1976 Ford XC GT 351 Ute

You've seen it on Curbside Classic, you've seen it on Hooniverse, and now you can see it here. Uniquely Australian, Utes are car-based pickups, similar to our own pickup cars. This particular one is based on the XC Falcon, and has been made in to a sort of GT 351 clone (the package was never available). This car has been sitting on the Oregon coast for a while now, but hopefully its rarity (at least in the U.S.) means it will be saved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1980 Mercury Bobcat

The Bobcat was Mercury's version of the Pinto, and, along with the Comet (the 70s one), was one of the worst Mercury rebadges. Before the seventies, Mercuries were always a little special, but from then on they became Fords with a different grill. The Bobcat/Pinto was intended to compete with the small Japanese hatches, popular during the fuel crisis, but the Pinto's reputation for bursting into flames did it no favors. This Bobcat is in fantastic condition, and the "sport" wheels look great.

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

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.

  

 

 

 

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.

 

1974 Alfa Romeo GTV

The classic Alfa Romeo coupes are remembered today for the gorgeous looks, and great performance. Though they started out underpowered, by the mid 70s the GTV was a competent performance machine. The styling may be simple, but the curvy rear pillar and large circular lights make for a classic, beautiful, and timeless design. This GTV features the later grill, with the bars forming the crest, and looks great in a very Italian bright red. 

 

 

 

 

1987 Hyundai Excel GL

Okay, it's a late '80s Hyundai, and doesn't exactly have beautiful, or even interesting, styling. And being remembered for being a horrible, unreliable car doesn't exactly boost the appeal. Introduced in 1985, the low price and modern styling led to good sales, but mechanical problems emerged a few years later. Still, look at those body color bumpers, and those sweet black mesh rims. And, hey, the design by Giugiaro is actually pretty modern.