Reaction to classic hot rodder Bill Hines’ take on the Cadillac Seville was rather mixed. So this time, I’ll present some more stock condition and straightforward finds from my brief trip to the California sunshine. Lacking any transportation beyond my own two feet, all these cars were within walking distance of my hotel.
This yellow 1966 Plymouth Barracuda caught me off guard, cruising next to Disney Land.
Further down the street, we come to a BMW 733. It would have one of the ultimate aspirational machines to a typical Eighties yuppie. In most other places, I would be concerned that those chrome wheel arches were added to conceal bubbling rust but there isn’t much, if any, on display in this particular part of California. In fact, no one even seemed to have any dirt on their vehicles. A stark contrast to our Canadian cars, almost permanently covered in road grime for most of the winter and into spring.
This E23 would have come exclusively equipped with a straight six engine.
There is no shortage of Honda fans and their cars but this household must be especially enthusiastic. A pair of Honda Civics complement a pair of Acura Integras. This collection may lack variety in color, but makes up for it with a full array of body styles.
No walking tour of California car culture could be complete without at least one classic Volkswagen Beetle. This example is a mild custom in a rather nice shade of green with color keyed EMPI eight spoke wheels.
It shares street parking with an also air-cooled Type 2 van on Porsche rims.
This Ford Econoline camper van is similarly paired with a step side box Ford pickup. Nice to see it retaining its classic blue license plate.
I was a little disappointed that I didn’t see more early Japanese cars but this Datsun 280Z still counts, even if it is wearing an after-market body kit and faded paint.
I saw the distinctive rear tail lights of this Chevrolet Corvair from a fair distance away but had to check it out. Obviously a work in progress, but it still looked drivable.
The second generation Corvair coupe has to be one of the all time great American designs. It is a shame about the modern Corolla behind as this scene could have had a Seventies period look to it without it.
This driveway dwelling 1966 Chrysler Newport is perhaps the next project after the Corvair is finished.
Now here is something you don’t see too often. This sharp looking Mitsubishi Mighty Max pickup truck featured both colorful period graphics and a turbo diesel engine.
We’ll end with this driveway shot which features two stereotypical California cars; a modern import and a classic American. Don’t worry, as there will be plenty more California curbside classics for part two.
I remember my trips to California, where VWs and Mustangs seemed to be everywhere.
That generation of Econoline van is all but extinct here in rustopia. Of course, I think the Barracuda is my pick of this batch.
It took scrolling to the Econoline before I saw something unusual, yep I passed a Barracuda yesterday going into town, someone here has been fishing. Big Chryslers, Corvairs and an El Camino are welcome changes to what I see every day though, I did see an interesting (to me) courtesy car outside a motel yesterday a nice old Buick pre brougham era when GM built real luxury cars,
It’s a safe bet you will see at least one Beetle and El Camino on a walk like that. You managed to capture all of our license plate designs since the early 60s.
Nice you could see so many of the past styles including import tuner. The Honda household has good taste in 3-door Civics.
Inside the house with the four Hondas there’s a bunch watching F&F. That Newport is beeeyooootiful.
Woo hoo, two ’66 Chryslers posted here in one day! 😀
Looks like that 7 series has a red interior?
Swank.
The Barracuda, please! Although that Corvair has a certain well worn charm to it….I love the mottled patina/primer mix. OOZES character! The New Yawka is pretty cool too for what it is. That would make a killer roadtrip barge.
I live not too far from where these shots were taken. Funny thing…to most locals, these are just old used cars. I think some are kept on the road just to avoid the California biennial emissions checks. Cars built before 1975 are exempt…and worth keeping on the road just to avoid the tailpipe sniffers!–of course, the fact that even most 30 year old floorpans aren’t rusty helps!
I do not think that 7-Series is in Kansas anymore and it sure does look swell. Parking at the end of a parking zone is clever, makes getting in and out easier among other things.
The Chevy/GMC in the background is pretty sweet as well.
I occasionally see Econolines of that vintage in Portland, they are neat vehicles.
That Corvair has the finest pair of Sunrise Plates I have seen in a while; dang!
I wonder if most of the LA Metro Area looked like the landscape around Victorville before all the people moved in?
The four black Hondas made me laugh – and then Don’s comment above made me choke on my juice 🙂 I always enjoy these curbside wanders!