatsu Charade.
Finally, the best for last, the Fiat based O.T.A.S. Try and find one of these, though.
I was happy to see the Carina featured this week.
Old Jappas like those abound here should I shoot some all the wierd and wonderful JDM cars can be found in NZ.
Charade: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-asian/curbside-classic-1989-daihatsu-charade-treat-and-retreat/
Paseo: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/my-curbside-classic/my-former-curbside-classic-1994-toyota-paseo-gone-but-not-forgotten/
Pulsar (but probably not the one you imagined): https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-asian/curbside-classic-1983-nissan-pulsar-five-door-so-rare-i-forgot-it-existed/
O.T.A.S. When I find one 🙂
I’ve had a half-finished Nissan Pulsar NX CC in the draft pool for many months now. I promise to finish it up soon.
I don’t think the 3rd gen (1978-80) nor 4th gen (1981-88) Monte Carlos have been done. My grandma had a 1986 MC which later became my mom’s. I always liked the SS model as a kid, though I guess the performance didn’t measure-up to the image.
I have a beaut of a ’78 Monte I shot last fall. Stay tuned…
– I think a full MB W124 CC is long due. I agree with Paul it might be the best sedan ever.
– other suggestions: Audi V8, 1992 Cadillac Seville, VW Corrado
I’ve already started on the W124 – big story…..
1980s/90s FWD sport hatches are underexposed here. I think the survivors have all been trashed by kids. My daily driver for 11 years was an ’87 Celica GT hatch. They were pretty common on the street through the 90′s. But now, oddly, all I ever see are the notchback coupes. My hatchback weatherstrip became pretty much uncurable at the end, maybe that’s another reason.
Celica competitors of that era included the Ford Probe (interesting story there, it was to be a Mustang), Acura Integra and VW Scirocco. I also considered the MR2.
I have Probe and MR2 photos, maybe I should offer them on the Cohort.
It’s the 4th-gen ’85-89 Celica I have in mind.
I would second the first-generation Probe. These are interesting cars with a controversial back story that don’t seem to get a lot of attention in their own right.
Mike, I did a CC on the 1st-gen MR2 just last month: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-asian/curbside-classic-1986-toyota-mr2-they-call-me-mister-two/
I don’t see anything for the 2nd generation Corvair…one of the most beautiful cars ever made.
I see SS’s regularly I would also like to do one on my old 86 Buick Regal T-Type that I had until 2000. Actually I think a whole article on just the Buick Turbo vehicles would be appropriate.
Would you like to do it?
Sure just keep it in the mind still working on the ambulance thing which won’t really happen until after Charlotte AutoFair when I can stay in my office on a regular basis.
Coming very soon
More on the “cab-forward” big Chrysler LH cars. Laurence did a nice CC on the Chrysler LHS, and Jim covered the Eagle Vision very well.
But the Dodge Intrepid had the greatest volume, it’s CC-worthy on its own.
An Intrepid is almost finished!
In no particular order I’d like to see CCs on these cars…
Lincoln Mark III
Mid 90s Lincoln Town Car
Mid 60s Ford Thunderbird
1977 Ford Thunderbird
Ford Granada or Mercury Monarch
Plymouth Volare or Dodge Aspen
Chrysler 300M (LH)
Gen 1 Lexus LS
Gen 1 Lexus SC
Gen 1 Toyota Tacoma SR5 TRD
Gen 1 Legend Coupe
Gen 3 Honda Accord (pop-up headlamps)
Gen 1 Honda Fit
Gen 3 Nissan Maxima SE 5-speed
Nissan 240SX
Infiniti J30
Gen 1 Mazda Protege
Gen 1 Audi A4
Mid 80s Mercedes 190E
Mid 80s Mercedes 300E
Mid 80s Mercedes 300SD
Mid 80s Mercedes SL ideally 560SL
1973-1974 Porsche 914 2.0
90s Porsche 993
90s BMW E36 3-series
90s VW Jetta
Mid 00s Jaguar XJ8
Here’s #5 from your list.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1978-dodge-aspen-wagon-defying-expectations-since-the-carter-administration/
I missed that one when it came out and when I checked the list. Most enjoyable write up Jason, your grandma is something else!
How about by Monday 🙂
I have a couple of 1990’s Panthers that I am holding on to for a couple of special CC’s for hopefully later this spring or early summer…
Has the “Flair Bird” (1964-66 T-Bird) been throughly gone through yet? The Bloaty 65-68 Grand Prix? I know I’ve dipped my toe into the Starfire, but it wasn’t a Full CC.
I don’t remember a Vista Cruiser one yet either.
And the 1968-72 Buick Skylark? Our most neglected A-Body?
Definately need a Vista Cruiser CC. A great and popular car that is barely remembered. How many kids saw much of the USA from the back of a Vista?
Did you miss it? https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1969-oldsmobile-vista-cruiser-gms-greatest-hit-no-8/
’69 Vista Cruiser: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1969-oldsmobile-vista-cruiser-gms-greatest-hit-no-8/
But there are other years to do; always a very popular subject matter.
I so agree with Paul’s suggestion on the Fox LTD/Marquis.
My first car was a 1984 Mercury Marquis – all broughamed out with wire wheel covers and a vinyl roof. It hid its humble origins well at the time and, unlike the Celebrity/6000/Century/Ciera, had doors that closed with a satisfying “clunk”.
I took that car over many back roads in New Brunswick, to university in Guelph, Ontario (“loaded to the gunwales” as my friends said) and on a cross country trek to a job in Alberta.
The 3.8 L Essex ate head gaskets, the power windows quit in the front so my rear-seat passengers were in charge of drive thru at McDonalds, and the door seals rusted at the first hint of road salt in Ontario. The turn signal stalk broke off in my hand in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, just after replacing one of the perpetually fouled spark plugs at the side of the road. But… it was my baby, and the perfect car for a kid that was 18 going on 40. It gained the nickname “bohemius” from my friends.
Now that I’m 40 going on 18, my driveway is graced with a 2011 Mustang in Grabber Blue and a candy-apple red Yamaha Midnight Star 1600.
So many good memories! Just be sure to mention the ultra-rare, Canada-only version of the LTD LX, the Marquis LTS. A 5.0 L Mustang with 4 doors.
82 to 89 Mitsubishi Starion / aka Dodge/Plymouth Conquest
86&87 Monte Carlo Aerocoupe / 86 Grand Prix 2+2
One of them: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-asian/curbside-classic-1984-mitsubishi-starion-or-is-it-stallion-did-i-finally-solve-the-mystery-of-its-name/
1973 to 1975 buick electra 225
A 70’s gm with airbags
Alfa Romeo Milano
Alfa Romeo Alfetta GT or Sedan (including the 1978-79 Sport sedan)
Alfa Romeo GTV6 (actually any Alfa Romeo)
Fiat Strada
Fiat Brava
Fiat Spider/Pininfarina Azurra
Dodge St. Regis 1979-1981
The Alfetta GT was one of the first on my list but thought better check the archives lest I irritate Paul. It was there so I crossed it off. Would be nice to see a 93-96 Cadillac Brougham.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-1975-alfa-romeo-alfetta-gt-coupegtv-a-la-moda-italiana/
You might want to do an Alfa since the marque may be going to Audi now.
I should totally do a COAL/CC on the GTV6. My wife drove a red one when we met (hot) and we had it for several years. Wish I had taken a bunch of pictures, but I can probably scrounge up at least one.
1984-86 Mustang SVO.
Would like to; Haven’t seen one in way too long.
How about the forgotten E-body, the fwd Buick Riviera from the early 1980s? And throw in the Olds Toronado siblings as well!
I’ve got a nice one; will try to get on it.
A greatest hit? They did look good and sell really well.
Possibly the last hurrah of the large personal luxury coupe?
1. ’87-’91 Bonneville. It’s the only car I’ve owned that’s never had a CC or Junkyard Find. Plus it was way better than the Bonneville G.
2. A Trofeo CC would be nice, but I’m 100000% sure that Paul is not a fan of it, so I think that one will need a counterpoint piece a la the Gen 2 Seville.
3. GMC Motorhome, Vixen Motorhome, Ford EXP, a lot more AMCs.
I like the H-bodied Bonneville SSEs especially the monotone 88-91 years.
I agree the Trofeos needs to be done but good luck finding one I haven’t seen one in over 10 years in the flesh.
I think one seminal AMC product that hasn’t been covered (at least I couldn’t find it in the archives is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Originally the first big SUV, but by the 1980s it became something of a status symbol and, at one point, had the highest average income of buyers of domestic models. I would love to see more AMCs but I am afraid of the beating that they would take.
I recently spotted a ’90 Bonneville and have pics of a final-year Trofeo. I’ll get started on them in the next couple of weeks.
Hmmmm….strokes imaginary beard….I have some ideas…….
I did a quick search and I didn’t see one on a mk1 Toyota Celica. My mom had a ’77 Celica ST coupe. She loved that car and still talks about it.
Did I miss something, or has NO ONE mentioned the 1961 Rambler Ambassador?
I’ll second this suggestion!
I just have to find one…
I see a lot of interesting possibilities. Personally I would like to see one on an american small (not really small but not too big) trucks. I think we have had a lot on the Rangers but I would like to see something on the S10 or the Dakota. I have a personal bias towards the S10. It’s proving to be like a swiss army knife for me but the V8 Dakota has engendered some lust as well.
I never thought I would like my S10 but I made the mistake of driving it. It’s been working hard ever since.
Are there any of the convertible Dakotas still getting around?
I’d like to see the first generation Honda/Acura Legend. I know a while back you talked a bit about its ill-fated Sterling sibling, but there’s a whole story on the Rover 800 and Rover’s relationship with Honda. I’ve thought about doing it myself, but I’m not likely to get to it any time soon.
Isuzu Impulse/Piazza. Stunning, stunning car. To look at, anyway.
3rd gen Acord. The last true ‘quirky’ Accord. Pop up lights, randomly placed vent controls, and that weird & wonderful Honda automatic tranny.
Sidenote/tangent: Worth a read if you’re into mechanical stuff
http://antholonet.com/EngineersCars/3GPrelude/Hondamatic/Hondamatic.html
That, and of course, a car which I have never personally seen. Mitsubishi Tredia. My mother bought one new, I always joke that she was the only one who did!
How about a Lincoln Versailles? I agree with the 73-75 and 78-80 Grand Am’s. Another oddball would be a GMC Sprint. Had the opportunity to get one here in Albuquerque about 3 years ago and it was a rustfree ’75 specimen.
a 78-80 Ford Fiesta? I’ve seen ONE in the last few years and I am sure the owner was appreciating the MPG…another car the seems to have went “poof” was the early 90’s Geo Storms – they were kind of everywhere…Another stranger would be an 86 Ford Taurus MT5 – I’ve only ever seen one. Maybe early 90’s Caddy DeVille Touring Sedan? Has anyone ever seen a 74 Buick Apollo GSX (that’s sacrilege)?
I remember a Buick Skylark Sun Coupe when I was growing up in Penna. I also remember a 74 Impala “Spirit of America” which was in blue with a white vinyl top…
Too many cars and not enough curbs!!!!
I thought there was one on the first-gen Fiesta already.
Yes, we just did the Fiesta: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1978-ford-fiesta-here-today-gone-tomorrow/
Versailles is coming. The others are pretty obscure, except for the Caddy Touring Sedan.
How about a bit of exotica with an American V8?The seriously under rated Bristol would be a good start
I love Bristols and I’m sure many others here do too, but the problem with doing a CC on them is that they’re nonexistant in North America. I think they may have been sold here for a time in the 60s, but I’ve never even heard of a Bristol on this continent, nevermind having seen one. Finding one of them would make my whole year.
Bristol would also be a great candidate for an Automotive History article, lots of interesting stories there. I’d love to tackle that one myself, but honestly doing it proper justice would be way beyond the scope of my knowledge. I think the company published an “autobiography” at one point which I need to pick up if I ever come across it.
Yea I generally go by the rule that the car has to be seen in person on the street in a regular capacity or owned by the author (at one time) and used as such. I have seen many a rare car in my day but they are usually tucked away or only trailered which kind of takes away the “Curbside” from the name of this site.
I’m not really a stickler (for anything, ever) so I’m more than happy to see stuff outside the realm of the curb, like today’s amazing Standard wagon “Storage Yard Classic” or Tom Klockau’s somewhat frequent “Car Show Classic” articles featuring rare/pristine cars that are seldom seen in the wild. With certain cars, however (like Bristols), it’s doubtful anybody is gonna find one even in those scenarios.
I guess it’s possible that someone in the UK might snag one for the Cohort, or it could be done via the Google-assisted “A CC We’re Not Likely To Ever Find” method, which Paul did for the Lancia Gamma!
The Bristol club usually turn up to the major car shows out here, normally with 400s and 401/403s, so if a car show shot qualifies I can oblige.
I forgot I saw a Bristol on my way to work a month ago – just posted to the Cohort!
Pinzgauer No Kidding. I see one in Houston occasionally. Will try to get some pictures.
More on Model T
buick roadmaster- last car with opera lights
How about a first generation AMC Javelin?The forgotten pony car,.
1977 Caprice Classic. For some reason there’s a CC on the restyled 1980, but not the sharply styled ’77 which kicked off the downsizing revolution. As the ads said “Now that’s more like it!”
There’s one in the “oldie” file that can fulfill that request. Soon…
I also did a Car Show Classic on a mint ’77 Caprice Landau coupe: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/car-show-classic-1977-chevrolet-caprice-classic-landau-coupe-bent-glass-beauty/
And I have three traditional Curbside Caprices of this vintage in the can for a future date…two sedans and a coupe.
Paul, some of your best writing is on old busses and the GM Senicruiser would make a great CC profile.
Haven’t found one. But a PD-4101 is on the way. Will that do? The Scenicruiser is really just an oversize 4101
Forgot about another forgotten pony car the 67/69 Barracuda a sadly neglected model.
Okay…here’s a sejestion that’s likely to hoot me off the stage.
How about a CC on the original Escort?
There really isn’t much memorable in that car…AS a car. As a SYMBOL…of the “evolving auto industry” (I’m telepathing media commentators of the time) it had enormous impact, second only to the K-Car.
It was Ford’s first Post-Lido project; and its replacement for the Fiesta. Sadly, it showed what Lido contributed, which was a lot; and as an American Fiesta, it was sorely wanting.
How do I know this? I owned one.
Someday I’ll put together a list of the cars I’ve owned. It’ll amaze you; and it will make me weep, thinking of the wasted money…
Paul did a CC on the 1st get a while back: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1981-1990-ford-escort-you-never-get-a-second-chance-to-make-a-good-first-impression/
I always kind of liked them. When I was very little, my dad’s ’79 Bonneville or ’81 242DL (I forget which, he got the Volvo after the Pontiac) was being fixed and he got a canary yellow Escort three-door to drive for a day or two. I recall he didn’t like it, but I thought it was kind of neat. I was probably three at the time, but I can still clearly picture that car sitting in the driveway of our old house.
The original-original Escort was featured too recently in the Bonneville pictures post – the van based on the Ford UK Anglia.
The 1968 Escort has a lot of interesting angles/history – were they ever sold in the US? I’d guess they were in Canada.
I’ve only been reading for a few months so I’m not sure but let me ask, can any of us readers photograph a potential CC and send it in to someone?
If you wan to just post pictures, our CC Cohort Flickr page is the place for that: http://www.flickr.com/groups/curbsideclassic/ (there’s also a link at the top menu bar).
If you want to write up an article on a car you’ve found, we accept submissions. Send the text and pictures to curbsideclassic@gmail.com