Today’s Outtakes are just a few single or double shots I’ve been able to catch on the go… Hope you enjoy and feel free to fill in some details in the comments.
We’ll start with this (K-based E body) 1985 Plymouth Caravelle (presuming it’s the US-spec model; Canada got the Caravelle starting in 1983, and 1986 introduced a more rounded body style). I shot this car in Oregon, which is why I’m going with 1985…
Next up is a Datsun 240Z—a car I rarely if ever see in the Middle West. I spotted a second one parked in a lot off the highway about five minutes after shooting this one.
Finally, under the heading of “Matte is the New Black,” is this early ’80s (?) Chevette I caught as we were driving through Boise, Idaho. All stock badging had been removed—the lone badge on the rear deck reads “LIMITED EDITION.”
And this shot (taken in my rear-view mirror) shows a large, chrome eagle affixed to the front grill. Limited Edition, indeed.
Well, if you own a 1980s Chevette, you have to do something…
Funny thing is, I’ve seen that Chevette around Boise a few times!
Not many Mopars shown in candid-type pics likely due to the admiring throngs surrounding the vehicle obscuring picture taking.
What Was Wrong With This Car That Chrysler simply went with “E Class”, Plymouth with “CaraVelle” like the old Caramel candy bar.
I think someone in marketing was trying to think of a ship name to evoke the old clipper ship emblem.
That Chevette definitely is a limited edition…probably the only one left on the road!
I saw a decent looking Chevette on one of the loop roads around Indianapolis, Indiana in July, 2011. The car had an Indiana plate in case you were wondering.
There’s about half a dozen at least on the road here.
Every time you think you’ve seen the last Chevette, bam….another one shows up, like a roach.
Then there must be at least nine left. I saw a pristine early ’80s 3-door in blue a couple years ago on I-380 in Iowa City. The middle-aged lady driving appeared to be the original owner too!
Oh shucks, no photos of the Grand Caravan/Voyager next to the Caravelle; oh well.
No joke! Kissing cousins.. The Caravan looks a bit newer than the Caravelle though.
Since it is a Grand, but boxy, I’d say it is of early 1990s vintage, but could be anything from 1988 to 1994.
Always liked the Caravelles.
That’s kind of what i was thinking. I’m betting 87 to 90 on the Van.
Our 1984 E-Class was much more beautiful than that. Gunmetal blue on the hood and a thin stripe along the beltline. Silver everywhere else.
same color as my 86 le baron convertible. What I Meant Was ; Why Did Chrysler not give their version of this 400/600 Dodge, Caravelle an “E Series” not a NewPort Or ?
Having owned a Pontiac T-1000, my condolances to the Chevette driver.
There’s still a lone Chevette running around in my neck of the woods (central VA). It has faded red paint but otherwise looks to be in decent condition.
The Chevette bugs me a bit. Can we start some sort of a petition to outlaw “murdering out” any vehicle.
It was neat for a while, a little while… There are plenty of other colors at the “hardware store” to be had. Shoot an Acrylic Enamel cut with Lacquer Thinner and it will lay flat, shoot an Alkyd enamel cut with Mineral Spirits, wait 6 months and it’ll lose all gloss. Stay away from the TJ Chrome spray though.
I’m ashamed to say I attached the same “Limited Edition” badge to a 1994 Saturn SL2, to hide the screw holes left after removing the dealer emblem from the rear valance.
In my defense, it WAS a “Homecoming Edition,” pearl white with grey leather-and-cloth seats. I still miss that car, warts and all.
I still see a Chevette hear in Albuquerque on occasion; also still see Fairmonts around town. I have an elderly neighbor that drives a pastel green four door with tan vinyl seats and that is his “newer car!” There are also more than a few Mavericks/Comets around town, too. I bought a 84 E-Class brand new…what a total piece of crap that was!!!!!