Minneapolis Street Sighting: Toyota Pickup SR-5 Longbed

I've seen more than a few older Japanese pickups scattered around the city, but this is one of a handful I've actually shot. Like the first one I blogged, this one, too, is an earlier model. Also, like the first one I shot, this one, too, suffers from all-too-common surface rust that plaques early Japanese iron. But, unlike the first one I shot, this one appears to be more intact.
Introduced in 1979, and staying in production till 1983, this is Toyota's third generation pickup truck. Much smaller than today's Tacoma, Toyota pickups prior to 1988 competed heavily with other Japanese trucks such as the long-forgotten Mitsubishi Mighty Max and its sister truck, the Dodge Ram D-50. Same story goes for the Ford Ranger and its predecessor, the Courier and Mazda B twin.
This example, like many other surviving Japanese vehicles, is in fairly rough shape, but overall it's in decent condition given its age. Yes, rust is prevalent on the exterior, and no, all of the trim isn't there, but its complete. Even the stock Toyota decals circa 1980 have survived for nearly 30 years. I wish the doors hadn't been replaced because the complete graphics would certainly be a neat touch. Heck, I even got a kick out of seeing all the correct SR-5 and "Long Bed" badging.
Man, old school Japanese vehicle sure are neat! They combine quirkiness and neat touches with clean, simple designs. Pity about the whole rusting and weak steel thing, though, because the world needs more surviving Japanese iron. If my city had more stuff like this, and less bondobuckets, I'd be a happy man. On second thought, I take that back. If my city was filled with awesomeness, I don't think have as much fun shooting as I do.

New Cars 2010/2011: Hyundai Sonata

When Hyundai came to the US in 1986, they were known for building cheap, often unreliable cars that served as high-school transportation fodder. Their first car in the US was the diminutive Excel hatchback and sedan. Priced at $4995, it sold for about what the Accent sells for today. (I used the inflation calculator to figure out the 1986 Excel's base price in today's dollars.) Packing few creature comforts, and even fewer standard features, it was really at the low end of the automotive totem pole, ranking right down there with Geo Metros and Ford Festivas.
In the 1989 and 1990 season, the Sonata and slightly smaller Elantra sedan came along, boosting Hyundai's total lineup to three cars. Then in 1991, the S'coupe two door came out. These cars were better, but even still, they were no match for Japanese rivals. Although Hyundai was building up a steady lineup of cars, and focusing on improving their dealer network, the boys from Korea had a bit of work to do quality-wise, not to mention styling-wise.
In 2001, the Santa Fe SUV debuted, to do battle with Ford's Escape. Packing more standard features, and a lower base price, the little trucklet did fairly well in the sales game. While no Escape/Tribute, the Santa Fe did sell fairly well, and it was deemed one of the 20 cheapest vehicles in to insure in 2003, 2006, and even 2009. Following up the Santa Fe, a new Tiburon came out in 2003. Packing a 180 horse 2.7 V6, this was the first car that really established Hyundai as a credible automaker, capable of producing good-looking, and good-driving cars. Styling was inspired by the Ferrari 456, and from what I've read, the drive (in GT guise) doesn't disappoint either. You know a car's good if Top Gear likes it.
The first big break for Hyundai came in 2005 in the US. The fifth-generation Hyundai Sonata made its debut to much praise; it was cleanly styled, packed decent power for a midsize/large sedan, and the quality was up a few notches. Finally, after being around since 1988, the car was ready to take on the Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, and Chevy Malibu. Even with its decent power, and clean, almost chiseled design, in true Hyundai fashion, the base price was lower than its rivals.
This year, the sixth generation makes its debut. Using the new Hyundai "fluid sculpture" design language first seen on the iFlow concept, the new car was first developed in 2005, and cost $375M USD. Looking at the car from all angles, I'd say the cost paid off. Not only is a much better looking car than its predecessor, but the quality is up, too. Packing 2.4L four, the vehicle ditches its V6 powerplant in favor of being the most fuel efficient non-hybrid in its class, getting 35 MPG highway. In addition to being the most fuel efficient car, it also has leather as a no cost option as well as a good quality nav system that doesn't detract from the dash layout. Now, you'd think that a midsize sedan of this caliber has to cost good money, right? It starts at $19k, undercutting the Camry, Accord, Malibu, and Altima. With all the options, the top-spec Limited rings in at just $28,740. Not too shabby, considering you can't even touch a Malibu LTZ or Altima SR for that price.
All in all, the new Sonata is not just another "nice car for the money" as the saying goes, it truly is a nice car. Period. Watch out, Camry; watch out Accord; watch out Altima; watch out Malibu. There's a new guy in town. And he's gonna shake your world upside down.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Citroen 2CV6 Charleston

I've seen quite a few interesting cars scattered about Minneapolis; this 2CV is probably one of my favorites, though. I realize I've shot a couple 2CVs before, but I love finding them. They're so quirky, so fascinating. Unlike a classic Beetle, which is nice in its own right, these Citroens often go unnoticed by non car folks. I'm not sure whether I like that or not.
Like the white one, and two-tone yellow and black one I shot, this is also a Charleston. And, like my earlier findings, this one is superb condition both inside and out. The condition doesn't really surprise me to be honest, as people who own these things in the US tend to be car nuts who know what they have.
The paint, as well as fit and finish on this example is spectacular. No rust (obviously), no dings and dents, and best of all, nary a scratch on its body. Like the other examples I've shot, this one, too, had all of its trim and badges intact.
Likewise, the interior was in excellent shape. The gauges were perfect, the interior suffered from no rips or tears, the steering wheel had all of its texture left; hell it didn't appear that this 2CV was a daily driver, even.
I can not verify what year this particular model is, but whatever the case may be, it sure is a well-kept example. Despite it's slowness (Deux Cheveaux: two horsepower), I still want one of these little guys. Parts are not too common in the states, but I'm sure it'd be relatively easy to work on. Plus, it probably gets excellent gas mileage, too.

New Cars 2010/2011: Mercedes E-Class Coupe

As you know from reading my opinions, and looking at my photos, I am a strong supporter of European cars-- or at least older ones. Lately, new cars have gotten me less and less excited as a whole. While there are a few exceptions, Mercedes continues to bewilder me with their latest offerings. Okay, I do admit I like some of their products, but most leave me less than ecstatic. Case in point.
I present to you, the new, redesigned (and quite blandized) E-Class coupe. In 2005, Mercedes shocked the automotive press with the CLS four door sedan that had coupe-like proportions. Fast forward five year, and Mercedes has done the opposite.
When the first generation CLK was introduced in the fall of 1996, it was a arguably a decent looking car; the second generation that bowed in 2004/2005 became much softer, blander. So, what did Mercedes do for 2010? It dropped the CLK nomenclature for the revival of the E-Class coupe namesake. Gee.. since the made the sedan blander, the coupe should follow suit right? OF COURSE!
Mercedes claims the styling is evolutionary, with a touch of retro, saying that the rear fenders get their inspiration from classic Benzes. I call this hogwash; the fender bulges simply contradict the squareness of the overall car. Not a good mesh of styling cues, to be honest. If you want a good looking square-ish car, get a Cadillac CTS.
Equipped with either a 3.5L V6, or 5.5L V8, the coupe is available in two models, the E350 and E550 respectively. The 5.5 puts out 382 horses, while the 3.5 makes do with 268 of them. Neither is a slow car, by any means, but neither car is a looker either. If anything, the 550 (not pictured here) is a bland car with nice wheels. The E350 is just a bland car altogether. What's even more saddening, is despite it's "fast coupe" heritage, tuning arm AMG will not produce a souped-up coupe, instead focusing their efforts on the E-Class sedan and wagon. So, for those of you looking for a CLK63 AMG replacement, look elsewhere. Try a BMW M3 or Cadillac CTS-V instead.
In the meantime, I think if I want to see nice looking german cars, I'll stick to my CL until Mercedes screws that one up, too, or even the BMW Z4 coupe/roadster combocar. At least BMW turned an ugly duckling Z4 into a cleanly designed sports car, rather than turn an inoffensive car into a steaming pile of blandness. Shame on you Merceds, shame on you.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Rolls Royce Corniche

Okay, so this is kind of cheating, since it was in a parking lot, but it's interesting none-the-less. I usually don't see many uber-exotic cars, so finding this older Rolls was somewhat of a surprise. I first spotted in on Lake St, traveling past Lunds, so I decide to follow it on my bike. I lost sight of it, so I figured it was a goner. Not so. I rode by a restaurant not less than twenty minutes later, and lo and behold, there it was.
As I began shooting, I realized how nice of a car/design this really was. No odd creases or bulges, no unnecessary chrome bits, and best of all, no Phantom. The paint was damn clean for what it was. No fake shine, no rust or bondo, no orange peel, just clean, stock paint. The stock wheels looked pretty good, too, with no evidence of being refurbished or overly polished. Again, these were straight, clean, stock parts.
While I'm usually not a fan of Rolls Royces old or new, this example was definitely one of the better looking ones I've seen. I don't know if I'd want one in my collection, but it certainly is a beautiful car in its own right.

Lawrence Street Sighting: Cadillac Coupe de Ville

Nestled in North-Eastern Kansas, Lawrence is home to University of Kansas, or KU for short. Besides the school, its long-time residents are usually of the older generation, and it shows. Tucked among the hundreds of Silverados, Tahoes, Explorers, Super Duties, Dakotas and Rams that dot the Lawrence landscape, older cars in extremely nice condition are not all that uncommon.
On any given day, I see maybe 10 to 20 pre 1980 cars a day. Sometimes I shoot, sometimes I don't. This Cadillac Coupe de Ville caught my attention, though, Partially because it was the only car on the street, but partially because of the color. I am extremely partial to shades of teal/blue, and I love old Cadillacs, even if I can't identify them year-to-year.
This example was awesome! The paint was extremely well-kept (or restored?), and in beautiful shape. No scratches, rust, or bubbles anywhere. Likewise, the chrome was in superb shape, too. All the badges and trim seemed not only intact, but in amazing shape for a 40+ year old car. The interior wasn't too bad either. The chrome inside looked clean, and the dash appeared in good shape, too. The only I found wrong with this example was the dust and dirt, picked up from daily use(and it's not even wrong, just a fact of life). I know Lawrence houses more than the occasional classic, cause I see them everyday. I just need to find them. Here's hoping I can before they end up sitting in Kansas pastures along K-10 or 59.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Volvo Amazon wagon

It's been awhile since I've featured a Volvo; despite my knowledge of various Amazons in the city, I've only been able to shoot this one. While most are in sort of banged-up, beater shape, this particular example is far from it. I don't know if this is a show-worthy example, but it's one of the nicer ones I've seen.
Finished in a very faint green color, this wagon has probably the best fit and finish of any classic Volvo I've seen in person. No panel gaps, no sagging doors, the fenders are straight, and best of all, no rust peering out from underneath.
The wheels are in outstanding shape, too, and unlike half of the "drivers" I see, this one sports the original Volvo caps instead of the all-too-common no-namers. I'm glad this example is sporting the original hubbies. If it wasn't, I don't think I would've shot it to be honest.
Like the PV544, the Amazon is a classic design that remains popular with a wide range of people. In Europe, both the 544 and Amazon are turned into hot rods and "rat rods", and I'd like to see it done more here. Sure, these cars look great when stock, but how bout in flat back with red steelies and a surfboard. It'd be an interesting alternative to a Beetle or GM/Ford station wagon, that's for sure.

Diecast of the Day: Autoart VW Beetle RSi

I love quirky cars, I love German cars, and I love small hatchbacks. When I saw this little guy, I was smitten. I loved it, and I had to have it. I didn't feel like paying eBay prices, either. $100+ for this? No. Try again. I can't remember how much we stole it for, but I got it from a former friend.
Yes, I realize the run-of-the-mill Beetle isn't a sports car, but this is no ordinary Beetle. Packing the VW R32's six, and all wheel drive, this could've been VW's answer to the venerable Subaru WRX lineup. However, since it was only produced in 1999, and had a base price close to that of a contemporary Porsche 996, not many were produced, and even fewer found homes.
Auto Art reproduced this model very well. Unlike some of their newer offerings, this oldie but goodie shows no signs of being rushed to circulation, nor does it show any signs of sloppiness/mass production. The paint quality is even, and lacks impressions found on many of today's budget models. The VW logos and other trim are accurately replicated, right down to those VW logos on the BBS-designed wheels. (The wheels later showed up on the VW Golf R32).
The interior is nicely done, too. The baseball leather is greatly replicated, and the seats themselves are nicely molded. The flocking on the steering wheel is good, too, although it looks aftermarket. I don't think I'd mind if they left the flocking off.
Overall, this Beetle is a nice diecast, and it's definitely not something every collector is going to have. My advice is always, be yourself, and buy models you like. And that I did.