zoomvroom Car Culture, Car Reviews

Retromania!

For those of you who reminisce about the days of old, when the spectacular Ford Bronco, Chevy Blazer, and Jeep CJ5 ruled the road, fear not!   You can stop worrying about these new crossovers that dominate the market.  There are still purpose-built SUV’s out there like the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover LR4, etc.  However, if you want a hunk of classic iron, you may need to pay a bit more.  I have ranked 8 classic SUV’s that were built to drive anywhere.  I have included current market prices, and some information about them.

  1. 1960-1984 Toyota Land Cruiser.  While the Land Cruiser has gained weight, features, and technology, it still has that sense of purpose.  You can find one anywhere from Cape Town to your neighbor’s driveway.  That’s how popular the Land Cruiser was in its first iteration in the U.S.  According to Hagerty Car Insurance, the price of classic Land Cruisers has tripled in the past five years.  The current market value for a first-generation Land Cruiser will run you about $31,000.  
  2. 1958-1971 Land Rover Series II.  For almost 10 years, a Land Rover Series II was the first motorized vehicle 60% of the world had ever seen.  These old Land Rovers are so capable that no modification is usually needed/wanted.  Land Rover owners like their Land Rovers stock.  A Land Rover Series II will set you back $26,500, at current market value.
  3. 1966-1977 Ford Bronco.  Ford’s first SUV is an amazing vehicle.  It is extremely capable, yet it is able to be driven daily.  The Bronco was unique for Ford – it didn’t share ANY basic engineering/parts with any other Ford.  Those of you who own one of these old Bronco’s know how hard it used to be to get parts for these Bronco’s.  Currently, a 1966-1977 Bronco is valued at $25,250.  Not too bad, especially for something so capable and cool.
  4. 1971-1985 Land Rover Series III.  The Land Rover Series III is a much more evolved version of the Series II (look above for some information!).  They closely resemble the Series II, but DO NOT get them mixed up!  Collector values for the Series III have jumped 50% in the past three years!  The estimated value for a Land Rover Series III is $22,000.
  5. 1961-1980 International Scout.  Appreciated for its technical simplicity and overall charm, the 1961-1980 International Scout is widely regarded as America’s Land Rover Series II.  The International Scout was originally introduced as a commercial pickup before turning into what is now called an SUV.  The estimated market value is now $19,900.
  6. 1963-1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.  A precursor to the modern-day luxury SUV, like the Lexus LX460, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer was targeting those who needed more space than a CJ5, but needed the capability of a Jeep.  It sold in spades.  You can get one in iffy condition for relatively little money, but some sell for far more than the $15,750 that is the current market value.
  7. 1954-1986 Jeep CJ.  Before it became the Jeep Wrangler, it was called the Jeep CJ (Civillian Jeep).  While the original CJ5 was prone to tipping, due to its short wheelbase and high center of gravity, the CJ7 was longer – and more stable.  You can buy one for $15,450.
  8. 1969-1972 Chevrolet Blazer K-5.  The Chevrolet Blazer was based off the rugged C/K-10 pickups offered by Chevrolet and GMC.  It was built to compete with the Ford Bronco.  But, it quickly took the sales lead, thanks to creature comforts like air conditioning and a comfortable interior.  Plus, it had the same off-road capabilities as the Ford Bronco.  The Blazer is relatively affordable, with a market value of $14,400.

These are all great, relatively affordable SUVs.  If you have enough money to buy one, I recommend starting here.

zoomvroom Car Culture, Car Reviews, The History of Autos

Questioning Cars? Don’t Question the Lamborghini Pregunta!

Many consider IT to be one of the last cars built by Lamborghini before Volkswagen bought them in 1999.  It’s now up for sale.  I’ll save you the suspense, and tell you what it is.  Car nuts like me will know what it is by the end of the first sentence.  For those of you who don’t know, the Lamborghini Pregunta was the last Lamborghini built before the Volkswagen Group took over the iconic car company in 1999.  I know, you guessed it.  Perhaps it had something to do with my transparent post title…  If you want a Pregunta, be sure to cough up 1.6 million Euros (about $2.1 million USD).

The French Exotic car dealer, Autodrome, is selling the car.  Autodrome claims that they bought the car directly from the coachbuilder who built the car in late 1998.

“Pregunta,” Spanish for “Question,” was born during an extremely turbulent time for Lamborghini.  In 1994, Chrysler had owned Lamborghini for about 9 years.  Chrysler decided that they wanted to sell the iconic company.  They did.  Megatech Group bo0ught Lamborghini.  For a year.  It was then sold to Tommy Suharto, the son of the former Indonesian president.  By 1998, Suharto was going through a large financial crisis.  Lamborghini was up for sale.  Again.  Audi stepped in and saved the day.  However, the Pregunta was born before the official handover took place.

The Pregunta was based off of the legendary Diablo, but it used rear-wheel-drive instead of all-wheel-drive.  This meant that the Pregunta was a handful to drive.  I guess that it would be, with 530 horsepower being directed to the rear wheels.  All of that gave the Pregunta a supposed top speed of 207 mph.  Inspiration for the still-controversial design came from Formula 1 and the booming aerospace industry.  It had then-new technologies like carbon-fiber construction, optical fiber lighting, and rearward-facing cameras instead of mirrors.

If you pine for a Lamborghini from the days when Lamborghini wasn’t part of the massive Volkswagen Group, the Pregunta might just be the ticket to finishing off your collection – that is, if money isn’t an issue.  It won’t be when my readers start pledging a bit more than $1.22…I think we all know who I’m talking about, right?

zoomvroom Car Culture, The History of Autos

110 Years, 11 Special Cars, 11 Special Highlights

In honor of its 110th anniversary, Buick is celebrating as much as it possibly can.  In light of this momentous anniversary, Buick recently released 11 photos of 11 influential cars that helped transform Buick, or gave a lasting a impact on the brand.  Along with the photos, Buick selected 11 highlights from its 110 years of making cars.  I will share the highlights and the cars for you.

Highlights

  • Through the end of 2012, Buick has sold 43 million cars.  That’s the equivalent of every vehicle sold in the U.S. in the past three years alone!
  • The 1938 Buick Y-Job is regarded as the world’s first concept car.  It’s waterfall grille can still be found on modern Buicks, and its futuristic technologies were not seen until the 1970s.  These technologies were power windows, high-performance cylinder heads, and an aluminum engine block.  The car was built in honor of Harley Earl, the legendary GM designer.  Harley Earl drove the car himself for more than 15 years.
  • The 1963 Buick Riviera is regarded as one of history’s most beautiful cars.  It will be turning 50 this year.  The powerful sports coupe is said to have been inspired by a Rolls-Royce that GM head of design, Bill Mitchell, saw through a fog in London.  It was powerful, fast, and astonishingly pretty.
  • Buick is also steeped in motorsports history.  Buick has proved its mettle on racetracks since times as early as 1908.  Buicks have served as pace cars for the Indianapolis 500 six times.  They also have won two NASCAR Manufacturer Championships – in 1981 and 1982.
  • After almost 30 years of engineering, a Buick hit 100 miles per hour!  They appropriately named it the Buick Century.
  • The fastest stock Buick is the 2012 Buick Regal GS compact luxury midsize sedan.  It hit 162 mph at the 2012 Nevada Open Road Challenge.  This achievement was set by Road & Track
  • The quickest Buick to 60 mph was also one of the rarest.  Car & Driver recorded a speedy 4.6 seconds for the 1987 Buick GNX.  547 of these dark sleepers were built.
  • Powertrain innovation is part of Buick.  Today, their 2.0 liter, direct-injected, 4-cylinder engine produces a ridiculous 259 horsepower (estimated).  Displacement, however, was king in the 1970s.  The largest Buick engine that ever went into a Buick was a 455 cubic inch (7.5 liter) V8.  It was introduced in 1970.
  • The Buick Electra 225 nameplate was introduced in 1959.  The “225” stood for the length of the car – it was 225 inches long!  But, the 1975 Buick Electra was the longest Buick ever built.  It was 233.7 inches from bumper to bumper.
  • The first Buick, the 1904 Model B, was also the shortest.  It rode on an 83-inch wheelbase.  The 2013 Buick Encore isn’t that small.  It is the shortest Buick since the 1912 Buick Model 34 (90.7 inches).  It rides on a 100.6-inch wheelbase.
  • Throughout its history, Buick has made many cars with seats for two, four, and six.  However, only two vehicles have been made that can seat eight:  The 1991-1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate and the 2008-present Buick Enclave.

That’s a history lesson in itself.  Some of these cars are truly beautiful.  Go onto Google Images, and look for the 1938 Buick Y-Job.  It is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful cars ever built.  It also happens to be technologically advanced.

Buick has offered some amazing cars over the years.  Happy anniversary Buick!

zoomvroom Car Culture, Tech Talk

Now Just WHERE Do You Think You’re Going?

In the merciless world of auto racing, aerodynamics can mean last place for a car, or first place for a car.  Windshear, a North Carolina-based company specializing in wind tunnels introduced a 19,504 square foot facility that has a 10.5 foot wide treadmill for cars that can go all the way up to 180 mph – without letting the car move an inch!  It took Windshear $40 Million and two years, but the facility has been open since 2008.  This means that this wind tunnel is 100% perfect for NASCAR race cars.

Normally, well-funded teams blow colored air or smoke at a car to measure drag.  Not in THIS wind tunnel!  It’s as simple as driving the car up onto the treadmill, strapping it down, and flooring it.  Then, the team’s engineers can analyze airflow around the spinning wheels, tail, bumper, and undercarriage to get a complete picture of the drag inflicted on the car.  There are also sensors directly beneath the wheels to measure downforce, which directly affects grip.

The facility costs about $4,000 an hour for a team to drive the car for an hour.  This means that not everybody will be able to measure how fast they can get their car to go, but it IS always a LOT of fun to put an industrial fan below a custom treadmill and see how fast you can run…I know it’s not QUITE the same, but it IS a lot cheaper…

zoomvroom Car Culture, World News

Crash-Test Dummies Now Have Genders!

Even though it has been about a year since female crash-test dummies came onto the crash test scene, the news passed many of us by.  Had it not been for the comment of reader, I probably wouldn’t have thought to write a post on it.  I just know what the ladies in my family are saying…

In the 1950s and 1960s, crash-test regulations were relatively relaxed.  Ralph Nader (the man who wrote Unsafe at Any Speed) was one of many who argued that the government should focus more on redesigning the cars, not simply training and policing drivers.  These efforts payed off in 1966 with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, which kicked off America’s now tough safety rules.  Automakers hated this act, along with Standard 201 (which basically said that occupants of a car weren’t injured in the first part of the collision, they were actually injured when they hit the interior of the car).  I have family members who can attest to that fact.  The automakers said that it was against the rules of physics, even though they knew that it wasn’t.

One of the things that the automakers pushed back against was the fact that Standard 201 required NHTSA to test the cars with at least two different-sized dummies.  These two dummies were supposed to show the wide range of the human form.  The larger dummies were 95th percentile dummies (meaning that only 5 percent of America’s men were larger than the dummy), and the smaller dummies were 5th percentile female dummies.  The 95th percentile dummies were around from 1949 and Sierra Sam (the result of a contract with the U.S. Air Force).

The automakers didn’t want to have to spend more money on testing with the 5th percentile dummies.  They argued that there was no such dummy.  It would take far too long to develop one, and who would know what it would like?

The fed’s regulators were beaten back when they were revising Standard 201 in 1967.  Hard.  The automakers were happy when they learned that the regulators had lost out when they couldn’t meet many criteria and rules.  But, the regulators won out with the fact that there were different-sized dummies.

But, 1973 turned out to be a bad year.  First, the oil crisis happened, then the previous rules for the crash-test dummies were thrown into the shredder.  The new crash-test dummy was a 50th percentile male dummy – basically the average American guy.  This “guy” was called Hybrid II.  Hybrid II would be our only crash-test dummy until 2011.

2011 changed everything for Hybrid II.  He lost his buddy in the passenger seat, but he did get a lady.  Because of the fact that the average American man was standing in for us for so long, a lot of women were injured quite differently than the guy.  Why?  Because they may have been shorter.  Height can make the difference between life and death for a lady in a car crash.  If the airbag was designed for the average guy who is about six feet, then the airbag will hit them in the chest, and create a cushion around their entire body.  However, shorter women can hit the airbag chin first.  This can cause severe spinal injuries to these women.

In testing with female crash-test dummies, NHTSA found that these female dummies were three times as likely to be severely injured or killed in the event of a crash than Hybrid II.  Also, the female dummy is about the same size as a 12-13 year-old child.  The female dummy is a petite 108 pounds, and a whopping 4′ 11″.  Hybrid II is 5-foot 9, and 172 pounds.  Safety activist groups are now pushing NHTSA to also make a dummy that mimics the crash responses of the elderly and ever-increasing obese populations.

However, NHTSA started out with cars that appeal to women, like minivans.  Data from the North American Trade Agreement shows that there is a large influx of women driving the popular Honda CR-V.  NHTSA is now testing vehicles with both gender dummies.  However, women should remember that these female crash test dummies are only sitting in the passenger seat.

Much progress has been made, with much more to go.  I have a mom, sister, and grandma – all of whom drive.  Let’s make driving safe for everyone.

zoomvroom Car Culture, Car Reviews

Insanity. Redefined.

Insanity:  The condition of being insane; a derangement of the mind. We all know that Mercedes-Benz’ AMG tuning division has turned out some pretty radical cars.  Some of the examples include the original AMG Hammer, SL65 AMG Black Series, and others.  We also know that they make amazing cars like the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series.  It is afine example of a stunning car.  What we don’t know is, well, not a lot. AMG recently showed a video of it’s newest, craziest creation.  Ever.  What is it’s name?  The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6X6.  Why 6X6?  Because it has 6 wheels!  It has similar performance to the G63 AMG, but has Unimog-inspired off-road parts that will send any other off-road-worthy vehicle running back to the drawing board. In addition the the extra axle, you get about 10 more inches of ground clearance (18.1 inches versus 8.4), and more looks.  Part of this is thanks to the Unimog-style portal axles, which are half shafts that enter the top of the wheels, rather than the center, and these axles are geared all the way down to the wheel hubs.  Plus, it has Mercedes-Benz’ 7-speed automatic that transfers the 529 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque to all six wheels. Inside, the interior basically looks the same, just more luxurious.  It has diamond-stitched seats, individual climate control, and MBZ’s latest infotainment system.  If you want one, and are in Europe, prepare to give AMG at least $400,000 for one unit.  AMG is still trying to figure out how much they should charge us Americans.  You’d better place an order quickly, as the annual production run will be about 20-30 units! Judging from the video shown below, no off-road prowess is given up.  It seems the opposite, as shown by the driver hooning it around the Saudi Arabian sand dunes.  Plus, it will turn far more heads than a normal G63 AMG!  Enjoy, and pine for one!  If you want to sell the house to buy one of these, you can, but make sure you buy one for me (Hint, Hint!)! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM500XrjxZw

zoomvroom Car Culture, The History of Autos, Website Reccomendation

History Buffs, Classic Cars, Say Hello!

Chickens and eggs, salt and pepper, cars and guys (and gals), these things all go together!  Want to know what brings geeks and car buffs together?  Car websites!  I guess it’s good that I’m the best of both worlds…I’m excited right now because two of the world’s most successful Japanese automakers recently added websites that can help history-loving car buffs truly enjoy their classic cars!  Don’t know who I am talking about?  Think Nissan and Toyota.  These websites are addictive, educational, and fun.  Both websites detail the entire lineup of both automakers.  From Day One.  What is fun on the Toyota website is the “Select a Body style” button, where you can click pickup trucks, and it will show you every single Toyota pickup truck since Toyota started 75 years ago!  On both websites, clicking on a car will bring up a photo gallery, as well as a full list of specs, and the origins of the car’s name.  Those unfamiliar with Toyota’s names outside the American market will be pleasantly surprised.  For example, would you rather have a Lexus RX, or a Toyota Harrier?  I know what I’d choose? If that’s not enough for Toyota fans, you can organize the list into what cars have what engine choices.  You can choose from the bulletproof 22R four-cylinder to the tuner-favorite 2JZ inline-six.  Nissan’s website isn’t as full of cool tricks as Toyota’s, it does have full lists of the evolution of each Nissan model.  Each car has it’s own photo gallery, specs sheet, and a short blurb about the car.

You can get lost in the depths of Toyota’s website from the link below:

http://www.toyota-global.com/company/history_of_toyota/75years/vehicle_lineage/family_tree/index.html

You can get lost in the depths of Nissan’s website from the link below:

http://press.nissan-global.com/COMMON/HERITAGE/database/en_index.html

zoomvroom Car Culture, Field Trips, Road Trips

The Best Defensive Driving Schools or MY Plans for This Summer

Imagine a rainy day, and a car drifting over into your lane.  You swerve and start to skid.  You lose control of your car.  It’s certainly possible, and especially for a new driver.  As I head ever closer to 16, I am anxiously counting off the days until I get my learner’s permit.  I won’t tell you the exact date, but those who know me well enough know that date.  When I was little, my mom would make a paper chain before an exciting event.  I would rip a link off everyday, counting down until the big moment.  Anybody have those?

Back to topic.  I don’t really have that many plans for this summer.  I would like to do life guard training, and an automotive oriented internship (any suggestions wonderful readers?), but other than that, I am free.  So I had a talk with Mom and Pops, and we have agreed to send me to (at least -wishful thinking.  All in the name of safety, after all) a defensive driving school!  Of course, most of these courses are simply one day, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do multiple one-day courses!  Right, Mom?  Hint, hint.  I decided to research defensive driving schools all around the U.S. of A.  Think of the travel opportunities…  After a few hours of fun solid research, I narrowed down the research to the following schools:

  • Richard Petty Safe Driving Course:  The Richard Petty Safe Driving Course is meant for young drivers like teens.  As you can imagine, the King of NASCAR takes immense pride on how to teach teens how to drive.  Defensively and safely.  There are courses at many NASCAR road courses, and the biggest course is at Talladega Superspeedway!  This course costs $329-399 for a one-day course.  Cars are provided by Chrysler, Dodge, and SRT.  The course is part of a large study conducted by Clemson University Automotive Safety Research Institute.  Many graduates return for the Richard Petty Experience, where you can drive a detuned stock car (race cars as close to stock as possible) at Daytona Speedway!  Those interested in taking the course can find more information at drivepetty.com/safe-driving
  • Advanced Driving Dynamics sounds like a name for physics nerds.  It’s not. This course is a one-day crash course on how to drive cars safely, defensively, and quickly.  Toyota provides the cars, and there is a certified Toyota technical team ready at all times.  This course only happens in the spring at Irwindale Speedway, and it is not very well-known.  However, this makes it a prime place for small studies to be conducted, and a good amount of teens from the Los Angeles area come to take this course.  The cost is $350, with a $100 deposit 60 days in advance.  You can find more information at advanceddrivingdynamics.com
  • BMW Teen Driving School is what it sounds like.  This course teaches teens how to handle the Ultimate Driving Machine in icky conditions.  Instead of using thousands of gallons of water for the skidpad, BMW uses a special chemical favored by many militaries around the world.  This chemical is safe, and it replicates ice, snow, or rain-covered asphalt.  There is a family program that teaches parents how to be good driving role models for their teen.  Parents can take this course, test-drive as many Bimmers as they want on the same course their youngsters are driving, or go go-karting.  This course takes place at the BMW Testing and Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  This is also the factory for the BMW X1, X3, and X5.  If you are interested in going to this course with me, you can visit bmwusa.com/performancecenter#teenschool for even more information.  The cost is $550 for one day, and $950 for two days.
  • Street Survival Teen Driving Course:  The BMW Club of North America sponsors this amazing program for teens.  This course is a one-day course that teaches teens how to drive their car at the limit, and stay in control.  Instead of using a car that the teen is not familiar with, teens use their own car.  Not only does it make them feel more comfortable, but it shows them what it is like to drive their own car at the limit.  This is the most inexpensive teen driving course, coming in at a grand total of $125 for one day.  The teens who come here with their learner’s permit often come back the next year with their driver’s license.  You can see just a teensy bit more information at streetsurvival.org
  • Honda Teen Defensive Driving School:  This course is not as positively reviewed as all of the other courses, but it shows teens how to drive on many different surfaces.  These surfaces include snow, ice, rain-soaked asphalt, gravel, and mud.  Plus, the teens get to do all of this in Honda’s latest sports car.  Parents get to watch their kid going around the skidpad in a skid car (a car with wheels that can be altered by the instructor).  This course takes place at the Mid-Ohio Motorsports Park, and costs $375 a day.  More information can be found at midohio.com/School/Courses/Defensive-Driving/Honda-Teen-Defensive-Driving-Program
  • Bob Bondurant School of High-Performance Driving Teen Course:  Bob Bondurant is a household name in terms of high-performance driving schools.  His school has taught many celebrities and average people to drive like a race-car driver.  His first customer was Paul Newman!  They recently added a teen program where teens drive their own car and/or a Bondurant Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE.  Parents can pay just a little bit extra, and become two more backseat drivers!  Many teens said that the experience was enjoyable, and that they would recommend it to their friends.  This course costs $495 for a five-hour course, $895 for a one-day course, and $1,595 for two days.  If you want to join me, reserve your spot at bondurant.com/programs/teen-driving-program
  • Miller Motorsports Park Teen Driving Course:  Miller Motorsports Park is a large racetrack in Ohio where many people enjoy lapping agile cars.  Miller Motorsports park charges $250 a day for teens to learn how to drive a car defensively.  They don’t simulate icky road conditions, but they do simulate bad drivers and fake “road rage.”  Teens who take this course say that they know how to get away from somebody having a case of road rage.  You can look at Miller Motorsports Park’s Teen Driving Course at millermotorsportspark.com/driving-school/safety-schools/teen-driving-school.html
  • Sim Raceway Highway Survival Driving School:  Sim Raceway sounds like a game for the xBox.  It’s most certainly not.  This school teaches drivers how to be good drivers on highways.  The course teaches drivers how to drive cars on the highway in appalling conditions.  They have to pass other drivers on a long skidpad.  Where does this take place?  Beautiful Sonoma Raceway!  Close to where I live!  The reviews are 100% positive, and everybody says that the instructors take pride in teaching teens how to drive well on highways.
  • Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy:  The Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy is situated in traffic-clogged Los Angeles, CA.  It teaches drivers how to be aggressive in the perpetual traffic that is Los Angeles, and then teaches them how to drive a German luxury car (or SUV) on the windy canyon roads above Malibu.  The reviews are positive, and everybody likes driving the cars.  Sessions are private, except for parent-teen workshops.  These private sessions can cost anywhere from $200-500.  Parent-teen workshops cost about $1,200.  However, these parent-teen workshops are fun, educational for everybody, and the teens get to drive a Mercedes-Benz of their choice.  Sounds like fun!  Check out mb-drivingacademy.com/us/en/home.html

I can’t wait to see you guys at one of these driving programs!

zoomvroom Car Culture, The History of Autos

The Most Important Postwar Cars (In My Opinion)

I’m always interested in old iron.  It’s nice to think about how good the old days were!  These cars are the ones that have changed the automotive market significantly in various ways.  Many of them have also changed the economy of many countries.

  1. Original Mini Cooper:  James Bond, 24 Hours of Le Mans podium finishes, rally wins, etc.  I’ll bet you that you can’t think of another British car that has sold more than 5 million units before it got redesigned in 2000.  Yep, it sold 5 million cars worldwide from 1959-2000.  The original design was sketched on a bar napkin in 1957 by Alec Issigonis.
  2. Porsche 911:  No sports car has stuck it’s tongue out at Sir Isaac Newton for 49 years other than the Porsche 911.  Some may argue that the Corvette holds that title, but the Corvette was already 11 years old when the 911 came out.  Some people may tell you that the 1998-present 911 isn’t a 911.  Why?  Because it’s not air-cooled.  Just because Porsche switched to water-cooling in 1998 doesn’t mean that the 911 isn’t a 911.  You could park a 2013 model next to a 1964 model and a kindergartener could tell you that they are both a Porsche 911.  Warning:  If you like the 911, good for you.  Get one. Soon.  Once you get a passion for the 911, it’s nearly impossible to get rid of it.  Just ask any 911 owner.
  3. 1989 Lexus LS400:  This Japanese luxury car made such a large impact on the luxury car market when it debuted in 1989 that it sent all the other luxury car brands scrambling for the drawing boards.  It even kicked Maserati out of North America for 15 years!  Alfa Romeo hasn’t sold an Alfa Romeo since 1991.  That’s how good the 1989 Lexus LS400 was.  Owners got a car that looked like a combination of all the European competitors (it looked classy, to say the least), and performance that rivaled a Ford Mustang’s.  When you go to a dealership with excellent service, thank the 1989 Lexus LS400.  The LS400 had a seamless v8 powertrain that would give power to redline, and the list of amenities still rivals that of many luxury brands.  Plus, it’s relatively cheap price ($35,000) brought middle-class buyers to the showrooms like never before.  To this day, no car has matched the 1989 Lexus LS400 in terms of the hit it made on the automotive world.
  4. Ford Mustang:  Few sports cars have made such a large impact on the sports car market as the Ford Mustang.  While the original stock Mustangs may have not been serious rivals to its European competitors, the Shelby-tuned Mustangs could whip a Jaguar E-Type just about anywhere.  As the Mustang has progressed, the Mustang has appealed to a larger audience with each generation. It’s one of those cars that gets better with each generation.  Kind of like my family…
  5. Honda Civic:  When Honda first started making the tiny Civic in 1962, it was about the same size as a SMART ForTwo.  Okay, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it wasn’t much bigger.  However, it was reliable, cheap, economical, cute, and fun to drive.  It was the perfect car for many crowded American cities like Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and San Francisco.  My uncle had one (banana yellow, four-speed manual), and he LOVED it!  To this day, no compact car has been so successful other than the Mini Cooper in North America.  Today, the seventh-generation Civic is frugal, good-looking, okay to drive, and economical.  Honda obviously likes to stick with their formulas.
  6. Volkswagen Beetle:  The cute little VW was the brainchild of the founder of Porsche, Ferdinand Porsche.  Adolf Hitler commissioned a car in 1935 that would be affordable to all Germans.  Thus, the VW bug was born.  Hitler himself had one in his personal collection, but it was stolen by fleeing Nazis (or so the story goes).  The car stuck with the same formula until 2003, when the Beetle became the New Beetle.  In 2012, the Volkswagen Beetle was reborn.  Not the chintzy New Beetle, a bigger, better Beetle.
  7. Chevrolet Corvette:  Before the Ford Mustang was even a dream in Lee Iacocca’s mind, the Chevrolet Corvette was unveiled at the 1953 GM Motorama.  Sit back for a second and imagine that the Corvette was never here.  Zora Arkus-Duntov would be an illegal attempt to win Scrabble, the closest thing to the Corvette would be the Jaguar XK150 or the Mercedes-Benz 190SL.  But, the Corvette prevails, and may be more American than pie.  Just maybe.
  8. Chrysler Town & Country:  While rumors float around about the Chrysler Town & Country not being around for the next generation, there may be no need to doubt.  The Chrysler Town & Country has been an icon in the name of the automobile since 1982.  Lee Iacocca had yet another dream, and the minivan was born.  It was a good thing that it came into being.  Why?  Because growing families had a couple of gas-guzzling choices:  A full-size sedan, or a Chevy Suburban.  Now that the iconic Chrysler Town & Country is here, it is here.  To stay.  It remains a best-seller in the minivan market (worldwide), and it’s a legend.  We own one.  I dare you to think of somebody you know who owns one.
  9. Volkswagen GTi:  Volkswagen, listen up, and listen carefully – when two of your iconic cars sell more than 50 million units worldwide, they both deserve to be on this list.  The Volkswagen GTi was the world’s first real pocket rocket.  Some may argue that the Mini Cooper holds that title, which it might, but the GTi has sold more units than the Mini.  29,000 more, to be exact.  The GTi is considered to be one of the most successful cars that started in the 1980s and is still here to tell the tale.
  10. Toyota Camry:  One of the first Japanese family sedans to rival the large American family sedans was the Toyota Camry.  People say that Toyota’s last forever.  Nothing does, except for energy.  But, Toyota’s are some of the most popular cars in the world, so it should make sense that they last a long time.  The Toyota Camry is just one of those cars that keeps improving with each generation.  Except for this current generation – the current generation failed IIHS testing (I dare you a subscription to Motor Trend to go onto YouTube and look up “IIHS Toyota Camry”)!  Ironic for a car that’s supposed to be very safe.

What are your top ten postwar cars?  Sound off in the comment section.

zoomvroom Car Culture, Gifts for the Car Enthusiast, Humor, Out N' About, Road Trips

Fun in the Sun, or The Star Cars at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auction!

Firstly, let me apologize for my brief absence.  Unfortunately, I have experienced a technical glitch.  Is “klugie” really a technical term describing one’s computer malfunction?  If so, then my computer has klugie-itis.  You know where to find me this weekend.  Yes, the Apple Store.  Now on to more interesting news…

We should have had a road trip.  Scottsdale this time of year sure appeals to those of us near the 45th parallel.  Barrett-Jackson has an annual auction in Scottsdale.  A lot of nice cars go there.  Too bad it just happened a few weeks ago.  And we are all still stuck in the cold and rain.  Well then, my job is to tell you about the noteworthy ones that sold there.

1966 Batmobile:  $4.2 Million USD.  We all knew that the original Batmobile would fetch a lot more than the reserve.  It did.  The reserve for the vehicle was an undisclosed amount, but sources say it was about $3.5 Million USD.  That’s $700,000 OVER the reserve!  The car’s new owner said that he is going to put the Batmobile in his living room.  If you have that amount of money, you don’t put the car in your LIVING ROOM!  You build a CAVE for it!!!  Check out my post when I originally wrote about this cool car.  https://unmuffled.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/the-original-1966-batmobile-will-hit-the-auction-block-in-january/

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray:  As has been the custom since the C3 (3rd generation Corvette) debuted in 1971, the first car to be produced (Chassis #001) is auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson.  The charity that receives the large lump of money is always pleased.  The Detroit College for Creative Studies should be pleased.  Many of their alumni work in GM’s design studios.  The 2014 Corvette Sting Ray is now owned by NASCAR Rick Hendrick.  How much did he pay for it?  A hefty $1,050,000 USD.  Add in the fact that Rick Hendrick basically just donated $1,050,000 to charity for a car, the price does kind of seem attractive.

Porsche 959 Prototype:  While the Porsche Panamera may surpass the 959 in terms of performance, there won’t be people writing poems about the Panamera.  The Porsche 959 is the automotive equivalent of the Apollo Space Program.  This 959 prototype is one of only four built, and one of two remaining.  The hefty $400,000 hammer price seems like a lot, and it is.  The car may not be street-legal, but it will beat just about any Ferrari, Lamborghini, or anything else around the Nurburgring.

2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Cobra Tribute:  This Mustang may look like a souped-up GT500, which it is.  However, it is a one-off vehicle that fetched $200,000.  That lump of cash went to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.  The buyer walked away with an awesome car, and the charity got a lot of money.  It’s a win-win situation!

All I’m sayin’ people, next year this time, (say it with me) “ROAD TRIP”!!