Minneapolis Street Sightings: Citroen DS21

I was riding my bike home from school one day, shooting along the way as I always do, and all of a sudden, an unusual hood and headlight shape grabbed my attention. I rode over to see what this vehicle was, and when I saw it fully, I could not believe it! A Citroen DS in the US! Holy crap! Now, I know most of you are like "yeah, so, an old car, whoopdeedo". But, this isn't your everyday primered Chevelle in your neighbor's yard that may or may not run. This is different. Citroens were an odd sight back in their day, and they're an even rarer sight today.

The DS was Citroen's ultra-luxury car, and packed with features such as headlamps that turned with the steering wheel, fully automatic transmission, air suspension that raised and lowered depending on road conditions, power steering and brakes, and even a V8 that took place of the oh-so-sluggish 4 cylinder. Features like these weren't common on US luxury cars until more recently. The 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado is the oldest US luxury car with an air suspension, fully automatic transmission, and a big V8 standard. In the US, the DS did have some changes that altered it from its European counterpart, one of the easiest to spot in the fixed headlamps with no glass surround. In it's 16 year production run in the US, (1956-1972), roughly 38,000 units were sold. In Europe, however, the DS was a huge seller as it was sold from 1955 to 1976 with several variations available including a Safari wagon and a convertible. Sales in Europe reached as high as 101,000 in 1967, with only 69 produced in 1955, coincidentally the first year of production.

Since this is likely a one-time find, I'll treasure it to the fullest. I'll report back if I happen to see another. Which could be one year away or 30, who knows.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Plymouth Fury III

It's rare to see any Mopar here, and usually when I do see one, it's a generic Charger, Cuda or whatnot, so seeing this non Hemi, non Roadrunner Plymouth Fury was pretty exciting. Okay, so I've seen this car around for the past 3 or 4 years I've lived here, but interestingly enough this is the first time I've been able to get decent shots of it. So, why did I shoot this you ask, if it's just an older semi-generic Plymouth? I really liked the Keystone wheels this car wears. The color, and the Keystones scream 'I was lost in 1977', and that's no bad thing. This car looks like what you'd see on the program CHiPs as a getaway car if the show was filmed in the Midwest instead of Cali. Secondly, not many cars of this vintage are seen around here (thanks, rust!), and usually when they are seen, it's at car shows.

Sure the Fury was a good selling vehicle in its day, but that doesn't mean they're common today (funny because that's the opposite with the modern-day equivalent, the Dodge Intrepid). Hell, it was a police vehicle too. The Fury lineup consisted of Fury, Fury II, Fury III, and Sport Fury. This car would've come complete with A/C power steering, power brakes, a push button transmission, and possibly a 440 engine and with or without sidewall tires. The trim lineup sound familiar? It should, it was Plymouth's reply to Chevy's famous lineup consisting of the Biscayne, Bel Air, Impala, and Impala SS respectively. I do know I have seen at least two other Furys around, but I haven't got around to shooting them yet.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Ford Club Wagon Chateau

This is a first; spotting an old van on the street, still be used judging by the plates. First off, I haven't seen a whole lot of these around. I mostly see 1980s and 1990s Econolines and Club Wagons, and 90% of them have rust, dents, and other malfunctions that turn them into beaters. When I saw this older example, I was shocked to say the least. Yeah, I know it has some rust, but I like that badges are still there. I used to think vans were stupid when I was little, but now I've grown to like them. A lot in fact. This bodystyle Ford, along with the 1970s-1990s Chevy 20/GMC Vandura, and equal vintage Dodge vans are my favorites. The only thing missing from this old Ford is a fresh paint job, and me driving it.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Cadillac Coupe de Ville

Aaaah, the late 1970s Cadillac Coupe de Ville. I cannot get enough of this bodystyle. It seems that nearly every single one I encounter is either rusty, or blinged, or in some cases, both. But, recently I have been coming across many fine rust-free examples in very good shape. I like this one not only because of the originality of it, but the color combo is downright fantastic. Red and white certainly screams 1970s pimp or older person. And that's fine. I much prefer this bodystyle to the newer 1980s and 1990s bodystyle mainly for the front end, and the little details strewn about. Cadillac got this car down pat. No unnecessary chubbiness, no random lines, and best of all, it looks slimmer than its successor. The front end on the newer ones has always bugged me; it looks too big frankly.

This clean example, spotted pretty close to my house is the first of many clean examples to be posted throughout my time.

Chris Welsh comes to Augsburg

Yesterday, July 28, Star Tribune travel writer Chris Welsh came to our school and talked to us about aspects of journalism as well as share some stories with us. He's been all over; Orlando, Costa Rica, and more than 40 countries total.

While at the University of Nebraska, he pursued a double major, English and journalism, and he ended up getting an internship with the Star Tribune. The internship landed him access to the paper, and he wrote articles in his spare time, so naturally he wondered what would happen if he wanted his article in the paper. To his surprise, his staff really liked his article.

He later moved to the Czechoslovakia, where he taught English. Unlike teaching foreign languages in America and teaching a broad spectrum of words, other countries learn words specific to what they're learning about. For instance, the journalism dept. would learn words relating to news-writing and papers and whatnot, and architecture students would learn words in that field. Honestly I think that's a better way to do it.

Unfortunately, Chris will be moving away. He's moving to Boulder, CO with his wife, but fear not, he's still going to be persuing journalism, but he'll be practicing enviro-journalism.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Mercury Cougar sedan

Ah yes, the Mercury Cougar sedan. Thought up in the days where Mercury was still a pseudo luxury brand rather than known only as more expensive Fords, the Cougar spawned both sedan and wagon versions in 1977, which lasted until 1981. Like it's predecessor, it, too was based on Ford's ever popular T Bird. But, the T-Bird didn't offer a sedan or wagon variant like its Mercury sibling. It's odd to see Cougars of this vintage, because while the coupes look fine (yeah sue me, I like big-assed 1970s barges that were considered ugly in their day), the sedans and wagons look.. well I like them, but not as Cougars, yknow?

Anyways back to the Cougar. While it's relatively rare to see any vehicle of this vintage in the cities, it's even rarer to see something as obscure as this. I wasn't only shocked to see the car in general, I was shocked to see it so well kept (for this region at least.) These pictures were taken this past spring, and sadly this example has gained rust spots and heavy front damage. The Cougar script which photographed so well is now gone, unfortunately. It's another case of rare car in the hands of someone who either doesn't know what they have, or doesn't care. :(

Last 2 Walk Album Review

Memphis rap duo Three 6 Mafia, DJ Paul and Juicy J, are back with another tight album for 2008. Starting off in 1995 with a underground CD, Mystic Stylez, which was sold through the trunk of Paul's beat up 1987 Oldsmobile, the Memphis duo have come along way in terms of success and album sales.

Their latest CD, Last 2 Walk, is their 10th to date. This CD is also the first record without former member Crunchy Black, which is noticeable from the get-go. While the lyricism remains the same as the old 6, the record doesn't sound the same without Black; his hardcore, raw voice is greatly missed. Also, this album marks the first time 6 has gone into collaborating with other musical genres, most (un)notably, the emo band Good Charlotte. The song "My Own Way" is by far, the worst song on the album. Not only does it not have the drug-laced content one would expect from a 6 song, the idea of a mom-n-pop band appearing on a hardcore rap record makes as much sense having rapper Lil Wayne appear on a Toby Keith record. Meanwhile, the drug-trade song "Trap Boom" is one of the better songs on the album as well as the UGK laced Pimp C tribute "On Some Chrome."

Three 6 Mafia is known for raw, street-cred-ready lyrics about pimping, robbing, stealing, murdering and what ever else the poorer side of Memphis has to offer, and this album is no different. Song titles like "Trap Boom", "I'd Rather" and "Get Ya Rob" hold up to fans expectations with catchy, club-sounding hooks, and yelling verses that beg the listener to rap along with J and Paul

Guests on this album include a roster of already-popular names like the late Pimp C of UGK (RIP dude I miss you), his partner in rhyme Bun B of UGK, singer Akon, and labelmate (and unofficial member) Project Pat. Good Charlotte is the only group that does not under any circumstances belong on a Three 6 record. At all.
This album's guest roster would've been better if it included fellow Tennessean Young Buck. His sound would flow with Js and Paul's very well, and he'd easilt fit in with the already thug-heavy guest roster. Being a Tennessee native, Buck knows too well what the poorer neighborhoods of Nashville and Memphis have to offer, and his themes of robbing, stealing, murdering et. al would be perfect for the record. Plus, his voice flows--well.

If you are a major fan of Three 6, I suggest you buy this album, although it delivers only what's expected, and nothing more. If you are new to the Triple 6, I suggest skip it, and go for their previous album Most Known Unknown. The album has more songs, and you'll probably get a better deal.
-30-

Duel: The Review

A Traveler's Fear

"Duel" has been one of my favorite movies ever since I saw it a few years ago. The idea of a lone vehicle being chased through vast areas of nothingness seems exciting, if you're a car nut like me.

The movie starts out with David Mann in his 1971 Plymouth Valiant driving through the city, eventually leading onto the desolate two-lane highway on which the journey turns frantic.

After driving into what seems like nothingness, a second vehicle, a battered 1940s Peterbilt gas tanker, driving way under the posted speed limit appears on the screen.

As Mann gets fed up with the trucker's inconsistent driving behavior (speeding up on straights, slowing too much on blind curves), he swings out in an attempt to pass. No dice. If at first you don't succeed, try again. Finally, he does get around the dusty, rust-laden truck. No 15 seconds later though the truck barrels past him and cuts him off to barely make a sharp, blind S curve only to slow down. Panicking that the truck is once again ahead of him, he attempts to pass using a dirt/gravel turnoff road. He gets around the truck and he's so happy about doing so, he fails to realize the Peterbilt is quickly gaining on him. With each period of tailgating comes more horn-honks from the trucker, and Mann begins to panic and he starts sweating.

Mann's Valiant skids and slides into the parking lot of what appears to be the only cafe around, and two onlookers ask him if he's all right. "I'm fine.. really I'm fine", he stutters as he notices the truck that's been chasing him is parked directly across from him in the parking lot.

As the car chase ensues, the truck manages to evade both mechanical and physical damage, whereas the Valiant is scarred both mechanically and physically, a sign of Mann's general weakness.

The movie ends with Mann putting his briefcase on the gas pedal of his Valiant and letting it careen into the truck, rather than letting the truck careen into it. As a final hurrah, or a final downer, depending on which way you look at it, both vehicles tumble down the rocky cliff and land in a pile of twisted rubble that looks frighteningly reminiscent of what an actual mountainside car-semi collision would look like.

The moviegoer never finds out who the truck driver is, or why he had the fascination with Mann's vehicle. Was it because the trucker was lonely and wanted some fun, or perhaps Mann did something to the trucker off camera? We'll never know. But I do know this: If I'm ever in California and accosted by an enraged trucker, you can bet I'd want something a little more reliable and durable than a 1971 Plymouth Valiant.
-30-

W00t.

I have..no idea. Yeah.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Classic Mercedes Edition

Older Mercedes' are relatively common here in Minnesota. Whether they defy the general rule of rusting may or may not be true, older Mercedes are out here in force. I see maybe 3 or 4 per day, and it's usually in the poorer neighborhoods unfortunately. That fact doesn't surprise me, though, really. The cars are dirt cheap, and if said Benz happens to be a diesel (which 90% are), it WILL last forever. I haven't got a chance to look at any odometers for proof, but I wouldn't be surprised to see examples with multiple hundred thousand miles on them. If only the newer ones could keep the pattern of their automotive fathers without getting totaled by errant Seward residents and/or taxi drivers.

Minneapolis Street Sightings I Couldn't Detail Shoot Edition

I know you're wondering why I posted these guys. First off, I can't do mass shootings on every classic vehicle I encounter. So, these will have to suffice unless I run into the vehicles again, which may or may not happen.

The maroon Merkur Scorpio is an odd beast indeed. While not very popular today, they were Ford's first (and only to date) foray into the psuedo-European luxury market. What Ford did was simple. Take a car not sold here, gussy it up with extra bells and whistles, and try to pass it off as a luxury car. It was a good idea since it worked for Rover; they entered thier Sterling models here in the mid-to-late 1980s. Ford had a problem. It's Scorpio was essentially a Ford Sierra. A Ford Sierra! Now, that may not mean much to US consumers, but to folks familiar with vehicles sold in Europe, a Ford Sierra is essentially thier equivalent of the Ford Taurus. Not exactly a car that demands high dollar, even when new. So, finding one was pretty cool. What's even cooler is I know there are at least a few more running around the cities and I will find and post accordingly.


The Oldsmobile is another interesting story. This vehicle is owned by a good friend of mine (pictured stoned). The brakes failed on a hill. :( We came down a hill, and after nearly missing what seemed like 50 cars, we careened into an alley way and used a Saab (sorry asshole) and a building wall to stop.

That classic green Impala is another interesting find. Found only 3 blocks from the Scorpio in a rather rundown neighborhood, the car doesn't appear to move often. I have seen it driving, but never long distances. I would go back and try to shoot it, but.. some rather rude teenagers decided it would be fun to try and set the vehicle on fire. So.. this Impala doesn't exactly exist anymore. :(

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Citroen 2CV

So.. a couple weeks ago I was out doing my semi-daily round of riding and scouting interesting cars, when all of the sudden, this little guy appeared. No, it's not a VW Beetle, like everyone who saw it was referring to it as, rather it's a Citroen 2CV. Not sold in the US. How did he get it here, you ask? Simple, it's old enough (it appears old enough to the guys at the DMV anyways hahaha) to be let into the US without conforming to our "safety regulations", which are a joke to be honest. This car is the owner's second Citroen in the states. His other vehicle is a Citroen 2CV van, which is basically this car with a mini-delivery-truck body on the rear.

Seeing this car really tickled my fancy; I love obscure non-US cars, and this car fits the bill PERFECTLY! 50+ MPG, relatively light, can seat 4 people, (I don't know about comfortably, but it can't be too bad if they've been made since the 1930s and recently went out of production.) and it appears relatively easy to drive. The best part about it is this: non-car people don't ask questions. Not that having ordinary people ask questions is bad per se, but I'd get kinda annoyed with people asking what Beetle itis AFTER they see the plate.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Ariel Atom

Whoa. Y'know, this is likely my favorite sighting to date! An Ariel Atom. This is crazy! Only a handful of these little British hybrid beasts are in the US, and to see one here? Almost unreal. (These are called hybrids, not because of the fuel-sippingness, but because of the engine: you supply your own.) As you can see, the vehicle is essentially what it looks like: a stripped down, all go, no show, balls-to-the-wall performance rocket. And rocket it is. With the car's light curb weight, these guys can be tossed around very well. On the UK motoring show, Top Gear, these cars are stars. Jeremy Clarkson, Stig, Richard Hammond, and even Captain Slow aka James have all driven a Honda K20A powered example, and they testified that it was, indeed, very, very fast. But, being extremely fast, and extremely light does not come cheap. If you were to get one in the US, expect to pay $35k for a low option GM Ecotec 2.4L 145 HP version. If you want the true Clarkson experience, be prepared to give Ariel $44,000 of your hard earned money to get the K20A powered version with upwards of 300 HP, possibly more with the supercharged K20AZ3 engine. In a car that weighs 1400 lbs unloaded. Yowza!