Santa Monica

1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible

Posted by The Professor

1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza Convertible

The Corvair, of course, was highlighted in Ralph Nader’s book Unsafe at Any Speed, after which sales fell more than half from 220,000 in 1965 to less than 110,000 the next year. Nader’s book crippled the reputation of the Corvair, and sales never recovered.

This is not the most attractive example of a Corvair imaginable–the knockoff wire wheels and the drab color and trim do nothing to help its looks. However, it is a fairly-well preserved example of a none-too-common convertible model, which makes it a worthy picture target.

Santa Monica, CA

Photographed February 2012

1973 Jensen-Healey

Posted by The Professor

1972 Jensen-Healey 1972 Jensen-Healey 1972 Jensen-Healey 1972 Jensen-Healey 1972 Jensen-Healey 1972 Jensen-Healey

A car that was a mess of different parts from different manufacturers: Lotus engine, Vauxhall suspension, Chrysler transmission…none of it worked very well. Most of these rusted out a long time ago; this one seems to have lived its whole life in Southern California and has fared considerably better.

This car, which marked the end for two fine British marques, was not so fine itself (I suppose that’s why it marked the end, then).

Santa Monica, CA

Photographed June 2011

Outtake: 1997 Toyota Paseo Convertible

Posted by The Professor

1997 Toyota Paseo Convertible

It’s been a while since I saw a Paseo, and I don’t recall ever seeing a convertible. When I researched it a bit more, I realized why. This is a second-generation Paseo, only sold in the US for model years 1995-1997. The convertible was released in August of 1996, meaning it was only sold here for the 1997 model year. If I had known that, I probably would have taken more than one picture of it, but at the time it was just a curiosity and not an actual interesting car. Next time I’ll know.

Santa Monica, CA

Photographed January 2013

1983 Dodge Shelby Charger

Posted by The Professor

1983 Shelby Charger 1983 Shelby Charger 1983 Shelby Charger 1983 Shelby Charger 1983 Shelby Charger

This is a souped-up version of the Dodge Charger that nobody remembers. There have been 3 different Charger models on 3 different platforms. First, there was the classic B-body Charger, made from 1966-1978. Currently, Dodge sells the 4-door Charger on the LX Platform, introduced in 2006. But in between, there was this: the L-body Charger, built from 1983-1987; the cousin of the Plymouth Turismo (even rarer).

This is a special Dodge “Shelby” Charger. The Shelby option tacked on a body kit, better drivetrain components, and an upgrade to 107 horsepower over the base 84 HP. The most desirable L-body Charger was the 1987 Shelby Charger, which had 175 horsepower, but only 1,000 were built.

This is the only L-body Charger (Shelby or otherwise) that I’ve seen on the street in at least the last ten years.

Santa Monica, CA

Photographed January 2011

1986 Toyota Cressida Wagon

Posted by The Professor

1985 Toyota Cressida Wagon 1985 Toyota Cressida Wagon 1985 Toyota Cressida Wagon 1985 Toyota Cressida Wagon 1985 Toyota Cressida Wagon

I haven’t seen one of these in a while, but this one is in great condition. This was the predecessor to the Lexus; you can tell that Toyota was already leaning towards making a new brand, as they created a whole new Cressida logo.

For some reason, Toyota likes putting more wipers than usual on their cars. Both this and the ’90s Camry wagon had two rear wipers, and the present-day FJ Cruiser has three front wipers.

On a side note, I swear you could serve dinner on that rear bumper.

Santa Monica, CA

Photographed February 2012