Minneapolis Street Sighting: Ford Bronco

Yesterday I featured a vintage Toyota truck, so today I thought I'd give you guys (my three readers) a vintage American truck. Okay, so the Bronco isn't really a truck, but it certainly isn't a passenger car. Noticeably smaller than the last iteration of the Bronco made, the first generation was quite a bit more compact than those that followed it.
When the first generation made it to production in 1966, the SUV craze was a lot different that when it is today. There were trucklets and true off-road vehicles competing for market share instead of the yuppified rolling technotrucks that clog dealer lots today. Back then, vehicles like the International Scout and Jeep CJ were off-road vehicles, and they didn't need park distance control to be able to function in city life.
When the Bronco was redesigned in 1977, though, it was based off the Ford F-Series, a platform it would keep for the rest of its life. This new truck was substantially bigger than the first generation. It did, however, allow it to compete with a new set of vehicles, including the GM K5 Blazer/Jimmy K15 twins and the Dodge Ramcharger/Plymouth Trailduster twins. While the Ramcharger died in 1993, Ford's Bronco soldiered on till the end of the 1996 calendar year. The GM competition would cease production in 1999.
This particular Bronco was in relatively good shape throughout. The paint was very nice overall, although the body showed signs of being a Minnesota vehicle. Like many other vehicles that share the citie's roads, this classic Ford had rust seeping through the rockers on both sides. The wheels had their original hubcaps on, which I thought was pretty cool; usually these thing are lifted and have generic beadlocks thrown on them.
One thing that did stand out on this truck, however, was the fact that it had a baby seat in it. This little seat suggests the owner is family man, or at least has a kid. Props to the owner for not lugging the little one around in a cookie cutter blandmobile.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Toyota pickup

As a secret fanboy of earlier Japanese vehicles, this old Toyota got me excited! I have pinpointed the styling down to two years, either 1973, or 1974. I know it's not in the best shape, and it's not the coolest option package, either, but hey, it's a vintage Toyota in the Midwest that isn't rusted in half yet. I had to snap this puppy!
Long before the days of the Tacoma, there was simply the "Toyota pickup". Brought over here about the same time that Datsun entered, and Mazda was selling the REPU (Rotary Engined Pick Up, cleverly enough), this Toyota was a welcome addition to the US' growing small truck segment. Powered solely by a 2.0L 18R 4 cylinder, this truck had more power than a Chevy LUV, Ford Courier, or Nissan/Datsun 720 series. Like its competition from Nissan/Datsun, the Toyota, too was available with a long bed, as well as with a 5 speed manual, whereas the Chevy LUV made do with 4. What's cool about these Toyotas, is that even though they're pickups, they share styling cues found on the rest of the model line such as Celica and Corona.
On the outside, this old 'yota is rough as it as tough. Bondo abound, obvious repaints, and what hasn't been repainted has rust showing through; signs of a true "daily driver". Like the bodywork, the interior is dire shape as well, but that's to be expected with any 37 year old vehicle, let alone a pickup. I do wish I'd grabbed more photos of it, but hey, I got what I could.
In any event, I'd consider myself lucky to see another Japanese pickup, and this much intact. Even at U-Pull-It, I haven't seen any Japanese vehicles of this vintage. Quite a shame, really, because today's bloated monstrosities can't handle a candle to this little truck in terms of its coolest and funky factor. Like many other makers, Toyota has fallen down a steep slope quality-wise, and styling-wise and they have no chance in hell of climbing back up. Long gone are the days of honest, decent looking, well-functioning, no-nonsense compact pickups, and say hell to today's bloated, overweight, overpriced monstrosities. They're gonna be around for awhile.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: BMW E36 M3

As of late, BMW's (as well as other luxury cars) are becoming appliances more and more everyday. Stuffed with all the latest techno gizmos and gadgets, this new breed of luxury car takes the driver out of the equation almost entirely. Rewind the clock back 15 years ago, and the European performance wars were at their finest; Volvo had the 850 R and 850 T5-R, Mercedes had its C36/43 AMG and 400E/500E/E36/55 AMG and BMW had a full stable of M cars, too.
The E36 represents, to me, the pinnacle of semi-modern BMW design. While it was introduced in 1991 overseas, and 1992 in the states, the E36 still looks every bit as good today as it did back then. Ever better than the 325is coupe and sedan was its M3 brethren. Sporting either a 3.0 straight 6 or a 3.2 straight 6, the car had 240 horses from the factory. While not a considerable amount of power by today's standards (a Honda Accord has a 280+ HP 3.5), in 1995, 240 horses was something to be proud of. Because the E36 was a race car as well, BMW had to homologate the M3 for race use. In 1996, a limited CSL model was introduced, a trend that started in the early 1970s and one that continues today.
While I cannot comment on how the drive, I will say that all the reviews I've read (Top Gear, Evo, Car, and some American publications) reveal that the E36 M3 is one hell of a driver's car. And it shows. Almost every E36 M3 I see on the road is being flogged, or at least driven in a manner that would put stress on a non-performance oriented vehicle of the same vintage.
This example was clean. The paint and body were in outstanding shape save for a trunklid dent, which can easily be fixed. The wheels and tires were in decent shape, save for a little balding on the rear tires (hmm I wonder why?:P), and the interior looked fairly fresh.
I think I'd like one in this exact color, but on some BBS LMs and a BMW M Motorsport spoiler and front lip combo. Oh, and some Dinan performance mods, maybe an intake, and new ECU? I can dream right?

Minneapolis Street Sighting: BMW E12 530i

Long before cars became bloated, tech-filled monstrosities, owning a German car meant you had were rich, sophisticated, and most of all, you had taste. Like its contemporary rivals, this 1970s BMW is classy, yet understated at best. A complete opposite of today's 5 Series, which screams yuppie. Again, like its contemporary competitors.
I was thrilled to spot this classic BMW, since I really don't see many foreign classics. When I do, they're in rough shape, so this was a nice surprise. Okay, so it's not perfect, but still. The paint is in decent daily-driver condition, and the upholstery is in the same condition. As with the paint, the trim and badges are all correct, and all intact. Quite a feat for a vehicle that goes through the hell that we Minnesotans call winter.
As with most German cars of this vintage, I'd gladly sport it. And like many other German cars of this vintage, I wouldn't modify this one. I like it how it is. Okay, maybe I'd clean up the paint and interior, and lower it a smidgen, but overall it's a nice piece. Quite a shame that I haven't seen it driving around, though, because that's what BMW stood for when this 530i was built: The Ultimate Driving Machine. And, unlike today's models, this 530i is quite possibly a good driver's car.

Diecast of the Day: ERTL Authentics Chevy Monte Carlo SS

For awhile, I've wanted a decent replica of a Monte Carlo SS (or any G Body for that matter). Last Christmas, I got my wish, and man is this piece amazing. Obviously, the doors, hood (although it's a bit delicate), and trunk open. It's the unusual features that make this model stand out. Like GMP and H61 models, the sun visors on this Monte are poseable, as are the folding front seats. But, the detail doesn't stop there. Outside, the wheels are accurately replicated right down to the lug pattern on the wheels. The side trim (complete with SS logos) is damn well replicated, and lest we not forget the accurate, true-to-scale license plates. Inside, the amazingness continues. The car has seatbelts and buckles, the dash looks like an action figure could use it when pulling off a "Toy Story", and there's even a spare tire in the trunk. However, my favorite feature I ironically didn't get a picture of. The T-Tops have little baggies to protect them when not on display.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Toyota Cressida Wagon

We are all aware of Toyota's recent troubles, and like many others, I am growing sick of hearing about those troubles. But, I do admire Toyota's past, both for the wonderful trouble-free vehicles they turned out, along with a consistent, restrained styling theme that for the most part worked on all models.
Before the Lexus brand was launched, Toyota had another luxury car--the Cressida. Available since 1973 in Japan, and 1977 Worldwide, the car was not widely known. For most US consumers, the term "luxury car" referred to big, American beasts like Cadillac Fleetwoods, Buick Park Avenues, Lincoln Town Cars and Continentals, Ford LTDs, and the like, thus the Cressida was often overlooked.
Not unlike its American counterparts, the big Toyota is often sought after by ethusiasts and tuners alike. While enthusiasts and "tuners" (referring to donk ryders and what have you) like the big American cars because they can lift them up and slap monstrous wheels on them, the Cressida is coveted because of its huge engine bay, and ease of parts swapping with other Toyota and Lexus models.
Hailing from Florida originally, this Japanese wagon was in great shape. The paint seemed nice, the trim was intact, and all the correct Toyota badging (including the most-lost hood ornament) was intact. The wheels were in good shape for their age, too. Sadly, since this example has moved up here permanently, I've watched it deteriorate. Now, it's complete with several rust holes in the doors and rear tailgate, the trim is all but gone, the hood ornament is bent, and it now rides on cheap 17 or 18 inch 5 spoke chrome wheels.
The mere fact that this one is so far gone is a tragedy in itself; these cars, or any older Japanese car for that matter, are getting scarce, and to see a car you love in ratty condition hurts. Even more so when you know just last year it was in near-perfect condition both bodywise and mechanically.

2010 Minneapolis Auto Show: What's New From Japan

Yeah, I know this is a little late. The auto show is all but over, but I have one last category to fill. I've covered the significant updates from America, Germany, and Korea. Now it's Japan's turn. Unfortunately, nothing much is new from Japan's major automakers--at least not much I cared about enough to document. Honda has a whole lineup of ugly, as does its luxury subsidiary Acura. Toyota and Lexus are involved in a massive recall, so of course they didn't have much on display either. Nissan, surprisingly, along with its luxury counterpart Infiniti, had a relatively weak display, too. Even my favorite Japanese maker, Mazda, had a relatively tame display this year. But, I did have favorites out of the lot though.




While the Nissan stand was relatively tame (I didn't even photograph the GT-R), I did notice the Nissan Cube Krom. While not exactly my favorite trim-line, this model is unfortunately significant, as it represents the first iteration of Nissan's latest trim package. With the Krom, you get what you see here: exclusive "Krom" badging, chrome plated versions of base wheels (or hubcaps if you're lucky), chrome grille slats, and an aero kit. Also available on the Rogue, this package is honestly the worst attempt at factory "tuning" ever. Not only is it tacky, at the near-$3000 premium over the next top model, it seems to be quite the waste of money, too. I'm not buying it, and I'm wondering how many actual Nissan customers will even want such a package. My guess is not many, since I haven't seen one on the road yet.

Next up is the Mazda 2. A near exact twin of Ford's Fiesta, this new little Mazda slots under the 3 to take Mazda's spot in the uber-econocar battle. Available this summer, the 2 provides Mazda fun at a smaller size, and to a (hopefully) younger audience. To promote the 2 as a sporty car, Mazdaspeed has already developed prototypes running their parts. Mazda hopes the 2 will bring to Mazda what Scion did for Toyota--provide a factory tuning base so customers can modify their cars without voiding the warranty. I am a fan of such a program, and I hope Mazda does well. Since Ford is introducing a Fiesta EcoBoost, it's possible that Mazda will introduce a Mazdaspeed version as well. I think this is the car will finally prove small is the new big.


Also on the Mazda front is the Mazdaspeed3. While not exactly new, the Mazdaspeed3 represents FWD speed at its finest-at least in the USA. Packing 263 horses and a limited-slip differential, this is a FWD rocket. Although it's fast, and quite quick, it suffers from typical FWD understeer when pushed. Although it's not apparent in day-to-day driving, I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of this hot hatch's limits.


About the only thing worth looking at on the Toyota display was this new 4Runner SCORE truck. Used in off-road racing, this new 4Runner based race-truck represents Toyota's return to motorsports. Although the return came at kind of an ironic time, I do wish Toyota success. With all the recalls and consumer shunning, the company needs all the hope it can get right now, and based on the reviews I've read, this new 4Runner is one of the company's better efforts in recent years. I just hope the new 4Runner does as well on showroom floors as it did out in the desert.