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.

1980 GMC Caballero

It's a Nova! No its an El Camino! No! It's a Cabellero! Another delightful car that GM built to amaze us with decades later.

The owner obviously has a sense of humour. Love the cheezie script used for the name badge, the "GMC" hood ornament, the recessed and curved rear window, the way the side windows slope forwards in front of the B pillar. And that profile that is both appealing and odd at the same time. Wheels are original, and the load bed doesn't seem to leak.

1987 Toyota MR2

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.