Mid Spring Spotting '24

This April featured some of our most diverse series of entries yet. Similar to Early Spring '24, this mid spring segment of the Spring season picked right up where we left off, featuring all kinds unique vehicles from the '70s and '80s. Unlike the last segment of Spring, we have a plethora of cars waiting for you, and we're very excited to show them off! From a 1970 Riviera, to an '82 Cressida, to a 1978 Volkswagen, there should be something for every car enthusiast. We hope you enjoy the cars we found this April, as we sure did enjoy finding them!

Above: (4/14/24) - 1989 Buick LeSabre (David)

Starting the mid spring segment of 2024 off, we have a car that hasn't been featured on ONEC since 2021. Yes, you read that right. We haven't photographed sixth generation LeSabre since Bike Ride 11, which was published before I was in college! I'm really showing my age in this entry. I'm only 21, but now that I'm heading into my senior year in September 2024, I've been reflecting back on where I was towards the end of my junior year of high school. ONEC was established during that time, and a plethora of other formative life events have taken place along the way. This entry on this Buick won't be too nostalgic, but when I realized that the last time we found a similar car to this one back in August of 2021, it really got my mind jogging back to those early entries. 

Anyways, this is a sixth generation LeSabre, which was produced on the new GM H-Platform from 1986 to 1991. Compared to the previous B-Body based generation from 1977 to 1985, the new H-Body LeSabres were much smaller and sleeker, giving the car a much needed modern appearance. Body styles included a coupe or sedan, with the sedan being the better seller than the coupe. However, the Coupe offered an exclusive T-Type sport package, a tribute to the Regal T-Type from the previous generation. These were mostly an aesthetic trim package, but it did receive a better suspension and cooling system. These T-Types were only sold from 1987 to 1989. 

The sixth generation ended production in 1991, with seventh generation succeeding it in 1992. This would be the second to last generation of the LeSabre, which would see its final form in 2000, and departing from the world in 2005. In my opinion, Buick managed to make the new seventh gen cars appear more dated than the sixth gen cars, but that's another story for later. 

This example is in better shape than the LeSabre photographed back in 2021, but the paint has left many with questions. This was posted to our Instagram page before the writing of this entry, and many who interacted with the post claimed that the paint was a DIY job. I don't dispute these claims, as when I saw it in person, it had a very matte finish, which may be difficult to distinguish from the photos. It also had all of its badging removed with the exception of the hood ornament, so it's definitely possible that this strange finish on this car is a result of a DIY paint job. 

Above: (4/14/24) - 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT (David)

Next, we arrive at a Bronco! This won't be the last late '70s Ford truck you'll see from today, so stay tuned for what's to come later. To be honest, I briefly forgot that this generation of Bronco existed until I found this '79 model parked in this lot. I'll explain more about why that is later, but let's enjoy this hulking beast of '70s FoMoCo that bestands us. 

As much as I disapprove of modern truck culture existing in the toxic ways that it does today, I can appreciate these original factory models with their oversized wheels and lifted suspensions. Afterall, I do love any old car, so it doesn't take much to warm my heart, even if it goes against my opinions sometimes. 

Above: The Overlooked Bronco

This body style of the Bronco was introduced for the 1978 and 1979 model years only. After the long run of the original first generation Broncos from 1966 to 1977, Ford finally updated the Bronco for 1978. From 1978 until the conclusion of production in 1996, the Bronco would share all of its front body panels from the cab forward with the F-Series. The Bronco II, introduced in 1983, would share all its body panels from the cab forward with the Ranger in a similar fashion. 

Anyways, because these second generation Broncos only existed for two years, I feel they get overshadowed by their predecessor for obvious reasons and its successors, specifically the Bronco II. Everyone knows how legendary and popular the original Broncos from '66 to '77 are, so I feel an explanation would be rather redundant. When the second generation arrived for 1978, the Bronco lost a lot of the '60s charm that it carried with its bright colors and small stature in its original form. Ford wanted to go head-to-head with Chevy, who based their similar K-5 Blazer model on their full size S/K-Series truck chassis. The result were larger and aggressive looking trucks, appearing nothing like what people knew the Bronco as. Then the Bronco II arrived for 1983, with a return to form in the sense that it was now a small truck again. Being based on the smaller Ranger chassis, the Bronco could revive the non-aggressive aura that it was previously associated with before 1978. 

This is why I believe a lot of these Broncos from 1978 to 1996 are often forgotten about. The Bronco was a small truck that people associated with warm sunny days and beach trips. The new Broncos that followed called to mind their Pickup truck counterparts that weren't necessarily associated with that type of lifestyle. However, when the Bronco II arrived in 1983, it really brought that small truck feel back to the Bronco name, and likewise, it sold much better than the full size Bronco. For a perspective, in 1985, Ford sold double the amount of Bronco IIs for the 54,000 standard Broncos produced in that year. 

This proved that the Bronco formula works much better in a small truck fashion, because it was never intended to be built on a full size truck platform. I don't dislike these later full size Broncos, in fact, I love seeing late '70s Ford products. However, from a critical standpoint, I can see why they performed poorly in contrast to its predecessor and Bronco II relatives. Sometimes its best to stick with what works, and I'm glad Ford was able to realize that when they introduced the Bronco II, and currently with the new Bronco that calls back to mind the original Broncos. 

Above: (4/14/24) - 1974 Chevy Corvette Stingray (C3) (David)

Keeping with the trend of '70s vehicles, we arrive at another legendary American name, the Corvette. I'd argue that the "Corvette" name is just as known as the "Bronco" name, even if some eras of the Corvette are remembered more fondly than others. I guess it's the same case as what we discussed with the second generation Bronco from earlier. However, the C3, or at least certain years, might be one of the best generations of the Corvette, despite existing during the Malaise era from 1973 to 1982 (There was no 1983 Corvette!). Determining what generation of Corvette can be difficult, as the cars popularity has made it a very segmented and divisive topic in the car community. Many enthusiasts are very opinionated and stand by what they believe to be the best era of the Corvette. Personally, I'm partial to the C2 generation from 1963 to 1967, but the C3 might be my second favorite. Let's find out what makes a C3 one of the best eras of the Corvette. 

When it was introduced in 1968, the new Corvette featured a radical redesign from the previous generation. Being based on the Mako Shark II concept car from 1965, the design featured a lot in common with its concept. In particular, the sharp front nose, the curvey front wheel arches, and sloped canopy were the most noteworthy cues. This made the Corvette standout from anything else that existed during its time. It called to mind styling that was only used by Italian sports cars at the time, which proved that American car design could be just as innovative and creative with its sports cars. Despite its out-of-the-box styling, it was still able to hang with its muscle car contemporaries and dominate speed records. 

This 1974 Corvette is a Malaise era Corvette, which we'll discuss below, and is the first to feature absolutely zero chrome bumpers. While this is a peculiar detail to point out, look back at previous years of Corvettes, and you'll notice what I'm referring to. 1973 is what I consider to be a hybrid year, as the front bumper was replaced by a color matching nose cone while still retaining its chrome bumper from the original 1968 design. However, in 1974, it would lose that rear chrome in favor of a similar plastic molding, giving the Corvette a more seamless, aerodynamic appearance.

Above: The Corvette in the Malaise Era

In the Malaise era (1973 to 1983), a lot of American cars gained larger, bulkier appearances that aged rather poorly. The Corvette is one exception that has arguably stood the test of Malaise era design. In previous entries I've expressed my disliking for the late model Camaros and the irony of the Mustang II, but I've never expressed much critical opinions towards the C3's design. As a car enthusiast, my appeal to cars isn't much from their power, but more so their design. I believe the C3 remains a timeless design because its design was changed very minimally over its 15 year production run. GM knew the Mako Shark II inspired design made the Corvette distinct from everything else on the road, so among the Malaise barges, the Corvette would continue to impose its revolutionary design on the road despite existing in a less than ideal era for American cars. 

Above: (4/14/24) - 1986 Chevy Corvette (C4) (David)

Then nearly a decade later, the Corvette would look like this. If we argue that the C3 has a timeless design, then the C4 is very representative of its time period. I would argue this is a very 1980s looking car, but the C4 became one of the best selling Corvettes, because its design was able to make it more mass appealing. Compared to the radical launch of the C3, the C4 was very refined. Like with most other models, many brands were taking a minimalist approach to design in competition with the European designs that had begun appearing more in more frequently during the 1970s. Had GM launched the C4 with a more radical design, I don't know if it would've been as successful as it was with the current design.  

Above: (4/14/24) - 1990 Mercedes Benz 300 SE (W126) (David)

And now something I thought I'd never say, but here we have a break from the Americana. Today has been a pretty good showing of Malaise era American classics, which I have absolutely zero complaints about. I love finding classics from that time period, but usually these classics aren't found as often as something like this Mercedes. And that's not to say I don't like finding Euro classics either!

This Mercedes is a typical example of a daily driven, street parked W126 car. It's not perfect, but its not derelict. It's just the right amount of fade and shine. I've never seen a rusty Mercedes before, so that must speak to a lot of the people that drive them. 

A Mercedes has always been a name that's called to mind prestige and importance. If you see a Mercedes driving around town, it's not uncommon to think that the person  behind the wheel is a person of success or wealth. Old Mercedes, such as this one, call to mind "old money," as from my experience, they're usually driven by retirees, or inherited by their children or grandchildren. In both cases, a Mercedes is bought as a celebration of success. It's a personal pat-on-the-back when all the hard working has finally paid off, and a luxury car can be afforded without having to take out a loan or scrimp away pennies. As a result, Mercedes owners take care of their cars, making sure they look just as good as they did when they left the dealer lot. Even as they age, the cars are still maintained with care, and when the time comes to pass it on to the next generation, it's hoped that it too will be kept up well by the new drivers. This could be the case with any well-cared for family classic, but because I hardly ever see beat up Mercedes, I think this speaks more to those cars than others. 

Above: The Golden Years of Mercedes 

These Mercedes are often hailed as some of the best the brand ever produced. Usually, these are the cars produced from roughly 1966 to roughly 1994. I like to think that these W126 and W124 cars are the last of the golden era. Yes, I know the R129 is also from the same era, and has made a name for itself as a modern classic, but the W126 is arguably the last to feature the classic styling from the mid-twentieth century. In some ways, it's like the E34 of Mercedes. Yes, the E39 would be the last great 5-Series, but the E34 was the last to feature that classic BMW styling. The W126 is arguably one of the last Mercedes to feature their classic styling, along with the W124 and W201. 

Above: (4/14/24) - 1979 Ford F-100 Custom (David)

Here's a truck that everyone can appreciate. It's not overly masculine like the lifted behemoths on the road today, and it doesn't offend masculinity like a small truck would. This F-100 is a truck. That's all it is. It's not trying to tell us something or impose anything, it just is. To conclude my discussion of American truck culture from Bike Ride 33, this is what I wish truck culture could return to, or at least evolve into. I feel as if these classic trucks don't feel the unnecessary need impose anything hyper-masculine, or convey any societal message via their physical appearance. 

This is an honest truck. It's not flashy, nor is it oversized with ridiculous lift kits and rims that will never see a speck of dirt in their lifetime. This is a truck that shows up for the job and gets it done right without yelling or shouting at the others around it, proclaiming its views and opinions, shunning others away. It's humble in the presence of onlookers and gets praise from the driver who has relied on it for the last 40 years, and it doesn't let its praise inflate its ego by dressing up with tasteless accessories. It just is, and for this '79 Ford, that's just enough. 

Today, where modern pickups have become, well, the opposite of this '79 Ford, I hope in future years, manufacturers and truck culture see the importance and value of an honest truck, and reform back to these standards of the classic American truck. I feel that with the decline of toxic masculinity in popular culture, the pendulum will hopefully swing in favor of trucks. With that, perhaps more minimal, stripped away designs like this F-100 will start to gain in popularity. A truck has always been utilitarian at its core, so all the excess in size and accessories could be easily removed. Maybe I'm staring at pie high in the sky, but I can always stay optimistic!

Above: A Classic Truck at Its Finest

What a beauty. I don't see enough classic trucks that look like this, and maybe that's for the better. Just like an outing to a fancy restaurant once a year, seeing a classic truck in its pure form like this '79 F-100 is just as rewarding. 

Above: (4/14/24) - 1989 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (XJ) (David)

A Jeep! Last time we featured a Jeep was back in January, in the Bike Ride 30 entry. More about that reason later though. Also, check that entry out for a brief history on the XJ series of Jeep Cherokees, as they marked the conclusion of AMC's presence in the auto industry, and the beginning of Chrysler's ownership of the Jeep brand. 

This is a less common Cherokee two door, which shared the same trim levels as the four door version, but later held the distinction of the only body style offered with the base trim. This Cherokee is equipped with the "Laredo" trim, a common option seen on XJ Cherokees, which got customers more chrome and a better sound systems compared to lower trim levels. These rims, although they appear aftermarket, are stock to this 1989 model year Cherokee. I prefer the rim style you'll see in the entry that follows this one, but I think these are pretty stylish and fit the two door models better than the four door models. 

Above: Why Don't We Photograph XJ Cherokees as Much?

So back to the original question, why don't we photograph these classic Jeeps as often as we do other cars, like the Volvo 240 or Mercedes SL-Class? For me, I feel we don't as much because these XJ Cherokees are still ubiquitous despite their age. These existed from 1984 to 2001 in various forms, so it makes sense that a design that was kept around for nearly 20 years would have an incredible presence on the road. I see one nearly everyday on my commute to school. Also, keep in mind that over 3 million units were produced. The Volvo 240 is featured frequently because they're not as common as the XJ Cherokee, but uncommon enough that it would be appropriate to photograph one in our travels. 

But, like every car, these have begun to disappear ever so slightly. While the later Chrysler models (1997 to 2001) are still everywhere, the AMC era models (1984 to 1996) aren't as much. I guess what I'm trying to say is, expect to see early XJ Cherokees a bit more often going forward. In fact, you'll see another directly after this entry! Rarer examples, like this two door Cherokee, will probably get the initial spotlight, but I'm sure that the four door examples will follow suit. 

I'd like to make one underlying issue clear though, and we're saving it for last because it's a controversial one! We are aware of the reputation of Jeep culture in the car community, but we appreciate all classic cars and trucks on ONEC. I'll make it clear that the lack of Jeep presence on ONEC is not due to Jeep prejudice, but because we still deem it too common of a classic to photograph. Don't fret, Jeep fans, we still love you.

Above: (4/14/24) - 1989 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) (David)

As mentioned in the previous entry, here is the four door (or five if you're feeling technical) counterpart to the two door (or three) from above. Although the two doors (yes, I'm sticking with the this number of doors) are more rare, I kind of like this example a little better than the Jeep from above. I like it because it appears more stock and "regular" in terms of the poverty spec wheels its riding on. If anyone's been here long enough, they'll know I'm a sucker for poverty spec rims on base spec vehicles. Sometimes it's how fancy the car looks, but how plain it looks. Oh, and the number of doors. I think I'm going to listen to The Doors now. 

5/22/24 Update: I did in fact listen to The Doors. I listened to their 1971 classic album, LA Woman.

Above: (4/15/24) - 1987 Chevrolet C4 Corvette (Sam)

As if one C4 wasn't enough for you, I managed to spot this fine example on my way back from the engineering building.  I'm just realizing now that most of my finds were from trips either to or from the engineering building.  I guess it's just a proven fact that engineers drive cool cars.  This one was also spotted on Williams street, so maybe there's some divine automotive presence there.  This particular example was sporting some non-stock rims that I actually appreciated (shocker!).  I think it's the style of rim and their relatively subdued shade of satin black that gives them the seal of approval in my book.  If these were on a classic Impala, I would definitely flip my lid.  

Above: (4/19/24) - 1990 GMC Suburban 1500 Sierra Classic Diesel (David)

Now here's another SUV pioneer that we don't get to see a lot of. This is of course the GMC Suburban, produced from 1973 to 1991 in tandem with the Chevy Suburban. Yes, both Marques used the same model name for their full size SUVs, until 2000, when GMC would adopt the Yukon name for their version of the Suburban. Because this is a GMC Suburban and not a Chevy, we'll be discussing the history of Suburban as it existed under GMC from 1941 to 1999.  But to spare you the time, we'll focus on the years 1973 to 1991, as it coincides with the generation of this specific Suburban. 

I'll make this early history portion brief, as Chevy and GMC trucks shared the same parts, engines, platforms, and trim levels throughout each generation. The only changes were minor cosmetics and badging. Initially, the Suburban was known as the Carryall Suburban, but would become the "Suburban" in 1947. The Chevy Suburban also predates the GMC Suburban 12 years, as it was introduced in 1935. This has allowed the Suburban the distinction of having the longest running model nameplate in the world. As of 2024, the Suburban name has been used for 89 years. 

Let's flash forward 26 years from 1947. The year is 1973, and GM's best selling line of trucks has just debuted. Following the success of the "Action Line" (second generation) C-Series trucks, the third generation "Squarebodies" were not only both Chevy and GMC's best selling generation, but also the longest generation. While the pickup trucks were produced from 1973 to 1988, the Suburban would stay in production until 1991. This is another somewhat confusing aspect of 1980s GM, where production of completely different vehicles using similar names would overlap. Although, I'd argue that the Cutlass series is probably the biggest culprit of overlapping names. 

Like the generations before it, the Suburban would follow all changes to their pickup truck counterparts. As we've seen in our various Squarebody pickup entries over the years, notably the grilles and trim levels would change minutely within each year, and the Suburban was no different. Although, once the third generation pickup trucks ended with the launch of the fourth generation GMT-400 trucks in 1989, the Suburban would continue using the pickup truck's design, with a grille redesign similar to the GMT style trucks, but one that fit the previous third generation body panels. This design was used until 1991, when its design was finally updated and produced alongside the GMT-400 trucks on the same platform. 

Although this is a 1990 Suburban, which should have the redesigned grille from 1989, I suspect this may have had a grille swap at some point in its life. Because the Squarebody parts are easily interchangeable across various years and styles, I suspect this to be the case for this Suburban. Only the owner could tell us the true story, but until we meet them, this is the hypothesis that'll stick for the time being.

Above: (4/19/24) - 1988 Volvo 240 GL (David)

It's actually been a little while since I've photographed an old Volvo. While Bike Ride 34 was the first time in about a month that I found one, Bike Ride 32 would be the last time I would photograph one after a long streak of 240s spotted over the winter. This 240 is one of the nicer examples I've come across this year, and shows lots of signs of being well cared for. Initially, I thought this was a 1992 240 for reasons I'll get into later, but this is in fact a 1988 model. 

For some reason, I don't get the chance to photograph mid to late '80s 204s. While they look identical to 240s from 1990 to 1993, those early '90s Volvos appear to be more popular. As a Volvo fan, I look to find odd year 240s that aren't as common. While the appearance may not be too different from other 240s, the year could be distinctive to a trim level or a small change. Sometimes it's the little things you look for that make a common classic like this one exciting. Sam knows what I mean when it comes to Impalas. 

Above: The Weird History of the 240 "GL" Trim Level 

Initially, I thought this was a 1992 240 when I first photographed it. This is because '90s 240s are a lot more common than mid to late '80s examples, as I mentioned above. Now, why did I think this was a 1992 model specifically? It all has to do with the "GL" trim level, and the strange history it shares with the 240. The GL trim level was introduced in 1980, and was retired in 1989. It became the second longest running trim level behind the DL, and outlived the L, GLE, GLT, and Turbo trims. After a two year hiatus, the GL trim was brought out of retirement for one year only in 1992. It was also only available for sedans only. Then, in 1993 it was retired again. Why Volvo brought it back for one year, only to retire it again, I don't know!

So, given the commonality of 1990s 240s in my area, the late '90s appearance of this car, and the fact that it was a GL sedan, you could expect why I would've mistaken this as a 1992 240. While I was a little disappointed that this wasn't what I thought it was, I was still glad to find a really nice example of a late '80s 240 with an uncommon trim level. 

Above: (4/19/24) - 1982 Toyota Cressida Estate (David)

Speaking of uncommon, when is the last time a Cressida was featured on ONEC? Trick question, never! This is our first ever Cressida featured, and it's a pretty nice example to start off with. It's not perfect, but it's not terrible. It's the perfect in between known as "daily driven classic," see also ONEC's favorite types of cars to find. With a nice power wash, I'm sure this Cressida would clean up beautifully.

This is an example of a second generation Cressida wagon, a car already not too common, and especially in its wagon body style. However, despite being relatively unpopular by modern standards in the late '70s and early '80s, the Cressida would help establish Toyota as worthy name in the entry luxury vehicle market. Let's have a look at it's history below.

Above: A High Class Toyota

Before the Avalon, there was the Cressida. The Cressida shares a rather interesting history during its lifetime, as it was only known as the Cressida in export markets. In Japan, it was known as the Mk. II. From 1968 to 1976, it was based on the compact Toyota Corona, but was the third most luxurious vehicle offered in Toyota's lineup, below the Crown and Century. The Corona Mk. II allowed to Toyota to reach mainstream success, as the compact yet luxurious vehicle proved to be very popular among buyers who wanted something stylish, yet affordable. 

In 1977, the Mk. II became its own model, shedding its compact Corona tie, and became a mid-size sedan. This allowed the Mk. II to become recognized as a prominent luxury car, due to its European inspired styling and larger size. During this time, the Mk. II became known as the Cressida, and was the most luxurious Toyota offered in export markets. It was changed to Cressida, because of the North American association of the "Mark" name with the Lincoln Continental. The Cressida name was not used in Japan, as they could continue to use the Mk. II name without any confusion. 

1980 brought the second generation Cressida to American roads. This is the generation you're seeing in this entry. The second generation Cressida had the distinction of being the first production vehicle to include automatic seatbelts in 1980, and in 1981, shoulder tension system when the vehicle was turned on and seatbelts were engaged. These features would inspire other manufacturers to follow suit with their luxury vehicles and safety. 

The Cressida name would be used in North America until 1993, through two more generations. The Cressida would be succeeded by the Avalon in 1994, which would be sold in the US until 2022. While the Avalon would prove to be more popular of a luxury car, if it weren't for the Cressida helping to establish Toyota's name in the luxury market, perhaps the Avalon wouldn't have had as much success as it did. 

Above: (4/19/24) - 1985 Volkswagen Type 3 Vanagon GL (David)

After the Cressida, I ventured into the neighborhoods of the East Side of Providence. Perhaps I was feeling a little nostalgic for my high school years, when my cross country team would practice in the summer in the hills of the east side. It's a beautiful area, with old houses, and lovely scenery. While I frequent the main areas of the east side, I don't as much the neighborhoods, which always provide for a relaxing cruise and showcasing of great architecture and landscaping. It felt good to revisit the area after sometime, which did bring back those summer memories of running up and down the hills, nearly passing out from exhaustion and heat. While in that moment I wanted nothing more than practice to end, as I returned by bike, I could finally look back and be somewhat thankful for those gruesome hill workouts. Afterall, if it wasn't for those, I probably wouldn't have gotten into biking as much as I have post-high school. Thank you, Coach Skelly!

Anyways, one of the vehicles spotted was a surprise! This Volkswagen Vanagon was found on one of the routes I used to run from cross country. I was initially looking for another car I used to see in the area a lot, a 1973 Caprice, and one of our earliest finds from 2020. While there was no Caprice, I'm certainly not disappointed with what I found instead!

Above: Vanagon Details

As I've mentioned in previous entries, I'm really fond of old dealer stickers, as they tell a story of where a certain car orignated from. Sometimes, it could be really close to home, like the Volvo 240 from Bike Ride 34. Other times, it can be far away, like in the case of this VW. The "Regency Dodge" sticker originates from Jacksonville, Florida which is nowhere close to Rhode Island. The dealer is still operating, but instead under "Jacksonville Dodge." But, like a true Rhode Islander, this Vanagon has migrated up from Florida to RI for the warmer weather. 

As for the fuel cap sticker, I enjoyed seeing the German words and phrases noting to use unleaded fuel only. Even though this is a North American export, its German roots still are still seen in smaller forms, excluding the VW symbol up front of course!

Above: (4/20/24) - 1970 Buick Riviera (David)

This year's 4/20 special is none other than a 1970 Buick Riviera. Is this fitting for such a day? Perhaps it is, considering the rather unique and abstract nature of the Riviera's appearance. Now, I'm not alluding that the designers were sparking up in the planning process, but rather alluding that sometimes seemingly outlandish creations have been rumored to be crafted with cannabis-infused assistance. This goes beyond car design, with 1960s psychedelia albums and film, like Pink Floyd's early work and Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. And most of these speculated cannabis inspired films, music, and in this case, cars, have gone on to become legends in their own leagues. So while the Riviera most likely wasn't designed with this "special" help, it has certainly become regarded as one of General Motor's best designed and looking cars. 

Above: Buick's Mid Century Masterpiece

It's hard to think of a more handsome looking car from this era of automotive design. The Buick Riviera is what I consider to be the odd child of the GM family from their '60s lineup. Based on the uncommon E-Platform, shared with the Oldsmobile Toronado and eighth gen Cadillac Eldorado, it was the only rear wheel drive car manufactured on that platform. The Riviera was distinct from most cars produced of its time. It was always elegant and stylish, while retaining sporty attributes, earning its reputation as the gentleman's sports car. The Riviera also had a design that made it look ahead of its time. With hidden headlights (on models previous to 1970), swoopy body lines and flush chrome trim, the car looked more rounded than most cars of its day. 

Today, the Riviera's styling remains overlooked by some, as it was overshadowed its other E-Body contemporary, the Toronado, which gained popularity as the first front wheel drive American car since the Cord 812 from the '30s. 

This makes the Riviera a hidden gem, because it allows the car to be appreciated more by those who discover its true beauty. This example may be a bit worse for wear, but you can still see the styling cues which made it such a stand out car. While the Chrysler Turbines, Ford Thunderbirds, and Corvettes shine in the spotlight as some of the best designed American cars, there will always be the Riviera sitting behind the stage. 

Above: (4/20/24) - Mercury Marauder (Sam)

Here's my 4/20 entry for the year: a 2000's-era Mercury Marauder, complete with original rims and the optional spoiler.  This vehicle marks the second Marauder I've spotted on campus.  Surprisingly, this was not one of my Williams street finds.  The car looked to be in really nice shape, but I never saw it again to investigate further.  

Above: (4/23/24) - 1992 Ford Mustang LX Convertible (David)

Here's a wonderful showcasing of a purely stock Ford Mustang from its third generations, or as its popularly known as, the Foxbody Mustang. This Mustang is the base "LX" trim, which became the base option in 1986, but before the 1987 facelift. It's also a convertible, which is a slightly less common than the typical fastback or coupe models, as these and the Coupes were usually sold with the LX trim package. 

The Foxbody Mustang had big shoes to fill after the failure of the Mustang II (1974 to 1978), and is probably the best example of a name revival after the failure of a predecessor. The Mustang II, while proving to be moderately successful in its first year of sale in 1974, had slumped in sales after it had received rather a rather poor reception in court of public opinion. Sales slumped, and by 1978, clearly something would have to be done to revive the Mustang name heading into the next decade. 

Ford executives had pitched the idea of a "world car" that could easily be adapted to other nations through several body styles on the same platform back in the mid '70s. The idea was inspired by the popular sales of compact European Fords in the European domestic and the imported models in the US, like the Mercury Capri. Ford was looking to downsize in the wake of the dwindling sales of their outdated 1970s barges and unpopular Pinto and Mustang II compacts. Lee Iacocca, then Ford president, approved the design for the Fox platform, and the Fox platform vehicles were approved for production in 1978 for the '79 model year. 

All new for 1979, Ford's most popular models would be produced and sold using the Fox Platform. Full size models, including the Ford LTD, Mercury Marquis, and Lincoln Continental, and mid size models including the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar would utilize this platform. These models were all overshadowed by their sportier models, which included the Mercury Capri and of course, the Mustang. It would primarily be these two models that would affectionately earn the platform its infamous nickname, the "Foxbody."

For the Mustang in particular, Ford sold over 2.5 million units through 1979 and 1993. It would be the longest Mustang generation in production, being sold for over 14 years, with two major cosmetic updates occurring in 1983 and 1987. This Mustang is an example of the final update, which would be the Foxbody Mustang's final form from 1987 to 1993. 

Today, the Foxbody has become a cult classic among enthusiasts. It's harkened in a new generation of Mustang owners, as it's become the new "classic Mustang" appearing at car shows, alongside their first generation counterparts and the occasional Mustang II. While they don't stick to the traditional vertical tri taillight design as the other Mustangs, the Foxbody's design makes it instantly recognizable on the road, despite some arguing it doesn't follow traditional aforementioned Mustang styling cues. Because it helped keep the Mustang name alive following the failure of the Mustang II, it's become respected by its elders. Perhaps its not the appearance that makes a Foxbody a true Mustang, but instead its preservation of one of the most important legacies in American automotive history. 

Above: A Stock Base Model Foxbody!

While Bike Ride 34 provided us with a custom Foxbody, today provides us with a stock Foxbody! Even better, this Mustang is a survivor, one of our favorite types of cars to photograph. While we're on the topic of survivors, we don't see a lot of Foxbody Mustangs like this often, which is why they don't appear much on the blog. Despite being one of the more popular and affordable modern classics for Mustang enthusiasts, they aren't as notorious as we'd expect them to be, or as we used to see them growing up. This makes seeing them all the more exciting and unique.

Above: (4/23/24) - 1989 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight Brougham Royale (David)

We've been photographing lots of Cutlasses this year, but let's shift our attention to another classic Oldsmobile name that doesn't get as much recognition. This is the Oldsmobile Eighty Eight, one of the brand's most luxurious cars, only second to the flagship Ninety Eight. Throughout its 5o year tenure with Oldsmobile, the Eighty Eight, or 88, proved to be one of the brand's best selling and most profitable models. 

In its early years, it was regarded as one of the first pioneers of the Muscle Car era. However, by the 1980s, the model had settled into a more contemporary appearance. This is an example of a ninth generation 88, the second to last generation of the model, produced from 1986 to 1991 on GM's newly introduced H-Platform. In the 1989 Buick LeSabre entry, the first one in this collection, I discussed the history of the H-Platform, so check that entry out if you wish to  learn more about it. This entry will discuss the evolution and legacy of the Oldsmobile 88, with more focus on its later years. When we get our hands on a 1949 to 1953 Rocket 88, that's when we'll focus on the legend of the car!

The Eighty Eight (or 88) name was first introduced in 1949 to replace the 70 series that had been in production since 1938. Despite being a full size car, the new 88 was a smaller car than its predecessor, but its engine would be what set it apart from the 70 series and the 98. It included the 303 cubic inch (C.I.) "Rocket" V8 engine, which produced 135 horsepower. Combined with the smaller, more aerodynamic design, the new 88 was able accelerate quickly and reach higher speeds than most of its contemporaries. This allowed it to dominate NASAR races, and also earn the fitting nickname "Rocket 88."

As the years passed, the 88 grew in size, and by the 1970s, it was one of the largest vehicles in GM's lineup, as it was based on the infamous B-Platform. It also shed its sporty attributes from the early '50s in favor of a more luxurious appearance. It was still available with the 455 C.I. engine, but there was definitely more emphasis on luxury and comfort. Afterall, the Cutlass line had taken over in the performance market of Oldsmobile's line up. 

Through the '70s and early '80s, the 88 retained its large, lumbering appearance, but that all would change in 1986. With the introduction of the H-Platform, the completely redesigned 88 was almost a return to its original form. Well, at least appearance wise. Was it sporty and powerful? Absolutely not, but the 88 was once again a smaller vehicle and touted a contemporary design for the 1980s. Like most first generation H-Body cars, it featured relatively advanced accommodations, such as passive seatbelts, anti-lock brakes, and the option for an airbag in 1989. While the Cutlass Ciera series would prove to be the best selling Oldsmobile, the 88 still was popular among buyers. Despite it's contemporary '80s design, it kept traditional American car cliches, such as the fake wire hub caps, column shifter, and of course, a hood ornament. 

The ninth generation received a slight update in 1990, which carried over in 1991. While only cosmetic, the restyled front fascia made the car appear a bit more modern and less dated. In my opinion, this redesign could've been evolved more into the mid '90s with the next generation. The 88 name was used for one more generation, from 1992 to 1999, but was retired right before the turn of the century after 50 years of use. 

Above: The Eighty Eight: A Closer Look

It's another survivor photographed in the city! Like the Mustang from above, this Olds is in pretty similar condition, with some dents, scratches, and missing panels. Despite its imperfections, they tell the story of a car well loved and driven by its owner around Providence and beyond. 

This Eighty Eight is the Royale Brougham trim level, the highest of the 88's for its time. The "Brougham" portion would stick around until the end of production in 1991, but would be retired when the tenth generation in 1992 was launched. On the contrary, the Royale trim continued to see use into the next generation. From my research, it appeared the trim level was used until the end of production of the tenth gen 88 in 1999. 

Above: (4/23/24) - 1990 Volvo 740 GL (David)

It would appear that black cars are terrible to photograph in the bright sun. Unfortunately, the details of this 740 are very hard to make out due to the sun shining directly on top of the car in this poorly shaded area during the photoshoot. While it's just a standard 740, the chrome trim really contrasts well with the black paint. You can see the chrome and black tones, but the details aren't visible at all. Since I like the natural appearance of my photos, I hardly ever edit them to preserve their naturality. Hopefully we can return again on another date with better photography conditions!

Above: (4/25/24) - 1978 Volkswagen T2 Kombi w/ Westfalia Top Revisited (David)

We return to one of the most beautiful vehicles ever photographed in the history of ONEC. This 1978 Volkswagen Westy was originally photographed a little over two years and appeared in the SC Bike Path Ride 2 entry, when I found it in Wakefield, Rhode Island. This time, it's made its way up the road and onto campus, where I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived for my classes. I'm unsure if it belongs to a student, as I found it in the student lot, but regardless, I wasn't complaining to see it again. 

Above: Beautiful Colors!

The name of this color is Salbeigrün or Sage Green in English. It's probably one of the most beautiful colors offered on a classic Volkswagen, at least in my opinion. In combination with the chrome trim, wheel covers, and white Westfalia top, this shade of green pairs perfectly well, as if it were a match made in automotive heaven. Some shades of green do not look good on cars at all, but Volkswagen nailed it with Salbeigrün. I'm very glad to have seen this beautiful VW Kombi again! For the original entry, check out SC Bike Path Ride 2. 

Above: (4/25/24) - 1987 Porsche 944 (David)

This other German classic also appeared in the student lot, but was parked much further away from the Westy. I guess it must be an unofficial German car day! I have more confidence that this belongs to a student, as I believe I've seen it posted on my school's car community Instagram page. In case you were wondering, I don't run that page, but I am a member of the University of Rhode Island's car community. The owner was smart and had parked far away from the other cars, as to avoid getting door-dinged or backed into by other commuters. Afterall, this probably the cleanest Porsche 944 I've seen so far.

Above: Bright Colors!

Both of these German classics featured beautiful colors, but while both were bright and beautiful, I'd argue that this Porsche's red was a hair more striking in its Indischrot (Guard's Red) and black trim paint scheme. I think the Volkswagen Kombi was definitely more stunning in its beauty! 

This Porsche's only modications appear to be a lowered stance and its Gotti J55A custom rims, which fit the car very well and give it a track car-esque appearance. It's likely that's the look the owner was going for, and I'd bet he's taken it to the track maybe once or twice. I certainly would be tempted if I owned a car that appeared similar to this one! Then again, I'd also be terrified to ruin it, so maybe the owner is like me, and backed out. If only I'd met the owner, I'd be able to learn the story of their car. If you own this Porsche and are reading this entry, I love your car, and please reach out!

Above: (4/25/24) - 1990 Volvo 240 DL (Sam)

I bring you yet another 240, this one a sedan variant.  While not spotted on Williams Street, this little Swede was found in the viscinity of it (that's Williams in the background with the parked cars).  This particular example was a little worn, but still going strong.  It was even sporting its original blue New Jersey plate, so this car is likely still an original owner vehicle.  It was probably one of the last cars in the state to be registered with the old plate design, and the new yellow Garden State plate familiar to most East coast residents would replace it the following year.

Above: (4/27/24) - 1985 Volvo 245 Estate (David)

One beautiful Saturday morning, I decided to go for a quick bike ride before work. Beautiful days like this Saturday were pretty uncommon this April, so when the opportunity presented itself, I made sure I enjoyed every moment of it. This Volvo 245 was the only car I found, and I'm pretty content with it being the only find. Afterall, I don't see early '80s 240s like this one as much as I'd like to. 

I'll get into this reason in more detail below, but I believe this may have been a car I photographed many summers ago back in 2021. I was never happy with the photo I had taken of the car back on that late summer night, and wished that the old Volvo would reappear again for me to photograph in much better quality. But, like anything else, as time went on, the 240 never reappeared, and it gradually faded from my memory. 

On this Saturday morning, my memory was refreshed with the night of seeing that old Volvo on Thayer street during a night out with my friends back in August 2021. It was only a few weeks before our first year of college started for us, and we were trying to enjoy the moments of that once in a lifetime feeling of post-high school freedom we had been riding the high of for the entire summer. We felt unstoppable, bound by nothing except a 12AM curfew and the limited savings we had in our bank accounts. 

When I saw this Volvo again, nearly three years later in this April of 2024, I didn't recognize it at first. Despite being very joyous that I found an early '80s 240, it didn't occur to me that it may have been the same car from 2021. For one, this car's wheels were the standard steelies and there was an indiscreet dent in the driver's side door. That Volvo from 2021 didn't have any of those details. But, then it occurred to me that both cars had the same aftermarket LED beams and padded dash cover. Perhaps it was the same car after all.

A lot can happen in three years, and a lot can also change in three years. I realized that I had also evolved a lot between August 2021 and now. Maybe the friends who knew me then wouldn't recognize the person now. In 2021, my hair was longer, my personality wasn't as effeminate, and my sense of style was far more discreet than my appearance today in 2024. However, a little time spent reacquainting yourself with someone, or in this case something, you haven't seen in a while that's changed a lot will show you that, in truth, deep beneath all the evolution and change, there still lies the same person, or car, you once knew back in 2021.

Above: A Red Wagon!

Continuing with our slight trend of colorfully painted vehicles, this Volvo provides us with another bright red beauty! In Scarletrot, this Volvo 240 was one of the brightest and most colorful I've seen to date! The color contrasts very nicely with the chrome trim and silver steel rims and the singular hub cap. 

This 240 is suspected to have made a brief appearance in the Cars of Thayer Street entry from 2021, but the photo quality was rather poor and there was only one picture taken. I suspect its the same car, based on the similar aftermarket LED headlamps, and I knew the car had resided in the Providence area. Though that original picture was taken in 2021 and the 240 pictured in the photo had Massachusetts plates and no dent in the driver's door, there's a chance that it could've been registered with RI tags and obtained a dent within three years. Stranger things have happened and three years is a long time, I'm just putting it out there! 

Above: (4/28/24) - 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (David)

Another G-Body Cutlass Supreme? Yup, another one. Although, the last few examples photographed were both 1986 models. This is a 1984, and arguably the nicest of the three. There's not a huge difference between the years, aside from a grille redesign in typical GM fashion. 

I happened upon this after leaving work on a cloudy Sunday afternoon, and had initially seen it from afar. Mind you, my place of employment is only five blocks away from my house, so I'm pretty accustomed to the cars around my neighborhood, and those that I see on the road. Prior to this Sunday, never before had I seen an old boxy vehicle appear on the street across from work, so of course I had to investigate. 

From afar, I thought it was a 1977 to 1990 Chevy Caprice, solely based on the appearance of the roofline, and from what little I could see of the front right quarter panel poking out from behind the car in front of it. Excitement surged through me, as not only are B-Bodies hard to come by street parked in 2024, but I'd know Sam would be even more excited than me if it were truly a Caprice. 

As I drew closer, and as the car began to reveal its true form, I realized I was wrong, and that what I had thought was a Caprice, was actually a Cutlass Supreme. Nonetheless, I was still happy with my find, as this is one clean Cutlass! 

Above: New Oldsmobiles are Very Ubiquitous this Year!

This makes for our third Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme sedan in the span of a few months! Of the three, it's easily the nicest example, with virtually zero rust, dents, mismatched body work, and scrapes. If you're looking for an example of what one a Cutlass Supreme may have looked like factory fresh, then this is probably the closest example we have that matches that description. It's also the reason why I chose to go with the Blues Brothers reference in the entry subtitle. This isn't necessarily a brand new Oldsmobile, but it looks new! Seriously, when I found this car, I couldn't believe how nice it was. 

In the previous Cutlass Supreme entry from Bike Ride 33, I mentioned that these cars were entering into their "classic car" phase, meaning they've begun to creep in value and disappear from the streets as daily drivers. I think in the coming years and decades, we'll begin to see Cutlass Supremes and G-Bodies alike start to appear more like this one. We'll also see them disappear from street sides, and reappear in driveway garages and car shows. It's indeed a new age for '80s cars, and we're witnessing them transform from battered street survivors into garaged show queens. 

Above: (4/29/24) - 1983 Chevy G-20 Diesel (David)

Now here's a one-in-a-million find! I don't think I've ever seen a Chevy van that's looked like this, and I don't think I'll ever see one again. That's ok though, because I know I'll always remember it. It has a sense of individuality, as not many would probably think to paint their Chevy van in such a color. If it were a Volkswagen, we'd expect something like this, because those were known for having wild and unique paint designs and colors. If you need proof, just scroll up three entries. But a Chevy van isn't fun like a Volkswagen. It's boring like a box of IGA saltine crackers... without the salt. But someone saw something that most didn't in their Chevy van, and that thing was a blank canvas. They decided to paint that blank canvas in neon green, giving a once plain van a vibrant personality that would make it stand out in all the most colorful ways. Perhaps this will be the Chevy van you too will think of when you think of "Chevy Van."

Above: Neon Colors!

To conclude our lengthy showing of cars from April, what better way with the most colorfully vibrant vehicle of all... a neon Chevy van! We've had a great showing of colorful cars from all generations and backgrounds, that this van, in its unexpected and unusual paint scheme, is the perfect conclusion to a collection of cars that has proved to be one of our best months so far. I don't want to spoil what's in the cards for next month's selection of cars, but I know you'll be impressed. This Spring has certainly been one to cherish.