Late Spring Spotting '23

This section covers our finds for May and most of June. This spring has been quite an exciting time for us at ONEC. With school wrapping up, we've found a lot more time to work on our own Old New England Cars, as well as find a bunch of classics with the warm weather entering in as summer approaches. With the success we found in winter and spring, we hope this summer continues the trend. Keep driving your classics, and maybe you'll see us around!

If you're interested, be sure to check out the home page on our new Car Narratives series. where we'll write a feature story about your classic. 

Above: (5/1/23) - 1974 Ford Thunderbird Revisited (Sam) 

If this car looks familiar, that's because it was spotted way back in late Summer of 2021 (see New Jersey Car Spotting in Summer '21).  Not much has changed since I last spotted it, and it obviously moved within the last two years, since it's now on the other side of the garage.  This car harkens back to an age where land yachts roamed the streets and personal luxury coupes like this one were a sign that one had "made it."  This car has certainly seen better days, but it lives on as a fading reminder of what the word automobile once meant.  While this Bird looks a little worse for wear, it flies on, serving as a reminder to future generations of the way things were.  

Above: (5/1/23) - 1963 Studebaker Avanti Revisited (Sam)

Unlike the Thunderbird, the Avanti hadn't moved since I had last photographed it.  It also hadn't changed much.  The plus side of this being a fiberglass car is that it's much less susceptible to the rust monster than its contemporaries.  I really hope this one gets the attention it deserves soon.  

Above: (5/6/23) - 1978 Porsche 911 SC Targa (David)

We're on a Porsche roll this spring! This is a gorgeous 1978 911 SC Targa that pulled into work one day as I was on carriage duty. I had the fortunate opportunity of meeting the owner briefly, where I got a little bit of information about the car, mostly just the year, otherwise, it was a no brainer as to what I was looking at.

The Porsche 911 debuted to the world in 1964, replacing the 356. The essential goal was to create a new sports car that produced more power and improved ride quality than the 356. Upon its release, the 911 was known as the 901, but was changed due to a mix-up with French automaker Peugeot. The first series of cars were produced from 1964 to 1977, commonly referred to as the 911 Classic. In 1978, the G-Series was introduced, bringing larger displacements and trim levels to the 911's palate. This is where our story takes off.

1978 saw a major update to the 911 in terms of power. Porsche engineers concluded that a large contributing factor to the 911 not being able to make optimal power was due to safety and emissions features weighing it down. Once again, the new emissions regulations from the US government was to blame for this. The new 911s recieved an increase in power ratings from 180 to 201 horsepower. The SC trim level was reintroduced as well, paying homage to the 356 SC, which was the most powerful Porsche offered to consumers at the time. The SC trim level gave its driver a sporty ride, with a stiffer suspension, rear spoiler, front clipper, and as a cherry on top, blacked out Porsche "Fuchs" rims. Only 58, 914 SC's were produced from '78 to '83.

The SC's success helped keep the 911 alive. In 1979, Porsche made plans to phase out the 911 in favor of their new 928, which you can read about in Bike Ride 24. However, because the 911 SC proved to be such a success, Porsche executives recognized that its status as the company's flagship sportscar and in car culture would help keep the Porsche name alive. This proved to be the correct decision, as the 911 remains Porsche's most recognizable model, and one of the world's most iconic and influential sports cars. 

Above: (5/6/23) - Targeting the Targa (David)

There's something quintessential about a 911 Targa. While being one of the most iconic sports cars ever produced, hardly ever do you see an example of a classic 911. I recognize that I had the opportunity of seeing two classic Porsches within a week, but I assure you that you'd have a better chance of winning the lottery than seeing a classic Porsche being driven in New England! 

Above: (5/12/23) - 1984 Volvo 244 DL (David)

Another 240 in Newport! While at first glance, it may seem like another white 240 sedan, it may be more than what meets the eye. This one is a bit more of a vintage 240, being a 1984 244, making it all the more a unique find. It's also very much a New England survivor, as the many patches of rust and primer show its battle scars from New England winters and rough roads. Nonetheless, despite the rust and probable high mileage, the 240 still presses on, serving its owner dutifully. 

The Volvo 240 is an honest car. It doesn't pretend to be a fast car, and it doesn't hold itself to a higher standard. It presents itself in a modest manner and offers the driver a car that's both safe and reliable. While the 240 isn't a fast car (unless you have the Turbo model), the 240 offers a driving experience that allows the driver to be present with their surroundings and fully understand the car that they're driving. 

In the present day, most cars have incorporated safety features that do most of the important work for the driver. These include blind spot protection, automatic headlamps, and self locking brakes. This is so that the driver can have a stress free driving experience, and take more time to enjoy car play, surround sound, and other sources of entertainment without having to be as engaged in the driving experience. Driving a 240, or any old car for that matter, in the 21st century is the other side of the coin. What if driving could be entertaining without a fancy stereo system or while watching your analog odometer roll through the digits. There's something an old car offers that new cars can't, and that is a genuine relationship with the car formed through driving. 

If you want to get into classic cars and want one to drive daily, buy a 240! They're excellent cars for anyone who wants something old, reliable, and safe. Volvo made over 2 million of these cars world wide, so there's plenty of them around at affordable prices. 

Above: (5/13/23) - 1971 VW Super Beetle Cabriolet (David)

The Bug, the Punch Buggy, the Beetle, the People's Car. Once again, we have another German classic, which is arguably as noteworthy as the 911 from above, if not more. I can't think of another car that is more culturally impactful and recognizable as the Volkswagen Beetle. You don't even need to know cars, but there's definitely a strong chance you know what this car is just based on its design alone. Despite its origins as a car conceived by an evil world leader to be an affordable car for everyday folks, the Beetle rose beyond its origins as the most loved car ever produced. Before we begin, let's take a moment to appreciate the positivity of seeing a classic Beetle brings. It's such a happy little car.

Alright, history lesson time, because if there's any car that's more culturally impactful and synonymous with 20th century culture, its the VW Beetle. From World War II, to the Hippie movement, to West Germany and the Berlin Wall, ultimately to the present day, the Beetle saw it all. 

Design and plans for the original Volkswagen Type 1  began in the early 1930s, as the rising Nazi party in Germany demanded a car that could be mass produced, be efficient on gas, and easy to maintain. The car would also have to be very affordable, so any person of any social class could easily purchase one. This idea would be known as the "People's Car" or "Volkswagen" in German. In 1937, the company which would become known as Volkswagen was established, and the Type 1 Beetle would enter production the following year. Legendary automotive designer Ferdinand Porsche created the original design for the Type 1 which would be used in production.

However, World War II would start a year later after the Invasion of Poland, so civilian Type 1 models were postponed in favor of military use vehicles for wartime production. After the end of the war, occupation of Germany by the Allied forces saw Britain occupying the Volkswagen automotive plant. The future of the Type 1 was in question after British automotive executives determined the Type 1 design too unattractive for consumers to drive. However, that changed once the occupying British military forces realized they would need affordable cars to drive for themselves, and civilians would also need them too. The plant was rehabilitated, which included the removal of an unexploded bomb, and production of the postwar Beetles began in 1946. The first few models were produced for military personnel occupying Germany, but starting in 1949, the civilian Beetle the world would come to love began. 

Being a cheap car, both new and used, the Beetle saw instant success in all of the foreign markets it was introduced to. In the US, it became a symbol of counterculture and rebellion following Hippie Movements throughout the 1960s. Throughout the 1970s, the Beetle remained a symbol of youth and freedom among young adults. As production of the original Beetle halted in 1979 with the new VW Golf Mk. I replacing the Beetle as VW's new subcompact offering, the Beetle's legacy continued into the present day, arguably outliving itself, staying much more culturally relevant.

A fact often overlooked is the Beetle's production in West Germany during the 20th century. The Beetle was the Western World's cheap car, while East Germany's similar equivalent Trabant was their affordable car. Both cars have similar stories, so if we come across a Trabant anytime soon, that would make for an awesome comparison. 

Above: (5/14/23) - The Trooper: A Closer Look (Sam)

Above: (5/19/23) - 1997 Volvo 850 Estate: The Last of the Boxy Volvos (David)

The Volvo 850 is the last of the classic boxy Volvos, and arguably the last of the true Volvos. The 850, while very modern, was also very much a classic Volvo at heart. Being the last car designed by Jan Wilsgaard, the 850 retained the iconic boxy shape despite modern appointments. The 850 pioneered Volvo's quirky five cylinder engine, side impact protection systems, and a semi independent delta-link suspension. It was produced from 1991 to 1997, and was Volvo's other attempt at phasing out the 240 and the 940, which would become the V90 in 1996. In 1997, the 850 would become the V70.

When looking at the 850, the car is unmistakably a Volvo product. The hard lines and overall boxy design is something unique to only one brand. Although this isn't a classic like the 240 or other '80s Volvos, being one of the last Volvos to sport the boxy design makes this 850 truly worth appreciating. The 850 R has already reached modern classic status, and we can't wait to find one of those!

Above: (5/19/23) - 1999 BMW 323i Convertible (E36): What is a Modern Classic? (David)

Parked one car away from the Volvo 850 was this other '90s classic, the BMW E36 3-Series. Being that the 850 and the E36 are both '90s modern classics and Euro legends, I decided to photograph both of them. It's hard to believe this is now almost a classic. In one more year, cars from 1999 will be considered classic cars. It's really weird to think that cars that I grew up with and remember being around everywhere are now considered classics. I was born in the early 2000s, so an E36 was probably a common sight on the road, and I do remember them fairly well. 

A few days after the sighting of this car, I was asked the question of what cars from my generation would be considered a desirable classic. While I didn't have an exact answer at the moment, I thought back to these cars and most of the cars that Sam and I had photographed over the course of ONEC's existence. One of the core aspects of the ONEC mission is to preserve the regular, daily driven classics of generations past. We find those cars to be the most noteworthy because they cast a glimpse into everyday life from a time we never knew, but wish we could. I think that piece of subconscious intuition for cars that we took for granted seeing everyday growing up will become the classics we come to get excited over. Surely an E36 will (and arguably has) become a modern classic, as its clearly a piece of '90s European sports car history, but will a 2020s era 3-Series be desirable in the same way? 

When I think about Ford Fairmonts and Chevy Chevettes, horrible cars from a dark era in automobile history, what makes them cool? My parents laugh at me whenever I get excited about a car from their generation that they wouldn't bother giving a second glance to. But my question to you young readers - What is an everyday car we'll laugh at in 20 or so years when we're the parents and see a car from our youth? 

Above: (5/21/23) - 1989 Volvo 240 DL: All Old Volvos are Only Worth $500 (David)

Read the story of this Volvo in the Car Narratives Entry 1989 Volvo 240 DL!

Above: (5/22/23) - 1978 MGB Roadster: A Portrait of the World's Most Notorious Sports Car (David)

It's hard to imagine a world without the MGB. The MGB is one of the most popular sports cars ever produced. Surely, other British sports cars like the Jaguar E-Type and Aston Martin DB-5 remain some of the most collectible and best designed cars of all time, but the MGB exceeds where the previous two don't. While the E-Types and DB-5s appeal to high end collectors and millionaires, the MGB is for the everyday car enthusiast. In fact, it's arguably the first modern mass produced sports car. Inexpensive, easy to maintain, and fun to drive, without the MGB's success and influence, affordable sports cars like the Triumph TR-7, Mazda Miata, and Honda S2000 most likely wouldn't find their niche as quickly as they did.

Above: (5/22/23) - 1980 Mercedes Benz 380 SL Roadster (R107) (David)

Speaking of classic roadsters, here's a super clean Mercedes 380 SL! Photographed quite a bit over the course of last winter, and most notoriously in the Cars of New York series, these  SL-Class roadsters took a bit of hiatus from their appearance on ONEC during the spring months. However, one finally appeared.

While cruising the streets of Providence one sunny afternoon, I happened upon this car parked on a side street. I was captivated by its appearance, but more in particular, the headlights. To my untrained eye, these headlights looked like European spec lights that I assumed the owner swapped out for a more authentic European look. However, upon researching these cars a bit more at home, I realized that this was the headlamp design for 1980 only. With the introduction of the 380 SL in 1980, these cars only featured this design for one year, before the dual headlamps most commonly seen on the R107 SL-Class cars debuted the following year in '81. 

There's your daily dose of car information you probably never knew you needed. So the next time you're out with your friends and you see a Mercedes SL-Class from 1980, you can confidently tell your friends the car they are looking at is from 1980!

Above: (5/22/23) - 1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (David)

Now, the polar opposite of the last two convertibles. Seeing an MGB and an R107 SL-Class is always a cool sight, but there's something about an old '70s Cadillac that invokes a different feeling. This is a beautiful car, and there's not much I can say that car itself can't without making me sound redundant.

Despite being a car from the Malaise era of American cars, this Cadillac has successfully outlived its reputation. When looking at a Ford Mustang II or Chevy Chevette, those cars tell a clear tale of the downfall of the American automotive industry, following the 1973 gas crisis. However, on the contrary, when looking at a '70s Cadillac in the present day, visions of cruising with the top down on a sunny day filled my brain. I forgot I was looking at a car that was horribly inefficient and underpowered. To me, that didn't matter, because this Cadillac brought on a sense of removal from that time period. I bet if I stepped inside and took this for a spin, I'd forget what this car's past was. 

Maybe that's not the case, maybe I'm glorifying this car for what it is, and maybe comparing the Eldorado to a Mustang II is a bit harsh, but I'd like you to consider these two cars. A classic Cadillac is timeless, where no matter what era of Cadillac, the cars are still instantly recognizable. A Mustang II is recognized by either those who grew up or lived in the '70s, or know the tale of the Mustang II. With a Cadillac, you can glorify the past of car history. This is a car meant to be enjoyed. 

Above: (5/23/23) - 1986 Ford Ranger (Sam)

This little ranger actually made a fair number of appearances during my Summer internship.  Some mornings, I'd arrive and find it parked in the lot, and other days, it was nowhere to be seen.  I actually saw the owner leaving in it a couple times, but I didn't get a chance to ask him about the truck.  It's definitely a little rough around the edges, but this old Ford is still doing what it was made for for 37 years, and counting!  I remember it had some pretty bad belt noise, so I always knew when it was departing/arriving.  From the looks of it, the owner appears to be treating the rust to prevent it from spreading.  I don't care what anyone says, this is what the Ranger is supposed to be, not some up-sized sporty truck the size of an old F-150.  I apologize in advance to all the people I'll likely offend by saying this, but real Mavericks don't have a separate frame or a bed.  Ok, rant over.  

Above: (5/26/23 )- 1986 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham (Sam)

This was spotted randomly one day while I was out driving.  These cars are fairly rare, with only about 2,300 convertibles being manufactured in '87.  I actually think the design is kind of cool, as the top appears to be just another Landau roof at first glance.  Surprisingly enough, David managed to locate an '84 back in February.  This was a cool find, although I haven't seen this car since.  Maybe it will turn up again some day.  

Above: (5/29/23) - 1961 International Harvester Travelall (David)

This is one of my top picks of the cars we found this spring. While attending the RI Memorial Day Car Show, we were cutting through the parking lot to the Volvo 240, when we were greeted by the site of this International Travelall. It wasn't even here for the show, it was just the car the owner brought to the show to look at the cars. We did meet the owner as he drove away, where he told us that it was an all original car from '61. 

The International Travelall has become a car lost to time, which is unfortunate due to the history it holds, being one of the early pioneers for the SUV much like the Jeep Wagoneer. The original Travelalls debuted in 1953, as a station wagon variant of the International R-Series pickups. International decided having a station wagon variant of their pickup truck would be necessary, because aftermarket shops were converting their fleet use shuttle vehicles into personal use vehicles for regular consumers to buy. International saw this as opportunity to enter into the family car market, and thus, the Travelall was born. 

Much like the Chevy Suburban and later, the Jeep Wagoneer, the Travelall was based on its light duty truck relative's chassis and design. This would continue throught out the Travelall's production. Due to fuel inefficiency and the dominance of the Suburban, International could never get their own car to leave the coat tails of the mainstream Chevy products. The Travelall ended production in 1975, in favor of the International Scout II.

Today, even though the Travelall continues to live in the shadows of the Suburban and Wagoneer as the pioneers of the modern SUV, the Travelall remains an alternative example of an early SUV pioneer. I really love that the owner of this car takes pride in his and has kept it around. This is a true piece of automtive history, and it was amazing to finally see one. I don't believe I ever have before, so this was my first time seeing one. 

Above: (5/31/23) - 1981 Volvo 244 DL (David)

More Volvo for you! Although we've been photographing quite a bit of classic Volvos recently, this one is no exception. What you're looking at is a great example of an early '80s Volvo 240, 1981, to be exact.  Although there are clear signs of this car being a daily driver, it's been incredibly well preserved for a New England car.

With the '84 240 from a few weeks ago, and the '82 240 from Late Winter Finds '23,  I've really been enjoying finding these old Volvos. While they all may look pretty similar, I assure you that there's always some interesting aspect to discuss in an entry. Maybe it's also my growing bias to the 240 since my ownership last April, but nonetheless, seeing a 240 on the road is a pleasant sight. Now, let's have a closer look at this old Swede.

As I discussed in the 1982 240 entry from last winter, I like to think of the 240s from '79  to '82 as the transitional years for the 240. 1981 was a fairly exciting year for the 240 as well. It marked the change from the '70s era 240s, to the more modern looking '80s era cars. 1981 introduced the quad rectangular headlights, the third headlamp design during the 240's production. This design would be used up until 1985, with the introduction of the "cinderblock headlights," seen on cars from '86 to the end of production. The interior also recieved an update from the groovy and bright '70s styling, to the refined '80s styling. Being one of the most popular cars of the 1980s, one could assume Volvo had to keep their appearance up with the changing styles. Following 1982, the 240 would receive the large 6x6 tail light design, which would be used from '83 to the end of production. 

Above: (5/31/23) - 1990 Volvo 240 DL Estate (David)

Am I dreaming? It's another 240! I promise you these were found by sheer coincidence, and I was not cruising around looking for Volvos. Either I'm noticing 240s more now that I own one, or I've just been having incredible luck finding them recently. Whatever the case may be, I'm not complaining. 

This 240 is the same year as my car, and is in very similar shape. A few pieces of trim missing, some wheel center caps missing, and some signs of use, this old Volvo is still serving its owner well. One thing I like in particular about this car is the Volvo "Corona" style rims. Like the Virgo style rims on my car, the Corona rims are also fairly hard to come by. They're a very '80s design, and I think they're one of my favorite styles of rims that the 240 wore.