Minneapolis Street Sightings: Porsche Carrera GT

I usually don't feature modern cars on here unless I'm doing a critique of a new car, or an upcoming car, but I made an exception here. The Porsche Carrera GT is one of my favorite cars, and it's no doubt a beautiful car.
The 5.7L V10 is astounding, in both detail and sound. From the artistic intakes, to the nicely detailed valve covers, and even down to the engine hoses, this workmanship displayed here proves Porsche stands for beauty. The sound of this powerplant is like nothing else. I swear the first time I heard a CGT, I got chills on my spine from the noise. It really is that incredible.
The rest of the car is nothing to sneeze at either. Blending race car-like features and track with the styling cues of classic and contemporary cars, the Carrera GT is probably the highest point in modern Porsche aesthetics. With its biggish headlamps and wide, low front air dam, you can tell this car means business. The side profile even further enhances the "business" effect with big stonking brakes peering out from inside the aluminum wheels. Go out back, and that's where the real madness begins.
To casual observer, the Carrera GT is nothing more than a "car that people with lost of money have". To car guys, and specifically, Porschefiles, the beauty lies in the details. My favorite part about the car (aside from the engine) is the rear valance. It just looks-sculpted almost, rather than simply "built". Everything has a purpose, a specific function. Even the wheel centercaps appear to be designed to perfection. This is not your father's Oldsmobile Intrigue, nor is it your grandpa's 10 year old Mercury Grand Marquis. The rear valance is a beautiful mesh "quilt if you will, with a little diffuser underneath. My favorite part of the rear valance is the "gunbarrel" exhausts. Poking through the valance, these guys help others around hear the V10 creature as it erupts to life, and chases after Ferraris. It looks like Porsche fitted the taillights last, and that's probably what they did.
Want one of these? Bring money, lots of money, because something this beautiful isn't cheap by any means. But I will have one someday. I promise.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Chevy LUV

In the 1970s, compact trucks were starting to catch on as vehicles for people who didn't need a huge pickup. Japanese manufacturers owned this segment, with Toyota and Datsun (now Nissan) making up a good portion of compact pickup sales. Ford had a compact pickup of their own, too, by way of Mazda. GM didn't want to be left out of the compact segment, either. In 1972, two "domestic" small trucks debuted that would change the face of the pickup truck segment forever. Ford introduced its Mazda-sourced Courier pickup while GM turned to partner Isuzu.
The LUV stood for what it was, essentially a "light utility vehicle". Not known for its towing capacity, nor equipped with a hi-po engine, this pickup was well suited for around town duties. Capable of hauling people and light cargo, it was the perfect vehicle for small farmers, handymen (and women), painters, and small-job contractors. However, due to extensive rust problems and Isuzu's so-so reliability, not many remain today. The same could honestly be said of the Ford Courier, too.
This example I found near home wasn't in too bad of shape considering the likely hell it went through all these years. The paint's battered to the effect of almost looking like spraypaint, the body seems like it's been caked with bondo a few times over, but the interior seems fine. Odd, but given this state's harsh winters, I'm not surprised. The chrome bits (wheels, grille trim, and exhaust) look either new, or homemade and I wouldn't be all that surprised to find my assumptions correct.
In any case, this is a nice little truck that I wouldn't mind owning. Hell, it probably gets semi-decent gas mileage too considering its relatively light weight and smaller size compared to today's "compact pickups", if you can call them that.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Cadillac Allante

Cadillac may be known as the standard of the world now, or at least, they're headed that way. In the 1980s and 1990s, things weren't so bright. Cadillac had the wondeful Cimarron, which was a rebadged, pricier Chevy Cavalier; they also developed the DOD (displacement on demand) techonolgy before it was introduced to the masses. Cadillac called it the V8-6-4; like the name suggests, it was a complete flop. Then you had the FWD Cadillac Deville, which slowly replaced the Fleetwood Brougham. In 1987, things started to get better for the brand. GM commissioned legendary car stylist (because designer is too downmarket) Pinninfarina to design vehicles for GM. This partnership brought about the Buick Reatta, and the Cadillac Allante.
The Allante was GM's, and more specifically, Cadillac's first "modern" luxury convertible. Set to compete with premium brands such as Jaguar and Mercedes (Lexus wasn't around yet), it was a darkhorse. While Mercedes and Jaguar featured good old RWD architecture, GM opted to fit the Reatta/Allante twins with a FWD layout. This did not bode well for its image, simply because FWD cars generally are not fast, nor are they associated with speed. In addition to the unconventional layout, the price seemed to be another shocker. It was nearly $55,000 in 1987, which was more expensive than a Chevy Corvette at the time, although it did undercut the Mercedes SL series.
Since roughly 21,000 were produced (got that from wikipedia), they are relatively scarce on today's used car market. Finding one isn't necessarily challenging, but since relatively few were made, prices can fluctuate a bit. If it was me, I'd go for a later one with the 4.6 (1992 and 1993) models. Not only are those faster, but they're probably more reliable than the 4.1L and 4.5L V8 models. I'd try to fit nicer alloys on it, though, possibly sourced from an Eldorado.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Lincoln Mark V

I think this is my first Lincoln, and what a Lincoln it is. Longer than a Ford Excursion and wide than a Hummer H2, this is NOT a car for the size-conscious. This thing is HUGE. Setting off its intimidating presence is it's faded, worn brown paint. The lack of shine, in addition to the steelies shows roadgoers that this car means business. The interior was bone stock, faded Lincoln affairs, which probably, by this time, smells like a combonation of rotten Ford leather, and whatever leftover food graces the stained, torn, 30 year old carpet and dash.
I can vividly imagine this big Lincoln barreling down a dark, desolate highway chasing after, and intimidating unsuspecting motorists. Its the car you'd imagine in a horror flick, driven by some crazed serial murderer/stalker type person. Except, this one prowls the streets of Minneapolis, intimidating nonaware drivers, but also attracting views from car-savvy folks who know what it is. Oddly enough, I can picture myself driving this beast. Foot on the floor, GNR playing loudly and staticly on the battered, non-receptive AM/FM radio, and taunting some poor fool out for a Sunday drive in his smaller car. Wait. This isn't a semi. Nevertheless the idea sounds fun. Though I wouldn't want to be in the car this big guy was chasing.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Chevy Malibu Classic Wagon

First off, let me apologize for the lack of good pictures of this car. This is the first, and only time I've seen it, and the lighting was awful. But, the horrible shadows didn't stop me from attempting pictures.
I can't remember the last time I've seen a Chevy of this vintage, let alone a wagon. The paint finish was dull, and in need of obvious work, but it at least had no visible rust. The wheels were a little on the generic side, but they look good in a "1980s" way. The 93X stickers complete the generic 1980s vibe the car has, so I'd say leave em on.
However, if this was my car, I'd do a prompt engine swap; out with the 350 and in with a 454/TH400 combo. Or, even crazier, drop in an LS7. I'd keep the exterior looking as is though. It'd be a good sleeper. To add to my badass sleeper build, the tires would be replaced with wide, stickier meats fitted to widened versions of these crappy wheels. Or, for shits, I'd thrown on some powdercoated Chevy rallyes, but that might give away my intent of a sleeperwagon. Not good. Need to be less conspicuous when attempted to race ZR-1s and 997 Turbos off the line. To add to the fast-in-a-straight-line goodies, I'd beef up the suspension too, and throw on some anti-roll bars for the front and rear and drop the big wagon about an inch over stock. Corner killing much? Sure, why not? It's a big car, but I could make it a fun big car.

Diecast of the Day: Yatming Pontiac Fiero GT

I've always liked the Pontiac Fiero, ever since I was a little kid. (Hey, I'm a 1988 baby, shut up!) Back in 2004/2005, I began looking for diecasts of them, to fill in where my Hot Wheels versions left off. Instead of the generic 1980s Fiero, I tend to like the round-bumper GTs ever so slightly more. As luck would have it, I found myself a red one for $20 or so from DiecastFast (I think)for my birthday, and ordered it on the spot. Then, about 6 months later, I noticed a silver one pop up on ebay. What did I do? I made it mine!
The YatMing Fiero is really a nice piece for what it is. Granted, it's no AUTOart or GMP in terms of detail, but it's pleasant to look at. It's got all the opening features one likes, sans front trunklet. But that's okay, because I never cared to see under the trunk of one anyway *runs*. The paint and body trim are accurately cast, right down to the Fiero GT badging under the spoiler. The main gripe I have is that the 15" aluminum wheels aren't realistic looking, but this is in older YatMing, so I'm not terribly disappointed. I say if you're a Fiero fan, (c'mon there has to be more than one!) check these out. They look good in both colors, and fit right in next to my Sunstar Escorts size-wise.
Now, I only wise they'd use this casting more and make a few more colors/trimlines. Maybe a 1988 Fiero GT fastback is in order? I really like these, but I don't know how many other people would buy one. I guess I'm just weird like that.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Buick Estate Wagon

Following hot on the heels of yesterday's post of obscure GM vehicles, is this Buick Estate Wagon. While cars like these were common in their day, they're rarely seen today. Combined with the rising sales of SUVs, and now crossovers, the station wagon in America is now almost obsolete. But, that doesn't stop a wagon connoisseur from having downtime. It just means I need to seek out more classic wagons. And that I have done.
Seldom seen anymore thanks to demolition derbiers, these wagons are now rare as hen's teeth, so I was ecstatic when I found one in Minnesota, let alone in good shape. The paint on this example isn't bad for its age, and the chrome trim and badging is all there. With GM styling and branding, this classic Buick has the presence of a Cadillac from certain angles. One member from a car site I visit said the front end of this beast reminds him of such. The wheels are tires are in great shape for their age, too, but the tires don't count since they're modern radials.
Although I didn't look at the interior too much since I was focused on the amazement of seeing a huge wagon in the flesh, I can't really comment on it. However, I do recall the interior being in fairly good shape with no rips or tears, which is a pretty good idea of how well the owner prides his or her vehicle.
While luxury marques continue to produce wagons in small numbers, the days of the American wagon are all but over, sadly. However, I can see wagons making a comeback, if more marques would try to introduce wagons to replace slow-selling versions of crossovers. Are you listening, GM? Bring back the wagons to replace the smaller crossovers. The CTS wagon is a start. Now it needs a stablemate.