Minneapolis Street Sighting: Chevy C-10 pickup

I usually don't shoot trucks, for a couple main reasons; they're usually either tattered, but with no patina, or they're generic 88-98 examples of the big three. This truck is falls into neither category. While I wouldn't exactly call this prime example of mid 1960s Chevy a "show-piece", it's definitely a very nice example.
The paintwork is top notch, if not extremely well restored. Even the stampings in the rear bumper identifying the dealer are present. While I am a huge sucker for teal on cars, it's rather seldom seen on pickups. I quite like this. I have seen a few '68-'72s in this color combination, but I think this C-10 pulls off the combo better than those later trucks.
The wheel and tire package looks just right here. Most times, I prefer a set of modern wheels and tires on classic vehicles, (don't ask why, I just do) but I do appreciate a good quality preservation or restoration. Here, the stock wheels only enhance the truck's character, so I'm glad the owner chose to leave these in place.
The interior looks to be pretty standard. Since it had a club in it, I was a bit offput when it comes to peeking inside. I did see that the interior had been either supremely restored, or it has been babied since it was new. Judging from the rest of the pickup, I would say the latter is possible.
As far as making this example "mine", I'd leave it as is. Not many of this generation around remain stock. I do like lightly modded "restomods", but seeing a stock example is quite a nice change from the norm. I dig this!

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Pontiac GTO

Y'know, after all my street sightings, I honestly can say I don't see many qualified "muscle cars" outside of Mustangs and Camaros; if I saw them, I would shoot them. Seeing this legendary great on the street (okay, it was in parking lot, but still) both amused, and amazed me.
Usually, I frown on red cars, but this GTO carries the hue well. I can't really explain why, but I think red is the perfect color for it. Sure, this generation looks amazing in black, but somehow this red just work. Looking this Ponch over ever so carefully, it's clear that this example is reserved for nice days. The paint looks dent and (more importantly) bondo free. All the trim is intact, and all the badges are still in their proper place. Inside, this GTO's story was much the same. All the correct interior markings were in place, the proper trim was kept intact, and no lame aftermarket pieces adorned the dash; a testament to how much the owners respect his (or her) pride and joy. No, it isn't perfect, but honestly, I don't expect it to be. While it's true that a car like this deserves to be "kept pristine", it is a muscle car. It deserves to be driven. I loved finding this, and I hope to find more great muscle cars roaming my city's streets preying on ricers.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Oldsmobile Delta 88

Usually, I don't bother to reshoot cars unless I like them, or if something drastic has changed. Fortunately, this example of a relatively decent Oldsmobile sedan fell into the first category. I first shot this prime specimen of one of Detroit's largest sedan back in 2008. Amazingly, three years time hasn't done much in the way of damage, let alone rust. Honestly, this big Oldsmobile is a testament to how well the steel of yesteryear stands up to today's roads, as well as terrible drivers.
Sure, it has the usual minor spots of rust, and the front bumper has a few battle scars, but honestly, what's not to expect? All the hubcaps are there, the Oldsmobile scripts are still in place, and the trim is for the most part, all complete. The paint? Yeah, it's faded, but this big Delta is pushing four decades old. How can you not expect the paint to be in showroom shape? I'm just stunned that not only has it survived, it's survived pretty well.
As I've repeatedly hammered into my readers, I think the 1970s were the best time for Detroit cars besides the obvious 1950s era cars. You had scripts for badges, funky details that stood out from other manufacturers, interesting (and sometimes grotesque) color and trim choices, and best of all, cars had personality.
This Oldsmobile may not be the prettiest thing on the block, but dammit, it has character. Let's see your beige Corolla match THAT!

Minnesota Street Sighting: Desoto Adventurer

Every year, my family goes way up north to Bad Medicine Lake, near the boundary waters. On that epic drive, we pass through many quaint, small, roadside towns littering Highway 71. A couple years a go, I shot two abandoned Chevys; this year netted this remarkably nice Desoto Adventurer.
Usually, on the drive up, I'd see hoards and hoards of Chevys, Fords, and quite a few other American makes. Never can I remember seeing a Desoto, so that in itself made this Adventurer worth stopping for.
Swathed in probably-original black paint and not-so-original baby moon hubcaps, this example was quite possibly one of the nicest examples I'd seen. All the chrome trim was in its factory condition, largely due to this little town probably not getting much salt in the winter. Even so, the black paint fit this car like no other. I honestly don't think I could imagine this thing in another color. The moons, with the teeny amount of chrome, make this a sure standout.
To be honest, this shoot was kind of rushed, since we were on our way home, but I think my favorite picture out of this little shoot is the taillight/fin. I wish I could've done better, but hey, I did what I could. I'm happy with how this shoot came out, especially considering the quickness/hastiness of the shoot itself.

Minneapolis Street SIghting: Nissan Pulsar NX

This little Pulsar took me by complete surprise. For starters, I don't think I've seen one in any condition recently, until now. As with most Japanese cars of this era, this example was not quite flawless. It had its nicks and dings, but other than a tiny bit of rust, it was for the most part, pristine. I guess even babied (not-quite) classics can rust sometimes.
On the outside, this little Nissan was left in stock form. The paint was nice, anf most definitely original since this example still had the dealer plaque on the trunk area. Everything seemed untouched, and more or less left alone, right down to the godawful oh-so-1980s hubcaps. To be honest, that's the only part of this Pulsar I can say I officially hate. They're so.. ugly. They resemble what would happen if 1980s Matchbox were in charge of building full-size mockups of diecast cars. I didn't get a very good look inside (probably because I was too nervous to peer inside), but if the exterior is any indication, the inside looks good as well.
Overall, this cute Japanese coupe was a pretty nice example of a vehicle that I'm sure is all but forgotten by everyone but enthusiasts. I don't fawn over this car, but it's nice to see one that's still alive 25 years after it was built, bought, and sold.