Winter Break Finds 2023-24

Above: (12/29/23) - 1990 Porsche 944 S-2 Cabriolet (David)

We begin our annual Winter Break segment in Boston this year, starting with a seemingly unassuming Porsche 944 S-2 Convertible. This 944 was an unexpected find on a side street in the city, not to mention its rare body style, the convertible. Roughly 5,656 of these were made, making it even more scarce to find!

Introduced for the 1989 model year, the 944 S-2 was an updated version of the 944 S, which was in production from '87 to '88. The S-2 was distinguished from the S by having an updated 3.0L four cylinder 16 valve engine, which at the time was the largest four cylinder engine in production. The 3.0L four was coupled to a strengthened three speed auto or five speed manual transmission for better performance. With the manual transmission, the S-2 was capable of reaching speeds up to 150 MPH. 

The S-2 Cabriolet was teased all the way back in 1985 during the Frankfurt Auto Show, but was only approved in 1987 after the American Sunroof Company, which also produced the Saab 900 Convertible models, was given the contract to build 944 Cabriolets. However, production was stalled another two years, as the American Sunroof Company still needed to complete their Germany factory to actually start producing these models. The first 944 Cabriolets rolled off the line in 1989, and were produced until 1992, when Porsche discontinued the 944 in favor of the 968. Only 5,656 S-2 Cabriolets were made, with 2,402 of them making it to the States throughout its production cycle. Today, it remains an unassuming rarity, but to Porsche fans, it's a bit more.

Above: (12/29/23) - 1987 Chevy G-30 Bonaventure (David)

Now we arrive at the second classic I found in Boston. While not as rare as the Porsche from above, a Chevy Van from this era is actually getting to be a fairly rare sight these days. This van was found close to the Boston Commons Park, located only a few blocks away from where this was taken. As you can see, it was well lit for the holidays in the background, so I decided to include a festive picture of the van and some brightly illuminated trees. 

Above: Bonaventure Adventure in Boston!

Well folks, our Boston adventure ends with this Bonaventure, but I'm not done yet! I love alliterations. You can't make it out from the pictures, but this old van had California plates, which to drive across the country in a van like this seems like quite a journey. So we can only conclude that this Bonaventure... has been on an adventure. Ok, I'm done now. 

Above: (12/31/23) - 1968 Cadillac Eldorado Revisited (David)

Now we arrive at a car we've seen in better shape before, unfortunately. You'll have to search way back in the ONEC archives, as this '68 Caddy was last seen back in 2021 in the same location! See Early Spring Spotting '21  for the original entry. At least it's not in the scrapyard, but Sam and I both shared a little disappointment that the car had gone down hill since we last saw it. 

This '68 Eldorado is one of the more unique cars of the 1960s GM family of vehicles, being one of the few cars to be based on the very modern E-Platform. This platform was also home to the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado. Introduced for 1967, the new Eldorado was significantly downsized and refreshed compared to the previous generation. The car was now sleeker and sportier, but also had a few surprises up its sleave. Like the Toronado, which was infamously known for being the first modern American front wheel drive car, the Eldorado also featured a front wheel drive powertrain. The switch to the E-platform also meant that the newly redesigned Eldorado had to be downsized. This allowed Cadillac to enter into the personal luxury car market, competing with cars like the Chrysler 300. Instead of only offering large, hulking sedans for an entire family, the new Eldorado was aimed at successful young adults wanting a fancy car with the practicality for one.

Above: Eldorado Elegance

Despite its weary appearance, this Eldorado still has life left inside it. I believe with a little TLC, this Caddy could shine right up and cruise the streets of Cranston looking as beautiful as it did when it rolled off the assembly line. 

Above: (12/31/23) - 1984 Chevy C-30 (David)

Across from the Eldorado was another GM classic, and a slightly more ubiquitous one, a Squarebody! This, unlike most Squarebodys we photograph, is a C-30, which essentially means the truck has the capacity to hold a larger payload. Compared to the renowned C/K-10 trucks which are regular light duty trucks, this a medium duty truck, hence its rear bed accessory compared to a typical truck bed. Think of the C-30 as the beefier big brother to the nimble C-10s. 

This truck appears to have had a restoration, in its lifetime, and probably fairly recently given the shine of the orange paint. The rear bed accessory looks to be relatively new as well, and the front grille is definitely aftermarket. I'm glad this truck is restored, and hopefully the Cadillac receives a similar treatment (in terms of restoration) soon.

Above: (12/31/23) - 1983 Jaguar XJ-6 Series III (David)

Here we have a visitor from Pennsylvania, and it's ok because it's a JAAAGGG. I'm surprised this car made it without breaking down! That alone should tell you why we don't photograph many classic Jaguars. Most classic Jaguars are enthusiast vehicles, and are only brought out to shows, or if you're lucky enough to see one on a warm summer day. Jaguars also have a reputation for not being the most reliable vehicles either, which is why they're not typically seen in a daily driver fashion. 

This XJ-6 seems to be an exception to the typical Jaguar. It's not clean and shiny like you'd expect an old Jag to be. This has missing trim pieces, and the dash was missing more buttons than an old flannel shirt found in the back of a closet. I wonder how it got to be like this, and what its story is. 

Above: Jaguar in Perspective 

Despite being based on a design from the 1960s, I think this Jag has aged well. It's an elegant car, with a very suiting classy design. The XJ's design dates back to 1968, when it phased out the historic Mk. II, arguably one of the earliest pioneers of the modern sports sedan. Read about the legacy of the Mk. II here.  The first generation of the XJ was produced for 24 years, from '68 to '92, with Series I, II, and III denoting each major update. The most common examples are the Series III, which was the longest-produced series as well, from '79 to the end of production. 

Above: (1/2/24) - 1991 Volvo 240 Estate: A Volvo I Once Knew (David)

At ONEC, we like to think that there's a story behind every car. It helps us understand the car and gain a better appreciation for it, whether it be through the owner or the car's appearance. This time, we have a more personal story. 

Almost a year ago, I would begin my search for a Volvo 240 to call my own. Around February, I found a white 1991 240 on Facebook Marketplace for a decent price, located in Newton, Massachusetts. I went to visit the car one snowy morning, and got to drive a 240 for the very first time. The car drove very well, and the owner was very pleasant and kind, but the car was a rust bucket, which unfortunately wasn't advertised well in his description. To make a long story short, I passed on the car, and would eventually buy my silver 1990 240 a few months later. 

The white 240 stayed on the market for a few months, then one day, it sold. I didn't give it much thought, assuming I'd never see the car again, but little did I know what would come a year later.

Now, flashing forward to the new year, this January, I was riding my bike around the East Side of Providence, and at the top of a hill was a white 240 wagon. Now, of course I was excited to see one, but then I noticed the Clinton-Gore campaign sticker on the rear bumper and I knew immediately that it was the 240 I drove last Winter. One of the things about the car that stuck out to me was that sticker, and of course the rust around the body. It was also very surprising that the car would turn up in Rhode Island. Afterall, Massachusetts is a big state, compared to Rhode Island at least, so the fact that it would turn up only a few miles away from where I live is quite the coincidence. 

Above: (1/2/24) - 1999 Saab 9-3: From Afar (David)

It's truly a Swedish car day! After reuniting with a former Volvo of interest, I was cruising around the Brown University area, when my eyes rested on this '99 Saab 9-3. My initial interest in photographing this car didn't come from the car itself, but instead the background. While I love classic urban architecture, I also am fond of modern minimalist design, which happens to pair well with the simplicity of this silver Saab. Say that five times fast!

Above: (1/12/24) - 1978 Chevy Beauville (David)

We've entered the groovy world of Van Land, so break out your bell bottoms, crank up the disco music, and let's go to the roller rink! This old Chevy van is one of the last of the cool vans, before they became a negatively stereotyped vehicle in the twenty-first century. I know "Van Life" is a popular lifestyle now, but I wish we could return to a time where young adults, like Sam and I, would paint vans in bright colors, and decorate the interiors with seats and curtains, but one can dream...

The Chevy Van is probably one of the most notorious utilitarian vehicles of the late twentieth and early twenty first centuries. These were literally produced for 25 years straight, with several cosmetic updates over its lifespan. The best known examples were the vans produced from 1983 to 1991, like the Bonaventure I found in Boston a few weeks ago. However, these '70s vans are bit more rare, so seeing this one, especially in its remarkable condition, made it quite the impressive find.

Above: What a Rad Van!

This van looks like it was ripped right out of the 1970s, especially with its green two-tone paint job. Now, I bet most of you are wondering if this is a factory paint job. From what I could find, it appears that Chevy did offer vans with a factory two-tone option, but I couldn't find anything matching this color combination. Most two-tone paint jobs seemed to be available only on passenger vans instead of regular panel vans like this example. Most two-tone paint jobs were usually matched with white, unless it was an aftermarket custom paint job commonly done during the 1970s. 

Above: (1/13/24) - 1986 Lincoln Town Car: The Perfect Street Parked Find (David)

Here is a fine example of what I consider to be the perfect street parked classic. It's no show queen, no restored weekend cruiser, it's a road worn classic American sedan from a time I never knew. I was born into the end of the age of the classic sedan, with the Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, and Town Car making their last stand as a true to form American body-on-frame sedan, but the age of the SUV was upon us. See cars like this is a treat for me, because it gives a perspective into what a normal car from the 20th century could've looked like. 

There's a story to be told here. Each dent, missing body panel, and patch representing a new page in this in this car's life, whether it be good or bad times. The "Terry's Auto LTD." emblem tells us this car spent a lot of time in Woonsocket (Also the city of where this car was photographed), but seeing beyond that, we know it's been around the block more than once. Did it leave Woonsocket, or did just have a rough time on the streets? 

There’s something magical about seeing a beat up old land yacht parked under a street lamp late at night. There truly is a story to be heard, and while the owner may not have been present, this car's appearance alone has one that would call to mind many late nights and hours spent on the road. May its story continue on.

Above: The Lincoln Town Car: Front and Rear

The front and rear of this car might be its best angles, as from here, it looks like a presentable car from the 1980s. Of course, you know the full story, as you likely just read the description above and saw the photos. Seeing this car reminded me a lot of my time in New York, and made me miss finding cars like this. 

I know I make it clear I love Swedish and other European cars, but big old American sedans from the late '60s to early '80s, such as this Town Car, will always hold a special place in my heart. For me, it was the defining era of American cars. When you think of the term "American Car," I'm sure the idea of something like this comes to mind. Perhaps this is because I wish I lived in the times where sedans and wagons were the normal, instead of trucks and SUVs being the new land yachts of my time. There's character in an American sedan, just like there is in a European sports car, or a Japanese hot hatch, and until American auto makers start getting their act together and returning to their roots of classy luxury, instead of plastering heritage names on EVs and tasteless SUV designs, maybe I'll gain some more respect for them. 

Above: (1/17/24) - 1990 Mercedes Benz 300 SE (W126) Revisited

Happy New England Winter everyone! Get ready for that crusty road salt and sooty curbside snow, and - oh look - a Mercedes Benz W126! As the caption states, we have indeed seen this car before (check out Early Fall Finds  for the entry), but I figured with the somewhat fresh snow on the ground and clear skies, it would make for a nice opportunity to photograph some classics on a day off. 

This Mercedes was found in nearly the same spot it was found back in 2022, meaning it's a local car, despite the New York plates. On another more positive note, the car's condition hasn't really changed either since 2022, which I hope continues to be the case for the years to come. The interior condition also reflects the exterior condition, minus the snow of course, and was finished in a cool dark blue. How '80s! 

Above: (1/17/24) - 1990 Volvo 240 DL Estate: A Volvo I Once Knew as Mine (David)

This will be a personal entry, so reader be warned! Sometimes the rose colored glasses really make the past look better than it was. Despite the leaky brake valve, the glove box that would drop open at random, and the gas gauge that was never quite accurate 1/4 of a tank left, I miss this car dearly. 

This Volvo was an escape into a world of my own, especially during a rather unpleasant point in my life that was tainted with inconsistency and uncertainty. For the span of about six months, I got to experience life behind the wheel of one of my most beloved car models. During that time, I would grow to develop a connection with it. It was certainly a unique connection, a love-hate one at times, thinking back to when the battery died not once, but twice, or when the electrical system would randomly shut off due to a contact issue in the ignition cassette. 

But, despite its slight quirks, the good memories always outweighed the bad. I think back to a time when I drove it all the way up to Northern Connecticut for trim parts, and got to experience a beautiful landscape of fields, forests, small towns, and hills while I cruised along Interstate 95 and state highways on a warm summer afternoon. I also think back to my late night drives after work, passing through the city and watching the lights shine through the windows as my favorite albums played over the tiny five inch speakers, which worked half the time. I also got to meet a lot of great people in the Swedish car community, who gave me a lot of knowledge and wisdom regarding these quirky machines. But of course, like any relationship, it came to an end as the expenses and maintenance became too much of a burden for me to justify keeping it, so I reluctantly sold it in early September 2023. 

As the months rolled by, I began to reminisce over the car, imaging what my life would've been like if I held on to it, and bit the bullet on the upcoming repairs. It was a bittersweet feeling imagining what could've been, and at points, I wish I never sold it. One day, I decided to stop by the owner's house to see how the car was holding up. And sure enough it was! It grew some bumper stickers, a new roof rack, and lost its radio and speakers, but seeing it again made me content it was being cared for. I know I'll own another 240 again, but this silver 240 wagon will always hold a special place in my life. 

Above: My Old Volvo: Front and Rear

It was good to see this car again. Like I said above, not much had really changed since the last time I saw it. Although the last time I did see it, it was at a garage with the dash torn apart, but that was all fixed now, which made me feel better about the car's fate. I'm unsure of what the "Persist" sticker is referring to, but I'm sure it means something to the owner.