Posts from ‘Classic Cars’
Review Flashback! 2006 Cadillac XLR
2006 Cadillac XLR
In terms of total production, Cadillac’s second attempt to sell a modern-era 2-seat sports car was less successful than its first effort. Indeed, the total build of 1986-1993 Allantés came to 21,430–almost 5000 units more than our topic here: the 2004-2009 Cadillac XLR. But in the case of Cadillac sports cars, sales volume may not be the best measure of success.
1980 Mercury Bobcat
There are few emotional influences more powerful than nostalgia. To hear my mother tell it, for example, everything was better in the old country. Given the fact that mom’s childhood home lacked electricity, indoor plumbing, and access to Netflix, I’m pretty sure the fog of time is clouding her judgement somewhat.
1988 Toyota Corolla FX16 GT-S
by Don Sikora II
Note: The following story was excerpted from the October 2018 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine.
If our readers were asked to rank Toyota Corolla traits, we’d guess sportiness and enthusiast interest would fall pretty far down the resulting list. Still, there have been Corollas capable of piquing a cheap-wheeler’s curiosity, and we think the 1987-88 FX16 GT-S “hot hatch” is one of the cars from this subset.
2012 Chevrolet Colorado 3LT
Automotive marketing types enjoy a fine tradition of branding things that aren’t always that noteworthy. Consider the 1980 launch of Chrysler’s first “K-Cars.” Advertising in support of the Dodge Aries and Plymouth Reliant touted the cars’ “Iso-Strut” suspension and “Trans 4” engine.
1947 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Fleetline Aerosedan
Note: The following story was excerpted from the October 2006 issue of Collectible Automobile magazine
Let’s say you’re not convinced that appearance is an important factor—maybe the important factor—that drives car shoppers to choose one vehicle over another. Then consider the 1947 Chevrolet Fleetline Aerosedan. Despite being the most expensive two-door closed car in the Chevy lineup, it was still the most popular model of the best-selling brand in America in ’47.
Review Flashback! 2008 Dodge Magnum
2008 Dodge Magnum R/T
The passage of time can play tricks on your memory. Here’s a question to prove this point: For how many years did sales of the Dodge Magnum overlap with the run of the TV sitcom Big Bang Theory?
1963 Oldsmobile Jetfire
Legendary Chicago Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg racked up nine Gold Gloves during his 17-year career as a big-league ball player. That’s a number Ryno can point to with pride, and it’s a number even casual baseball fans can appreciate. Not that the famously modest ex-Cub spends much time defending his career, but if he had to, the stats are there.
What Was the Carbon E7?
Carbon E7
On March 22, 2010, the Carbon Motors Corporation placed an order with German automaker BMW for almost a quarter of a million 6-cylinder diesel engines. Obviously, Carbon Motors’ management was feeling optimistic about the firm’s business prospects.
What was the Good Omens Car?
What would an agent of Satan drive?
With an IMDB.com user rating of 8.6, the comedy/fantasy miniseries Good Omens has proven to be a hit with viewers. The Amazon Prime original program is based on a novel written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, and stars Michael Sheen and David Tennant as supernatural beings conspiring to prevent an end-times apocalypse.
1956 Chevrolet
You can probably come up with a reasonably long list of things that are quintessentially American. My short list might include Monday Night Football, ketchup, and the Super Big Gulp. However, if you’re looking for a little heritage to go with your national icons, I might suggest that there are few things more fundamentally American than baseball or the automobile.
