1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula

Thanks to Pat, who told me about this car, and about how he autocrosses it. It was apparently found buried under pine needles and other forest debris down in Washington State, and after much work we can see the results. As you might guess, the wheels are from a larger but contemporary Pontiac, and they look great. Rear spoiler is from a Lumina (which certainly never needed it). Pontiac didn't build the Fiero for very long, and it wasn't until this, it's final year, that the car started living up to it's sporty looks.

I seriously thought about buying a Fiero in 1985. At the time it seemed impractical, but the boy racer in me was severely tempted. Examining this car, I love the oversized looking wheels, which fit the wheel wells perfectly. Almost every surface and shape slopes forward. The nose makes me think of a marine predator. A remarkable design for GM, better than expected. Too bad they didn't have the chops (or perhaps the management) to make the car under the skin as good as it's surface.

1978 International Harvester Scout II

Not too heavily modified, though the exhaust pipe is a bit much. Doubt the black fenders are original either, but they set the red off nicely. Almost none of the original badges are left.

Such a simple purposeful vehicle, boxy, minimalist -- at least originally. The heavily chromed mirrors look odd -- not stock either.

Pininfarina #1: 1979 Fiat 124 Spider

This one is missing bits of trim + the rear rack and has a few dings but is still in working condition. Love the "power" bulges on the hood, decorative wreath around the "Fiat" badge, exposed bolts on the wood grain dash, interesting indicator needles in the dials.

A classic profile that probably sustained the model way past it's best years.

Next post: Pininfarina #2.

1966 Land Rover Series IIa

This looks like a long loved vehicle. Replaced metal at the rear corners, plus the checker plate doors says to me that it has been practically maintained, but not restored. Love those great exposed hinges, especially on the rear doors. They look like they are sagging until you realize they were designed to fit that way, keeping the bolts on both sides at the same height.

And then there is the faded red.

1959 Triumph TR3A

Such a great shape -- the sculpted fenders and cockpit, perfectly blended into the doors and hood, everything communicating speed. Also love the exterior only door handles, the exposed (nickel?) metal on the rear fenders and of course those wire wheels.

1984 Chevrolet S-10 Extended Cab

Don't understand how the tires are so clean (looking).

1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Cabriolet

So good to see such an old Rabbit. It's unclear to me whether it has just been very gently used, or restored and driven normally.

While it may be of uncertain colour, I'm calling it red. It's definitely not the standard VW orange. Regardless, I love that paint, the glossy "eggshell" grain visible in the close-ups, the contrast with the black trim, and patch in front of the rear wheel-well. Wheels may be original -- would look great with the simple original chrome hubcaps. Aside from the few dents, looks incredibly straight.

1979 Chevrolet Corvette + 1973 Ford Ranger Super Camper Special

As promised, the other two vehicles of interest visible in the background of the previous post. All in all a remarkable find.

The Corvette looks great, its just that it tries too hard. Earlier generations of the 'Vette never needed front and rear spoilers to look amazing. This is more like marketing than engineering. Of the three, this vehicle seems closest to roadworthy.

Love the Ford's cockeyed headlight, oddly wide rear tires, earnest look, plus the all important fuzzy dice. And how can you not like a vehicle that calls itself "super". There will be more super vehicles here.

Once again, working in a cramped space, so profile shots are nearly impossible. Also I ran up against the 200 character tag limit on this post.