Mercedes Benz 207D (TN/T1 1971-95) Hi Roof Camper Van seen last year in Barcelona, Spain.

Second Generation Dodge Colt (1974-77).  Essentially a Mitsubishi, this was one of the very first cars in the DSM Joint Venture.  Seems rare to see them today, and this one was in very nice condition.  The landau roof and very ’70s Colt badge are to be admired, and I love those front repeaters too, so clean for this era.  Too small for my taste (and it’s the not so great 4 door sedan as well), it’s still a nice alternative to the Toyotas and Nissans of the time.

Seen in North Hollywood, LA, CA

3rd Generation Caprice Classic (1986-90 in this bodystyle).  These were certainly the best years (well maybe there is an exception for the Buick Roadmaster/Caprice Classic land yacht the mid ’90s).  Just add stick-on police light and you too can make your very own Sabotage music video.

Seen in Culver City, CA

Mercedes Benz 280 SE (W108, 1967-72).  

Great to see an old V8 coupe in such fantastic condition.  

Seen in SE Portland

1978 Corvette 25th Anniversary Edition (3rd Generation).  With a badge that seems like it might have been inspired by a certain movie space station first seen in 1977…

Seen in SE Portland

Got this in the mail yesterday…its a new key chain from Hunter Pass in Portland, OR.  Nicely done!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hunterpassleather

Fifth Generation Mercury Comet (1971-77).  I can’t tell you how many of these I have run across, but I have to say they are growing on me.  Great proportions, and they’ve aged pretty well, except for the front grille.  Have to admit that white lettering on the tires can look so good on a car like this.

Seen in Culver City, CA 

Second Generation Toyota Corolla (E20 Sprinter 1970-74).

This autocross or drift ready Corolla is probably the only 2nd Gen I have ever seen.  

My dad has steadfastly driven 6th, 7th and 8th generation Corollas since the late ’90s, sadly none of them had anything in common with this version.  Most people lament the fall of cool American cars in the ’70s and ’80s, but trust me, it was global.

Seen in North Hollywood, LA, CA

On the same lot as yesterday’s find is something a bit more interesting,  a Chrysler TC, by Maserati (1989-91).  This was a limited run of 7300 mildly tuned and modified LeBarons, hand-assembled in Italy by Maserati.  While the LeBaron is a boring, forgettable car, the proportions and details on this car command a bit more attention.  That opera window hasn’t aged well, but I still think I might still drive this…at least in all black with the 2.2L and m/t 5 speed.

Seen in Twentynine Palms, CA

Remember when it was cool to have a car that looked like it was from the ’20s, but with sweet ’80s technology?  Gladly I don’t becasue I was too young to see this miserable thing on the street.  Granted, there is a soft spot in my heart for the Excalibur II, but this- a Classic Motor Carriage Gazelle,is pretty sad…a disgrace to the Mercedes Benz SSK It was trying to invoke.  

Apparently it was available as a kit or purchased complete, with the chassis being none other than a miserable Ford Pinto.  Classy.  Available soon at Rad Wheels!

Seen in Twentynine Palms, CA

This is what appears to be a 1960-61 Chevrolet Apache converted to a delivery van, unfortunately left to rot in the back lot of the fabulous 29 Palms Inn.  It’s a great color and looks to have been manufactured by the “Skagit” coach builders, which I haven’t been able to find information on…and how about that awesome vintage Apple logo?

Seen in scenic Twentynine Palms, California

Just received this little collection of awesome from the wonderful Tumblr, Detroit Typography- check them out:

http://detroit-typography.tumblr.com/

Thanks!

While in LA I took a slight detour to Joshua Tree, which I can say is highly recommended.  Saw a few strange things there as expected…

Here is a Crown Coach Type D Flat Nose “Twinkie” bus.  Not sure what it used to be but today it looks to be a full blown Hippie shuttle.

Seen in Joshua Tree, CA

Volkswagen Type II Flatbed pickup (T2 1967-79) single cab, with hinged bedsides removed.  I don’t get too excited about these anymore, but I this one caught my eye.  Though it appears a little front-heavy, I actually really liked the look and the color.

Plus we saw it the next day at the In & Out drive-thru and it sounded great.

Seen in North Hollywood, LA, CA

Toyota Land Cruiser 40 Series (J40, 1960-84).  This one looks to have been heavily overhauled,and has some great details, most notably the rear jump seats, triple driving lights, and a vintage CB.  

Seen in North Hollywood, LA, CA