February 01, 2014

Saturday Car Thread 02/01/14 - [Niedermeyer's Dead Horse & Countrysquire]
— Open Blogger

Happy Saturday, horde.

Today begins a series on the yin and yang of the car world: The Mutts and Jeffs. The Beauties and the Beasts.

In the car world, beauty is somewhat relative, and without the awkward, ill-designed dog of a car that offends one's senses, could we truly appreciate the graceful lines of a beautiful automobile?

Countrysquire reports this week on those cars that are so ugly, some might call them cute:

This plan for this weekÂ’s Saturday Car Thread post was to write about the most beautiful cars on the planet. Knowing how our discussions typically progress (or digress), it made sense to begin with an ugly car thread today and follow with the good stuff next week.

A quick internet search will pull up a number of top-10 lists of cars that have been judged to be ugly, but some cars make those lists simply because they were poorly built or were hated for some other reason. I tried to keep this list focused only on styling and not let other negative characteristics come into play. While most of vehicles listed were available here in the states, some from other markets were simply too bad to ignore. Eastern-bloc built cars are not included because they all were awful, as were those built before the late ‘20s. There were literally hundreds of different auto manufacturers before the Great Depression and the coach-building technology was very primitive. Most closed cars had an upper body comprised of a simple wooden frame wrapped with sheet metal, and the designs never integrated well with the rest of the car. As we’ll see next week, that all changed in the 1930s.

So letÂ’s get our hate on and look at a few of these:

Citroen Ami:

‘Ami’ is one of the few French words that I know. It means friend, of course, and who doesn’t like to have an ugly friend? The color coordination on the one pictured is horrible, but does seem to fit it quite well.

Renault 10:

The Renault 4 is always a popular choice on the ugly list, but I chose the Renault 10 because I remember seeing a few of these around when I was a kid, and have yet to overcome that trauma. A long nose with a short rear deck has long been key to a successful automotive design, yet the French found a way to make it weird.


Dodge Polara: (thanks kbdabear!)

This was a tough choice, mainly because the Chrysler Corporation had so many ghastly cars in the late 1950s and early ‘60s. The Dart and its corporate twin, the Plymouth Valiant, manage to distill all of these design oversteps into their new small car. My theory is that there was some LSD experimentation going on in Highland Park at this time.


Pontiac Aztek:

ItÂ’s on everyoneÂ’s list for a reason. Even Walter White couldnÂ’t make the Aztek cool. [Editor's note: And that's a "beauty shot"!]


Daimler SP250:

While Jaguar, Austin-Healey, Morgan and others were building some gorgeous roadsters in England, Daimler foisted this fish-mouth thing onto the market. They look worse in person.


Fiat Multipla:

Many of the most eye-pleasing automotive designs come from Italy. This is not one of them. I donÂ’t even know where to begin. At least the Citroen has a little charm.


Datsun F10:

The Japanese have long had success using designs that were derivative of others. Though they were often criticized for copying existing designs, the Datsun F10 showed that they had no other option. They were just that bad at a clean-sheet design.


Subaru Leone:

When Fuji Heavy Industries decides to build a car, the Subaru Leone is what you get. Agricultural and built for a purpose. That purpose was not cruising on Saturday nights in hope to pick up some tail.


Scion IQ:

If I owned a Smart Car, IÂ’d make an effort to park next to the IQ at the mall, just to make my car look less ridiculous.


Packard Hawk:

1958 was the last year for the once proud Packard nameplate. In an attempt to keep the company afloat, they had merged with Studebaker and this was the result. What had once been a lovely Raymond Loewy design, now looked like it should have a noodling hillbillyÂ’s arm reaching into the grill.


This week's vintage film speaks to the making of road maps and the road warriors who made the process possible. Even today, despite the availability of GPS, I use a map and the compass in my car to guide my way. The availability of accurate maps on a smartphone is still, in my mind, superior to the availability of accurate GPS instruction.


And don't laugh at this week's driving tune. If you claim you didn't crank this up and lay your foot down on the accelerator, well, I won't call you a dirty, stinkin' liar, but...


This week's photo for the 'ettes is but one in a long line of gentleman scoundrels:


And, for the Morons, some classic American good looks:


Please feel free to send any complaints or commendations to us at Twitter: Nied's Dead Horse and Countrysquire.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 12:00 PM | Comments (357)
Post contains 860 words, total size 7 kb.

1 Great looking lady on the Mustang

Posted by: Velvet Ambition at February 01, 2014 12:04 PM (R8hU8)

2 Ooooo, Mustang II

Posted by: fluffy at February 01, 2014 12:04 PM (Ua6T/)

3 Oh, Farrah...

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:04 PM (8FyP4)

4 Oh, Farrah... *** Legs.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 12:07 PM (DmNpO)

5 The first car I ever owned (bought in 1985) was a 1970 Plymouth Valiant...in that same blue color. It wasn't pretty, it went 0 to 60 in 15 minutes, and the ignition lock was busted so you didn't even need the key to start it... ...but it was MY car. I loved that old blue bomber. Lots of good times hauling 8-10 friends down to the lake, taking my girl on a date, or just driving down back roads alone.

Posted by: Captain Whitebread, temporarily de-cloaking at February 01, 2014 12:07 PM (5J54Q)

6 I don't expect to get a lot of agreement, but I think the Citroen DS is one of the best looking cars ever made.

Posted by: fluffy at February 01, 2014 12:07 PM (Ua6T/)

7 English Ford



oh, and Isetta

Posted by: Thoms, Tunes, and Towing at February 01, 2014 12:07 PM (o9d+L)

8 Just saw the Invitation/Announcement for my 25th HS Reunion. I'm in the picture, with 4 other guys and my buddy Will sitting behind the wheel of his sweet ass LTD. Don't know what year off the top of my head, but it was basically a truck, with a perfect, and huge, interior, definitely early-mid Seventies. Best HS car ever.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 12:08 PM (ZshNr)

9 NDH - That's not the Dodge Dart or Plymouth Valiant in the picture, that's a 62 Dodge Polara That said, Chryslers offerings in the early 60's were Henry Waxman level ugly and the public of course vomited at first sight of them. Damn near drove Chrysler to bankruptcy in the 60s

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 12:08 PM (aTXUx)

10 6 (Does image search) Not bad.

Posted by: Captain Whitebread, temporarily de-cloaking at February 01, 2014 12:08 PM (5J54Q)

11 True Confession - As much as I despised Tom Cruise, I used to play that tune about the time I was arriving at the race track. I can't say it helped, but it put me into gunfighter mode. A preload of adrenalin. Adrenalin is no substitute for skill, however, so consistent 3rd 4th place. Meh.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 01, 2014 12:09 PM (aDwsi)

12 The DS won't make the top 10 next week, but if it would probably find it's way into the top 25. Such a cool car.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:09 PM (8FyP4)

13 Thanks KDA

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 12:09 PM (DmNpO)

14 I learned to drive on a '71 Dart with a 3 on the tree. That Dart above? I'd drive it.

Posted by: fluffy at February 01, 2014 12:10 PM (Ua6T/)

15 dangit! Thanks, KBD

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 12:10 PM (DmNpO)

16 Yay! Car thread. Looks like a winner, too.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 12:11 PM (Ed1hy)

17 Here's the '70 Valiant. Looks like mine, except for the whitewalls... http://is.gd/INeclI

Posted by: Captain Whitebread, temporarily de-cloaking at February 01, 2014 12:11 PM (5J54Q)

18 That's a Polara? Shit. I originally had a picture of a Valiant but I changed it for what I thought was a Dart. My MOPAR knowledge is not so good.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:11 PM (8FyP4)

19 I laughed at CS's description of the Packard because it does, indeed, look like a catfish a first glance. And second glance.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 12:12 PM (DmNpO)

20 For the Chrysler A Body compact line in the early 60's, Plymouth had the Valiant from 1960-1975 and Dodge's nameplate was the Lancer from 1960-1962. The Lancer was changed to the Dart in 1963 with not much improvement in aesthetics

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 12:13 PM (aTXUx)

21 How about the Edsel? The car that had a front end that looked like a horse collar, toilet seat, or vagina, depending who you asked and how polite they were.

http://edsel.net/design/coralpacer.jpg

According to wikipedia:
A crude jest that referenced the genital resemblance of the Edsel front grille was 'If you put some hair around it, you'd have an Ethel'.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at February 01, 2014 12:16 PM (IN7k+)

22 Before WWII, Packard was the top selling luxury car in America. Cadillac made their post-war cars look like fighter planes while Packard's new cars looked like huge upside down bathtubs. People would wait in line to buy the new Caddys, sometime forming 'clubs' of three or four guys who would share the car. Packard just faded away.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:17 PM (8FyP4)

23 okay.... did the photos just disappear for anyone else?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 12:17 PM (DmNpO)

24 now they're back

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 12:18 PM (DmNpO)

25 6. Disagree with top 10. How about a Delorean? I like gull wings for doors. IRL, my first car was a Corvair convertible -- "Nader's Raider" Eventually the oil usage equalled the fuel usage. Still and all, a good car for a teenager.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 01, 2014 12:18 PM (u82oZ)

26 What about the Subaru Brat?  It's a truck!  It's a car!  It's really neither!

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 12:18 PM (GrtrJ)

27 That Fiat is as ugly as homemade sin, but the Datsun doesn't belong on this list. I remember them fondly.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 12:19 PM (Ed1hy)

28 That Dart above? I'd drive it.

Posted by: fluffy at February 01, 2014 04:10 PM (Ua6T/)


*golf clap*

Posted by: Retread at February 01, 2014 12:19 PM (cHwk5)

29 Everyone puts the Edsel on their list for good reason, but I have a soft spot for them, particularly the Bermuda wagons. The 1960 Edsel was not a bad looking car at all.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:20 PM (8FyP4)

30 Oh and the Nissan(?) Cube.  UUUUUGGGGHHH.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 12:20 PM (GrtrJ)

31 That Citroen has got to be thew ugliest POS ever made.  But then again, all Citroens are ugly as hell. 

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 01, 2014 12:20 PM (T2V/1)

32 The Packard Hawks looked weird, but now are so rare one would probably fetch $1 million at auction It's the same body with the same roofline as the Studebaker Golden Hawk of 1957-1958, and the Golden Hawk was actually superior in power to the Corvette and T-Bird of the period In 1956 they used the Packard 352, but in 1957 replaced it with the supercharged Studebaker 289 which put out 275 hp, a beast for that time

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 12:21 PM (aTXUx)

33 The 2CV Citroen is so ugly it's iconic. They rally race them in Denmark. It's a hoot.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at February 01, 2014 12:21 PM (OEdBY)

34 Regarding GPS vs Smart Phone unless you have two people in the car a Garmin GPS is much better.  I have never had a problem getting anywhere with the Garmin.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 01, 2014 12:23 PM (T2V/1)

35 The 2CV has way too much character to include it here.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:23 PM (8FyP4)

36 I rented a car a couple years ago, just choosing compact as the category. When I got to the lot, they gave me the keys and told me the slot number. The whole time I was walking out to find my car I was hoping E-17 wasn't the pea soup-colored Cube. Of course it was. I liked the sight lines, hated everything else.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 12:23 PM (ZshNr)

37 ahh the Popemobile

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 12:23 PM (ul/bU)

38 okay.... did the photos just disappear for anyone else?
Sorry, I was switching routers.

Posted by: 'Steve' at the NSA at February 01, 2014 12:24 PM (Ua6T/)

39 KDA, of all those Studebaker/Packards coupes of the 50s, the '54-'55 Starliner was my favorite.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:25 PM (8FyP4)

40 I'm pretty sure nothing beats the 1974 AMC Matador for in-your-face fuck-off. Preferably in white or faded matte black. If Ultra Man drove a car, it would be a 1974 Matador.

Posted by: Velociman at February 01, 2014 12:25 PM (RHu5C)

41 26 What about the Subaru Brat? It's a truck! It's a car! It's really neither! _______ Heh. I actually liked the Brat. If I had tons of money, I'd restore one. That and an old AMC Eagle (the 4WD car) -always wanted one of those.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 12:25 PM (Ed1hy)

42 the Batmobile was no beauty either which is funny because the Green.Hornet's car was named the "Black Beauty" and was the same as the Batmobile, I think. But there's confusion as to whether the Batmobile was a Chrysler or a Lincoln.

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 12:26 PM (ul/bU)

43 That Scion is pretty homely, but better than this one:

http://is.gd/OFdQ7s

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 12:26 PM (+MHcc)

44 What's ironic about the Edsel being ugly is that Edsel Ford was a very gifted car designer. We might see some of his work next week.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:26 PM (8FyP4)

45 Ah ha ha ha ha! My older sister had that datsun. I don't know what year it was but she got it about 1974-5. My dad kept it running with bailing wire, paper clips, and duct tape until sometime around 83. I thank god it didn't get handed down to me in 85. Instead I got my brothers Chevy monza, little car with a big v6. Quick little bastard. Until a bad thermostat blew the engine, but even then it was fun to rebuild.

Posted by: traye at February 01, 2014 12:26 PM (iL9QP)

46 I saw a car unlike one I have seen last night in the garage where I park at work. It was a Fisker. I believe those are the electric cars, are they? There is a section in the garage for the electric cars and that was parked in the regular area.

Posted by: Carol at February 01, 2014 12:27 PM (z4WKX)

47 The original Batmobile was a Lincoln.  No confusion


http://www.1966batmobile.com/

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 01, 2014 12:28 PM (T2V/1)

48 An AMC fan? My brother, when he's not starting random families and then getting divorced, which takes a lot of time, is a huge Javelin aficionado. Owns a few, owns enough pieces and parts to build a few more. I'm not a huge fan, but the cars are definitely powerful-feeling, if that's a term, and everybody likes that.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 12:28 PM (ZshNr)

49 I actually liked the Brat. If I had tons of money, I'd restore one. That and an old AMC Eagle (the 4WD car) -always wanted one of those. Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 04:25 PM (Ed1hy)


My uncle had two of those Eagles.  He used them for mail delivery and loved them.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 12:28 PM (GrtrJ)

50 Ugly: one of my friends in high school had a Gremlin--a *lavender* Gremlin. The Grem. I drove a hand-me-down Suburban that was ochre colored. When my Grem friend and I caravanned somewhere, it made people's eyes bleed.

Posted by: stace at February 01, 2014 12:29 PM (9PXzx)

51 I believe the Green Hornet drove a Chrylser Imperial.

Posted by: Velociman at February 01, 2014 12:29 PM (RHu5C)

52  @ 41 [shredded chi] -- Me too, on both counts. Those Brats would go just about anywhere you cared to take them. I've seen one make a whole bunch of lifted 4WD pickups with big off-road tires look like station wagons in the mud.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 12:30 PM (+MHcc)

53 I'm pretty sure nothing beats the 1974 AMC Matador for in-your-face fuck-off. Preferably in white or faded matte black. If Ultra Man drove a car, it would be a 1974 Matador.
Even I couldn't make it look cool.

Posted by: Roger Moore at February 01, 2014 12:30 PM (Ua6T/)

54 If you're like me, the Plymouth Valiant makes one think of the 1971 thriller "Duel" It's one thing when a year old car can't outrun a 16 year old Peterbuilt with a tanker on the back, but the Pete even OUTHANDLED the Valiant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYM7lvUGNi0

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 12:30 PM (aTXUx)

55 When I first moved to Houston there was a Chevy Monza across the street with vanity plates, "Smokem". 350 with dual Banks turbos.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at February 01, 2014 12:31 PM (OEdBY)

56 51 I believe the Green Hornet drove a Chrylser Imperial.

Posted by: Velociman at February 01, 2014 04:29 PM (RHu5C)



Yes, it was a Chrysler Imperial.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 01, 2014 12:31 PM (T2V/1)

57 My squaw's first car was a purple Gremlin. She has relatively fond memories of it and would like to have another someday. Probably not gonna happen.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:31 PM (8FyP4)

58 The Gremlin. Styled after an upside whistle.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at February 01, 2014 12:33 PM (OEdBY)

59 You're right. Green Hornet's car was a Chrysler Imperial.

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 12:33 PM (ul/bU)

60 Brat-- my nearly 80 year old Mother has a 30 year old Brat. Just had it repainted. She has a newer and safer car, but insists on driving the Brat. I think the dog hair in the back keep it together.

Posted by: Far Post at February 01, 2014 12:33 PM (HHTXF)

61 This page has some of the interesting history behind the development and marketing of the Edsel:
http://thepublici.blogspot.com/2009/06/edsel.html

Looking through Google images, there sure is a wide variety of looks for the Edsel, especially considering it was only on the market for 3 model years. It sure looked a lot better once they dumped the horse collar.

Posted by: Anon Y. Mous at February 01, 2014 12:33 PM (IN7k+)

62 without teh googles, name one of the cars driven by Darren Stevens or Tony Nelson

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 12:34 PM (ul/bU)

63 When you say "classic American good looks," you're referring exclusively to what's on the Mustang II, not the Mustang II itself, right? Because all that is is a Pinto with pointy elbows.

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 01, 2014 12:34 PM (IlZPo)

64 Great performance in a fugly package: Subaru WRX. Recently became slightly less hideous, maybe.

Posted by: Beagle at February 01, 2014 12:35 PM (sOtz/)

65 One of my best friends growing up had a Gremlin -- not quite purple, but not far from it. We called it the Goblin.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 12:35 PM (+MHcc)

66 Daily reminder: T Tebow > R Wilson

Posted by: Daily Reminder Guy at February 01, 2014 12:36 PM (6j8ke)

67 Darren Stevens - I'm thinking midsize GM. Because if it were something worth remembering I'd probably remember it.

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 01, 2014 12:36 PM (IlZPo)

68 Chevy was the auto sponsor for both of those shows. I seem to remember a blue Impala on Bewitched. Might have been his bosses.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:36 PM (8FyP4)

69 I had a Dodge Dart. 1967 I think. The 6 cylinder engine in it was darned near indestructible. I could open the hood and identify every part. Not like today. And I was easily able to maintain it all by myself, also not like any car I own today. 

Posted by: navybrat at February 01, 2014 12:37 PM (AW7Gr)

70 My uncle had two of those Eagles. He used them for mail delivery and loved them. ________ Not sure when my love for them started. Probably my dad. He traded in cars like I change socks. Had such a good relationship with the local dealers they would give him a car for the weekend without blinking - just hand over the keys to anything he wanted to test out. That was probably the year he ended up with the Grand Wagoneer Laredo but I remember him bringing a douchebags of them home and taking me out for a drive.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 12:38 PM (Ed1hy)

71 Darn, Vic beat me to it. The Batmobile was a Lincoln.

Posted by: LFW - Honorary Pointy Eared Vulcan at February 01, 2014 12:38 PM (SudzO)

72 That Packard Hawk makes me gag a little every time I scroll past it.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 12:38 PM (GrtrJ)

73 Late 50s/early 60s Willys truck (or wagon)--u.g.l.y! 

And did they only come in combos of white and primer-red?  Lol. 

Wouldn't bother me to own one, though.....


Posted by: JeanQ at February 01, 2014 12:38 PM (82lr7)

74 I had an '81 Brat when I was stationed in northern Maine. That thing was a beast in the snow. Wish I still had it.

Posted by: Tim at February 01, 2014 12:39 PM (VcLpf)

75 My friend had a metallic purple Gremlin in college. It was the bane of his existence. His beloved (and otherwise immensely cool) aunt had given it to him, so he could not get rid of it, but it was the worst car ever, and ugly to boot, even before you considered the metallic purple. The funniest thing about it was the air conditioning. It had a knob like a volume control for the temperature, and it had a detent at the far clockwise end labeled "DESERT ONLY." They weren't kidding.

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 01, 2014 12:39 PM (IlZPo)

76 Really? Exner-era Mopars on the worst list?

Posted by: --- at February 01, 2014 12:39 PM (MMC8r)

77 Those Eagle wagons were way ahead of their time. I don't remember anyone else making something like it at the time, but look at all the crossover SUVs now.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:40 PM (8FyP4)

78 Wow! Autocorrect has a Pottymouth!

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 12:40 PM (Ed1hy)

79 I don't expect to get a lot of agreement, but I think the Citroen DS is one of the best looking cars ever made. Posted by: fluffy at February 01, 2014 04:07 PM (Ua6T/) I love them enough that I make replacement wire harnesses for them.

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 12:40 PM (3sZO1)

80 OT: My cat Kira has taught me a new trick. I stood in the kitchen looking down at her, and she sat of the floor looking up at me. Then she raised a front paw and shook it at me. It meant that she wanted to be petted. So I reached down and petted her. When I finished and stood back up, she shook her paw at me again. So I bent down and petted her some more. This went on for quite a while.

Posted by: rickl at February 01, 2014 12:40 PM (sdi6R)

81 But there's confusion as to whether the Batmobile was a Chrysler or a Lincoln. The TV Batmobile was a concept Lincoln from the 1956 Detroit Auto show. It was sold by Ford to a Hollywood studio who used it for a few sci-fi films. It was bought by production designer George Barris when the original contract with a customizer studio fell through. It was sitting in a garage collecting rust when Barris bought it. http://tinyurl.com/9bebwxo The Green Hornet's Black Beauty was a 1965 Chrysler Imperial. The same car was used for the Seth Rogen movie as for the TV show. One scene was filmed on my street back in 2009

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 12:42 PM (aTXUx)

82 78 Wow! Autocorrect has a Pottymouth! Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 04:40 PM (Ed1hy)


I was wondering exactly how much a douchebag of something is?  43?  24?

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 12:42 PM (GrtrJ)

83 Rickl, dogs have owners, cats have staff. Heh.

Posted by: LFW - Honorary Pointy Eared Vulcan at February 01, 2014 12:42 PM (SudzO)

84
I like the Packard Hawk.  Not sure why, but I'd drive it.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 01, 2014 12:42 PM (n0DEs)

85 A douchebag of cars? Is that like a murder of crows? Autocorrect: hilariously annoying.

Posted by: Beagle at February 01, 2014 12:44 PM (sOtz/)

86 If you're going to make an ugly car you *should* paint it ugly.

Posted by: eleven at February 01, 2014 12:45 PM (fsLdt)

87 I went back and forth on the Packard. It just bugs me that it was derived from a car as beautiful as this one. http://tinyurl.com/l9w2rc5

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:46 PM (8FyP4)

88 DDR @ 52 Yeah, I've known a few people that had them & they all loved them. I used to 4 wheel A LOT, and have seen stock Brats crawl through mud that lifted Toyota & Chevys would get stuck in. Of course, you couldn't expect them to pull you out of a muhole, but most would gladly squeeze beside you and throw a beercan at you while laughing and spraying you with mud.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 12:46 PM (Ed1hy)

89 Daily reminder:

T Tebow > R Wilson




Pete Carroll = Alex Jones.

Posted by: Another Reminder at February 01, 2014 12:46 PM (Aif/5)

90 A "douchebag of cars" is roughly equal to the number of parking spaces at a Nickleback concert.

Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 12:46 PM (+MHcc)

91 No Gremlin on that list?  Back in the mid-80s my parents suckered me into one.  I needed a car and they found it down in San Diego somehow, would not tell me what it was, just said it was "sporty."  It was cheap (I'm thinking maybe 800 bucks).  They drove it up to me in Santa Monica and I had a fuckin' cow.  I would NOT drive it through Beverly Hills, when I had to go there, I took my husband's VW.  Sold it to the apartment manager not long after, for more than I paid for it, she promptly smacked it all up.  Cringeworthy, the entire experience.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 12:46 PM (8lmkt)

92 I had a 1966 Dart that I LOVED. Slant-6 225. Indestructible, but not totalable: sadly, the brakes gave out completely as I was going down the south Glendale Freeway one morning. I'll never forget that sickening feeling of nothingness as I applied the brakes on the approach to the usual backup at the bottom of the hill. I applied every bit of skill I had and managed to scrub most of the velocity down as I maneuvered between two lanes of traffic, and I would have saved the car if some guy in a new Mercedes hadn't been riding the lane line. The car wasn't terribly hurt, but it was enough for the insurance company to total it.

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 01, 2014 12:47 PM (IlZPo)

93 My college roommate loved his Ford Mustang Cobra II, same color as in the pic, different girlfriend though.

Posted by: OCBill at February 01, 2014 12:47 PM (VCCXE)

94 Speaking of that Citroen Ami  --  I don't know if it's the resolution or the pixels or what but it doesn't even look like the doors fit right.

Posted by: eleven at February 01, 2014 12:47 PM (fsLdt)

95

A "douchebag of cars" is roughly equal to the number of parking spaces at a Nickleback concert.

 

Ahhh....a man after my own heart.  Love the hate.

Posted by: eleven at February 01, 2014 12:48 PM (fsLdt)

96 Pete Carroll = Benedict Arnold.

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 01, 2014 12:48 PM (IlZPo)

97

When I finished and stood back up, she shook her paw at me again. So I bent down and petted her some more.

This went on for quite a while.

 

That's cool.  I don't think I ever saw a cat do that.  She must be a MENSA cat.

Posted by: eleven at February 01, 2014 12:50 PM (fsLdt)

98 Darren and Samantha had Chevy convertibles. Chevelle. Camaro. And something else. http://www.curbsideclassic.com/ uncategorized/curbside-culture-the-chevrolets-of-bewitched-bewitched-bothered-bewildered/

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 12:50 PM (ul/bU)

99 33 The 2CV Citroen is so ugly it's iconic. They rally race them in Denmark. It's a hoot. Not only hideosly ugly, but slower than a VW Beetle They're hideous enough in base colors, but they were the favored rides of French Leftists in the 60s who painted them in nightmarish multiple psychodelic colors Unfortunately unlike the VW Bus, it didn't do us the favor of killing a lot of hippies

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 12:50 PM (aTXUx)

100 George Barris made a lot of those cars for TV shows.  My brother used to put together the model kits for all of them.  My favorite was the Munster Koach.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 01, 2014 12:50 PM (T2V/1)

101 90 I just spit beer and woke up the dog. God, I needed that laugh. Thank you.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 12:50 PM (Ed1hy)

102 The Metropolitan. Google it- when I was Willie Newman's Chief Mechanic on the Island we had one sole customer who brought one in. You had to clamp Vise-Grips to a terminal to pull the Batt-Tree out of the tiny box it was in.

By contrast? We had one customer with a turbocharged Corvair. Lordy, that was fun to road-test. Not the fastest thing I've driven, but ran like a scalded cat. On the Airport Road....

Posted by: backhoe at February 01, 2014 12:50 PM (ULH4o)

103 Capt./Maj Nelson drove Pontiac GTOs http://www.pontiacsonline.com/TV%20PONTIACS.htm

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 12:51 PM (ul/bU)

104 Speaking of that Citroen Ami -- I don't know if it's the resolution or the pixels or what but it doesn't even look like the doors fit right. Posted by: eleven at February 01, 2014 04:47 PM (fsLdt) I think what you're seeing is the front door either isn't adjusted in or shut all the way.

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 12:52 PM (3sZO1)

105 98, so I was right-ish.

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 01, 2014 12:52 PM (IlZPo)

106
I think it is the plural for democrats.

ie, A whole douchebag of democrats.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 01, 2014 12:52 PM (n0DEs)

107 Those Molar products with the front fender wings were Virgil Exner designs, and while I never liked the bigger flavors like the one you posted (remember the Dart was originally an intermediate) I've come to think the original Valiant was gorgeous.

Posted by: JEM at February 01, 2014 12:52 PM (1kPLg)

108 I had a 1966 Dart that I LOVED. Slant-6 225. Indestructible, but not totalable: sadly, the brakes gave out completely as I was going down the south Glendale Freeway one morning. The single-cup master cylinder. They didn't go to a two-reservoir, split system until, I think, '68, and you could lose ALL your brake fluid at once.

Posted by: --- at February 01, 2014 12:53 PM (MMC8r)

109 Molar? Damn autocorrect

Posted by: JEM at February 01, 2014 12:53 PM (1kPLg)

110 I have a 61 Dodge Seneca; saddened it didn't make the cut. Bought it in a junkyard for $75 in New Mexico, still trying to get out there to fix it up (some 10 years later). My  dad-in-law's a mechanic. Wish me luck!

Posted by: Wry Mouth at February 01, 2014 12:54 PM (GMFsH)

111 108 Yep, that's precisely what happened.

Posted by: Otis Criblecoblis at February 01, 2014 12:54 PM (IlZPo)

112 Anyone who lived through the 70s remembers not only hideous color schemes in the cars, but the awful "Avocado" period of kitchen appliances Burnt Orange refrigerators, Avocado stoves, Diarrhea Brown counter tops .... No place to escape the Carter years, the suckage was everywhere

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 12:54 PM (aTXUx)

113 90 A "douchebag of cars" is roughly equal to the number of parking spaces at a Nickleback concert.
Posted by: DamnDirtyRINO at February 01, 2014 04:46 PM (+MHcc)



Now THAT is awesome.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 12:54 PM (GrtrJ)

114 Ace brought up 'It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World' last week, which is a great showcase for a lot of those early 60s mopars.

Posted by: --- at February 01, 2014 12:54 PM (MMC8r)

115 Pontiac minivan, the Silhouette was butt ugly to but not as bad as the Aztek

Posted by: Rex B at February 01, 2014 12:55 PM (elcxU)

116 When you say "classic American good looks," you're referring exclusively to what's on the Mustang II, not the Mustang II itself, right? Because all that is is a Pinto with pointy elbows. *** Yes indeedy

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 12:55 PM (DmNpO)

117 I originally had the Valiant but pulled it because I do like the front end.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:55 PM (8FyP4)

118 Had a 1968 Firebird until the drunk chick pulled out of the Subway on 41 in Sarasota. I was nice enough to jerk the wheel with locked brakes to hit driver's door to driver's door. That pointy nose would have T-boned her otherwise. It was a gorgeous total in 1983.

Posted by: Beagle at February 01, 2014 12:55 PM (sOtz/)

119 My first pickup was a 61 Ford. Six cylinder, three on the column. The column shifter went out and I lost first and reverse. I got under it, removed the linkage and welded a piece of bat to the ear. Stuck it right in the through the tunnel. So....you start in neutral on the column, bar on the floor forward into first. Take off, flip it out of first with my toe, slam it into second at the column and so on. People used to ask if I would help them move. "No, I can't but you can use my truck."

Posted by: Mr. Dave at February 01, 2014 12:55 PM (OEdBY)

120
That Multipla is truly disgusting.  It looks like two vw bugs humping.

Posted by: Guy Mohawk at February 01, 2014 12:56 PM (n0DEs)

121 No Pacer?

Posted by: --- at February 01, 2014 12:56 PM (MMC8r)

122 Citroen Ami: Frapper quand le fer est chaud!

Posted by: Baldy at February 01, 2014 12:56 PM (2bql3)

123 114 Ace brought up 'It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World' last week, which is a great showcase for a lot of those early 60s mopars. Posted by: --- One of my all-time favorites.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:56 PM (8FyP4)

124 The single-cup master cylinder. They didn't go to a two-reservoir, split system until, I think, '68, and you could lose ALL your brake fluid at once.
** lightbulb ** So that's why they are shaped like that. I never knew.

Posted by: fluffy at February 01, 2014 12:57 PM (Ua6T/)

125 People used to ask if I would help them move. "No, I can't but you can use my truck."

Posted by: Mr. Dave at February 01, 2014 04:55 PM (OEdBY)


LOL, Mr. Dave!!!

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 12:57 PM (8lmkt)

126 My first car was a Mustang II A Mach I, not a Cobra like the one above. A Mach I with a 140 ci 4 cylinder.

Posted by: blaster at February 01, 2014 12:57 PM (4+AaH)

127 100 George Barris made a lot of those cars for TV shows. My brother used to put together the model kits for all of them. My favorite was the Munster Koach. I don't remember what engine they used, but I remember when that thing would start up with those open headers, you could tell it had a 3/4 race cam in it. Awesome

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 12:57 PM (aTXUx)

128 True slant-six story? My late old mentor Roger Parsons was a county policeman. Years ago he and his partner were on patrol, on the Jekyll Island causeway. They got behind some Mopar product and decided to pull him over- for whatever reason.

The driver panicked so they went in pursuit. Police Interceptor. 460 Ford V-8. And he was leaving them behind....

Finally came to his senses & pulled over. They checked him out and he was OK- just a panicked teenager.

"Boy, whatcha got under the hood of this thing?"

He popped the hood....

A slant-six. Plumb stock. That was outrunning the big, bad police cruiser....

Posted by: backhoe at February 01, 2014 12:58 PM (ULH4o)

129 I'm too nostalgic about the 70s to have chosen the Pacer, but had the list gone to 15...

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 12:59 PM (8FyP4)

130

Yeah it's a damn shame what those bastards did to the Mustang .  You bastards.

 

 

No I don't mean Farrah.

Posted by: eleven at February 01, 2014 12:59 PM (fsLdt)

131 My parents suckered me again, in the 90s.  My cars were always getting wrecked or stolen, never my fault (I swear!).  They found this great deal from some Euro-weenies who were moving back to Europe and couldn't sell it because it was a manual transmission, which I preferred back when my knees still worked properly.  It was a Ford Contour and, oddly, it drove amazingly well, really held the road, it was a surprisingly good car, although had a shameful lack of bells & whistles (manual window cranks, srsly, Ford??).  Then it got stolen.  I got an Infiniti J30T, which I LOVED, but have to admit it did not drive as well as that little Ford.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:01 PM (8lmkt)

132 There was a minivan made by Toyota (I think) in the 90's (I think) that looked like a manatee on wheels.  Damn that thing was ugly.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 01:01 PM (GrtrJ)

133 This was a tough choice, mainly because the Chrysler Corporation had so many ghastly cars in the late 1950s and early ‘60s

I hope you're not referring to the finned Exner designs of 57-58.
Those were great,graceful, balanced auto profiles even if you don't like fins.

Posted by: LeBron Horowitz at February 01, 2014 01:01 PM (cL+9V)

134 #7 mentioned English Ford. My girlfriend's (now wife's) first car in Albuquerque. Had to open the hood to start and stop it, and braking to a full stop threatened to kill the engine. Driving her Ford was the inspiration I think for the first console video games.

Posted by: Wry Mouth at February 01, 2014 01:03 PM (GMFsH)

135 Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 05:01 PM (8lmkt)

Ouch.

My dad had a Ford Contour that he sort of liked, but I absolutely hated. It was uncomfortable, slow, and really ugly. It did handle okay, but still....

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2014 01:04 PM (QFxY5)

136 Cars are like women. You're not going to have sex with most of them, so who cares. Later.

Posted by: Mirror-Universe Mitt Romney at February 01, 2014 01:05 PM (4YooD)

137 'Scuze me, Miz Fawcett-Majors, but can I sniff the hood of your Mustang?'

Posted by: --- at February 01, 2014 01:06 PM (MMC8r)

138 CBD, there was one freeway interchange that I was on all the time, nice long tight turn.  That Contour would hold rock steady at 70+ on that thing.  The Infiniti?  Uh, no, I had to slow way down.  It was perplexing to me.  Plus, the Contour had a 3-body trunk, which was great when I was playing a lot of golf.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:06 PM (8lmkt)

139 Check this car out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6wdxlIYizk

It's been junked, probably die to medical bills from a weightlifting accident, and is the subject of a Junkyard Finds story at TTAC : http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2014/01/junkyard-find-1985-porsche-928-weird-movie-car-edition/

Posted by: Buck Farack, Gentleman Adventurer at February 01, 2014 01:06 PM (Nk6GS)

140 And I know you folks will remember this one from days past.  But remember don't try to add any comments here or Pixy will make you a troll and ban you.


http://ace.mu.nu/archives/338342.php


My first car purchased new.  But up until I bought this car I had driven nothing but motorcycles.  And even after I bought it when I was in CA I bought two more motors cycles.

Posted by: Vic[/i] at February 01, 2014 01:06 PM (T2V/1)

141 I personally prefer the 54-56 Chrysler designs, but don't dislike the 57 & 58. It seems like they felt the need to add more and more every year.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:07 PM (8FyP4)

142 126 My first car was a Mustang II __________ 130 Yeah it's a damn shame what those bastards did to the Mustang . You bastards.  ___________ Growing up, my best friend's first was the same thing that he got from a buddy down the street. It had Hi-Jackers out back and Cragers. He just HAD to have it. It was only a four-banger, too. Butt ugly. He promptly spent the next couple paychecks at Earl Scheib's having it painted a hideous dark blue. They did a nice job on the orange peel texture, though, so there's that.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 01:07 PM (Ed1hy)

143 Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 05:06 PM (8lmkt)

At the risk of going political (sorry NDH!), this is a great example of the joys of a market economy.

I hated that Contour, but I had almost infinite alternatives.

It's one of the things that made America great, grew our economy, and made us feel that we were astride the world.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2014 01:09 PM (QFxY5)

144 the orange peel texture, such a downer.  buddy of mine has a fairly new BMW, he bought late-model used, thinks it's swell.  total fuckin' orange peel on the paint, maybe he just hasn't noticed.  i don't really like him that much, so i find it funny.

and, hey, chi -- sendin' you some hugs, my friend.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:10 PM (8lmkt)

145 At the risk of going political (sorry NDH!), this is a great example of the joys of a market economy. *** Feel free to discuss whatever you like. I don't mind. If others do they'll surely let you know.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:10 PM (DmNpO)

146 northern Maine Tim, Were you at Loring? I was there 75-77, then went to Thule.

Posted by: Fox2! at February 01, 2014 01:10 PM (cHwSy)

147 Here's a TV car that never quite caught on

The "Jupiter 8" from Star Trek TOS

Chick magnet, baby... chick magnet

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/197876977350177403/

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 01:11 PM (aTXUx)

148 what's this? Morgan Freeman is in that stupid Lego Movie too??

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 01:12 PM (ul/bU)

149 The Contour was noted for good handling by Car and Driver among others. Early Infinitis were described as Japanese Buicks.

Posted by: Beagle at February 01, 2014 01:13 PM (sOtz/)

150 Thanks for the laugh and great post. There are some pretty ugly things out there today, like those square shoe boxes from Honda and Kia. My father had a Hudson that just seemed sad. Put that thing in the driveway and it just drained the sunshine out of any day. The Bronco went through some strange stages. Had an old Imperial once that should have been in the Addams Family--don't know what they were thinking.

Posted by: Caliban at February 01, 2014 01:13 PM (2ArJQ)

151 Everybody should drive an electric car in the US like they do in China................

Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 01, 2014 01:14 PM (iB0Q2)

152 At the risk of going political (sorry NDH!), this is a great example of the joys of a market economy. I hated that Contour, but I had almost infinite alternatives. It's one of the things that made America great, grew our economy, and made us feel that we were astride the world. *** Each time I scroll through the vintage vids at YT I am struck by the unabashed 'Merica! of it all. There was no shame in being American.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:14 PM (DmNpO)

153 what's this? Morgan Freeman is in that stupid Lego Movie too?? *** I saw him in a movie, a few days ago, that I didn't expect to like, but did: Oblivion. Tom Cruise was really great in it as well.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:15 PM (DmNpO)

154 I'm tellin' you, that Contour rocked, CBD's experience notwithstanding.  Maybe it was the manual tranny, I don't know.  I couldn't believe somebody stole it, that was a head-scratcher.  But here in LA, the undocumented Democrats steal crappy old cars for parts on the crappy old cars they already illegally drive.  Pissed me off, though.

I did think the Infiniti was one of the best looking cars I'd ever seen and it was extremely plushy and high-end (I bought it used, of course).  Gorgeous.  Then the fuel injectors started to go and I thought, fuck it, and traded it in on my Jeep (used, of course).  I love my Jeep!

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:15 PM (8lmkt)

155 Thanks, Peaches. Much appreciated.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 01:16 PM (Ed1hy)

156

Put that thing in the driveway and it just drained the sunshine out of any day.

ha

 

The "Jupiter 8" from Star Trek TOS

 

Nothing on Star Trek should ever have wheels.  That just ain't right.

Posted by: eleven at February 01, 2014 01:17 PM (fsLdt)

157
156   As I said to Ace the other day, I'd motorboat you if I had the right equipment. 

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:17 PM (8lmkt)

158 Those GM minivans from the early '90s looked like giant Dustbuster vacuums.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:18 PM (8FyP4)

159 There was a minivan made by Toyota (I think) in the 90's (I think) that looked like a manatee on wheels. Previa?

Posted by: Fox2! at February 01, 2014 01:21 PM (cHwSy)

160 I liked Oblivion too. I also 'unexpectedly' enjoyed After Earth.

Posted by: soothsayer at February 01, 2014 01:21 PM (ul/bU)

161 Speaking of Infiniti, the G35/37 has become the Q60. Makes no sense. They had a Q and, sadly, there is no 6 liter engine option. After the IPL debacle I wonder if anyone at Infiniti is a car guy. Just take the big V8 from the SUV and stuff it in the (then) G, or a turbo for the V6. Nope, you got 15 HP for ten grand.

Posted by: Beagle at February 01, 2014 01:21 PM (sOtz/)

162 I think the first Toyota minivan was called the Van.

Posted by: blaster at February 01, 2014 01:21 PM (4+AaH)

163 WTH is this? http://bit.ly/1fKgxhR

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:21 PM (DmNpO)

164 Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 05:21 PM (DmNpO)

I don't know, but please, someone shoot it and put it out of our misery.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at February 01, 2014 01:23 PM (QFxY5)

165 Speaking of Infiniti, the G35/37 has become the Q60.

No way!!!  The Q was a beast of a car.  More car than I ever wanted or needed.  The G is just, well, not much of a car.  That's weird.  Personally, I think they hit their peak with the J30T and went downhill from there.  The M class is nice but, like most Infiniti's, a very, very hard ride.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:23 PM (8lmkt)

166 164 WTH is this? Looks like a big lime. Good thing they didn't paint it yellow.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:24 PM (8FyP4)

167 Previa? Posted by: Fox2! at February 01, 2014 05:21 PM (cHwSy) And that is a *horrible* name as well. If the name deciders weren't English speakers it can be sort of forgiven, but still rather 'Nova in Mexico'ish.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 01:24 PM (GDulk)

168 I don't know, but please, someone shoot it and put it out of our misery. *** From the looks of it, someone already pumped a number of rounds into the front of it.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:24 PM (DmNpO)

169

WTH is this?

 

It looks like it shoots snakes out of the "grill".

Posted by: eleven at February 01, 2014 01:25 PM (fsLdt)

170 NDH, that is obviously a custom. Actually, looks like they started with a Pacer.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 01:25 PM (Ed1hy)

171 152 Everybody should drive an electric car in the US like they do in China................ Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 01, 2014 05:14 PM

I guess that explains the choking smog that covers Bejing

That and most of their cars are internal combustion knockoffs of existing badges

Either check your information, or tell whomever you copied and pasted that from to check their facts

China has very few electric cars since they don't have the infrastructure to handle it

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 01:25 PM (aTXUx)

172 I think Infiniti has renamed all of their cars Q something.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:25 PM (8FyP4)

173 NDH, that is obviously a custom. Actually, looks like they started with a Pacer. *** You mean somebody WANTED it to look that way?!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:26 PM (DmNpO)

174 67 El Camino (used)  327

83 Plain Jane Mustang (new) 502 - 5 speed

Posted by: NCwoof at February 01, 2014 01:26 PM (aUQgu)

175 NDH, that is obviously a custom. Actually, looks like they started with a Pacer.

It is eyepoppingly hideous.  Although, the license plate with the "EA CX" makes me think they may have started with a Mazda and bastardized until they dropped.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:26 PM (8lmkt)

176 Auto handling goodness: http://youtu.be/T-VEMVAB1hc French stunt drivers in Paris

Posted by: NaCly Dog at February 01, 2014 01:27 PM (u82oZ)

177 "163 I think the first Toyota minivan was called the Van."

It was popularly referred to as the "toaster van" because its profile resembled one.
I had one.
Drove it back and forth between Las Vegas and Reno about a dozen times.It had an amazing amount of room inside.

Posted by: LeBron Horowitz at February 01, 2014 01:27 PM (cL+9V)

178 Peaches, are you having a better day today?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:28 PM (DmNpO)

179 As horrifying as it was to drive a Gremlin, even for a short period, at least I've never suffered the indignity of owning a minivan. 

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:28 PM (8lmkt)

180 164 WTH is this? http://bit.ly/1fKgxhR Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 05:21 PM (DmNpO) The Citroen Colander?

Posted by: rickl at February 01, 2014 01:28 PM (sdi6R)

181
I challenge you Philistines to acknowledge that this, the Renault R-17 Gordini, deserves a place of prominence on the ugly car list:  http://tinyurl.com/phwrykz

Posted by: Wodeshed at February 01, 2014 01:28 PM (vTBuV)

182 1957 Golden Hawk was probably the best looking car of the era - from the side. Front and back were so-so. '58 Packard front end was worse. Anyway, I'd seriously consider buying a 1957.

Posted by: forest at February 01, 2014 01:29 PM (stMuz)

183 Who wants to see my package first?

Posted by: John Boner at February 01, 2014 01:30 PM (6bMeY)

184 I challenge you Philistines to acknowledge that this, the Renault R-17 Gordini, deserves a place of prominence on the ugly car list: http://tinyurl.com/phwrykz *** It's not as bad as I expected. Still, pretty bad.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:30 PM (DmNpO)

185 For the record, there were plenty of Renaults to choose from.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:31 PM (8FyP4)

186 Peaches, are you having a better day today?

You are so sweet, Niedermeyer . . .  Like probably a lot of us, I had a recalibration of my "life sucks" meter last night.  The work thing will work itself out, one way or another, I just don't like the uncertainty.  I have taken to writing my paychecks in 2 separate checks, in case mr asshole doesn't cover the whole thing, I can still put some of it in the bank.  Not good but, as I said, could be a whole lot worse.  xoxo

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:31 PM (8lmkt)

187 The 2003 Infiniti G35 with a six speed came with Brembo brakes. It was a great car which has, at best, incrementally improved over time. The IPL was a joke of an effort at AMG and M. And now all their cars have the same letter designation apparently. Odd.

Posted by: Beagle at February 01, 2014 01:31 PM (sOtz/)

188 I'm not entirely sure that is a Polara up above. My Dad bought a 1962 Dart (two tone) in 1964 that looked just like that. It had a little V-8, and was really a nice car. My Dad horse-traded cars all the time, and he later regretted giving that one up, and keeping the '64 Galaxie, that turned out to have a bad engine. But then he bought a '66 New Yorker that he absolutely loved and kept for years. My sister had a '62 Dodge Lancer in 1971, Dad bought it for her for $125. It was wheels, and I drove it a few times. We had a white '63 Valiant that got passed around until my sister sold it in 1979 when she moved out of town. Always needed valve job, but it was actually a pretty nice car- had a snappy red vinyl interior.

Posted by: Ribald Conservative riding Orca at February 01, 2014 01:32 PM (+1T7c)

189 The Citroen Colander? *** Cook pasta on the manifold then drain it through the hood. Dinner served!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:32 PM (DmNpO)

190 Forest, see post 87.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:32 PM (8FyP4)

191 I also had a 77 New Yorker. Dead mans car, bought from an estate sale. A 440 that got about 6 mpg around town.

Posted by: blaster at February 01, 2014 01:34 PM (4+AaH)

192 Posted by: Ribald Conservative riding Orca at February 01, 2014 05:32 PM (+1T7c)

Oh, the New Yorker was a very cool and swanky car, for sure!  I was also very partial to the late 60s Buick Riviera, that one with the swoopy back end.  Thought it was gorgeous!!

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:34 PM (8lmkt)

193
Renaults typically featured the marriage of French mechanics and Soviet styling.

Posted by: Wodeshed at February 01, 2014 01:34 PM (vTBuV)

194 Previa, that was it.  Dear lord, a fat bubble on wheels.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 01:35 PM (GrtrJ)

195 China has very few electric cars since they don't have the infrastructure to handle it Posted by: kbdabear Most of the taxis in Beijing are powered by either CNG or CPG, to reduce the air pollution. Beijing has really bad air pollution; there are four big coal-burning power plants in the city. It reminds me a lot of Chicago about 30-40 or more years ago.

Posted by: Ribald Conservative riding Orca at February 01, 2014 01:35 PM (+1T7c)

196

Renaults typically featured the marriage of French mechanics and Soviet styling.

 

You say that like it's a bad thing.

Posted by: eleven at February 01, 2014 01:36 PM (fsLdt)

197 The 'great' thing about the Previa was having the engine under the driver's seat.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:36 PM (8FyP4)

198 The 'great' thing about the Previa was having the engine under the driver's seat. **** Early seat warmer?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:37 PM (DmNpO)

199 NDH, supposedly that is a 1977 Volkswagen prototype by Luigi Colani.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 01:37 PM (GrtrJ)

200 You say that like it's a bad thing.

***

True story:  I needed to fix something on that butt-ugly car once and was told that it could have any one of three different transmissions, depending on what they happened to have lying around the factory that day.

Posted by: Wodeshed at February 01, 2014 01:38 PM (vTBuV)

201 http://www.carstyling.ru/en/car/1977_volkswagen_prototype/

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 01:38 PM (GrtrJ)

202 The 'great' thing about the Previa was having the engine under the driver's seat. Posted by: Countrysquire I had a friend who owned one, and they were actually pretty nice, until you had to do any maintenance on them. The engine under the seat. What a nightmare.

Posted by: Ribald Conservative riding Orca at February 01, 2014 01:38 PM (+1T7c)

203 Oh FFS, now Guy Ferry is on a Rolaids commercial?

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:39 PM (8FyP4)

204 -sup Morons.

You guys playin' cards?

Posted by: Tobacco Road at February 01, 2014 01:39 PM (4Mv1T)

205 I was also very partial to the late 60s Buick Riviera, that one with the swoopy back end. Thought it was gorgeous!! _______ I have my '66 in the garage. I posted pics last weekend of one just like it. I think it's one of the sexiest looking cars ever. You might be thinking of the "boattail" Rivs of 1971 -73. I love them, too.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 01:39 PM (Ed1hy)

206 Whenever I see a SmartCar, especially on the freeway, I am both amused and appalled that the same people who would never dream of riding a bike without a helmet, hate football because it's dangerous and fret about non-organic carrots have no problem driving around in a tin can. Someone rearends you, Ms. TreeHugger, and you're going to lose more than your Obama and "Tolerance" bumper stickers.

Posted by: Donna V. at February 01, 2014 01:39 PM (R3gO3)

207
The 'great' thing about the Previa was having the engine under the driver's seat.
***
I seem to recall that they had to drop the engine to do an oil change.

Posted by: Wodeshed at February 01, 2014 01:40 PM (vTBuV)

208 "195 Previa, that was it. Dear lord, a fat bubble on wheels."

 Haha. I owned one of those ,too.
It recently went to Toyota heaven.
Ran well  but got crappy gas mileage
.Had bast rust problems on the fenders.
Never could warm up to it like the toaster van.

Posted by: LeBron Horowitz at February 01, 2014 01:40 PM (cL+9V)

209 Best use of a Toyota Previa in a movie: www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU8T8dM5K80#t=0m20s

Posted by: Waterhouse at February 01, 2014 01:41 PM (YB8lI)

210 A 440 that got about 6 mpg around town. Posted by: blaster The old '66 New Yorker had a four barrel Holley and the 440 ci Hemi V-8. My Dad constantly was tuning it (that was his idea of fun) and it would get 14-16 mpg on the highway, running on Sunoco 260. That baby would cruise all day at 80-90 mph.

Posted by: Ribald Conservative riding Orca at February 01, 2014 01:42 PM (+1T7c)

211 @198-the Previa engine is an interesting package, a conventional four laid on its side. The fan an cooling was interesting too.

Posted by: JEM at February 01, 2014 01:43 PM (BDHOa)

212 No love here for the Volkswagen Thing?

I think VW designed it the week that Ferdinand Porsche called in sick.

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 01:43 PM (HVI5a)

213 202 http://www.carstyling.ru/en/car/1977_volkswagen_prototype/

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 05:38 PM (GrtrJ)


Holy crap!!!  Nice find, DG!

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:43 PM (8lmkt)

214 I have my '66 in the garage. I posted pics last weekend of one just like it. I think it's one of the sexiest looking cars ever. You might be thinking of the "boattail" Rivs of 1971 -73. I love them, too. Posted by: shredded chi ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The thing I like about those Rivieras like yours, is that when you sit inside and look around, there's not one thing to make you think GM cut any corners. Such a substantial car.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:44 PM (8FyP4)

215
I had a college buddy who came into a major trust fund when he turned 18.  He had a lot of cars, NICE cars, but most of all he loved his new Corvette.  That left yrs truly with the keys to his 66 Jag XKE convertible on date nights.

I loved college.

Posted by: Wodeshed at February 01, 2014 01:44 PM (vTBuV)

216 Previa sounds like something you'd take to alleviate menstrual cramps.

Posted by: Donna V. at February 01, 2014 01:45 PM (R3gO3)

217 No love here for the Volkswagen Thing?

***

I had one of those.  It was a shitbox, but you could get five people in it and drop the top.

BTW, those are worth money these days.

Posted by: Wodeshed at February 01, 2014 01:46 PM (vTBuV)

218 Is this an open thread, or do I have to talk about shitty cars?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 01:46 PM (6bMeY)

219 No love here for the Volkswagen Thing? I think VW designed it the week that Ferdinand Porsche called in sick. *** I'd take one in a minute!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:47 PM (DmNpO)

220 "217 Previa sounds like something you'd take to alleviate menstrual cramps."

It gave me menstrual cramps.
And I'm a guy.

Posted by: LeBron Horowitz at February 01, 2014 01:47 PM (cL+9V)

221 Is this an open thread, or do I have to talk about shitty cars? **** Feel free to roam.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:47 PM (DmNpO)

222 Is this an open thread, or do I have to talk about shitty cars?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 05:46 PM (6bMeY)


Niedermeyer is not a topic nazi.  What's on your mind, Boss?

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:48 PM (8lmkt)

223 Holy crap!!! Nice find, DG!
Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 05:43 PM (8lmkt)



The ass end of it isn't any better than the front.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 01:48 PM (GrtrJ)

224 By that, I mean, wander off topic. Not a closed thread.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:48 PM (DmNpO)

225 213 No love here for the Volkswagen Thing? I think VW designed it the week that Ferdinand Porsche called in sick. Posted by: qdpsteve +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ You do realize that the Thing was based on the Porsche designed Kubelwagen, right?

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:48 PM (8FyP4)

226 I have my '66 in the garage. I posted pics last weekend of one just like it. I think it's one of the sexiest looking cars ever.

You might be thinking of the "boattail" Rivs of 1971 -73. I love them, too.
Posted by: shredded chi

That '66 is a sweet ride, chi!  I could not actually find the ones I liked, maybe they were the boattails, but those don't look right to me anymore.  Hey, just lucky I remember any of it, right? 

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:49 PM (8lmkt)

227 It gave me menstrual cramps. And I'm a guy. **** Uh, yeah.... This reminds me. There are now "feminists" on Twitter claiming that tampons are a form of rape and that they are proud to be "free-bleeders". Some are tweeting pics of their menstrual blood. I hope to all that is Holy that it's a prank. A disgusting, repulsive prank.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:50 PM (DmNpO)

228 The Thing would look better with a MG 42 mounted on it.

Posted by: Beagle at February 01, 2014 01:50 PM (sOtz/)

229 Countrysquire: uh, no. I admit I'm not well-versed on him. But based on classic modern Porsche designs as well as the Beetle, It thought FP was solely into "bubbly" designs.

By the way, is that the Aston Martin Rapide that Pierce Brosnan is posing with?

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 01:51 PM (HVI5a)

230 Holy crap!!! Nice find, DG!

***

I for one am smitten with the toilet bucket seats.

Posted by: Wodeshed at February 01, 2014 01:51 PM (vTBuV)

231
228

no . . . just no no no no no. 

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:51 PM (8lmkt)

232 223 All kinds of things. I think my blood pressure is starting to kick my ass. I go shopping and I start to feel like I weigh 600 pounds and everything starts to get foggy. Mostly after big meals. It was always borderline in the past. My little brother used to set blood pressure records when he went to the doctor.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 01:52 PM (6bMeY)

233 I think President Obama ought to move the Super Bowl game out of New Jersey because that fat guy Christie lied. He should move it to some state that supports President Obama and what he has done for this country. My suggestion to President Obama would to move the game location to some state like Vermont or Toronto.

Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 01, 2014 01:52 PM (iB0Q2)

234 Soooo, can we have ZacN's post now? How 'bout now?

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 01:52 PM (GDulk)

235
228

It's possible that the VW prototype was designed with free-bleeders in mind.

Posted by: Wodeshed at February 01, 2014 01:53 PM (vTBuV)

236 I hit two buzzards with a VW Thing on Cozumel's back roads. It was exciting since it had no windshield.

Posted by: Mr. Dave at February 01, 2014 01:53 PM (OEdBY)

237 Soooo, can we have ZacN's post now? How 'bout now? *** Has he emailed the COBs about a slot?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:53 PM (DmNpO)

238 202 http://www.carstyling.ru/en/car/1977_volkswagen_prototype/ Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 05:38 PM (GrtrJ) So colani is German for colander?

Posted by: rickl at February 01, 2014 01:53 PM (sdi6R)

239 the Daimler SP250 looks like something the Batmobile shat.

Posted by: mc at February 01, 2014 01:54 PM (lrfmC)

240 You see how New Jersey I think is about to F the Superbowl teams out of most of their money with 50% state income taxes?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 01:55 PM (6bMeY)

241 Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 05:53 PM (DmNpO) I know he was tweeting with Dave in Texas earlier. Mostly I'm just really curious what he wants to post the day before a Gaming thread. Feel free to ignore my whinging.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 01:55 PM (GDulk)

242 The VW Colani looks like a salt shaker disguised as a car.

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 01:55 PM (HVI5a)

243 La-la-la La-la-la Trying to unread 228 is tough.

Posted by: Beagle at February 01, 2014 01:57 PM (sOtz/)

244 I know he was tweeting with Dave in Texas earlier. Mostly I'm just really curious what he wants to post the day before a Gaming thread. Feel free to ignore my whinging. *** You aren't whining, you're inquiring. The weekends, Saturday in particular, are usually a series of back and forth emails over the course of several hours in order to slate a posting slot. We've been spacing about 2 hours apart today, so it is time for something new. I don't know what they might have planned.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:57 PM (DmNpO)

245 230 To be fair, I had a vague memory of it, but had to look it up before I posted. The list of the cars and technology that Porsche is responsible for is incredible. That said, he didn't have a great deal to do with the company bearing his name as it was started at the end of his life.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 01:57 PM (8FyP4)

246 I enjoy the gaming thread, but even though it peaked 10 years ago, I'd still like to see here at Ace the occasional poker thread.

Wasn't Ace a profitable player of hold'em back in the day?

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 01:58 PM (HVI5a)

247 228 Well, I guess we don't have to worry about them reproducing, so with any luck, in a generation, we'll be rid of most of them.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 01:58 PM (Ed1hy)

248 You guys see how in Brazil they still have those Volkswagen Beetles? That's pathetic. At least build a rabbit.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 01:58 PM (6bMeY)

249 Well, I guess we don't have to worry about them reproducing, so with any luck, in a generation, we'll be rid of most of them. *** oh, but don't I hope so!

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 01:59 PM (DmNpO)

250 Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 05:52 PM (6bMeY)

That doesn't sound good at all, Boss.  Probably need to see a doc fairly soon.  The asswipe I work for had his carotids reamed out about a year ago and said he instantaneously felt a whole lot better.  You might have some problems with that.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 01:59 PM (8lmkt)

251 By the way, is that the Aston Martin Rapide that Pierce Brosnan is posing with? Nah, a Rapide has four doors. I think it's a Vanquish.

Posted by: Waterhouse at February 01, 2014 02:00 PM (YB8lI)

252 On the Podcast. You guys should take the introductions more seriously. I can't tell who's who. I need a program.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:00 PM (6bMeY)

253 198 The 'great' thing about the Previa was having the engine under the driver's seat. Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 05:36 PM

That was basically what passed for a heating system in the old Ford Econoline vans before they put the engine forward of the cab in 1975. In the summer you sat in a hot box with that engine cowl next to your seat

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 02:00 PM (aTXUx)

254 Countrysquire: hmm, that's surprising. I thought Ferdinand ran it into the 1970s.

In the meantime, didn't Henry Ford have a really *bad* relationship with his son Edsel? I know he actually outlived him.

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 02:00 PM (HVI5a)

255 I challenge you Philistines to acknowledge that this, the Renault R-17 Gordini, deserves a place of prominence on the ugly car list: http://tinyurl.com/phwrykz It's an R17, yes. A Gordini, I don't think so.

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 02:01 PM (3sZO1)

256 I remember tooling around in my grandmother's Plymouth Fury III. Had a suicide knob because of her arthritis. sucked gas and handled like it needed orthopedic tires. hauled ass in a straight line though.

Posted by: mc at February 01, 2014 02:01 PM (lrfmC)

257 You see how New Jersey I think is about to F the Superbowl teams out of most of their money with 50% state income taxes? *** And with the price of tickets dropping like a rock, they are going to end up with a bunch of locals who won't spend a ton of money in the area. Add to that the added cost and PITA of securing the biggest game in the world in the #1 targeted metro in the world, and.... not worth the trouble?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 02:01 PM (DmNpO)

258 I forgot about the Toyota Peruvia.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:02 PM (6bMeY)

259 mc: a red 1957 Plymouth Fury was the star of Stephen King's book (and John Carpenter's later film) Christine.

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 02:02 PM (HVI5a)

260 I know there's a red all over my pants and I am proud of it. 

Posted by: Free Bleeder at February 01, 2014 02:02 PM (Aif/5)

261 The other day Drudge had a link to a story saying there were still 18,000 unsold tickets for tomorrow's big clusterfuck.  Anybody seen any updates on that stat? 

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 02:03 PM (8lmkt)

262 I wanted to be a Genie when I was a little girl. It didn't happen.

Posted by: Carol at February 01, 2014 02:03 PM (z4WKX)

263 Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 01, 2014 05:52 PM (iB0Q2)


Your trollsocking is sub-par.  Not even snicker-worthy.  Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having read your posts. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 02:03 PM (GrtrJ)

264 someone would have to be a friend to ride in that car mon ami

Posted by: sven10077 at February 01, 2014 02:04 PM (TE35l)

265 I'm a little surprised they didn't invite Beyonce back this year at SB XLVIIIEIEIO.

OTOH, they might have been afraid she'd blow out the lights again.

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 02:04 PM (HVI5a)

266 This reminds me. There are now "feminists" on Twitter claiming that tampons are a form of rape and that they are proud to be "free-bleeders".

Some are tweeting pics of their menstrual blood.

I hope to all that is Holy that it's a prank. A disgusting, repulsive prank. Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 05:50 PM

Whom the gods would destroy they first make mad

Then they make them radical feminists

Posted by: kbdabear at February 01, 2014 02:04 PM (aTXUx)

267 For a second I thought "Free Bleeder" read "Free Bieber."

Not sure which crusade is worse news for the USA.

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 02:05 PM (HVI5a)

268 I wouldn't go to a game in a big city if I had free tickets. Those games are better on TV. Fridge nearby, baffroom, Flatscreen HDTV. Not even a question.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:05 PM (6bMeY)

269 Speaking of other topics, when do the cooking threads usually appear? Seems like I missed them last couple weeks. Sunday? I didn't feel like commenting in yesterdays feel-good thread, but cooking has been my new hobby. I'm not great, but it's fun. As a novice, I really enjoy the threads.

Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 02:06 PM (Ed1hy)

270

 I wanted to be a Genie when I was a little girl. It didn't happen.

I wanted to be on Jeannie when I was a little boy. damn Larry Hagman!

Posted by: mc at February 01, 2014 02:06 PM (lrfmC)

271 Lifted from a comment on a SB story the other day:

I'm going to have the SB experience at home. I'm gonna dump a couple dozen ice cubes down my pants, while placing my feet in a tub of ice cold water, then charge myself $25 a beer, $20 a hot dog, and $15 for some #$%$ nachos...then have a friend scream obsenities at me the whole time I'm trying to watch the game...then stand in front of the bathroom for 1/2 an hour before going in and relieving myself.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 02:06 PM (8lmkt)

272 mc: a red 1957 Plymouth Fury was the star of Stephen King's book (and John Carpenter's later film) Christine. Posted by: qdpsteve --------------- My favorite scene, Christine (on fire) chases and runs down thug. Here it is, 47 seconds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu384gsCDAk

Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 01, 2014 02:06 PM (aDwsi)

273 I had never heard that about Henry and Edsel, but will try to read up on it. Stomach cancer claimed Edsel, I believe. The elder Porsche died in '51, three years after he and his son Ferry started the company. His daughter's son, Ferdinand Piech, runs the VW empire today.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 02:07 PM (8FyP4)

274 We need a deep-frying cooking thread.

I think I'm gonna get a Presto ProFry from Amazon on my next payday.

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 02:08 PM (HVI5a)

275 1958

Posted by: Christine at February 01, 2014 02:08 PM (dWJaR)

276 Posted by: shredded chi - tired of shoveling FACTs out of the driveway at February 01, 2014 06:06 PM (Ed1hy) CBD usually does the cooking thread on Sundays after the first football thread.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at February 01, 2014 02:09 PM (GDulk)

277 Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 05:38 PM (GrtrJ) Holy crap!!! Nice find, DG! Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 05:43 PM (8lmkt) Seems VW called it a "Colani". I think "Colonic" would be a little more appropriate.

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 02:09 PM (3sZO1)

278 272 Exactly what I was thinking. From the upper deck at FedEx Field it looks like two opposing ant colonies doing battle on the gridiron. I heard tailgating was verboten in New Jersey.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:10 PM (6bMeY)

279 Brother-in-law ordered a new Gremlin X from the factory. It arrived with a Gremlin door panel on the driver's side and a Hornet door panel on the passenger's side. Because quality control.

Posted by: Top.Man. at February 01, 2014 02:10 PM (ZVZLb)

280 I wouldn't go to a game in a big city if I had free tickets. Those games are better on TV. Fridge nearby, baffroom, Flatscreen HDTV. Not even a question. **** Security is making it a nightmare. Only vehicles allowed near the stadium are public transport (no cabs, no limos) and those with parking passes. Those without parking passes MUST take public transportation to the stadium. In order to take public transportation they can only carry a clear bag with their belongings, they must purchase a round-trip ticket, and they MUST have their SB ticket on them in order to board the bus. All that is just what it takes to get to the stadium. I can't imagine the security procedures one they arrive. Sounds like fun.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 02:11 PM (DmNpO)

281 Peaches: don't forget to give yourself a colonoscopy on the way into your living room!! ;-)

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 02:11 PM (HVI5a)

282 I knew a guy who had a '58 Fury, 392 w/ two 4bbls. It also had what appeared to be a continental kit. The continental kit was actually a tank, and the car was used to transport an illicit liquid..., so I was told.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 01, 2014 02:11 PM (aDwsi)

283 VW Colonic? For reals?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:11 PM (6bMeY)

284 Posted by: Top.Man. at February 01, 2014 06:10 PM (ZVZLb)

LOL!!!  I lived, many years ago, in Ridgewood, NJ.  There was a big Ford plant somewhere in the area where a lot of people worked.  They always said "never buy a Monday car, or a Friday car" because, whoa, hangovers and slackers.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 02:12 PM (8lmkt)

285 Mahwah.  The Ford plant was in Mahwah.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 02:13 PM (8lmkt)

286 I thought it was Metuchen?

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 02:13 PM (8FyP4)

287 Do you figure you have to login to stream the Superbowl?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:14 PM (6bMeY)

288 how could my teen years contain memories of the GTO, Lemans, Shelby Mustang, Roadrunner, Cougar and Charger while simultaneously containing the Pinto, the Vega, the Pacer and the Gremlin?  Did the carmakers have a JV team?

Posted by: mc at February 01, 2014 02:14 PM (lrfmC)

289 Nope, I just googled it and the Mahwah Ford plant cranked out 6 million cars from when it opened in 1955 until it shut down 25 years later.  Lotta drunks had good jobs in those days, just sayin'.

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 02:15 PM (8lmkt)

290 I've decided to sell one of my cars, so I better go get back to work detailing it. Enjoyed the discussion.

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 02:15 PM (8FyP4)

291 Thanks me too Countrysquire. :-)

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 02:16 PM (HVI5a)

292 ...for 1/2 an hour before going in and relieving myself. Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 06:06 PM (8lmkt) To get the full effect, you'll need to do that in a parking garage.

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 02:17 PM (3sZO1)

293 285 They always said "never buy a Monday car, or a Friday car" because, whoa, hangovers and slackers. Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 06:12 PM (8lmkt) And that's the work ethic that made the American auto industry what it is today.

Posted by: rickl at February 01, 2014 02:17 PM (sdi6R)

294 Huh, I've never been to NJ, but remember reading about the Metuchen plant in the data books. Are those cities close?

Posted by: Countrysquire at February 01, 2014 02:17 PM (8FyP4)

295 Pretty mild here today. How nasty is NJ going to be tomorrow?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:18 PM (6bMeY)

296 294 Posted by: rickl at February 01, 2014 06:17 PM (sdi6R)

Mik'Al Moor is a proud GM alum....

fuck you UAW

Posted by: sven10077 at February 01, 2014 02:18 PM (TE35l)

297 Pretty mild here today. How nasty is NJ going to be tomorrow? *** Above freezing, no precipitation.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 02:19 PM (DmNpO)

298 Seems VW called it a "Colani". I think "Colonic" would be a little more appropriate. Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 06:09 PM (3sZO1)


Colani was the designer.  Luigi Colani.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 02:19 PM (GrtrJ)

299 Is that some kind of sick joke, women tweeting pictures of blood? I had Twitter set up since September or October & didn't use. I might stop using it again. Don't those women have any decency?

Posted by: Carol at February 01, 2014 02:20 PM (z4WKX)

300 285 That's nearly 40% of the cars.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:20 PM (6bMeY)

301 Super Bowl expected to be 40 F+ with no precip. That has to favor Denver, but not as much as the game not being in Seattle.

Posted by: Beagle at February 01, 2014 02:21 PM (sOtz/)

302 Chevy released the Nova in Mexico. Nova in Mexican is roughly doesn't go.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:21 PM (6bMeY)

303 President Obama is going to hear about this racist website !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Dorcus Blimline at February 01, 2014 02:22 PM (iB0Q2)

304 Is that some kind of sick joke, women tweeting pictures of blood? I had Twitter set up since September or October & didn't use. I might stop using it again. Don't those women have any decency? *** Definitely don't go looking for it. I stumbled on it when I went to check out the bio of a lunatic in my TL. I won't make that mistake again.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 02:22 PM (DmNpO)

305 And no. No decency.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 02:23 PM (DmNpO)

306 Go away Joe. You're embarrassing yourself. BE A MAN!!!

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:23 PM (6bMeY)

307 Arthur Hailey wrote a book, "Wheels" about the 1970's auto industry. I read it so long ago I forgot most of it, but remember that I enjoyed it.

Posted by: mc at February 01, 2014 02:23 PM (lrfmC)

308 Colani was the designer. Luigi Colani. Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 06:19 PM (GrtrJ) Yes, I get it. I was just thinking (yes- that hurt) that if some funny, mindless Citroen bashing can go on, I can have a little fun with the name of a bizarre prototype.

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 02:25 PM (3sZO1)

309 Cars I have craved (among others) '63 Corvette (coupe, 365 hp) BMW 2002 Ti (yes, one 'i') '69 Z28 (dark green) '65 Griffith 200 (HO version, natch, any color) Any of the BMW M-type Z3 coupes I'm only a lotto win away from acquiring any of them... There have been plenty of over-the-top thingies that are so over-the-top as be ridiculous. The 'vette is probably one of those.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 01, 2014 02:25 PM (aDwsi)

310 I just looked at some Super Bowl ticket prices. There will be some empty overpriced seats. What is the panic time for the ticket agencies, I wonder?

Posted by: fluffy at February 01, 2014 02:26 PM (Ua6T/)

311 Definitely don't go looking for it. I stumbled on it when I went to check out the bio of a lunatic in my TL. I won't make that mistake again. Posted by: NiedermeyerÂ’s Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 06:22 PM (DmNpO) I am still trying to learn to use it. Mama AJ gave me some hints this morning. I had asked BC1981 how to set it up when I first set it up. I will not look for them, believe me. Thanks,

Posted by: Carol at February 01, 2014 02:27 PM (z4WKX)

312 No 1979 Pinto's?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:27 PM (6bMeY)

313 I just looked at some Super Bowl ticket prices. There will be some empty overpriced seats. What is the panic time for the ticket agencies, I wonder? **** Tickets on the street are selling at less than 50% of the original price. It's been in the new a bit.

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 02:28 PM (DmNpO)

314 Boss Moss, all the Pinto lovers/haters got blowed up.

Posted by: qdpsteve at February 01, 2014 02:28 PM (HVI5a)

315 I think the Donkeys will beat the Searats.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:29 PM (6bMeY)

316 It is amusing that a car with a front end like a colander was designed by someone named Colani.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 02:30 PM (GrtrJ)

317 Did the Colander leak?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:30 PM (6bMeY)

318 Annnnnd, my first car was one of these, in very faded grey: http://tinyurl.com/m6t3aw6

Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 01, 2014 02:31 PM (aDwsi)

319 Love this thread. I started with a 1976 Ford Granada in Forest Green and stocked with an inline 6, 250ci powerplant that probably delivered somewhere in the neighborhood of 72hp. And on the good days when the power steering was working you were cruising baby.

Posted by: Samuel Adams at February 01, 2014 02:32 PM (cK0tU)

320 I don't usually let myself have Doritos, but I got two bags for the game.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:32 PM (6bMeY)

321 I still miss my '92 Corsica. But, as in so many things, life goes on. Lurking and limping, for now...

Posted by: Brother Cavil needs to sort his socks at February 01, 2014 02:33 PM (dJcew)

322 Mike Hammer , I can't tell what make that is. A Plymouth perhaps?

Posted by: Ronster at February 01, 2014 02:33 PM (puNd6)

323 Those without parking passes MUST take public transportation to the stadium. In order to take public transportation they can only carry a clear bag with their belongings, they must purchase a round-trip ticket, and they MUST have their SB ticket on them in order to board the bus.

The clear bag is an NFL stadium requirement; you can have a "palm-sized" clutch for tampons, but no purses or camera bags.

Looking good for Indy's bid on 2018...plenty of parking within 3-4 blocks of the stadium.  And no danger the economy will pick back up and leave downtown without enough empty square footage for temporary celeb nightclubs.

Posted by: HR at February 01, 2014 02:34 PM (hO8IJ)

324 Chevy released the Nova in Mexico. Nova in Mexican is roughly doesn't go. Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 06:21 PM (6bMeY) That's a myth. Yes- "No Va" translates to "No Go". But the Spanish speaking market never really saw the name that way. The Nova wasn't intended for the Mexican and South American markets, and "Nova" means exactly the same in Spanish or English.

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 02:34 PM (3sZO1)

325 I started with a 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. One time while out at Burger King the door wouldn't stay closed. I had to tie it shut with something to get home. The lock mechanism was made out of model plastic.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:34 PM (6bMeY)

326 I love Doritos.  Don't have them often, but love them.  Crunchy Cheetos too.

Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 02:34 PM (GrtrJ)

327 I love Doritos. Don't have them often, but love them. Crunchy Cheetos too. *** Now I want a Doritos Loco taco

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 02:35 PM (DmNpO)

328 325 My brother got that one from business school. Is that not real?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:37 PM (6bMeY)

329 Worry not! The fix is in for Manning to win. We need a new front man/face for the league, you know, for PR and merchandizing.

We had Favre for a while but he bit the hand that was feeding him, even after we shielded him during his drug addiction and whoring days. So we let him get close and then Wham! We let lose the dogs on him.

Manning will be more compliant.

Posted by: Roger Goodell at February 01, 2014 02:37 PM (dWJaR)

330 It is amusing that a car with a front end like a colander was designed by someone named Colani. Posted by: DangerGirl at February 01, 2014 06:30 PM (GrtrJ) Get past the nose and the styling isn't really all that bad. I did notice that side glass left to right is different.

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 02:39 PM (3sZO1)

331 Russell Wilson is clean and articulate.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:39 PM (6bMeY)

332 WTH?! Is this possible? http://t.co/KPNRKe4OB0

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 02:40 PM (DmNpO)

333 325 My brother got that one from business school. Is that not real? Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 06:37 PM (6bMeY) It is not real. Good lesson tho- pay attention to your markets!!

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 02:40 PM (3sZO1)

334 Mike Hammer , I can't tell what make that is. A Plymouth perhaps? Posted by: Ronster -------------- '58 Plymouth Fury. Have you never seen the movie?

Posted by: Mike Hammer at February 01, 2014 02:40 PM (aDwsi)

335 325 I looked it up. I think you may be right.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:41 PM (6bMeY)

336 334 Toyota was very late getting automatic transmissions and air conditioning as standard equipment. They didn't understand their market.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:43 PM (6bMeY)

337

'58 Plymouth Fury.
Have you never seen the movie?

 

I've never seen the movie. The styling looks more like early '50s.

Posted by: Ronster at February 01, 2014 02:45 PM (puNd6)

338 308 Posted by: mc at February 01, 2014 06:23 PM (lrfmC)

I read it in Louisiana....nice read captured the DOOM for Detroit quite ably...

Absent the 1980s military build-up and bail out it was eerily correct on ~25 years left max.

Posted by: sven10077 at February 01, 2014 02:46 PM (TE35l)

339 I had a step Grand Father who had a POS Gremlin. Brandy new wouldn't run.

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:46 PM (6bMeY)

340 333 WTH?! Is this possible?

http://t.co/KPNRKe4OB0

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 06:40 PM (DmNpO)


No way, they can't do that.  Can they?!? 

Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 02:46 PM (8lmkt)

341 Ahh the red Plymouth Fury. Christine. I tried to read the book. Was bored. Moved on to, I think, Cujo which was better.

Posted by: boulder toilet hobo at February 01, 2014 02:48 PM (rAeZm)

342 Toyota was very late getting automatic transmissions and air conditioning as standard equipment. They didn't understand their market. Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 06:43 PM (6bMeY) How do you explain their popularity in the US market? Toyota understands it well enough to produce US market specific models. And, have you never heard of Toyoglide? They were marketing that as an option by I think 1969. Same with A/C. At that point, few cars had A/C or automatic as standard.

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 02:48 PM (3sZO1)

343 No way, they can't do that. Can they?!? ***** Why? I thought it had already been determined that, no matter the verdict, she would not be extradite to Italy. Is the reporter just pulling it out of his ass?

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 02:48 PM (DmNpO)

344 New post up

Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 02:49 PM (DmNpO)

345 344 I don't know. How common can cases like this be?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:50 PM (6bMeY)

346 333 Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 06:40 PM (DmNpO)

Absolutely they can.  In essence Italy was going to convict her come hell orhigh water and unless choom told Italia go fuck yourself she's goosed.  She needs a tan and probably a felony rap sheet to fool him into thinking she is his imaginary son.

Posted by: sven10077 at February 01, 2014 02:50 PM (TE35l)

347 No way, they can't do that. Can they?!? Posted by: Peaches at February 01, 2014 06:46 PM (8lmkt) I'm not sure, hon. It seems to me since she was convicted, then released some savvy lawyer could get double jeopardy to attach.

Posted by: Bill H at February 01, 2014 02:51 PM (3sZO1)

348 112 year old Porsche: http://goo.gl/ZbU2wh

Posted by: Judge Pug at February 01, 2014 02:52 PM (E4MKN)

349 The fact that the acquittal resulted in her release I think means she was no longer in Jeopardy. Doesn't a conviction being overturned also cover the reasonable doubt thingy?

Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 02:54 PM (6bMeY)

350 I've been storing a friends Panhard PL17 while he gets his divorce settled, it's an interesting car, but not something I'd spend time working on.


He has enough parts to rebuild the motor 4 times over, but that's not the problem. All of the rubber joints and bushings are cracked / rotted and in a state of dessicated ruin.

Posted by: 13times at February 01, 2014 02:55 PM (fGPLK)

351 350 The fact that the acquittal resulted in her release I think means she was no longer in Jeopardy. Doesn't a conviction being overturned also cover the reasonable doubt thingy? Posted by: Boss Moss at February 01, 2014 06:54 PM (6bMeY) Italy's going to do what Italy's going to do. However, I believe our state dept will look at the opinion of the judges that overturned the verdict due to insufficiency of the evidence and refuse to extradite her.

Posted by: Judge Pug at February 01, 2014 02:57 PM (E4MKN)

352 Okay, let's give these cars the best possible look:

Citroen Ami - Cool, Jetson's look. Good for a girl who dresses in a late '50's - early '60's fashion. Guys: Forget about it.

Renault 10 - Nothin', just a car. Looks kinda like a Volvo, designed by committee.

Dodge Polara - Pay dirt. Butt ugly. Saw a lot of those on the road when I was a kid. Probably super reliable. If you like the Dodge Dart/Plymouth Valiant, get a '65 or '66 Plymouth Barracuda. All the reliability, plus a girl getter, (esp. if she owns a Citroen Ami!)

Pontiac Aztek - Sure it's a plain jane, but who cares, one way or the other.

Daimler SP250 - Yeah I get the fish thing, but how this ended up next to the Aztek, Polara, and 10, escapes me. I'd drive one.

Fiat Multipla - Makes the Polara look good.  Is this the same Fiat that made the 124 Spider?

Datsun F10 - Don't see the butt hurt here. Maybe you had to be a teenager in the 1970's. I'd drive it.

Subaru Leone - Lame. Did Subaru farm out the design to the boys at Yugo. Tip for guys who own one: Leave it at home, pick up your date on foot and take the bus.

Scion IQ - You want small? Go for an MG midget, Triumph Spitfire, or an Austin Mini. If you own the IQ, you should follow my dating advice re: the Leone.

Packard Hawk - Got the fish look again, but I'd take the Daimler over this, in a heartbeat. Too bad, Studebaker made some nice looking cars, including the Hawk. This years model blows.

YMMV

Posted by: jbarntt at February 01, 2014 03:09 PM (UNFot)

353

My first car was a Mustang II

 

A Mach I, not a Cobra like the one above.

 

A Mach I with a 140 ci 4 cylinder.

 

Posted by: blaster at February 01, 2014 04:57 PM (4+AaH)

 

So named because that was the speed chicks not paid to sit on the hood ran away at.

Posted by: steveegg at February 01, 2014 03:18 PM (o44nj)

354 333 WTH?! Is this possible? http://t.co/KPNRKe4OB0 Posted by: Niedermeyer's Dead Horse at February 01, 2014 06:40 PM (DmNpO) Holy shit. If I were her I would try to seek asylum in Canada.

Posted by: rickl at February 01, 2014 03:24 PM (sdi6R)

355 'Cuse vs. Duke entering crunch time. Nice game so far. 8:50 to go, Orange men up by 5.

Posted by: Lincolntf at February 01, 2014 04:13 PM (ZshNr)

356 If I had the money and skill, I'd buy and restore a VW Thing.  Ugly by most people's standards, but a thing of beauty to me.  MG34 optional....

Posted by: Jenk at February 01, 2014 04:41 PM (e2ysZ)

357 Renault Fuego. My brother almost bought one until I talked him into buying a VW Rabbit. 1977, I believe.

Posted by: Mikey at February 01, 2014 09:34 PM (PyN8j)

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