Early Summer Cars '23

Happy Summer ONEC readers! Enjoy these finds to kick off the warm months!

Above: (6/24/23) - 1982 Mercedes Benz 300 SD Turbo Diesel (W126) (David)

Kicking off summer right with a classic Benz! This, although existing at the same time as the infamous W123 300 Turbo Diesels, is not the same car. This is the W126, a more modern vehicle, and successor to the W116, another car arguably ahead of its time. To see an example of a W116, check out Cars of Newport.

What sets the W126 apart from its W116 predecessor are a few things. For one, the car was more aerodynamic, despite retaining that iconic '80s boxy Mercedes design. The W126 also included an airbag in the driver's side steering wheel, while only available at an extra cost, was one of the first modern vehicles to include one. Most manufacturers didn't start equipping vehicles with airbags until the early '90s. Other safety features included seat belt restraints, traction control, and ABS, which was carried over from the W116. 

Aside from breaking grounds in safety, the W126 remains the best selling S-Class to date, with around 892,000 vehicles being produced over its 12 year production run from 1979 to 1991. That also makes this 300 SD an early model. The 300 SD was one of the original cars to be sold, up until 1985, with the introduction of the second series update in 1986. 

Above: (6/24/23) - 1996 Volvo 850 R Estate (David)

This may seem like an ordinary road worn Volvo wagon, a sight commonly seen on ONEC, however, look more closely at that back badge (or the entry title), and you'll see this old Swede is a bit more than it seems. This is indeed a Volvo 850 R, the real deal Volvo wagon of the late '90s. 

To understand the 850 R, we need to learn about the 850 T-5R. The 850 T-5R was introduced in 1995 as a sportier option to the 850 Turbo. The T-5R would tout an engine producing around 245 HP, allowing the car to reach 0-60 in about 5.9 seconds. Its drag coefficient was only 0.29, which may seem surprising for such a boxy vehicle. This made the T-5R a factory sleeper, as its outward appearance said otherwise about the T-5R being fast. On top of that, Volvo wasn't known for making sporty vehicles, as cars like the 240, 740, and the 940 weren't particularly quick Yes, the turbo versions of the 240, 740, and 940 were pretty quick, but those weren't as mainstream as the naturally aspirated vehicles. Anyways, the T-5R was a huge success, and Volvo decided to continue the production into the following year, however, at a catch. Volvo wanted the T-5R to be its own model, so the 850 R was introduced, carrying over a lot of the same elements of the T-5R. The R was essentially the same car, but it just made a bit more power, and came equipped with a stronger transmission. 

Today, these are very rare cars to come across, as Volvo only made a couple thousand of both the T-5R and R models. The most desirable of the two would be the wagon, painted in Faded Yellow, but only 49 were ever imported into the US.

Above: (6/28/23) - Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham d'Elegance Revisited (David)

Here's a familiar face you might remember from the beginning of last winter. However, this time around, I saw the car street parked returning home from a night out. Of course, Sam and I regard Langdon Clay's car photography as some of the best we've ever seen, so inspiration to photograph an old car at night always gets the best of us. This old Caddy was parked in a similar area on North Main street in Providence, so it must be local to this area.

Above: (6/28/23) - 1977 Mercedes Benz 300TD (S123) Estate (David)

Here is another classic I spotted on my return home. This time, we have a German classic, and a beautiful example of a W123 Estate. I love these cars with the color matched rims, especially in this vibrant color known simply as "Red." That was what the Mercedes color chart listed the color as. It's certainly an effective name! 

Above: (7/2/23) - 1994 Volvo 940 Estate (David)

Another old, road worn Volvo wagon, this time a 940 hailing from Florida. However, this was spotted in Rhode Island. This is definitely someone's daily driver, and I wouldn't hesitate to think that this car has high mileage on it, especially with a car that looks like its driven from Rhode Island to Florida and back more than once. 

Above: (7/2/23) - 1980 Jeep CJ-7 Renegade (David)

Here's something pretty groovy! It's a classic Jeep CJ-7, but a more notable one with the Renegade package. The original Renegade packages offered by Jeep featured these fancy graphics that you see on the side and hood, as well as vibrant and brighter colors. The graphic designs also changed by year, so that makes identifying these a bit easier. This Renegade looks to be a very well kept example, that I would presume had a restoration done at some point in its life. Regardless, I'm glad to see it out on the streets. Far out! 

Above: (7/6/23) - 1993 Saab 900 S Sedan (David)

A look at the classic Saab 900 during its final year of production. Granted, the 900 convertible would remain in production for one more year in this body style, but the hatchback and sedan would be phased out for the new streamlined, round 900 that would enter into production, following GM's involvement with Saab in 1989. 1993 was the last year of a pure, true Saab, with no GM parts or interference what-so-ever. Granted the second generation 900s were a true Saab design, but there was some GM involvement with parts and the platform it was based off of. 

Here, this 900 has been remarkably well kept, and is probably one of the nicest cars I've photographed outside of a car show this summer. It was spotted in Warren, RI, as I was on my way to go record shopping. You can see my Volvo lingering in the background too. 

Above: (7/11/23) - Honda Acty Street G (JDM Import and RHD) (David)

Certainly not a European car like most of the cars we've seen so far, but definitely something that needed to be included. Instantly recognizable, this needs no introduction! While these JDM mini vans (and imports) have started becoming more and more popular here in the US, and as van lifestyles are on the rise as well, I feel it makes plenty of sense to start seeing these more. Economically speaking too, these do seem like the better option  compared to domestic offerings like the Chevy Express and Ford E-Series vans. While small, these are very spacious, and I would assume very fuel efficient as well. A perfect idea for the modern working class individual who needs a travel vehicle. Not only will you be saving gas, but you'll be looking cool doing it.