The resurrection of old Corollas and return of a Chevrolet Astro to the United States from Japan is proof that the end of 2009 is at hand, or that the last Santa Clara gathering of this year is now in the past. The Datsun crew by way of Ratsun Forum showed up with an eclectic mix of rear-drive classics with modern horsepower underhood. The Chevrolet Astro van featured above was … [Read more...]
Engine Room! Full Astern!
From the flagship of the fleet department is this Chrysler Newport seen on the side of the road with an asking price of a mere four hundred dollars. The 1971 Newport heavy has a 383 big block connected to a an apparently blown up TorqueFlite automatic transmission. The scrawled message on the side glass says the big block does indeed run. Even with a toasted transmission, … [Read more...]
Sunbeam Minx DeLuxe
Some of the more interesting cars at any car show are often found at the adjacent parking lot. Recent proof is this 1967 Sunbeam Minx DeLuxe. The car is driven daily as an around town runabout by Maggie Ware, whose father picked up the sedan only slightly used in 1968. The car has remained in the family since. This Rootes Group survivor is in original condition, soldiering on … [Read more...]
August Old Schools
The best sort of car meets and shows are the kind where folks drive in, hang out, and then get back into their cars and drive off until next time. The monthly gathering of imports in Santa Clara falls directly into the category of low key and casual events where those who dig a certain kind of car can meet and greet. Bugs and dents on daily driven and budget classics speak to … [Read more...]
Tool of the Week: Engine Code Reader
Welcome to the one if by land, two if by sea 50-in-1 electronic playground edition of the Tool of the Week. This time around we're peering into computerized technology. The 1987 Mitsubishi Starion is a fuel injected car, but by no means modern. The transitional period between carburated and electronically injected engines produced some interesting if not cantankerous systems. … [Read more...]