Minneapolis Street Sighting: Rambler American Deluxe sedan

This car is a quite a rarity for several reasons. First of all, aside from not being the usual "Big Three" classic car, this car comes from one of the many long-gone American automakers. Secondly, unlike most cars from long-dead makes, this vehicle isn't sitting in a field in northern Minnesota; it lives right here in my neighborhood.
Sadly, despite the name's suggestion, this MAACOrange example is no longer Deluxe by any means. At first glance, the body seems somewhat decent. Up close, though, this thing is a mess. None of the body panels line up, the paint finish is atrocious, and none of the tires match. Amazingly enough, though, the lone badges on the front fenders seem to be the only intact and complete piece on this poor car.
Inside, it's the same story. The bench seat is ripped beyond belief, the steering wheel is nearly tattered into oblivion, but hey, at least someone cares enough about it to drive it. Right?
If this Rambler were mine, I'd first deal with the interior, and get it as close as I could to factory specs. The chassis and suspension would come next, with upgraded shocks, struts, and some wider meats. For engine duties, I'd throw in something over 300 cubes with a 4 spd stick. Maybe a 327? For the body, I'd go flat black with fresh chrome. As it is, though, this example may be better off in UPullIt. Sad to say, but in the current stage, that might be the best option for it.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Buick Riviera

Okay, so I've been on a Buick spree sort of. I apologize; Buicks are the most common "classic car" here in Minnesota, tying with Cadillac. I used to see Rivieras of this vintage all the time. Not anymore, sadly. Most of the ones I see are rotten to hell, and if they're not beat up, they're most likely blinged.
Thankfully, this beautiful example was neither. Despite the semi-tacky pinstriping and white vinyl top, the car appeared showroom fresh. Heck, I didn't even see any evidence of body repairs, let alone rust or bondo. All the chrome was meticulously shiny, including the impossible-to-keep-clean wire hubcaps. Amazing, I say. Even the interior was gorgeous. I would have tried to get some interior shots, but the owner was rather annoyed with my picture taking. He came outside and demanded that I delete the pictures because I looked like "One of those boys 'at maht take it from meh, yknow?" Sure, old fogey redneck, I'm gonna steal your car.
Ya know, if I was gonna steal his car, why would I be riding a bike, carrying a camera, but not have any lock-pick tools? Oh yeah, because I'm part of the "new generation", therefore I cannot possibly like a car without stealing it/wrecking it. Idiots. To think that I'm one of a handful of kids today that even knows anything about cars, yet cares enough to document classics is quite saddening really.

New Cars 2010/2011: Audi S4

When the subject of current high-performance mainstream Audis is brought to the table, two "trims" immediately come to mind: S, and RS. While the RS cars are more than enough car for the ordinary person to handle, the S cars are badass in their own right. The S4 is Audi's cheapest "S" car in the states.
Since its mainstream introduction in the states in 1999, the car has gone through a variety of changes, mostly to do with the powertain. The B5 cars (Our 1999-2002 model) had a twin-turbo 2.7L V6 coupled with. AWD. The B6s, which came in 2003, had the all-too-famous 4.2 V8, which was again coupled with AWD. This configuration would carry over to the B7 cars, as well, lasting through 2009.
However, the 2010 B8 model reverts back to six-cylinder power. Instead of carrying the famous 4.2L V8, instead the car makes do with a 333 horse supercharged version of Audi's 3.0L V6. This change brings a change in competition, too. Unlike the previous three generations of S4 sold here, the new car competes more in line with the BMW 335, rather than the much-fabled M3. Also, unlike the previous car, the new car falls right in the sights of the Ford Taurus SHO. How's that for times-a-changin'?
All hope is not lost, though. Available with a six-speed gearbox, or Audi's 7-speed S-Tronic trans. With the lighter engine, the new car out-accelerates its' predeccesors both to 60 MPH, as well as to 100 MPH. Sadly, the BMW M3 is more than a second faster at 4.2seconds to 60 MPH. The BMW 335 is more a close match to the new car, not only in performance, but price as well. Around $54,000 buys you a six-speed car with quattro, versus about $65,000 for the outgoing model.
I guess we'll have to wait for the RS4 if Audi wants to take one BMW's legendary M3. Till then, have fun challenging 335 drivers to a race. With quattro and supercharger versus RWD and a turbo on the BMW side, it's up to the drivers to see who wins; let the battle of boost begin!

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Buick Regal Custom

In 1988, Gm introduced the GM-10, or to the cult-like following, the "W-Body" cars. Like their rear-drive predecessors, Chevy, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac had a W body. The first three were the Pontiac Grand Prix, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Buick Regal. Then, in 1990, the Chevy version, the Lumina, came out. That was over 20 years ago, and you'd think car companies would phase out a platform that's been around that long; you'd be wrong, however. The GM W-Body is still being made today; it underpins only the Chevy Impala now since the Grand Prix was done away with in 2008. Likewise, the Buick LaCrosse has moved to a new platform. And we already know that status of Oldsmobile, and I'm not about to start another essay on that topic.
This Buick Regal is a pretty straight example of a car that was common about 10 years ago, but one hardly seen today. In Gran Sport guise, it's a nice car. Equipped with four buckets, a 4 spd automatic, and a sports wheel and tire package among other niceties, it's the one most preserved today. Lesser models like this Custom are pretty rare now, in any condition.
The mere fact that this example had no rust is amazing in itself. What's even more awesome is that it had all of its trim, right down to the "Custom" badges intact. Again, I realize this is a mundane car, not in any way, shape or form "special", but unlike the sedan versions, the two door "W Bodies" hold a special place in my heart. I only wish I could find other decent 2 door Dubs. (Not to be misread as "two doors on dubs.")

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Triumph TR250

It seems my experience of biking around Minneapolis has paid off; not only have I built up my tolerance for endurance riding, I've discovered many hidden nooks and crannies that hide awesome cars I otherwise wouldn't ever see. Case in point. Just off Nicollett Ave and 38th St, sort of in the ghetto is one such place. Quality Coaches hides in a non-descipt warehouse that looks like any other auto parts store, save for the Borrani wire wheels in the window, and occasional "MG Service" neon sign that's lit up once in a while.
While I have no doubt found scores of interesting cars here, I seem to be quickly warming up to, and identifying various Triumphs by glance. I'm new to the world of classic British roadsters, so every new spotting is helping my learning curve. This TR250 is no exception.
I love the TR6s, hate the TR7s and 8 with a passion, but the TR250 (TR4/TR5 in other parts of the world) is right at home with me. It's a slightly sexier version of the TR6. Being the TR6' predecessor, it undoubtedly looks a tad bit nicer, because it's older. See a pattern here? This example was amazingly cute. Finished in a gorgeous not-to-deep teal color with a silver hood stripe, the color combination was awesome. It's quite different from what I'm used to, but it works well here. The wheels are Minilite replicas and look stunning here, not unlike many other applications I've seen.
If it were up to me though, I'd put some numbers on it, and throw on a chrome minihoop rollbar like those on Shelby Cobras. Unlike the Cobra, I'd leave the stock "big six" in it, and use that for racing duties. I am undecided on whether I'd leave the wires that came stock, or go with Minilites like these. Heck, maybe even some wide 4 spoke Work-type wheels would do the trick.

New Cars 2010/2011: Ford SVT Raptor

When the performance truck scene first hit hard in the early 1990s, there was only one contender: the Chevy 454SS. While it had its good numbers on the track, it was mostly distinguished by its different wheels and flamboyant "454SS" graphics. That truck's success spawned the Ford Lightning, and later the Dodge Ram VTS/SRT-10.
In 1992, Ford's SVT Lightning made its debut. Sporting a hotter version of the 5.8 (351), a mildly lowered suspension, and new wheels, the truck was little more than a sportier version of an F-150 regular cab. In 1999, when the Lightning was redesigned however, it came out full bore. Bodykit, sidepipes, beefy tires mated to a sextastic wheel design, and oh the engine noise that puppy made. 360 horses out of a 5.4L Triton will do that.
Contrary to the Lightning's emphasis on speed, the new truck is all about off-roading in the dunes. No. Wait. Making that flying over dunes. Equipped with either the 5.4 Triton or a behemoth 6.2, the Raptor features more suspension mods than anything. Fox Racing shocks (yes, that Fox Racing), set up for hardcore offroad use allow for more than a foot of travel be it front or rear. Let's see your 1992 model do that!
Outside, the new Raptor means business, and boy does it look the part. The wide, black textured grille, large Ford lettering all spell out "MOVE PLEASE!" What's more, the Raptor doesn't have any chrome, no tacky doodads (okay, maybe the optional graphics are pushing it), and not an ounce of luxury outside. Hell, the wheels on this beast are 17s rather than 20s or 22s found on Limited or Harley Davidson models.
To me, having a truck like this would be useless. Where could you use it in the city? Aside from romping over snowpiles in the winter and terrorizing your average Honda Civic driver, there isn't much use for it in an urban community. However, if you live in the desert... This is probably the most fun toy you can buy this side of a sandrail. What's not to love about tearing through sandy dunes at 100 MPH? Aside from the 10 MPG you'll get of course.

Minneapolis Street Sighting Fiat 124 Spyder

Long before the bewildering FWD Barchetta, Fiat was deep into the whole "RWD fun-to-drive roadster" thing. In the 1950s up until the fall of the small car in the 1980s, lightweight, simple, RWD could be had aplenty, even in the US. Companies like MG, Triumph and Jaguar had the little roadster game on lock. In 1966, a player arose. The makers of the itty-bitty-oh-so-adorable 500 minicar decided they wanted a peice of the small roadster pie. Unlike its closest competitor in size, and styling, the Triumph TR6, the Fiat 124 Spyder ended production well into the mid 1980s.
Like the cute lil TR that I posted yesterday evening, this little Fiat resides at Quality Coaches as well. I see it everyday, and I finally got the chance to shoot it with no other cars around blocking. As I got up close and personal with it, I realized what a beautiful little car it really is. While it does indeed look like a Triumph or MG to the casual observer, this Fiat is pure Italian goodness at its finest.
The exterior is quite nice; the deep blue is perfect for this car. Not flashy, and most definitely not obnoxious by any stretch, this hue fits the character of this little Fiat wonderfully. The lace wheels, in replacement of hubcaps, only add to the sporting vibe this little roadster gives off. Inside, the minimalist interior is accented with deep wood accents and leather, both of which seem a tad bit ironic given the idea of a minimalistic sporting car. Oh well, it's the Italians; they can get away with anything.
While I would love to shoot another one someday, I'm afraid mother nature has taken the rest with her. This is the cleanest example I've seen in a long while, and in the sea of Triumphs, MGs, and the occasional XK-Series Jag, I'm afraid seeing another gorgeous 124 is out of the question, unless one pops up at a car show.

New Cars 2010/2011: Mercedes CLS-Class

Many car enthusiasts have vehicles they hate for one reason or another; maybe they're too common, or maybe the person doesn't like said car based on styling. For me, the Mercedes CLS fits both of those criteria nicely. In Uptown, Minneapolis, these things are everywhere in all trims. AMG, CLS350, CLS500, CLS550, any model, you want it, Uptown delivers. So I really kind of brushed it off as a "cliched luxury car", much like I did with the VW CC.
Once I sat down, and had time to engulf myself in the CLS' supple interior, I began to appreciate the car for what it was. Smooth alumalook trim, or wood compliments the leather surfaces nicely, much better in here than in the E-Class line. The dials give off a sporty ambiance without sacrificing any ounce of luxurious feel. Even the non AMG models have a certain "sportiness" about them, a character than is lacking in all but the C-Class' non AMG models.
Outside, the CLS looks much different than that of its siblings. Often nicknamed the "banana-Benz", the 2005-to-present CLS was launched when the rest of Mercedes' lineup was more round; it fit in better with the lineup. In 2010, with the revival of the "square Benz" look, the CLS looks too old-hat. For me, though, that's good. I dislike almost every single car or truck Mercedes offers in the US. Now, when they redesign the CLS next year, I'm worried it'll get lost in the shuffle of post-square-edge Benzes. For now, though, the CLS stands out just enough to deserve a second look.
At near $100,000, I doubt I'd buy a new one. That kind of money could buy a much faster, much quicker Mercedes C63 AMG. But that's not the point of a CLS. The CLS is supposed to be a luxury car that oozes sportiness, not a sports car that oozes luxury. Think of it as the Range Rover Sport of cars, and believe me, that's no bad thing.