1990 Mercedes 300 TE 4Matic (W124)

This is “The Whale” my sister, Kim’s TE Wagon. Fully loaded with seating for 7, it’s powered by the M103 3.0 Liter I6, a relatively bulletproof engine wrapped up in a classic design.

I’d try to explain it myself, but Kim can do it better: 

“One: It’s so safe and cozy, I always feel like I’m in the belly of a magic whale! Two: I love all the well designed things from automatic seat positioning (on the doors) to the cargo net to keep puppies safe, everything makes sense. Three, Its a Mercedes and Mercedes are dope! I always feel special when I see the hood ornament while I’m driving.”

Considering that her last car was a Geo Metro, this is a massive step in the right direction, In my opinion there isn’t much that beats a dope Mercedes wagon…made my 245 look like a tractor.

Seen on the Angeles Crest Highway, Los Angeles

1987 Peugeot 505 Turbo

A quick search shows that this 505 happened to be previously featured on Bring a Trailer way back in 2008. It looks to be owned by a competent Peugeot enthusiast, and I’d say it’s just as beautiful as it’s Italian and German contemporaries, only more rare than any Alfa or BMW. While I have seen my fair share of 505’s in the US, the Turbo has eluded me, and this red one with Euro lights and clever plates just made it to the top of my list.

Seen at Supercar Sunday, Los Angeles, CA

1977 Datsun 200SX

This car belongs to Yuri, a former college classmate, though it’s soon to be purchased our mutual friend (and my former college roommate Joel, who is pictured). Never having seen one before I was extremely interested, and Joel did not hesitate to fill me in with all the details. Yuri has done quite a bit of creative work to it, including- but not limited to:

-Datsun 620 front bumper with modified Volvo 240 chin spoiler

-Rear bumpers from a ‘72 300 series Mercedes (unmodified, and they look amazingly stock by the way)

-15x6 “Swastika” wheels from the ‘82-84 280ZX Turbo

-Lowered on KYB shocks all around.

-Fender mirrors and newer seats.

Only sold in the US for two years, this one is a survivor with only 47K original miles; and most definitely a car people aren’t used to seeing, soliciting comments and thumbs up from passers-by.  A short ride through industrial LA certainly brought a smile to my face.

Volvo 1800ES (1972-73)

One of only 8,077 examples ever made, this variant of the P1800 is by far my favorite. Born from an Italian proposal to Volvo, it was deemed too radical and thus was restyled in-house to the car we know today.

Sun faded, primered and missing a wiper (who needs those in LA anyways?) it looks right at home in sunny California.

Seen on a recent trip to Los Angeles

International Harvester Scout (1960-71)

Model year ID on this one is tough, with a grille from the later 800 models, but roof mounted wiper setup from the earlier 80. Regardless, there’s something great about an orange Binder.

This one is especially nice, with it’s unique khaki TravelTop and wheels.

A great California car seen on my recent trip to Los Angeles

Rolls Royce Silver Cloud II hearse (1959-62)  Probably would make a pretty awesome grocery getter.

Seen at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, CA.

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

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

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