vintage cars

Before I talk about some of my favorite vintage cars, I have to ask myself, "what the f*&k happened to my blog?" My lofty intentions of witty and relevant commentary have been replaced with catty fashion evaluations and gross materialism. Oh well, it's hella fun. I'll get serious later (if the PETA piece is the best I can muster I'm in trouble).

So as I said previously, I've always loved cars. Old ones. New ones. Practical, luxury, sport. European and American. I think they are one of the highest forms of design (architecture ranks higher)--requiring functionality, form, brand, intricate engineering. They're machines, yet they elicit emotional responses from people like no other man-made product. iPods do, but lack the history and scale. Boats do, but only to a select few. When our civilization crumbles, archeologists (or aliens, or God) will likely marvel at our endless miles of roadways and the cars they supported, in as many variations as there are personalities.

These are some of my favorites, in no particular order. I'm drawn to the sixties, arguably the most stylish decade of the previous century (that's another blog entry waiting to happen).



BMW 3.0 csi
Whenever I get into "favorite car" discussions with Gearheads, this car always tops my list. I don't even have to think about it. Sexy and agressive while maintaining a stately air thanks to the beautiful c-pillar and those large curving windows. God damn the Germans can build cars. Metallic blue please.
Mercedes 280sl "Pagoda"
Remember the car Julie Christie drove in Shampoo? Another gorgeous German machine. I still see these on the road, usually driven by attractive older women that may have attended "key parties" back in the day and still play tennis at the club. Or professorly looking men.
68 Pontiac Firebird
All American muscle. Think David La Chapelle photo shoot. Los Angeles, carefree and sunkissed. Hot hot hot.
Aston Martin Vantage
What is it with English cars? Just when you think they're all fuddy duddy they break out with these beautiful gentleman's sports cars that kick serious ass.



66 Oldsmobile Toronado
Oldsmobile at one time did some cool cars (gone now after cranking out the last Alero rental car). The Toronado was ahead of its time. Front wheel drive. Sculptured styling. I've always thought they were hot--with those bulging tirewells and jawlike front end (and my sexy fourth grade teacher had one).
Porsche 911 Targa
One of the most enduring automotive forms. I've always liked the metallic Targa band and sunburst wheels. Porsche did some hot colors in the 70s--bright green, orange.
Ferrari GTO
Sumpuous, Sophia Loren. National hero. That's all I can say...
Ford Country Squire Station Wagon
I grew up in a station wagon family. So did most of my friends. It was the 70s, and nobody did a better wood paneled monster for mom to shuttle the kids around in than Ford. Amercians dominated this category and have since given up on wagons completely. It might be time for a retro redesign out of Detroit...