Cars...all that is old is new!

[ironrite]

My nephew bought an 05 Mustang coupe. I had heard they did this, but was still surprised to see it. You open the door and the window automatically drops down about 1/2 inch. Hmmm, where did Ford get this idea. Perhaps from the 1961-63 Lincoln convertibles? On those, the rear windows would drop down to clear the top, if the top was up. Supposedly due to a design flaw on the Lincoln. As they designed the convertible top to match the roofline of the sedans, but on the convertible, part of the top covered the class on the rear door windows. So the drop down window was a quick fix, instead of redesigning the whole top.

Now for a "Better Idea" from Ford, why not bring this model over from Australia? The main reason I've heard is it would be too expensive due to safety issues, but does that mean that Ford is building unsafe cars for the Australian market?

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www.ford.com.au

 

[Cybrvanr]

...Mean Dodges, It's the headlights and the fenders!!

One of the most interesting things I have noticed recently with many of the auto manufacturers is that the designers have really learned how to place human expression into a vehicle. Why do some of the latest vehicles look "mean" well, the headlamps are the first place to start.

The headlamps sort of resememble the way a person, or any animal for that matter, in an angry mood would hold their eyes. The headlamps start out wide at the edges of the vehicle and taper down towards the center. The top edges of the circular portions of the headlamps are also part of it. They are shaded at the top, simliar to the way an angry person's eyebrows would cut off the top edge of their pupil. Take a look at the headlamps for instance on the charger above..the latest siverados are the same way and see if you notice this!

Pickup trucks are sold on "toughness" they are supposed to be able to haul big loads, tow trailers, crawl up rocks and dirt roads, and that sort of thing. A tough appearance will tend to make the onlooker feel that the vehicle is more capable of these things than another...notice the "tough look" on pickup trucks really didn't come about till the mid 90's when people started using them for personal transportation more than work vehicles. Company buyers, the previous buyers of trucks look more at the real spec's to find out how the vehicle would perform before making a purchase and a personal buyer.

The fenders are a bit more animalistic than the headlamps, although if one thinks of the way a prize fighter holds their sholders before a fight. What comes to mind with me though is a cat that is stalking prey, and is getting ready to pounce. The animals sholders will be high on their body, and their stance is wide in order to make a powerful, precise leap. The wide fenders used in the latest Dodges sort of resemble this stance...like a cat ready to pounce!

Of course, facial expressions also work the other way too. The market for the Dodge Neon and the VW beetle is shooting for is people who want a fun little toy car that's not so serious. For that reason, those vehicles hoods curve up in sort of a smile. The headlights are perfectly round, resembling the bright eyes of a spirited, happy person! What comes to mind for me is a small child. The Mazda Miata's grill opening sort of resembles a person who is having a howling good time. When ever I see one of those cars, it sort of subconsiously says to me WHOOOOHOOOO!

 

[cleanteamofny]

The 300 Series

I want one painted like this!

 

[rickr]

Mean Machines of Olde

They did it in the 1950's too! 1959 Buick was the original "Mean Machine"

 

[kenmore1978]

Ford

Two more expressions for FORD

Found On Road Dead

First On Race Day

 

[westytoploader]

Very kewl vintage cars...I LOVE the '59 Buick and Saab 96!! When I opened up the CR Auto Issue last April and saw the "new" GTO, the first thing I said was "What the hell?" Doesn't bear any resemblance at all to the original GTO, neither cosmetically nor engine and powertrain-wise for that matter! Not a "performance" vehicle by any means, IMHO. Ford, however, really surprised me with the new Mustang design, with the "fastback" styling and round headlights. Even if it is plastic, I would take one in a heartbeat!

Jason, interesting observation, LOL, but it's true! Anyone driving a Chevy Silverado is usually tailgates the person in front of them! Another one I noticed is never get in front of anyone in a BMW, or behind anyone in a Lincoln! My dad currently drives a 2004 Dodge Ram (no, it's not the Hemi version), and does drive it "differently" than he did the GMC Yukon he had before.

Although, when I ever get my (cheesy V6-powered) F-150 sold (had a few calls but nothing serious...will have to eBay it), one truck I have in mind is a Dodge Ram 3500 dually, with the Cummins turbo diesel...read: the ultimate washer hauler, and not a bad looking or sounding ride either!

 

[jasonl]

Dodge trucks not only have the mean "eyes" but the huge grill is like a huge gaping mouth. Notice those 18 wheelers that put that cheesy "Teeth" decal in their grill. I absolutely hate the mean look. It shows the attitude of the driver. They bought it because it looks aggressive and it reflects how they drive. Let me say before Austin slaps me is not all but some people are like that. It's not BMW, it's Mercedes. I have plenty of them ride my butt in Massachusetts. And they have a mean look as well.

I guess the reason why people in these "Mean" vehicles are so mean to me on the road is because I drive a "nice" vehicle. Psychology. They see me as meek and mild so I get tailgated, cutoff, passed often.

'Cudas look angry because of the way the headlights are recessed under the hood, as if squinting to give a real evil look.

Now, on to NICE cars
I notice alot of cars that smile. Ford Windstars, some Mitsu Eclipses, VW Beetles (old and new), Dodge Neons, Dodge Caravans, Toyota Prius (looks like a "Japanese" face, slanted eyes and a almost smiling grill), Jeep Liberty (not really smiling but look at those headlights.

Amazing how we percieve emotions from objects like that.

 

[Kevinpreston3]

While out today....

Saw a Nissan Figuro! Now I don't like Japanese cars at all, but this one was cool.

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www.microcar.org

 

[westytoploader]

Jason, are you talking about the old or new-design Rams? The pre-2002 or 2003 designs had a more "neutral" look. I hate 18-wheelers in general...although the newer ones are more styled and trying to shed the "mean" look.

I also like vintage Chevrolet station wagons...1966-1973 in particular. They look GREAT when "pimped out"...especially the Chevelle Nomad with SS trim!!

My absolute dream vehicles are the 1959 Cadillac or 1959 Chevrolet Impala. Why, you ask? Look at the tail sections of both.

 

[drmitch]

I like the VW convrets and the Chryslers too.

 

[Cybrvanr]

One of the cars that I enjoy looking at are the late 70's and early 80's Lincoln town cars. Those things were HUGE, but with those squared off waterfall grilles and the folding headlights, the cars have a real elegant look. They sort of look have a very aristocratic, tuxedo appearance to them.

That little Nissan Vigoro there looks very similar to the little 2-seat Nash Metropolitan

 

[drmitch]

And Mustang`s too!

 

[petek]

Cybrvanr.. that Lincoln is one of my all time favorites that I wished I could have had, that and a Mark III or IV. Don't they look huge now when you see one in a parking lot yet when they were new certainly they were big but they didn't look HUGE.

 

[jasonl]

The newer Dodge Rams with the big grills. They do look nasty when tailgating you. In fact, I WAS tailgated and cut off by a Ram and a Silverado on the way back from church .

Ford Mustangs just look like mucho fun to drive. Well, they ARE extreme amounts of fun.

Yay for Mustangs, VW Beetles, Jeep Libertys, Toyota Priuses, Dodge Neons, and Mini Coopers.

Dream vintage car, I'm with Austin on this, 59 Caddy indeed, also 67 VW Bus and Beetle, 57 Chevy, 65 Stang, and make those covertible (except for the Bus of course).

Dream new car, well, I OWN IT! Add 2005 stang convert and a Prius.

 

[jasonl]

And here's what Bri says

"You don't like practical cars, you like retro cars that stand out in a crowd"

Absolutely! I'm not like everybody else so I don't drive what everybody else drives.

 

[brisnat81]

Monaro Lack of Popularity

Hi Chris,

I know two people with Monaro's, both of the second generation.

Around town they're averaging close to 30L/100km of PULP and that is with conservative driving in the manual. Our Petrol V8 Landcruiser manages to keep it under 18L/100 and its 1.5tonnes heavier. (And Flies)

Apparantly a big complaint with new Monaro owners, is the lack of boot space. This is apparantly due to the car having to meet US design standards regarding the fuel tank, which I understand has to be positioned at the same height as the rigid structure of the bumperbar. In the commodores its mounted lower and therefore there is some boot left.

One of them is looking to get rid of it, as with a 65L tank (Smaller than Commodore) he has to fill it up every second day. The other wants to keep it as a weekender and get another drive car. Its what should've been a great design, but which was poorly executed.

On another note, what do you think about the new Mitsubishi 380/ US Galant. Personally I think its butt ugly from behind, but time will tell if it saves Mitsubishi AU. I suppose the Pajero did manage to win 4wd of the year in its category

Regards

Nathna

 

[super32]

Intersting readings

Its been interesting reading everyones views and takes on different vehicals. I find it interesting more and more people are getting T/O with GM. Everyone and reports im reading say cadillac is the only GM product doing anything. I find this funny because in the back of my mind when I think of a caddy or lincoln I think of someone who is older and retired. Many years ago I would not have looked twice at any GM much less a caddy. Now 4 caddys later, I would have a hard time looking at anything else.

With gas being what it is I considerded looking at something smaller and better on gas. But I keep running into one huge problem or lack there of. Being a 6'4" male makes it hard to get into alot of vehicals today. Some of the ones I can get into are not very comfortable for more than about 30mins or so. So we ended up with a chrysler 300 and another caddy. I truely wish someone would make a large sedan in a hybrid or some other type of fuel effecient engine.

Scott

 

[Cybrvanr]

The owner of my company has always been a big fan of cadillac's. He's got a 1967 El Dorado coupe with a 500 cubic inch motor...LOADED car. I repaired the electric eye headlight system on it for him, and he thought that was totally cool (he didn't even know about the feature)

He purchased one of the little CTS cadillacs about 2 years ago for his wife to drive around. Now, he may be a little biased being that he loves Caddies. He said after comparing it to a BMW 3 series, that the CTS give a little bit more in every aspect(little more room, little bit better handling, little bit more power, etc), and is a little bit cheaper. He said that the CTS is remarkably efficient. When he drove it to Myrtle Beach, it got 32 MPG's running 75-80 mph through North Carolina.

He just recently picked up one of the Corvette-inspired Cadillac XLR's. That is an AWESOME car. It's metallic blue, with a 400 HP Northstar engine, folding hard top...just a truly amazing piece of machinery! It's a big chunka change to buy one, but it's one of those cars that's an instant classic.

Cadillac has really changed their image, and the really had to. The market for luxury cars has changed. Instead of being rolling living rooms, luxury cars these days have got to give the ultimate in performance and driving, while at the same time be totally refined and smooth. Cadillac's Northstar engine is an amazing piece of engineering that helps deliver that. It's good to see them going back to rear-wheel drive too, and bring some smaller, sportier cars to market. Lincoln is doing the same thing. I used to think like you Super, Cadillac's to me used to be simply old peoples' Chevrolets with cushy suspensions and fake woodgrain trim. Now, they truly are different, and worth the money!

 

[petek]

I grew up being a big fan of the luxo-boats while everyone else I knew like smaller, sportier. That's why I got my new 75 Electra 225 coupe back then before they started downsizing. Loved that car but after it I couldn't fathom the new downsized models starting in 77. They just weren't the same thing anymore. I traded that on an 82 Volvo GL and never went back to domestics again. The Volvo was a fantastic car, so solid and sporty for a boxy looking sedan. Then I got a 93 Camry XLE, boring as all get out but nice and just as reliable as the Volvo was, but not near as sporty. After the Camry I did go and look at the domestics but was so put off by the poorly made interiors, cheap and flimsy plastic buttons abounded, even in the Caddy's and Lincolns there was no way I would pay +30 g's for cheap plastic, so I settled on a then new 99 MB 230 Kompressor sedan, actually cost less than Cadillacs and Lincolns. Wonderful car, goes like snot, I've had it up to 150mph, yes mph with my neighbor in the passenger seat who also happens to do stock car racing, he couldn't believe the car with only a 4cyl supercharger could go that fast,. but only momentarily. I regularly drive it at about 110 to 120 mph out here in nowheres prairie land, feels like you're doing about 60 it's so smooth and quiet. I just love my little white sedan especially when I leave the muscle cars a fading memory in my rear view mirror while I sip on a latte and mellow out to the sounds of the velvet fog himself, Mr. Mel Torme LOL

 

[gizmo]

Hi Nat

pity about the Mitsubishi 380. I think it is the car that will kill Mitsubushi in Australia. It is so pretentious, when the true Magna values were practicality over style. I have a 93 Magna wagon and much as I think it is a truly great car, I will not be replacing it with a Mitsubishi as I reckon they have lost their way. Like so many other car companies too.

I have a theory that the people who design cars these days ingest far too many mind altering substances. I mean, how else could you explain the Ford Taurus, the Benz A-class, have you seen a Ssangyong Stavic? Wow, that guy must have been high as a kite!

I get a real bee in my bonnet about current cars, the windows are getting smaller and smaller. The windows are for looking THROUGH not looking AT, the designers seem to have forgotten that fact so latest model cars are like armoured personnel carriers from WWII with little slit windows. You hit your head getting in and out, I feel like the sun visor is down when it is up, the roof above the side window is an inch from my head so even large cars feel claustrophobic. I used to have a little Morris 1100 years ago, felt roomier than a current Falcon or other family size car. The Mits 380 has the same syndrome, the rear side windows are only a few inches high at the end. A recipe for car sickness if there are kids in the back. And no wagon version will be made! The last Magna (97 to just superceded) didn't have a split-folding rear seat, they said for safety but other Mitsubishi wagons both cheaper and dearer have one. My Magna wagon has a split fold rear seat and I won't have a car without one in future, we use it all the time. It really gripes me, the Magna up to 96 was a great, reliable, practical car, superbly quiet and sophisticated to drive, the later ones tried to appeal to a different market and ended up losing their fans (like me) with out succeeding with their new target. The 380 is just another step in the wrong direction...

just love my partner's little 99 Holden Barina, what a cutie, goes like a rocket (on premium fuel, it's a slug on regular) holds the road like it's glued to it, it has got me back to considering a Holden again, I swore I'd never own another Holden after a disastrous time with a 86 RB Gemini (Chevy Spectrum in USA), the first and last car I ever bought brand new, the worst car I ever owned...
pics to follow, I have to go back and convert to a smaller file.
Here is a link to a review of the car I am chasing now, a Holden Vectra wagon...

Chris

Chris.

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racv.goauto.com.au