The next chapter in the little Jeep's history It had a tough act to follow when Jeep introduced the new Wrangler (YJ) in 1986. The CJ had been there when the boys returned from WW II and introduced a whole new crowd into the fun of off-roading. But the trusty steed was getting up there... Continue Reading →
Car Spot: 1958 BMW Isetta
A little car that had a big career ... The fact that the BMW Isetta is one of the coolest ever made may have something to do with the that it was invented by the Italian firm of Iso SpA, a refrigerator company! The company that happened to have a successful side business making motor... Continue Reading →
1963 Studebaker Avanti: Die-Cast Model Review
Gotta love the looks of the '62 Avanti. For those of us without big checkbooks this 1/43 scale model is a good buy, plus it won't leak oil.
Car Spot: 96 VW Golf Harlequin
It was big in Europe. Over here not so much. The family was down in Peoria, IL getting our daughter settled into her new job in Operations at Peoria International. We were driving back from something when I saw this rare VW on I-74. Since I was driving, wifey and kid unit did all the... Continue Reading →
Car Spot: 59 Edsel
Classic case of the wrong car for the wrong market at the wrong time Growing up in the 50s and 60's it was a big deal when the new models were introduced. I remember, to this day, my dad taking me down to see the new car Ford had come out with, the Edsel. Something... Continue Reading →
Car Spot: 81 Chrysler Imperial
The company brings back an all-but forgotten badge Dating way back to 1926 it was the company's top-of-the-line vehicle so it was no surprise when Lee Iaccoco went to the well again in 1981. This newest edition, and this week's spot, combined forward-thinking design elements, out-of-character build quality all in a one-price luxury package. It's a... Continue Reading →
Car Spot: 1987 Jeep Comanche
A small pickup before they were cool ... I wasn't sure if it was on my dime or Jeep's when I received an email almost five years ago this past week inviting me to a media event in California introducing the new Jeep Gladiator (JT). I was just giddy to find out they were paying... Continue Reading →
Car Spot: 1968 Oldsmobile 442 Mod Rod Concept
A car that fit right in with the movement ... Chances are if you're reading this, like me you remember the late 1960s. It was a time when much of my generation was protesting and trying to find its own way. Not me of course, I was more interested in cars. Car marketers knew that... Continue Reading →
Car Spot: 89 Pontiac Trans Am Pace Car
20th Anniversary Special Before the Indianapolis Motor Speedway made the Corvette its official Indy Pace Car in 2004 there were a variety of brands that provided vehicles for the race. Pacing the 73rd Indianapolis 500 on May 28, 1989, was the 1989 Pontiac Trans Am, the subject of this week's spot. I found this example... Continue Reading →
Car Spot: 76 International Scout II
Sure, we all know Jeep is the king of SUVs and off-roading, but back in the 1960s and '70s there was this toughy, the International Scout II.