Posts from ‘Collectible Automobile Magazine’
2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
by Don Sikora II
Note: The following story was excerpted from the April 2020 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine.
Jeep began building pickups in 1947, but the streak ended when the Cherokee-based Comanche ceased production in 1992. For 2020, Jeep jumps back into this important market with the Gladiator. Though its name comes from the Wagoneer-derived Gladiator (later J-Series) pickups the brand sold between 1963 and 1987, it was arguably inspired more by the CJ-7-like 1981-85 Scrambler.
Cheap Wheels: 1990-1996 Infiniti Q45
1990 Infiniti Q45
by Don Sikora
Note: The following story was excerpted from the April 2020 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine.
Nissan’s Infiniti luxury brand made its debut more than 30 years ago at the 1989 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The first dealers opened the following November, selling just two models. The M30 coupe was based on the Japanese-market Nissan Leopard, but Infiniti’s star was the larger and all-new Q45 sedan.
1959 Buick LeSabre Convertible
Note: The following story was excerpted from the December 2015 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine
The latest Buick commercials feature surprised individuals who exclaim “That’s not a Buick!” when confronted by one of the marque’s new vehicles, implying how much the brand has changed in recent years even if people’s perceptions of it haven’t yet. In 1959, Buick could have used the same tagline.
Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
Whether you drive a car, need a car, or just occasionally bum a ride with friends, you’ve come to the right place. Join the editors of Consumer Guide Automotive as they break down everything that’s going on in the auto world. New-car reviews, shopping tips, driving green, electric cars, classic cars, and plenty of great guests. This is the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast.
1971 Toyota Celica ST Hardtop Coupe
Note: The following story was excerpted from the December 2015 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine
In 1971, Toyota introduced its Celica sport coupe, a car that many automotive magazines compared to the original Ford Mustang. By 1971, Mustang had grown eight inches longer and 600 pounds heavier than the ’65 original. (Ford President Lee Iacocca realized this was too big for a “ponycar” and had a much smaller Mustang in the pipeline.) Meanwhile, import coupes such as the Celica, Opel Manta, and Mercury Capri catered to those who wanted a sporty car that was smaller than the early Seventies ponycars.
Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast
Whether you drive a car, need a car, or just occasionally bum a ride with friends, you’ve come to the right place. Join the editors of Consumer Guide Automotive as they break down everything that’s going on in the auto world. New-car reviews, shopping tips, driving green, electric cars, classic cars, and plenty of great guests. This is the Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast.
2019 Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition
by Don Sikora II
Note: The following story was excerpted from the February 2020 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine.
The most recent Volkswagen Beetle went on sale in September 2011 as a 2012 model. It replaced the 1998-vintage New Beetle in VW’s lineup, and became the third iteration of the car that made VW famous. As this latest Beetle ended production—for the foreseeable future at least—Volkswagen sent it off with specially trimmed 2019 Final Edition cars.
1961 Plymouth Belvedere Four-Door Sedan
Note: The following story was excerpted from the June 2017 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine
Plymouth spent the early Sixties in crisis mode. Sales of the 1960 Plymouths had been disappointing. Although the 1961 car was a continuation of the 1960 body shell, it got a complete makeover. Only the roof and doors were carried over—all other sheetmetal was new.
Pontiac Grand Prix STE Turbo
by Don Sikora II
Note: The following story was excerpted from the Februry 2020 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine.
From the Pontiac Grand Prix’s 1962 introduction through 1989 it was exclusively a two-door car. That changed with the addition of four-door sedans for 1990. More-door GPs continued through 2008, but perhaps the most interesting one of them all came from that inaugural season: the little-remembered STE Turbo.
1957 Pontiac Star Chief Hardtop Coupe
Note: The following story was excerpted from the June 2017 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine
The 1957 Pontiac was the first Pontiac since 1934 without “Silver Streaks” on the hood. Before Cadillac had tailfins and Buick had portholes, Pontiac had its signature chrome band (or bands) adorning the hood. However, Semon E. “Bunkie” Knudsen arrived as Pontiac’s new general manager just as the ’57 models were ready for production, and he was determined to change that.
