1970 Datsun 521 Pickup

The 521 was an updated 520, Datsun's basic pickup, and predecessor to the popular 620 and 720. Introduced in 1966, the truck had the same front end as the 411 sedan, which was redesigned in 1970, the same year the 520 became the 521. This early 521 is a little worse for wear in the front, but has no rust and appears to be completely functional and drivable.

 

1962 Cadillac Sedan DeVille

The Sedan DeVille was Cadillac's big sedan throughout the sixties and much of the seventies. The generation pictured here was introduced in 1961, and lasted until 1964. Although the fins were still there, the excess of the '59s was long gone, and the result was a much cleaner and smoother design. The beauty is still apparent here, despite some front end damage. Interestingly, the license tabs on this car were last updated in 1984.

 

 

 

 

 

1978 AMC Concord

The Concord replaced the Hornet in 1978 as the car with "the luxury Americans want...at the size Americans need". Little was changed from the Hornet, but the benefit to this old design was that the quirks had been worked out, so reliability and build quality was surprisingly high. Available in all body styles, the Concord lost its distinctive single headlights after 1978. This Concord looks rather muscle car-esque with the custom rims, and, with the exception of the left taillight, is in pretty good condition.

 

 

 

 

 

1962 Mercury Comet Custom Sedan

The Comet was Mercury's version of the Ford Falcon, and the name continued on as their version of the Fairlane, and later the Maverick. For the first generation (pictured here), the Comet was a slightly luxurious and upscale compact, and, similar to Chrysler's Valiant, wasn't badged as a Mercury until 1962. Styling was similar to that of other period Mercuries, but seemed cluttered compared to the clean Falcon. The Comet shown here, though it has some front end damage, looks great in dark blue with matching rims. Definitely a more interesting compact than any new one these days.

 

 

 

1978 Datsun 810

The Datsun 810 was introduced in 1977 as a luxury and somewhat sporty sedan. The car used the same engine as the Z, which was good for 125 HP. As a luxury Japanese car, it competed with the Toyota Cressida, which, with its stand up grill, looked quite similar. This 810 is pretty solid, but is beginning to show its age. The elderly apartment complex it's parked at has some great period 60s-70s architecture.

 

 

 

1975 Datsun 710 Wagon

Advertised as the "Driving Man's Economy Car", the Datsun 710 replaced the classic 510 in 1973. It was reliable enough, but the weird styling didn't do it any favors, and, well, just compare it to the 510. Also, it seemed unsure of what it was supposed to be. Economy car? Sporty car? Semi-luxury car? Oh well, today their weirdness and uniqueness makes for an interesting find. How can you not like those curvy windows?

 

 

 

 

Seattle's Abandoned Cars: 1950 Ford Sedan

The new Ford came along in 1949, and was a huge departure from previous models. The car was brand new, and looked the part too; the design was very modern and up to date. Gone was the high hood and lower fenders, the new car had them all about the same height. It's a little hard to see these design elements on this one, but there's still enough there to identify the car.

 

 

1990 VW Vanagon Carat and 1986 VW AWD Transporter

Introduced as a replacement for the classic VW T2 Bus, the Transporter arrived in 1979. In the U.S., it was know as the Vanagon, and was said to combine the best of a van and a station wagon. The Transporter pickup was never officially imported to the U.S., but is a fairly popular truck to import. The Carat was a top trim level in 1990 and 91, with all options. Both Transporters shown here have custom 4 headlight grills, and the Carat stands out with its bodykit and sporty alloy rims.