Bike Ride 17

9/2/22

David: I decided to get one last bike ride in before the school year started back up. This ride was once again a Providence ride, but I stuck to the East Bay bike path located in East Providence for most of it. Getting there, I had to cut through the city, so I found some cool finds nonetheless. I also found my fair share on the path as well.

1983 Chevy K-10 Scottsdale Pickup

Starting things off with a Squarebody, this is the Scottsdale trim level, which was a high trim level for the C-10 trucks marketed above the Custom Deluxe. This Scottsdale sports some custom rims, a lifted suspension, and a modified grille.

Above: Chevy S-10 Squared

Across from the Squarebody were these two early model Chevy S-10 pickups. These aren't a common sight as much any more, so it was pretty cool to see some still getting use. This must be a Chevy enthusiasts neighborhood.

For reference, the S-10 on the left is a 1989 model, and the S-10 on the right is a 1993 model.

Shortly after photographing these trucks, I made my way to the East Bay bike path, and began my journey down the trail.

1967 Ford Fairlane Coupe at Fred's Service Center

Fred's Service Center is located in East Providence, and was one of the first stops I made while on the East Bay bike path. In one of the bays was this nice looking '67 Fairlane, which is a true New England car! If you look closely on the lower part of the trunk, you will see a "Tasca" emblem. For those not from New England, Tasca is one of oldest Ford dealerships in the US, and is known for drag racing Mustangs in the 1960s. That's some fun New England trivia for you.

AMC Era Jeep CJ-7 w/ Ragtop

Also at Fred's, we have a pretty original Jeep CJ-7.Judging by the patina on the hood, I'd say this is a survivor in for some routine maintenance.

A Worn 1990 Chevy Corvette C4

This C4 has seen better days. It was spotted close by to Fred's, parked at an abandoned building. I'm unsure if this Corvette met a similar fate.

Above: 1950 Chevy Bel Air Sedan

As I was checking out the C4 'Vette I looked over and noticed the roofline of an older car that appeared to be from the '50s. I rode my bike over, and in the lot of an apartment building was this black beauty 1950 Bel Air. This is the first year for the Bel Air, and like all Bel Airs, the best way to date these cars is by the front end. This has been kept up well, and looks great.

Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Sedan

Behind the Bel Air was this old Caddy. These are pretty common compared to the Bel Air, but are starting to achieve modern classic status. This Caddy wasn't in as great shape the Chevy, but still seemed to be kept up as a cruiser.

The Smallest Cadillac: Cadillac Seville

Heading back towards home, we arrive at a younger sibling of the Caddy previously mentioned. This is a Seville, Cadillac's smallest car offered from 1986 to '91. This car was found in a vacant lot off the bike path. I didn't notice this car at first, but I noticed a different car which we'll get to next.

1979 Chevy Camaro Project

This is the car I noticed in the vacant lot originally. This is a fairly incomplete Chevy Camaro, and judging by the multiple shades of paint, I think it's a project car. Although late '70s Camaros aren't the most desirable year, it always makes me happy to see a car like this being revived. As I often say, on ONEC, we appreciate all kinds of cars regardless of the history they hold. We're just glad to see this being kept alive.

GMC 7000 Series Dump Truck

This was also in the lot with the Camaro and Seville. It's a pretty old GMC 7000 Series truck that doesn't look to be getting use anymore. Most of these have been retired from service anyways.

1977 BMW 528i (E12): The First 5-Series

Lastly, we arrive at an early BMW icon. This is the first generation of the 5 Series, the E12. Although it looks pretty similar to the second generation, these do have some slight differences. For instance, the large side turn signals and lower ride height are a few of the more obvious examples.

Although this car wasn't as popular as the models to follow it, it was noted for its performance and speed capabilities. There was no M5 performance option available for the E12, but many consider the 535 to be the predecessor to what would become the M5 for the second generation 5 Series. The E12 chassis also served as the basis for what would become the original 6 Series. So really, without this car, we wouldn't have some of the most iconic BMWs ever made, making this an important car in BMW history.

This E12 was spotted in Providence, and remains one of the coolest classic era BMWs I've found so far. These aren't as common as the E28 or E39 5 Series, so seeing one street parked like this is a pretty cool sight.

For more photos of this E12, check out Bike Ride 19.

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