1964 Mercedes 190D

The Fintail Mercedes, named for the fins on their tails, were introduced in 1961, and replaced the Ponton sedans. The 190 was Mercedes' cheaper, more basic sedan, and the "D" on this one denotes a diesel. Seeing such early Mercedes is becoming increasingly rare, but this one appears in great shape for its age.

 

  

1979 Datsun 210

The 210 replaced the B210 as Datsun's basic economy car. It was reliable, got good gas mileage, and was practical: all it needed to be. The design feature that stands out the most on these are the grill-mounted turn signals (which shows just how boring the design is). This 210, though it has some rust, looks great with blue pinstripes and the original hubcaps.

 

 

1983 Mazda GLC Deluxe Sedan

The 4th-gen GLC/323 was introduced in 1980, and was a modern and worthy competitor to the other basic economy cars of the early eighties. This generation GLC (which stood for Great Little Car) looks extremely similar to the 323 that followed it, but is much less common. The design is about as basic as it comes, but the slatted grill and non-flush lights bring some style to the car.

 

 

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.

 

 

  

 

 

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.

 

 

 

1958 Edsel Ranger Sedan

The Edsel was a brand of cars (technically separate from Ford) introduced in 1958. Ford worked hard on this new Edsel and claimed it was both revolutionary and modern. However, someone forgot to tell the developers, who made a large, chrome-slathered car that seemed to be stuck in the past. By the late 1958, though the biggest fins were still to come, people were shying away from cars like the Edsel, and its hideous vertical grill didn't help. Today, however, the Edsel is the ultimate in 50s cool. The rear lights, the split bumpers, and even the font on the badges are all just so 50s. And this base Ranger looks great in baby blue with matching rims.

 

 

 

 

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.