1976 Ford Courier

The Courier was Ford's entry into the minitruck market in the 70s and 80s. It was a rebadged Mazda, though with a Ford-designed grill. The first generation shown here lasted until 1976, and the second (and final) lasted until '85. The early Couriers are becoming rare, so it was a treat to see this one, especially in such good and original condition.

 

 

 

 

1957 Hillman Minx

The Hillman Minx was one of a few Rootes Group cars exported to the U.S. in the '50s and early 60s. Designed by Raymond Loewy (of Studebaker fame), the Minx was unpopular in the U.S. market. Seeing one today is rare, on account of the low starting number, and low survival rate. The aqua and white two-tone on this sedan, excuse me, saloon, looks great, and the patina is perfect.

 

 

  

 

 

1983 Chevrolet Chevette

The Chevette, introduced in 1976, was Chevy's small compact through the seventies and eighties. The Chevette was available as a 3 or 5 door, and even a two seater Scooter model. Though it is now remembered as a lemon, it was popular at the time, and was a somewhat-worthy competitor to the Japanese. This Chevette is a sweet specimen, with its roof rack and dog-dish hubcaps.

  

 

 

 

A Brush With a Horrible Driver

Integras are fun little cars, but they unfortunately seem to attract bad drivers

Just yesterday I was driving somewhere with my wife and kids, unfortunately at rush hour, when I came upon a horrible driver. By horrible I mean much worse than your average bad driver, which unfortunately seem to come out of the woodwork here come rush hour. I generally try to avoid driving around at that time, but there was nothing I could do to avoid it yesterday.


At first I noticed this second generation Acura Integra driving a few hundred feet behind us, and the car drifted almost into the solid median before the driver jerked it to the right. Then the car sped up and was on our rear like white on rice. I was going about the speed limit, had a barren lane next to me, but this lovely driver decided that was a good time to drive with her front bumper within two feet of my rear bumper.

As if that wasn't enough, I then noticed the lady was driving without any hands on the steering wheel! She was putting her hair back in a ponytail, looking in the mirror and basically doing anything but driving. Finally, as we approached another intersection the driver apparently decided she had enough of tailgating me and so she swerved into the right lane. I said to my wife "that lady is going to hit someone" and then I turned into the leftmost of the double left hand turn bays at the light.

In a flash, the lady in the Integra came sailing into both mine and the other turn bay, fortunately more in the other turn bay, and hit another car. I will credit it to playing video games, but I saw the whole thing in slow-motion and was able to jerk our car to the left to avoid being struck by the Integra.

The other car that was struck had a young couple and a baby in the backseat. Fortunately nobody was hurt, but I suspect their aging Accord was totaled out just because of its low value. I've unfortunately been in that exact same situation and so felt incredibly sorry for the people. We supplied our information to the couple and were able to confirm to the police officer over the phone that the Integra driver was completely at fault.

It's a good thing we volunteered as witnesses, since for reasons I don't understand, the police officer was going to cite the young couple for the accident. So if you witness a car accident and know who is at fault, please supply your information as a witness so justice can be served. The driver of the Integra apparently "forgot" her driver's license and proof of insurance, which did not surprise me considering how she was driving. Hopefully another irresponsible driver was taught a lesson or potentially taken off the roads before she seriously injures or even kills someone.

Drive careful, everyone!

1966 Plymouth Fury II

The 4th generation Fury was introduced in 1965, and had modern and handsome styling, a change from the previous generation. Available was the Fury I, for commercial (taxi) use, Fury II, Fury III, Sport Fury, and Fury VIP. The Fury II was the mid-range, basic (but not too basic) sedan. This '66 has the best wheels ever made, slot mags, and the silver paint looks great.

 

 

 

1971 Toyota Celica

Though advertisements said "it's pretty easy to think you're in a sports car", the Celica, introduce to the U.S. in 1971, was actually a fairly capable performance machine. The Celica was available in LT, ST, and GT trims, though it's hard to tell what this one is. This first-year Celica has been parked outside a repair shop for years, and is in solid, though incomplete shape.

 

 

 

2015 Mustang—Evos-based V8 Pony Car

I thought I'd try a front 3/4 view of an Evos-based Mustang. I extended the wheelbase and then shortened the cabin and moved it backward. "Proper Pony Car Proportions" are absolutely necessary for any Mustang replacement. I prefer the original 2+2 style louvered C-pillar, compete with functioning interior air extractors rather than the current car's glass inserts, but they'd be available at no extra cost for people that prefer that look.

I've been under-the-weather for the past few months, and I'd like to thank everyone who has emailed me and sent their thoughts and best wishes. Summer is here, so let's all enjoy the slow and easy days of my favorite season!

1962 Land Rover Series IIA

The classic Land Rover Series was produced relatively unchanged from 1948-1985. The IIA was made from '62-'71, but is identical to the earlier Series II. The IIA was extremely successful around the world, and sold very well, and continues to be popular. This one seems to have been fitted with some aftermarket graphics, and sports an amazing patina.

 

 

1969 Chevrolet El Camino SS

The El Camino was Chevy's pickup car, introduced in 1959 to compete with the Ford Ranchero. Like the Chevelle it was based on, the 3rd generation arrived in 1968, available in the high-performance SS 396 package. For 1969, the SS had the 396 again, with 265-375 HP, depending on how hot you wanted it. It's surprising--though awesome--to see a SS still on the job. This one's bed is filled with doors from a '60s Chevy Greenbrier van.