(I had the pleasure to meet Don Kincl in Portland on Sunday, and encouraged him to start posting his excellent photography directly at CC. I’ve shared a number of his “Ralf K.” Outtakes and other series before that he had posted at the Cohort. PN)
The summer after graduating high school I lived with my buddy at his parents beach house on Vashon Island, Washington. One day we thought it would be a great idea to drive every road on the island and photograph all the old cars.
Beautiful photography! And welcome to the contributors club – I look forward to more.
The opening shot of the Chevrolet in the slowly collapsing garage is mesmerizing.
It is funny to think that many of those old cars were in the 20-30 year old range. Today that would translate to cars from the 80s and 90s. It seems that CC has been one of the few places to give some attention to these “modern old” cars in addition to the very ones you found interesting in the 70s.
In France (and elsewhere I’m sure), the “modern old” ’80s/’90s car enthusiasts are called Youngtimers.
And yes, it’s crazy to think that, to the eyes of the photographer (in 1974), something pre-war was as old as something from the ’80s is today.
Superb snaps all, Don. Thank you for sharing those with us!
Same here in Germany, too.
What a flashback.
In 1974 I had the opportunity to buy a running ’36 Chevy 4-door for $350.
The gentleman also had a ’40 Chevy coupe – in pieces but solid – for $150.
I was too broke to buy either one.
Can’t think of a single 34-38 year old car today that I’d want. Maybe an S-10 pickup/Blazer or a Caprice/Malibu wagon.
Then I think of what’s in my garage now and am content.
1957 Chevy 210 wagon 6 cyl?
Beautiful shots- thanks!
The black-and-white photography adds atmosphere to these shots. Thanks for sharing them. Cheers.
Ooooo excellent! I look forward to more of your work!
You have to wonder whether any of these cars still exist.
It appears that there are no bridges connecting Vashon Island to the mainland–ferry only. Would someone ferry a car off the island just to junk it? If not, these (and any other old cars) may be “marooned” on the island.
It does require a ferry ride. I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard it is kind of a hippie retirement community. Time probably moves a little slower there. The photos make me think of being a kid in ’74 (I turned 8) and seeing old relics out in the country.
There are a few places along Mt. Baker highway that have properties full of old cars, including one that borders on the incredible. I have reason to think the owner is not that friendly, or I’d ask to visit. It’s amazing what you can find when you’re off the beaten path a bit.
Beautiful photos, I love how nature is taking over to ultimately conquer man-made objects.
When I lived in Seattle I enjoyed taking long bike trips. My favorite was going over the Murrow floating bridge to Mercer Island. I took the ferry to Vashon Island once, which reminded me when I rode a bicycle in the Wisconsin countryside as a kid – it was kind of boring and not very safe so I never went back to Vashon.
My favorite is the ’53 Studebaker ahead of the shell of a 1930s car. Cars changed so much in those twenty years!
That Stude appears to be in good condition, at least from the front. These are wonderful photographs, the black and white really adds character to the photos.
Nice old photos. We forget how good black and white photos can set a tone in scenes.
Great stuff Don.
Love that Studebaker. It’s a V-8 too!
I agree with the others, welcome and great shots! The first shot of the Chevy in the garage is perfect. There is something great about old pictures from when these were just old, well used cars. Not show cars.
In all reality there are some places out on Vashon that you could take the same pics today. There is a field out near the tv station on the south end that there are reams of old cars that an older man has been hanging onto for decades.
Ex:
That’s the same Cadillac as the next to last shot, Engle’s garage on maury island, the guy gets upset if you ask to take photos. Same cars have been sitting around the shop for over 40 years that I’m aware of
I was six in ’74, and plenty of old cars like these lay rotting in outer-suburbs and country towns. I know, because I loved seeing them all even then.
I want to step through time into these pictures. In my reverie, it’s warm and humid there, and I’m wandering full of energy with my best mate, clambering and peeking about to see these rusty creatures up close.
Beautiful work, Don.
Thanks for posting these photos Don. Based on what I remember photography costing when I was young, the film and processing were a significant cost out of pocket-money budget!
Interestingly the complete opposite of these pics would be presented if the photography was done at Fashion Island, Newport Beach.