1968 MG MGB GT

1978 Honda Civic

The lighting here is a bit strange because this was the day of the Great Big Wind-storm.

Another fine Civic, this one a final refinement on the first generation. As far as I can tell this is not a CVCC. Clever flame effect on the tire visible in #3. Love the black steel wheels, which give a sportier feel up against the chrome rims. And a usual, the over all shape and proportion.

1983 Hyundai Pony

Ah yeah a classy econobox you just don't see any more. Good to see someone is still putting it to good use. It fits right in with it's surroundings. Don't think they used the same paint on the concrete though.

1979 Porsche 924

Love the dark huge bubble of a rear window, which gives the illusion that this is a notchback. The circular side marker lights, the shut line of the door which extends into a seam above the window behind it. Suspect the reflector between the tailights is aftermarket. The dynamic curve of the sloping hood is only slightly interrupted by the interface with the windshield.

But even in this car German pragmatism is present -- the functional fuel cap instead of a door to hide it, the almost complete absence of chrome, the simple door pulls, a (minimal) back seat.

1984 Ford EXP

Another "sporty" car that never was. Lots of sharp angles, smooth looking surfaces, but the taillights look like they were stolen from a Chrysler Laser. Somehow the stylist couldn't see how ugly the headlight treatment was. Which makes it all the more delightful. Ah the foibles of car company executives.

Still, they did a nice job of integrating the front side marker into the dent strip. The shape of the light blue paint on the front fenders suggests a sleek aerodynamic profile buried under the clunky design.

1976 Buick Skyhawk

I always liked the Chevy Monza/Pontiac Sunbird/Buick Skyhawk/Oldsmobile Starfire of this era, though I think the execution is somehow more awkward/ugly in the Skyhawk. Which makes it all the more interesting. Why is it less satisfying? It is something about the headlights, and the way they placed the turn indicators directly beneath. Sort of like buck teeth. Or maybe it's the grille. It looks cheap, ugly. A Buick should have something more elegant.

That broad aluminum B-pillar is pretty good though. And the overall outline and fastback is great, belying it's economy car nature. No one would mistake this car for a Vega, though that is basically what it is. With a V6 it was probably pretty quick, and undoubtedly more reliable.

1987 Toyota Celica GT

Once in a while a manufacturer hits a peak in their design and engineering. This is what I think happened with Toyota and the Celica. Here was a not-too-expensive, reliable, attractive, sporty car that sold well. Then the market changed, or management decided they wanted to go after the high end, or ... something. Regardless, this car is an example of the late peak period of the Celica -- a great smooth shape that still managed to be a good car as well.

1986 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

1982 Pontiac J2000