A few weeks back, the Rock Island Arsenal, located on Arsenal Island in the middle of the Mississippi River, celebrated its 150th anniversary and invited the public. Events included live USO shows, open houses at the factories, bus tours of the island, and (you knew this was coming) a car show. Let’s see what’s around…
The first car that caught my eye was this ’87 or ’88 Coupe de Ville. I was a little hard on these in my ’88 CDV post, but I have to admit the 1985-88 FWD Cadillacs are rather nice–as long as they have the 1988-only 4.5-liter V8 instead of the HT4100. This one was mint.
The interior, too, was cherry. No wear on the leather steering wheel, driver’s seat or door armrest. It must have been garaged and carefully maintained since new. I’ve driven several of the subsequent 1989-93 Sedan de Villes, and they had very nice interiors that were nearly identical to this one. While the 1985-88 Cadillacs may have been a visual letdown compared with the more-classically styled 1980-1984 models, I can tell you that they rode very well.
This mildly customized 1960 Olds Super 88 looked pretty good. It was a really hot day, temperatures probably hovering around 95-100 degrees. I thought that gigantic can of pop in the background was a mirage, but it came though in the picture. You do see it, right? Right??
All the 1960 standard-size GM models got smoother, less kitschy sheetmetal and trim and, in most cases, their looks were improved. As much as I like the ’59 Oldsmobiles, this one has a much more cohesive design.
This gunmetal gray 1970 Ford XL convertible was also quite nice. In 1970, the XL was the only full-size Ford drop-top available, and it and the Sports Roof two-door hardtop comprised the entire XL series. In 1971 the XL was gone; an LTD convertible filled the XL convertible’s spot until 1972.
What I liked about this car was the custom round gauges. I spoke with the owner, who had installed them himself. The radio has been moved inside the glove compartment from its original position left of the steering wheel. Of course, I am also a fan of the white interior. Black interiors and top-down cruising just don’t mix in the summertime–too hot!
The owner, an Ohio resident before he was was assigned to the Arsenal, was very happy to talk about his car. This XL came from California and thus was a very easy restoration. A very nice re-do of a rare convertible, one of just 6,348 built for 1970.
Less rare, but in uncommonly good shape, was this 1985-87 Lincoln Town Car, a non-Signature Series model judging from the full vinyl roof and standard wheel covers. I have always really liked those wheel covers, but they weren’t seen much, as most Townie buyers splurged for wire wheel covers, lacy-spoke alloys, or turbine-spoke alloys.
And look–an interior that isn’t black, gray or beige! Befitting a true luxury car, there were several colors available on these Town Cars, including this burgundy; navy blue; titanium (medium gray); black; taupe; beige; and even white (available in leather only, for obvious reasons). In 1985, Cartier models got a two-tone white- and-dove gray interior with dark red piping. Obviously, interior choices were once pretty extensive.
I have always liked these cars and remember when they were new. To me, they are the quintessential luxury car, spacious, comfortable and classy. I especially liked the ones with genuine wire wheels, but Town Cars fitted with them were pretty few and far between.
Here’s a nice ’70 Challenger in what appears to be non-factory Candy Apple Red. I’ve always slightly preferred these Challengers to the corresponding ‘cudas, although my brother respectfully disagrees! These might have lasted past ’74 if the Duster 340 hadn’t offered more bang for the buck.
The hi-po Dusters may have offered similar performance for less money when compared to the E-bodies, but the Challenger and ‘cuda did do one thing better: They were sportier and more attractive looking, at least to me. Plus, no one could get a 383, 440 or 426 Hemi in an A-body – at least, not new from the factory. In the end, the Challenger had the last laugh, with Plymouth gone and Challengers back.
What I found really interesting about this Challenger was its bench seat and column-shifted automatic. I have only seen one other E-body with a bench: a ’70 Hemi Cuda, in Limelight, at the Blackhawk College car show back in ’98 or ’99. This may be a case of a whitewalled, mint green, little old lady-owned 318 Challenger getting the full Year One treatment but still, why not also add buckets and a console? Could this be the way the car was originally equipped? In any case, I like the bench seat.
And here, behind the Challenger, we can see what appears to be a ’69 Camaro–the one car you’ll see at EVERY car show, cruise-in or Labor Day parade, and I didn’t even notice it at first. This one, however, was worth a second look.
First of all, it was not modded, pro-streeted, or otherwise turned into a modern car in a 1969 Camaro suit. No 18-inch wheels, rubber-band tires, or full-cage interior, either. And what a color combination! Daytona Yellow with a white (not black!) interior. And not just ANY white interior…
Yes, this car had the houndstooth inserts to go with that white vinyl. Very sharp. I think the yellow paint, black stripes and white interior may be the best color combination on these cars. It just looked great.
It’s nice to see that some folks don’t feel the need to modify their classics. Hey, if modifying floats your boat, great, but I much prefer the original factory look.
You can tell why Chevrolet used this car, albeit in greatly exaggerated form, for the new Camaro. It just looks good. This 1969 model has the new one beat in glass area though.
I was reaching the end of the show field at this point, but I had to check out this very sharp, bottle-green 1968-69 Riviera – in GS trim, no less. Buick’s chrome Rally wheels really made this car – what a great wheel design.
The interior was fitted out appropriately for a GS – Strato bucket seats, center console and U-shaped shifter. Even though all Rivieras of this vintage should have bucket seats, a bench seat was available. With the bench, the interior didn’t look much different from a LeSabre or Electra sedan. You’ve gotta have the buckets!
This car was Bill Mitchell at his best. This car looks especially dashing in profile: smooth, clean and distinctive.
I have no idea why Buick thought the giant chrome sweepspear and fender skirts added to the 1970 model constituted an improvement. Giving in to the Great Brougham Epoch, perhaps?
Here’s a car for you flathead Ford V8 fans. This 1940 Tudor was really neat. I love seeing these in non-hot rodded form. They looked great right out of the factory.
The interior was as originally equipped too. The owner had placed vintage ads and pamphlets on the seat too. Just ignore the sunglasses, they are not a period item!
Although I was ready to head back to my car, this FE3 Panther Pink Duster 340 could not be ignored. As you might have guessed, most guys buying new muscle cars in 1970 didn’t want a pink car, so Mopars in this hue are rare – and highly valued – by today’s collectors. You can tell this one is a 1970 from the “frog’s legs” Plymouth emblem on the grille. The 1971 versions lost the emblem and gained (at least base models did) the cool “salt shaker” wheel covers.
I have seen this car many times before, and it is in mint condition. Here’s a little known fact: In 1970 only, Dusters were called Valiant Dusters. Perhaps Mopar, unsure about the car’s success, was hedging its bets; in any case, sales took off and the car became simply “Duster” in 1971.
I spotted this neat utility vehicle on my walk back. I have no idea what it is, but it had a Minneapolis-Moline logo on the sides of the hood. I bet Ed Stembridge could use this around the farm!
If anyone knows more about this doodlebug, I’d love to hear it. It was pretty cool.
I also checked out the Arsenal Museum (it’s air conditioned, which is a key factor for visitors) and took a self-guided tour of Quarters One, a very neat mansion that used to be home to the Commander of the Arsenal but now is vacant and used only for tours and special events. Unfortunately, my memory card was full but there’s a picture of it in my Boat And Talk post. The Arsenal is a very neat place, and I’m glad they decided to celebrate with the rest of the Quad Cities. All in all, it was a nice little car show. Let’s close with this vintage helicopter:
A nice selection of cars, Tom! I worked on the Mississippi River in Keokuk in the mid to late 90’s. Always was I impressed on the quantity and quality of classic cars in that area…. Never had a chance to view this car show on the Rock however, being Keokuk was a 3 plus hour drive away!
The 69 Camaro SS396 is a winner in anyone’s book. Myself, I was always partial to the LeMans Blue on this year Camaro. And was somewhat disappointed by GM in releasing this new edition Camaro and disregarding this classic Chevy color. And no, their Aqua Blue shade is close……
I agree with your thoughts on the 70 Riviera. The more I look at that chrome trim, the more I think it was a harbinger of the coming of the Boat Tail Riviera. A lot of future models were found in the styling cues on the previous years model car…….the 62 Corvette comes to mind as prime example of shapes of things to come.
On the Devilles, I am pretty sure the 4.5 was offered between the 4.1 and the 4.9, itself a major improvement over the 4.1.
And on that poor `60 Olds, painting chrome should always be a no-no.
Normally, I’m not a fan of painting what was originally chrome, but it looks good on this Olds. This was a car with an overwhelming amount of chrome in the first place, and I think by adding the chrome wheels and painting the bumpers, the owner has called it even.
Of course, it would be a great looking car with all the original chrome and the original wheels.
Either way, it’s always a treat to see a ’60. Pretty rare Olds!
My thoughts exactly, Jordan. Beautiful car, too bad about the painted bumpers.
Friend of my brother had one just like that in white, a hand-me-down. Did I ever love riding in the back seat of that, except on hot summer days! Awesome car; I can still feel/hear the Hydramatic click off the gears. I’m hoping to find one someday to write up properly.
Jordan, you’re right – 1988 de Villes got the 4.5L V8. Fixed.
While I do agree that painting chrome shouldn’t happen, between high material costs and stringent EPA regulations the price of chromium plating has spiraled out of sight. Therefore I’m willing to cut an otherwise nice car some slack for painted pieces that were originally chrome-plated.
Thanks for the tour, Tom! Loved the Olds– did you get an opportunity at a snapshot of the interior? The first Gen Camaros are growing on me and this one would most definitely fit the bill.
But if I had my one choices of a ‘hey,you won the lottery, go ahead and buy a nice classic sunday driver’ it most definitely be a 66-68 Rivera or Pontiac Executive Coupe…. so you know i am loving that green Riv to bits.
Thanks!
You’re right, Tom!
A little googling revealed that’s a Minneapolis Moline NTX, which was developed as an aircraft tug during WWII. It was also part of a big controversy over who could rightfully use the name “Jeep.”
More here: http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/2010/06/01/hmn_feature18.html
I don’t know my rotary-winged aircraft that well and can’t ID the chopper. It’s not a Bell 47 (M*A*S*H), though…
It could also be a heavily-modified Citroen 2CV, according to that front end…
It’s a Hiller UH 12 (or some variant thereof), one of the pioneering choppers from the immediate post-war era. First chopper to fly coast-to-coast.
That 70 XL convertible is a rare one, all right. Actually, there is a white one that lives in my area. I keep hoping to see it out so that I can bag it and do a CC.
And I do remember the early “Valiant Dusters”. I had forgotten this color, though. I don’t believe that I have ever seen a Duster painted this shade. I never liked the two little slit taillights on each side. I preferred the 72’s longer single units.
I like the “slit” taillights, always thought they were pretty neat.
As a matter of personal taste I disagree with Tom: I would take a Cuda or Challenger over a Duster, and not just because this one is Panther Pink either. I would also not hesitate to hot rod that ’40 Ford.
I worded that wrong – I meant the Challenger and ‘cuda were sportier and more attractive. Oh yes, I’d much prefer an E-body to a Duster.
The white town car could have been mine but for the wheels. I probably didn’t appreciate it enough. Dumped it and got a 77 Impala wagon so I could work.
The 40 Ford IMO is about the most beautiful car ever built but I would rather have the coupe than the sedan. They all bring back memories. Had a number of cars with the flathead ford. Epitomizes simplicity ad fairly durable too if I am not remembering through those rose colored glasses.
“Here’s a little known fact: In 1970 only, Dusters were called Valiant Dusters. Perhaps Mopar, unsure about the car’s success, was hedging its bets; in any case, sales took off and the car became simply “Duster” in 1971.”
The Scamp, which was introduced in 1971, was also simply the “Scamp”, and was never marketed as a Valiant. The Duster and Scamp continued to be marketed this way until the end of A-body production in 1976.
Dodge, conversely, marketed the 1971-72 Demon as simply the “Demon” but otherwise badged all Dart/Valiant derivatives as Darts. The Swinger was always the “Dart Swinger” and the Duster-based car that replaced the Demon from 1973-76 was the “Dart Sport”.
I could have sworn that my 71 Scamp had a little tiny “Valiant” nameplate just above the Scamp decals on the front fenders. I have seen at least one line in a brochure referring to a “Valiant Scamp”. But it was certainly just Scamp for 1972.
More useless info – by 1973, the Duster/Dart Sport was the only vehicle left on the 1967-72 Valiant 108 inch wheelbase. In 1971-72 the Scamp was the only Plymouth using the Dodge Dart’s 111 inch wheelbase, but by 1973 the old short Valiant body was gone and Valiants now shared the Dart body with its longer wheelbase.
The Coupe deVille rates as my favorite. My 93 Spring Edition Deville was the 4 door version of the featured car. Mine had the same color scheme, white with blue carriage roof and the identical blue interior.
I traded it (or gave it away) in 2005 on another Sedan Deville, a 2002 Certified car. The 02 is a far superior vehicle, although less ostentatious. In the popular tan metallic, it is quite mundane. The only distinguishing feature is the original elderly owner had custom leather work done. The beige seats were enhanced with white custom leather, and Cadillac wreaths and crests embroidered into the headrests. A very nice tasteful touch. Why anyone would spend thousands extra, although beautiful, is beyond my comprehension. I’ve never seen an interior like it, very reminicent of the two tone interiors of the 1950’s. The best car I’ve ever owned.
The Certified 93 Spring Edition was plagued with problems. Transmission rebuild at 25K, struts, and 2 leaking water pumps, all under warranty however. A lot of minor stuff, too. The last couple years I owned the car, the white paint started peeling on the rocker panels, and fender tips. I always figured the Cadillac dealer turned the mileage back before I bought it. When I traded it at 72K, I felt it probably had 150K. The car still looked and drove well, albeit some spray can touch up on the peeling areas. Cotillion white spray cans blended nicely with the original paint.
During the warranty period, I had the 93 back many times. After one meeting with the owner of the dealership, he basically told me that I did buy a used car. Always felt cheated on the 93 by the Cadillac dealer. Obviously, my 02 was bought from a different dealer. Only had it back a couple of times for minor stuff.
Wow, a stripper Town Car, you usually dont see them that base, it may have belonged to a funeral home, I have only seen a really base Town Car like that a few times before, and both times it was a lead car/company car for a funeral home, even though they had Cadillac hearses and limos.
Not to be a nitpicker, but a ’69 Camaro this shade is Daytona yellow if I recall. Looks like a good car show.
You’re right. I must have been thinking of the Apollo space program!
My favorites are the ’60 Olds and the ’40 Ford. I’d add the Riv too if it was a 1966-67.
The Riviera! Of course design is usually all I care about, so the Buick wins me. All due respect to the brilliant original, the second generation, as seen here, has got to be in my top five favorite car designs ever.
I think that’s a 1968–the grille inserts are flat-faced, whereas the ’69’s curve outward toward the center. Of course, I could be wrong.
Also, wow, the interior of that Cadillac is immaculate!
The 1960 Olds is a product of choice in the bumpers being painted. It is primarily in the eye of the beholder in an attempt to modernize the look. Remember that all those years 58,59,60 were transition years for Oldsmobile in the experimental stages for a new body style. Maybe if the bumpers had been painted then it would have lent the idea sooner that later for the cars of today. Looks very innovative to me.These cars had so much chrome those years that it almost seemed to be overpowering. The little that was left is enough. Good Call.
Tom, thanks for the kind words on my 1970 Duster 340. It WAS a hot day…triple digits!! I’ve owned the Duster for 8 years and it is an original #s matching engine and body. The original had an A727 auto now has a 4-speed. It’s for sale, too…need to get another Mopar muscle car.
http://www.cars-on-line.com/62199.html
Thanks again…see ya next year!!