Diecast of the Day: Autoart BMW 2002 turbo

I am a huge fan of classic BMWs, and the 2002 is probably my favorite BMW of all time next to the E24 M635CSi and E30 M3. The paint scheme on this guy is simple, yet amazing. The 14" wheels, and the wide flares produce a stance that is unmistakeably European in nature. If you are going to buy a classic BMW in scale form, the ones made by Autoart are top notch. The detail is stunning; the hood has latches, no dogleg hinges for the doors, there is a spare in the cargo hold, and the interior is thoroughly detailed. Next to Minichamps, AA has some of the best German iron out there. Not cheap at $75-$100 depending on where you get it, the 2002 is a higher priced car but it's worth every penny.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Plymouth Valiant

Old Mopars like this "plain Jane" 4 door Valiant are hard to find in these parts, much less in good condition. What drew me to this particular example was the bright red paint-- I spotted it from a distance. As I got closer, I realized what a nice little car this was. The exterior had no visible rust spots or even bubbles, so that was a good sign of a well kept car. The interior was in equally astounding shape. The steering whee, the interior trim, everything was in place; something not usually seen on a car of this vintage.

What I found most peculiar about this car is the V8 badge. Not only is the badge itself in great shape (for the car's age and otherwise), V8 versions of these care are somwhat rare. I didn't check to see how many miles this car has done, but I would be surprised to see high miles on this rust free example. So far this year, the Valiant has been one of my favorite finds, partially because a "bottom rung" car comes around this clean once in a blue moon. Also, its' at the top of the list because its a car I've NEVER seen (and never hope to see) on big rimz with a gaudy paint color.

Diecast of the Day: Sunstar Ford Escort XR3

So.. I have been on a binge of buying 1:18s lately, and this Ford Escort is no exception. I have loved the European Escort for as long as I can remember, so I began searching for 1:18s of one. I hit the motherload with European brand Sunstar. The models are somewhat hard to come by in the states, so eBay and online retailers have done me good. This is a model of the "sporty" XR3 version, which was their higher powered equivalent of our GT models. But, the European Escort has a racing history, which ours does not. So, the European Escort IS a significant car to reproduce in 1:18.

This version of Sunstar's Ford Escort XR3 is yellow and has accurate period correct license plates, which is a outstanding plus. Other unique features are a highly detailed interior and steering wheel representative of the that found in the real car. My favorite feature, though, is the hatch lifts up to reveal a movable cargo tray. Quite nifty considering it set me back a mere $30.

New Cars for 2009/2010: Cadillac CTS-V

I don't like new cars very much, and that opinion has held true since the mid to late 1990s and early 2000s for me. With the rise of hybrids aimed at luxury buyers who want to be the first ones driving the next "in" car, my disdain for new cars grew even more. But, I do have strong passion for performance cars, regardless of where they originate. To see one of the big two (sorry Chrysler) continue their efforts in the performance car segment brings a slight sigh of relief.

GM has been known to shove high powered version of their V8 lineup into a vast array of cars over the years. A seemingly odd candidate for V8 performance cars is Cadillac, but that notion changed in 2004 with the arrival of the CTS-V. Like it's Corvette sibling, the 2004-2008 CTS-V had a 400 HP 5.7 LS6 V8.In 2006 it got a 6.0 LS6 V8 with the same power figures. With the new CTS-V released 2009, the LS6 was replaced with a new LSA, based off the monster LS9 that resides in the new Corvette ZR-1. Instead of the 638 hp the ZR-1 produces, the CTS-V's powerplant produces "only" 556 HP. Still, though, the car is no slouch. 0-60 MPH comes up in 3.9 seconds, and it's top speed is a not-for-the-faint-of-heart 191 MPH. Eat that E63 AMG and RS4. And, it available as a true 6 spd manual. With a base price of $57,995, the CTS-V is about half the price of it's closest true competitor, the Mercedes E63 AMG. Eat your shorts Mercedes,because the best sports sedan per dollar is no longer your own high-horse.

But, the beauty isn't only contained within the engine/powertrain combo. The exterior is gorgeous too. I was uncertain about this new CTS-V since the new CTS is nothing exciting to look at. Boy, was I wrong. The first time I saw the new CTS-V up close I was awestruck. The whole car is downright menacing. The wide chrome wheels, the rolled fenders, and the smidge of chrome help to turn a mundane modern car into something sinister, something that has road presence. From the lowered stance, to the large air intakes, this car is about nothing other than sheer evilness. Out back, it lets you know you've lost the race as its rear end squats down and V8 music pushes the car away from you. Rather quickly I might add. If any modern car did a something for me, this is it. I am smitten with the CTV-S from Cadillac. Are they standard of the world. When it comes to sports sedans, yes.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Triumph TR-6

On any given nice evening, Minneapolis is home to hundreds of nice, classic and obscure cars, and this little Brit is no exception. Finished in a gorgeous blue hue, and nary a hint of rust, it stood out amongst all the mundane SUVs and "luxury" cars. As I got closer, I knew this gem would be an excellent feature story. Out came my camera, and away I shot. My goodness. This thing is cute, but really, though it represents the epitome of British motoring. No, it's not quite a Lotus Elite, and nor is it a hardcore no frills as a modern-day TVR Tamora or Tuscan; instead it's a good, honest little roadster that would be as happy cruising topless down a winding two-lane highway switching through the four speed manual accompanied by a rather huge grin on the driver's face as it would sitting in front of a neighborhood cafe. As I stated before, the details make the car, and boy does this thing have the right touches to stand out. From the Union Jack on the rear quarter panels, to the correct wood finish on the steering wheel, this little guy is PERFECT! Alright, so it's not the best color-- I would prefer to see one in the classic British Racing Green over tan- or maybe that would be too cliche. Maybe so, but it would suit the car better. Oh, and it needs some 15"x7" Minilites and a SCCA rollbar. Or maybe... god I have too many fantasies sometimes.

Minneapolis Street Sightings: Buick Regal

I must admit, so far, this early G Body Regal has been my favorite "pristine" find so far. Introduced in 1979, this generation Regal held through till 1987, with its share of special editions thrown in for good measure. This one, however is not a special edition; it's a pretty clean 1978-1982 example in none other than baby blue. It even has the original wheelcovers. What I find interesting about this particular car is not the condition. Granted, it is in perfect shape--well about as perfect as a 25+ year old car can be. I've never seen a base Regal of this vintage in any sort of condition until now. The hood ornament is awesome, the landau top is pretty damn sweet, and the corner taillights are pretty nifty too. Sure, the Regal was made until 2003, but none of them are as sweet as this generation. Proof that they don't build em the way they used to.

Time to spring forward

So, as the winter is slowly winding down, cars are starting to come out of hibernation. I haven't seen much quality shootables lately, and I'm saddened. But, in a few months, I'll be back to my old ways. I have seen a few cars worth posting, but I haven't had time to capture them in their glory yet. I cannot wait for spring to be here. The days will be warmer, the cars will be out, and best of all, I will find it more enjoyable to be outside shooting. So, as I have a shortage of cars to post, I will leave you with a list of vehicles I have but yet to post.
Buick Regal
Chevy LUV
Ford Maverick
Ford Mustang II


Stay Tuned, for I should have some new stuff soon.