Bike Ride 26

David: The "Bike Ride" series has returned! After my bike was put out of commission when I was taken out by an SUV, the series was put on a hiatus, as I had no bike to ride and look for cars. Don't worry, I walked away with only scratches, but my bike absorbed the impact and my front wheel got bent.  However, Sam sourced a replacement wheel from his school, and I finally attached it and I was good as new. Thank you Sam!

Anyways, for this ride, I once again traveled to Providence, and found quite a bit. I would say this bike ride features some of my most unusual finds. You'll see peculiar paint jobs, a different meaning to the GM "G-Body" platform, and some other classics found on the streets. 

Above: 1987 International Harvester S-1800 Cab and Chassis

We begin something less exciting, but nonetheless interesting. It's an old 1970s International S-1800 cab with an empty chassis. I'd assume at one point, a cargo or flatbed sat on here, but when the truck was decommissioned, as this one appears to have been, the bed was probably salvaged for another truck. 

This was found at the Providence Highway Department building, which was empty for the day. Usually, weekdays will find the lot this truck was parked in busy with other work trucks awaiting to be assigned to the many ongoing maintenance projects throughout Rhode Island. I could probably create a separate blog as lengthy as this one showcasing the bridge and highway projects, but I don't have the time, nor are these projects remotely close to being finished! Anyways, I had seen this truck in passing on my way to and from the city several times, but this was the first time I had ever stopped to closely examine the old truck resting in the bush. The last International S-1800 series trucks rolled off the assembly line in 1988, so for truck that's hypothetically pushing its 40s, it doesn't look half bad.

The original S-1800 was produced from 1977 to 1988, seeing almost zero updates until 1987, which makes this specific S-1800 all the bit more interesting. In the 1980s, the original International Harvester truck company was failing badly. They were seeing no profits on their products, which led to losses of $600 million. In 1986, the company sold off its assets and farming divisions among several different companies, and sold the truck division to Tenneco Automotive Company, and renamed themselves International Navistar. In 1987, the new S-1800 trucks saw their first update ever. With the new company name came a new logo, a split diamond. 1987 and 1988 trucks can be identified by the diamond logo next to the "International" badge on the grille, as well as the door handle. While not the most intriguing detail, it is worth mentioning for some automotive history.

Above: A Closer Look at the International

These 1800 series were pretty uncommon to see when I was growing up, and as time progressed, they've become even more uncommon. I'm sure with a little TLC, this truck could drive again, as I wouldn't be shocked if these were extremely reliable. The evidence is in the successor, the International S-4500 series, which was introduced in 1989 and kept in production until 2002. It was essentially the same truck, just with a new exterior redesign. These are still on the road today, and while the final models are pushing antique status, its hard not to pass by a construction site or truck depot and see one of these International trucks.

While more modern than the 1800 series, the 4500 holds a special place in my heart for old trucks. I used to ride the bus to school during my elementary years of school, and the bus was always a big deal for my friends and I. Whoever could make it to the bus stop first, or make it on or off the bus first would basically have been the president of the United States for all we cared. Then of course, the bus ride itself was hard as rock. The suspension never absorbed the road bumps, and the seats had no seatbelts, so another competition we had was seeing who could fly out of their seats the farthest when riding over a bump. 

Above: 1969 Ford F-250 Ranger Revisited

We arrive at a familiar face you may recognize from a bike ride from last year. This is none other than the Providence Painted Signs Ford F-250 Ranger. This was originally spotted back March of 2022, but like with most revisited vehicles from older entries, we've been returning back to capture better angles and perhaps discuss attributes or points of view not discussed or not mentioned in greater detail. 

We'll return to this truck itself and its local influence around Providence, however, let's have a look at the "Ranger" badge on this F-Series. The Ranger as we know it wouldn't come to be until the 1980s, almost 15 years after this truck was produced. By then, the truck market would see many changes, especially with compact trucks, the most noteworthy aspect of the Ranger. However, this is no compact truck, its a full size F-250. So, that begs the question, what's the Ranger badge doing on this truck?

While this is a fifth generation F-250, produced from 1966 to 1972, we need to jump back one year prior to 1965, the end of the fourth generation, where the Ranger name was first used. The Ranger trim level was more or less a styling package. It tidied up the interior with bucket seats, and a covering over the gas tank mounted behind the seat. Yes, a gas tank behind the rear seat. The Ranger trim level was carried over into the next generation, with similar styling cues. The Ranger had the distinction of being the top trim level offered at the time. Offering two tone paint jobs and the same interior accents from its introduction in 1965, the Ranger was considered to be a fancy, less utilitarian option for those who wanted a truck. The Ranger would remain the highest trim level of Ford trucks until 1982, when it was moved to the actual compact Ranger in 1983. One could assume Ford used this technique to market the Ranger to its potential, associating the known high end trim level with the new model. 

Above: The Ranger: Front and Rear

Now, back to this F-250 Ranger. Providence Painted Signs is a known local staple around the areas of Providence and most of Rhode Island. Founded and run by Sean Gilheeney in 2012, PPS has contributed a lot to the classic styling and aesthetic of Downtown Providence, including many murals and marquees. All of the work is professionally hand painted or constructed by the painting company. Obviously, the classic work truck adds to the vintage style that PPS totes, and makes the company all the more recognizable when you see the truck. 

Reference Bike Ride 13 for the original entry. 

Above: 1991 Honda Accord LX 5MT

Next, a 1991 Honda Accord, found close by the Providence Painted Signs Ford. The last time we saw a '90s Accord was in the second Cars of New York entry from early August. In that entry, we discussed how these old Hondas and other once common '90s vehicles would become the future of ONEC in the years to come. For this entry, I'd like to apply this Honda Accord to a retrospective look at the early 1990s and the changes it was bringing. I want to argue that the fourth generation Accord design was an economy car ahead of its time. 

It's the year 1989. Batman, Do the Right Thing, and Dead Poets Society are block busters. Musically, Like a Prayer and Love Shack are dominating the charts. It's quite the year. However, in the automotive industry, lots of auto makers are anticipating the ending of the 20th century and the push towards the 2000s. The age of the internet was coming, and computers were advancing. Music was being produced electronically, so why not have cars that looked the part? That would cost money, and a lot of designs were being carried over from the 1970s and early '80s. Think of the Toyota Camry, Volvo 240, Saab 900, and the Mercedes S-Class. Then the Honda Accord rolls into dealer lots and its different. It's smooth and aerodynamic. The taillights and headlights seamlessly flow around the fenders. You glance back at your new 1989 Volvo 240 and it suddenly looks old. 

Pretty soon, after the year 1993, many automakers would release cars that would follow in the design inspiration from the Accord. The Volvo 850, Lexus ES-300, and many more would come to be within this time. The only other vehicle that I can think of that inspired modern car designs was the BMW E36, which was released a year later in 1990. You could also argue that a lot of manufacturers had designs for their future models in the making. However, this entry is arguing that these were cars that came into production earlier than the majority of most modern '90s vehicles. 

Above: 1990 BMW 325i (E30) Convertible

This is a very nice example of an E30 convertible, one of the later models when production started ending for the E30. The E30 was gradually phased out, when the E36, referred to earlier as a very progressive modern car design, began to enter production. The first E30 models to cease production were the sedans and coupes, while the convertibles and estates lasting until 1994. 

Above: 1977 Mercedes Benz 300 TD Estate (S123) Revisited

This Mercedes Benz may appear familiar to you. It wasn't too long ago that this was featured on the blog, last seen a few months ago in the same location. However, the photos then were taken at night, which honestly didn't do this car justice, but we'll get to that later. 

1977 was a pretty nominal year in the W123's history. The year marked the first year of the estate model, and the much needed front fascia facelift update. Despite its introduction a year prior, the 1976 models shared a similar exterior design to the later W114 cars, which was the predecessor to the W123. This was a design that went back to the late '60s and early '70s. The rear fascia was updated as well to the same tail lights seen on the W116 models. See Cars of Newport for a great example of a W116. The rest of the car stayed the same for the most part. So, you could really argue that the W123 is really just a smorgasbord of parts from various Mercedes models throughout the years. 

See Early Summer Cars '23 for the original entry on this Mercedes Benz. 

Above: Estate Close Ups

In the sun, this car shines as if it rolled out of the dealer lot back in 1977. Seriously, the W123 series of cars are popular for reason, and I think this wagon emphasizes that point. There's something to be said about minimalism matched with a solid flat color. It really is a pretty car, which may sound like an awkward statement, but look! 

Above: 1992 Volvo 240 Estate: A Peculiar 240 

Let me preface this by saying that in my years of visiting the East Side of Providence, I have traveled by car and bike many of the streets, and have explored many of the hilly nooks and crannies that the East Side entails. Anyone who resides or has visited there would tell you that there are many side streets, most of which are very steep and narrow. Anyways, on this particular point of the bike ride, I was traveling up the hill from the red Mercedes and was on my way to try and find two different cars I had seen in the area prior to this voyage. They were a rusty VW T2 Bus and a different Volvo 240. I suppose you could call it luck, but I decided to spare myself time and my legs, I cut over a few streets, heading diagonally up the hill, using side streets and service roads as opposed to the normal side streets. 

I got to a Y-junction, and glanced up the hill, preparing myself for the last push to the top. My eyes rested on a boxy car, mostly concealed behind a stone wall, and I could only see the roofline. It appeared similar to that of a Chevy K-5 Blazer, which I thought would be cool to see around here. I pedaled up to the car, it slowly revealing itself when I got closer, and that's when I realized I had found something far more bizarre than what could've ever imagined or expected. 

I know I photograph lots of old Volvos, and this will not be the last one you see in this entry, but sometimes there are exceptions. This is one of them. This Volvo 240 is like no other, and there will be no other 240 like this one. This could've been something regular, like a standard beige 240 or the Blazer I thought this was at first. I'm so glad its something more than that, because this car not only caused me to feel so much astonishment that something like this existed, but so much awe and mystery. I stood looking at this car for several minutes, I'm not kidding. I pondered why this existed in the way that it did, which led me to think about the owner and their inspiration to paint an old Volvo like a leopard. I wish I knew more, and I wish I had met the owner. Someday I may go back, as this car deserves so much instead of being overlooked. 

Above: A Closer Look at the Artsy 240

As you can see, this 240 has been painted inside and out. At first I thought the exterior had just been given a leopard paint job, but the interior itself has been given its own unique look. Drips of paint and bled through masking tape lines show that this 240 was rattle canned inside, which I can only imagine what that smelled like after sitting in the sun on a hot day. Who knows, maybe the fumes inspired this car! Looking closely at the front end of the car, specifically the hood, you can see that some of the black spots were painted over with brighter colors. Either the artist gave up painting the rest, or they ran out of paint.

Unfortunately, it looks like rust and maybe a front end impact got the best of this 240. The hood looks like it could use replacing, and the front fascia (headlights, grille, and bumper) looks like it hit something at a low speed, causing them to be pushed inward. While I do hope to get the story of this Volvo someday, I really hope the owner and artist keeps this car alive to a degree, even if it isn't driven. As you've seen, there's a lot of 240s out there! Seeing something as unique and amusing as this one was honestly really cool, especially for someone like myself who really isn't one for DIY customization and poor car mods. However, this car differs from most DIY car projects because it holds itself to a higher standard. I can see the creative thought that went into this car, and sure, while its not perfect by any standard, I can imagine that joy and fun that the artist may have experienced when painting this car. Of course, these are just assumptions, but a 240 is a car that brings a sense of happiness, and I hope it did the same for the artist. 

Above: 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Donk 

Here's a pretty well donked out 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. The Cutlass Supreme was based on the infamous GM G-Body, which is best known for being used with the fourth generation (1981-88) Monte Carlo as well as the Buick Regal and Grand National from the same era. Oldsmobile held the torch high for '80s GM muscle cars, continuing on with the Cutlass Supreme, which had become its own model, following the conclusion of the 1970s. The Cutlass Supreme was offered as the highest trim option for the Cutlass following the 1982 Cutlass split off, which is a bit confusing. 

In 1982, the Cutlass Supreme, Calais, and Ciera split into three different models. There was the Supreme, seen here, which remained the trim level offering throughout the 1980s. The Calais became Oldsmobile's new compact offering, marketed along side the Chevy Citation. And, last but not least, the Ciera, introduced for the new front wheel drive A-Body platform, became their new FWD offering to compete with the Chrysler K-Cars. 

The Cutlass Supreme would continue to be sold throughout the 1980s, eventually getting a complete redesign in 1989. The Cutlass Supreme is best known for the Hurst/Olds, produced for the '83 and '84 model years. These were the cars with the three shifters, known as the lightning rods. Then there was the revival of the 442 marque in 1985, which lasted until 1987, which replaced the Hurst/Olds as Oldsmobile's high performance offering. If we ever get our hands on one, we'll go into the history of the 1980s Oldsmobile muscle cars, but this will serve as overview for now. 

Today, these are rising modern classics, and often see customization in the low rider and donk car communities, like the one seen here. They aren't expensive as a 1968 to '72 A-Body Cutlass, so getting your hands on one won't break the bank. These Cutlasses are also the last of the rear wheel drive GM cars, as they would switch to primarily FWD vehicles at the end of the 1980s and beginning of the 1990s. 

It's often wondered what the letters refer to in a specific vehicle platform, such as B-Body or A-Body. Well here, I think we can deduce that the "G" in G-Body stands for Gay. Please don't take offense to that joke, as I identify as a member of the gay community, so I found this G-Body rather amusing parked in front of pride flag background.  I hope you have a laugh yourself, as the world could use more laughs and light humor.

Above: 1989 Volvo 740 Turbo 

Rest your eyes on the classic Volvo enthusiast's dream car. A high mileage, red-block engine era, turbo charged brick with minimal modifications. If you bring an old Volvo to a car show, chances are the only question you'll get will be: "How many miles does it have on it?" Well, this one has made it to well over 400,000 miles, which is pretty impressive to say the least. There's no question if this car hasn't been driven then, and while this is in remarkable shape for a car that's been driven this much, you can still see the signs that this is a daily driven car. 

The Volvo 700 turbo series was first introduced for the 1984 model year. Volvo had already used turbochargers on the 240, so they had experience when it came to the new 700 series. Initially, the turbo option was only available on the luxurious 760 models, but Volvo then decided it would be a good idea to equip the entry 740 with a turbo. Immediately, these were a hit in the luxury car market, as Volvo promoted these cars very effectively, with creative slogans depicting the cars next to popular sports cars like Ferraris and Porsches, mentioning how the 740 was the fastest sedan or wagon in its class. The 740 turbo eventually succeeded the 240 turbo following the 1985 model year, and became a selling point for buying a 740. Horsepower peaked at around 162, and the car could accelerate from zero to 60 in around eight seconds. 

Today, like the 240, the 740 turbo is one of those classic Volvos enthusiasts are now chasing. Why not right? Because it's not the coveted 240, the 740 fetches slightly cheaper asking prices, including turbo models. The 740 is slightly modern than the 240, so driving one as a daily isn't the worst option either. And, like a 240, that red block engine will last a lifetime. So, the next time you see a 740, keep an eye out for that turbo badge. 

Above: 1970 Triumph Spitfire Mk. IV

The Triumph Spitfire is one of those tiny British sports cars from the 1970s that's instantly recognizable even if you don't know what a Triumph Spitfire is. It comes from the last of its era alongside the MGB and TR-6. 

Named after the legendary World War II British fighter plane, the Supermarine Spitfire, the Triumph Spitfire was first introduced in 1962, the same year as the MGB. Although a British-built car, it shared some Italian DNA. The Spitfire was designed by Italian designer Giovanni Micholetti, whose work spanned from Ferrari to Maserati to Lancia. For Triumph's cars, he was behind such designs like the TR-4 and GT-6 sports cars. 

The Mk. IV was introduced for the 1970 model year, making this car the first of the Mk. IV cars. The Mk. IV carried a similar design over from the previous Mk. III cars, but with some minor updates. Handling was improved, as well as the suspension, which had been criticized by automotive journalists over the years. The Mk. IV, much like the other British sports cars, would go on to grow some rubber bumper guards as the 1970s progressed. That seemed to be the only real change to the Mk. IV throughout its production. The Mk. IV would be succeeded by the Spitfire 1500 in 1975. This would be the final form of the Spitfire, ending production in 1980.

Above: The Spitfire in Perspective

This Spitfire is no show queen, it's been driven. Although the sunshine on the worn black paint gives the car an appearance that makes it seem worse off than it should, this car really wasn't in the worst shape. Yes, it had scrapes and scratches, but overall, it appeared solid. There was an interior cover obscuring what I could see of the interior, but given that the owner equipped it with one of those, I can assume they care for their classic sports car. Maybe this is someone's driving project car. Afterall, these aren't the worst things to work on, based on what I've read about them. I hope I continue to see this car around town, and maybe with bits of improvements here and there.