Minneapolis Street Sighting: Pontiac Grand Prix

A few days back, I brought readers an Oldsmobile Cutlass 442; now, I want to take time to look at a more plebeian G-body--this Pontiac Grand Prix. Often heralded as a somewhat sporty vehicle, at least in some of its more modern offerings (particularly the GT and GTP versions, as well as the Turbo Grand Prixs of the early-1990s) many Pontiac fans often forget that the Grand Prix was also a bread and butter vehicle. Up until the 1988 redesign, a four door was not offered. Up until then, the Grand Prix was a two door car that focused primarily on luxury, at least up until the end of the Malaise-era. This white example is something I would expect to find being driven by an older owner who very likely bought this car new. This is not the five year old, ex-Avis special sitting in the back-corner of Jalopy John's Used Cars, nor is this the car the W-Body.com members would lust after.
This late 1970s example is a good candidate to represent what Minneapolis looked like thirty years ago--and its not often that someone preserves what is technically a bottom-of-the-barrel midsize GM two door.













When I first saw this Grand Prix parked along East Lake, I was honestly shocked; I don't see many undonked G-bodies of any vintage, let alone the not-quite-favorite early 1978-1981 bodystyle. Finished in stock white, and wearing its factory hubcaps, this is almost what I would call a time-capsule car. Unlike the last 1978-1987 Grand Prix I blogged, this example showcases no rust, visible or otherwise. Nor does this example show any sort of accident damage; if I had cropped out the modern cars, someone would be hard-pressed to say these pictures weren't taken in 1985. That's how clean this example was.
Inside, the story was much the same; with the exception of a dash-top compass, which may or may not be factory, this old Ponch looked as good as new. A peek inside revealed almost no wear to either seat, and all the woodgrain (yes, I know it's fake) looked impeccable. Truly a feat for any GM car to be honest.
I don't even like this bodystyle, and I was quite impressed; not everyday does a pedestrian-spec G-body come this clean; and judging by the handicapped placard, I imagine that this one is going to stay in its current state--for good.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Porsche 944S

Yesterday, I posted the 924, which was the predecessor to this car. Unlike the 924 I posted, this particular "classic Porsche" seems to be in slightly better condition that its predecessor. Not by much, but at least--judging from the collector plate anyway-- this one is owned by an enthusiast.
When most Porsche enthusiasts bring up the 944, they talk about it in terms of a good track car due to its relatively sprightly performance compared to the 924, and its almost equal weight balance. This, combined with a shift-yourself transmission is said to make a great combination for autocrossers, road racers, or Porschophiles who want a "cheap toy".
To me, the 944 is still a variation of the 924, take that as you will. I know it's supposedly a different car mechanically, and I know it does have more power. I just like the "pure" cleaner, slimmer lines of the 924 a little bit more. If there's one 944 I truly love, it's the 944 Turbo, or the 951 as its commonly known in the Porsche circle.
As far as 944s go, this one is in alright shape. While I would've posted a cleaner one, I have not found one ever or since. The paint on this example is not horrible, but it surely isn't "show car" status. While it does suffer from fade, and general lack of a thorough shine, this is nothing that probably couldn't be buffed out. Thankfully this example has not fallen victim to the common Porsche wheelwell rust, which can be a major problem if one's not careful with caring for their prized possession. As with the 924 I posted, I am not quite a fan of the wheels on this one. Again, I know they're quite cliche, but I would like to see the teledials on this one too.
I respect the owner for caring enough about a "forgotten" Porsche enough to put collector plates on it. Now only if he would baby the rest of the car, and return to its former glory. Well, as much glory as a 944 has, anyway.