Bike Ride 18

David: I guess I was kidding about Bike Ride 17 being the last ride for the Summer. However, I am fairly certain this may be the last Bike Ride for the season.  For this, I stuck to the classic Warwick route, as you'll always find classics in Warwick. It was a great way to send off the Summer, as I found a great variety of cars, and as you can see in the spotlight, some classic BMWs. We also got some Saab classics, some old '50s fins, and muscle cars. I hope you enjoy this haul of cars.

Above: 1970s Time Machine: Chevy G-20 Vanster

Starting things off right with a Chevy van. This old vanster looks like it was ripped straight from the '70s and placed into this lot in 2022. The brown paint, curtains in the rear window, and slotted rims are reminders of an era where it was cool to own a van like this. Now, not so much. Van life is making its comeback though, so maybe we'll see modded vansters again. Who knows!

Above: Up Close and Personal with the '57 Plymouth at Andy's

This car has become a favorite of ours here on ONEC. You might remember seeing this car featured in Bike Ride 2 way back in Spring of 2020. Today, almost three years later, the '57 Plymouth hasn't moved. Now, its time for a ONEC history lesson. We think Andy has owned this car since 2011, according to a bit of research. The car was in immaculate condition in 2011, before receiving some work. It was then parked in this exact spot since maybe 2019. Over time, the car gradually became faded to the sunlight, losing its bright red paint seen on the bottom of the car. It once had a white roof too, similar to that of Christine from the 1983 film of the same name. Going back to pre-pandemic times, Sam and I always had an interest in the car. At the time we thought it was a Fury or Belvedere, but upon closer examination, we can safely say its a Plaza or a Savoy. The lack of trim gave it away. With the other usual car at Andy's, the '74 Monte, we hope one day he lists this one for sale too. Speaking of that Monte, look closely. 

Above: The Duality of Camaros: A Clean '69 Camaro and a Wrecked '79 Camaro

Same lot, two Camaros, ten years apart, two different conditions. I think that sums up these cars in one sentence. These were found in the lot across the street from Andy's. There were a few other cars I wasn't able to photograph also in the lot. Behind the '79 Camaro, you can see a '70s Chrysler C-Body and an '80s Chrysler K-Car. Both were in rough condition, similar to the Camaro.

Above: BMW 635CSI (E24) 

Next to the E21, was its cousin, the 635CSI. I think I've talked about how much I think these are the best looking BMWs of the 1980s lineup, but now that we're up close with one, I think you can get a better understanding of why I think so. Even in this condition, this car still draws looks and demands attention. The angled front end and distinctive shark nose make it look like its moving even when its parked. That being said, I think it's unfortunate this car has been left to sit.

Above: 1998 Saab 9000 CSE Turbo at Conntech

I decided to swing by Conntech Saab to see if there were any new Saabs in the lot today. As you will find out, there were. First up is this '98 Saab 9000 CSE. This makes the third 9000 I've been up close to. I don't see these often, but when I do, it's an event. '98 was the last year of the 9000 before it was succeeded by the 9-5. These will always be a dream Saab to have for my collection one day. 

Above: 1992 Saab 900 Combi Coupe

Here is a gorgeous Saab 900. It's just the 900 base model, with no S or Turbo badging. As a Saab enthusiast, I don't care! It's a 900, and a damn near mint one, so I'm a happy man. 

Above: Another Saab 9000 CSE Turbo at Conntech

Here is another 9000... NUMBER 4! This looks similar to the URI 9000 from last fall, but I don't believe it's his car. This also concludes our Saab Siege for today, we'll return soon.

Update 1/3/23: This car was just listed on Marketplace. Apparently it has a blown piston ring, but the engine still runs. If anyone's looking for a cheap 9000 project, here you go!

Above: 1986 Chevy IROC Camaro Z-28 

This deteriorating Camaro has seen better days. I hope this gets restored one day, as it seems like a solid car deserving of a second life. Until next time, IROC. 

Above: 1990 Mercedes Benz 500 SL (R129) Coupe

This is the fourth generation of the SL class offered by Mercedes Benz. This car draws its lineage from the iconic 300SL Gullwing, although these don't have much in common other than the name. But like the SL Gullwing, this pioneered a few automotive feats for its time. For example, this car pioneered an automated roll over bar, ensuring safety as well as practicality. It also pioneered modern active rear suspensions, something most sports cars didn't have at the time. Despite these advancements, the 500 SL was only a runner up for European car of the year. Today, these are approaching modern classic status, and have already become a collector's car, with AMG version fetching some high figures. 

Above: The Orange 1984 Chevy Corvette Revisited Again

To conclude this ride, we return to the most featured C4 'Vette on ONEC.  Maybe this will be the head of the C4s of Cranston. Here, we finally get to see the car up close, and honestly, I really like the orange paint on the car.