Santa Monica, CA
Photographed December 2016
Whitewalls
1973-74 Volkswagen Thing
Sawtelle, Los Angeles, CA
Photographed December 2016
1938 Chevrolet Master Deluxe
Happy new year from Roadside Rambler!
Culver City, CA
Photographed January 2019
1969 Ford Torino
The Torino was introduced for the 1968 model year, as an upmarket series of the Fairlane. This particular Torino, a 1969 model, sports the new-for-’69 351 “Windsor” V8, one of around 8.6 million 351W’s that would eventually be manufactured by the end of production in 1996.
It’s also a great example of my favorite types of finds: old cars that are still being put to good use. It’s not in the greatest shape: there’s a few dings and some misaligned trim and a badly battered roof, but it’s honest in its weather-worn state. While it hasn’t quite aged gracefully, it’s still plugging along almost 50 years after it started, and that’s quite an achievement indeed.
Santa Monica, CA
Photographed February 2012
1942 Lincoln Continental
This Continental is powered by the Lincoln-Zephyr V12, notorious for various engine maladies – sludge buildup and overheating were two common problems. Nevertheless, it remains a striking and enthralling design, and rare to find in such superb condition.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Photographed August 2012
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air
Venice, Los Angeles, CA
Photographed May 2011
1976 Cadillac Eldorado
1976 Eldorados were promoted by Cadillac as the “last American convertible;” selling over 14,000 in total. However, Cadillac re-introduced the Eldorado convertible for the 1984 model year.
1976 was also the last year for the massive 8.2L V8 engine; the next year, a downsized 7.0L engine was introduced.
Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA
Photographed June 2014
1974 Chevrolet Nova
Changes for the 1974 Nova included a new bowtie emblem and larger parking lights. Nova sales increased to almost 400,000, perhaps in response to the oil crisis in the Middle East.
El Segundo, CA
Photographed November 2014
1975 Ford Gran Torino
Sawtelle, Los Angeles, CA
Photographed April 2011
1954 Packard Patrician
The last real flagship of the famed Packard line, the 1954 model was the last to boast Packard’s straight eight engine before a new V8 was introduced with the 1955 restyle. Just 2,760 found buyers in 1954, showcasing the decline of the Packard marque, which would disappear after 1958.
El Segundo, CA
Photographed November 2013
1965 Chrysler New Yorker
The 1965 New Yorker was a fresh redesign penned by Chrysler’s chief stylist Elwood Engel, with many styling features resembling the famed 1961 Lincoln Continental, also designed by Engel. 21,110 buyers sprang for the sedan in 1965, no doubt attracted by the 340 horses under the hood.
El Segundo, CA
Photographed November 2013
1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe Convertible
Steve McQueen owned one of these, and drove it in the final movie of his career–The Hunter (1980). His sold for $84,000 in 2013. With a standard 3-speed manual and an optional 2-speed Powerglide automatic, nearly 50% of the Stylelines sold were with the Powerglide, like the example pictured here.
This one was spotted at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.
Elysian Park, Los Angeles, CA
Photographed May 2013