Minneapolis Street Sighting: Ford LTD Landau Coupe

Most of the time when I see older Ford products, they're usually trucks, and on their last legs; not so with this one, as you can plainly see. What we have here is an extremely fine specimen of one of Ford's most successful "personal luxury coupes" this side of the Lincoln brand. Launched in 1965, the LTD moniker first appeared on upscale versions of the Galaxie sedan, and in 1967 it became its own model. This model line would continue until 1986 when the LTD name was initially dropped. In 1991, Ford stopped using the LTD moniker altogether, and the car was simply called the Crown Victoria.
This example is a third generation model, and based on select options, I have pinpointed this car as a 1975 LTD Landau model. With its hideaway headlights, chrome fender trim, and available fender skirts, this big Ford was at the top of the range in its heyday, and I can clearly see why; it's big, it's luxurious, and it's certainly not going to be mistaken for a Pinto anytime soon. With its wide range of engines, there's no telling which powerplant this beast packed, but I can guarantee you its a big V8 of some sort.
Like most classics I encounter on my scouting of the cities, I did the initial stop and stare, and a casual walkaround to make sure I don't run into any owners who may put up a fight with me shooting the car; there was none-- good. This thing was absolutely MINT; not a single speck of dust, dirt or any kind of road grime at all! I couldn't believe it! The black paint on this, combined with the minimal (but oh-so-kitschy) chrome makes for a wonderful throwback to the 1970s. Everything about this car-- the hubcaps, the fender skirts, the badging-- oozes complete class in a way no modern car can even come close. The only downside here is that I don't own it. Never have I lusted after a gigantic Malaise-Era Ford before, but W0W! I think this is as close to perfect as a 1970s Ford product gets as far as I'm concerned.
I can only hope I get to see more classics in this shape-- we car enthusiasts need to keep the flame burning somehow, and nice examples of normal cars are exactly what's needed to do so. So, enough with the Camaros and Mustangs, starting saving the big guys, too!

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Buick Centurion convertible

Here we go; another summer, another classic Buick. Seems almost daily doesn't it? Like I've said before, the most common make as far as classics go up here is probably Buick; it doesn't matter if it's a G Body Regal or a 1955 Roadmaster, they seem to be everywhere. Not that I'm complaining however. Like most of the "classic whipz" I see, this Centurion looked as if it was heading to the the rim shop to get dubbed and candied. Lacking doorhandles, and most of the side trim, the body was already slathered in a generic shade of dark red, which I assume will be candied pretty soon. At least the factory Rallyes were still on it...so far. Ditto the interior. The white leather was cut with "X"s in it indicating da homie aint like no stock interiurr. I'm guessing it will have the seats redone in some garish ass color with a few TVs poking out of random places inside as well. Shame, really, because clean classics like this one are getting harder to find thanks to "ballers" who likely don't know anythang bout da whip. I can't wait to see this thing come July. Can't you go wreck a rustbucket, dogg? It just makes me sick knowing that our supply of clean classics is likely going to end soon, and that the average car enthusiast won't find anything in his price range? Why? Because the donkryders/homies/playaz/whatever like to find the rustfree cars and make them "pimpin'. What's more annoying than that, is they don't know anything about the car they're ruining either. I've asked simple "what year is that?" and "is that a 350?" questions and got typical "i aint know but it pimpin'" answers. Seriously guys? And you say you're car enthusiasts? Gimme a break.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: AMC Concord Limited

From about the mid 1950s to the mid 1980s, American Motors vehicles were seen a plenty here, whether it be an AMX, Hornet, or even an Eagle. Although they were a product of Kenosha, Wisconsin, it seems ages has gotten the better of the cars; they're even a rarity in Minnesota, likely due to a combinaton of harsh winters and not much in the way of rust protection. Though the newest AMCs, (the Eagles) are fast approaching 25 years old, it's the 1970-1980 cars I see most. I've seen a few Gremlins, and maybe one or two Pacers. The is the second or third Concord I've seen on our streets.
Judging by this example's wire hubcaps and badging, I'm going to say this one is a 1981 model, and it probably had the GM Iron Dookie (Duke) 2.5L 4 cylinder in it. EPA classified this vehicle as a compact at the time, so a four cylinder makes some sense, I suppose. When it was new, it got 23 city/34 highway MPG, though I doubt it gets even half that now, due to age and all. Also, when it was new, it competed with such exquisite competition by way of Ford's Fairmont, Chevy's Citation, and a car I bet no one's heard of.. the Oldsmobile Omega. Alas, like this AMC, virtually none of the other cars exist either. I'm guessing in 25 years, people will likely never see Focus' Cobalts/Cruzes, and Honda Civics?
While this car isn't quite in the best shape, it certainly is rather complete. Heck, it looks to be in worse shape than the one I saw at U-Pull-It last summer. Obviously, rust has gotten into the nooks and crannies like any other older vehicle in this state, but this particular Concord is pretty decent; it even sports the dealer plaque stating where this vehicle was purchased as a used vehicle. Considering that Whitaker Buick used to be located where Cheapos is now, I'd venture to say this car likely spent most of its life in this neighborhood-- I have seen it before, and this is the first time I've been able to appropriately shoot it.
With our tough winters, I can only hope this Concord lives long enough to get the collector plates it (probably) deserves. I know I wouldn't go out of my way to save this car, but who knows.. maybe someone will? Despite it being a rather mundane vehicle, this AMC represents a time in the auto industry where there were still independent makes sharing the streets with the mainstream brands.