1976 Chevrolet Malibu Classic

1981 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Calais

1983 Buick Regal Estate Wagon

1972 Buick Centurion

This is a Centurion, not a Century. A monster car with a monster 7.5L engine -- no smaller options.

Interesting sculpting leading from the hood back through the doors to the rear fenders, providing a subtle curve describing how dynamic the shape could have been. Instead we have an overly broad C pillar crowding the windows of the back doors. At least the wheelbase is proportionate to the car -- the rear overhang is not too outrageous.

1978 Chevrolet Camaro Sport Coupe

1975 Chevrolet Impala Custom

1978 Buick Riviera

What a difference only 3 years make, going from this RWD sort-of-full-sized car to a smaller FWD model.

One might mistake this for a more ordinary Buick until you notice the way the grille curves at the bottom, communicating luxury and uniqueness. Then you notice the curve of the belt-line just behind the door and over the wheel arch, sloping to the rear end. Love those "retro" wheels (which are probably stock) and the oversized rear tires.

We have seen that blue building in the background more than once.

1981 Buick Riviera

My thanks to the owner, who generously allowed me access to the interior and told me about the car, which is brand new to him. He said that those great white walls are original equipment, and I believe him, considering the lack of tread in the second last shot. The odometer shows 46,000 km (28,600 mi), and this is the first time around. What a great find!

My favourite element here is the hubcaps -- they add a sense of old school luxury and prestige. Most Rivs have wire wheel hubcaps, which look fake. Next is the colour -- which is rich and luxurious -- and the shape. That swept back front end and even more steeply raked windshield, followed by the formal roof. Also love the walnut veneer, and the mechanical digital clock. Of course this is not a practical, reasonable car, so the whole form factor is absurd, repeating the excesses of previous decades in a new design. It is simultaneously appealing and appalling, like so many luxury cars, and emblematic of GM's former resistance to change.

By the way, This American Life has an excellent podcast on NUMMI, GM's first effort to change it's philosophy.