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Curbside Classics Archives
Curbside Classics Archive
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![(first posted 3/19/2013) Although the powertrain provided adequate motivation, no one would ever mistake one of the vast majority of Tempo/Topazes with a milquetoast 2.3-liter, four cylinder engine and three-speed automatic […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Mercury-Topaz-GS-2.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: Mercury Topaz GS V6 / Five-speed Coupe – Oxymoron, or Just Moronic?")
Curbside Classic: Mercury Topaz GS V6 / Five-speed Coupe – Oxymoron, or Just Moronic?
Posted on October 21, 2023 | 120 Comments(first posted 3/19/2013) Although the powertrain provided adequate motivation, no one would ever mistake one of the vast majority of Tempo/Topazes with a milquetoast 2.3-liter, four cylinder engine and three-speed automatic […] -
![(first posted 5/24/2013) I called GM’s decision to build a giant personal-luxury coupe with front wheel drive a Deadly Sin (here). The dubious advantages hardly outweighed the disadvantages, as well […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/CC-194-170-800.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: Home-Built Toronado-Based Motor Home")
Curbside Classic: Home-Built Toronado-Based Motor Home
Posted on October 19, 2023 | 52 Comments(first posted 5/24/2013) I called GM’s decision to build a giant personal-luxury coupe with front wheel drive a Deadly Sin (here). The dubious advantages hardly outweighed the disadvantages, as well […] -
![(first posted 10/6/2017) Is there an efficiency gene? Why do some people intrinsically (or compulsively) turn off the lights when they leave a room, keep the thermostat at […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/CC-337-007.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: 1991 Geo Metro Three Axle Ultra-High-Efficiency Motor Home – 45 MPG?")
Curbside Classic: 1991 Geo Metro Three Axle Ultra-High-Efficiency Motor Home – 45 MPG?
Posted on October 6, 2023 | 32 Comments(first posted 10/6/2017) Is there an efficiency gene? Why do some people intrinsically (or compulsively) turn off the lights when they leave a room, keep the thermostat at […] -
![(first posted 8/22/2013) How exactly did Toyota come to be so dominant, mostly at GM’s expense? One little well-built coffin nail at a time. We will forever hear explanations as […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CC-27-100-925.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: 1979 – 1982 Toyota Tercel – Toyota Nails Another One")
Curbside Classic: 1979 – 1982 Toyota Tercel – Toyota Nails Another One
Posted on September 29, 2023 | 67 Comments(first posted 8/22/2013) How exactly did Toyota come to be so dominant, mostly at GM’s expense? One little well-built coffin nail at a time. We will forever hear explanations as […] -
![(first posted 9/27/2017) Debbie and I try to do a fast four-mile one-hour walk every day after she gets home from work and on weekends. Neither […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/50Buick1-e1506376823647.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Three Red CCs From the 1950s (Well, one is a 1949, and one could be a 1960, but they’re all red)")
Three Red CCs From the 1950s (Well, one is a 1949, and one could be a 1960, but they’re all red)
Posted on September 27, 2023 | 35 Comments(first posted 9/27/2017) Debbie and I try to do a fast four-mile one-hour walk every day after she gets home from work and on weekends. Neither […] -
![(first posted 5/12/2013) Suburbans are jacks of all trades, capable of playing so many varied roles. One like this taught me the valuable lessons of the limits of vehicle dynamics […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/CC-43-022-800.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: 1966 Chevrolet Suburban – Finding The “Sport” In SUV")
Curbside Classic: 1966 Chevrolet Suburban – Finding The “Sport” In SUV
Posted on September 26, 2023 | 47 Comments(first posted 5/12/2013) Suburbans are jacks of all trades, capable of playing so many varied roles. One like this taught me the valuable lessons of the limits of vehicle dynamics […] -
![Datsun 210 images from the Cohort by Jerome Solberg. It’s no surprise to Curbside readers that some car models have different lives, all depending on what market they are sold […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/53006524357_462ff94361_o.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Cohort Classic: 1979 Datsun 210 (Sunny) – The Many Identities Of A Nissan Sunny; A Gallery Of Curbside Finds")
Cohort Classic: 1979 Datsun 210 (Sunny) – The Many Identities Of A Nissan Sunny; A Gallery Of Curbside Finds
Posted on September 21, 2023 | 16 CommentsDatsun 210 images from the Cohort by Jerome Solberg. It’s no surprise to Curbside readers that some car models have different lives, all depending on what market they are sold […] -
![(first posted 9/20/2017) As Chrysler bounced back from the brink of doom in the early 1980s, the company needed to expand its lineup beyond frugal transportation like […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/RF-1-e.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTS – So Close, And Yet So Far Away")
Curbside Classic: 1987 Chrysler LeBaron GTS – So Close, And Yet So Far Away
Posted on September 20, 2023 | 86 Comments(first posted 9/20/2017) As Chrysler bounced back from the brink of doom in the early 1980s, the company needed to expand its lineup beyond frugal transportation like […] -
![(first posted 2/11/2011. Updated 9/17/2023) Having the distinction of being the most built car ever (over 21 million), the Volkswagen Beetle rightfully gets a lot of CC attention. In this […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/CC-109-024-800.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: 1946 Volkswagen 1100 (Type 11): The Beetle Crawls Out Of The Rubble")
Curbside Classic: 1946 Volkswagen 1100 (Type 11): The Beetle Crawls Out Of The Rubble
Posted on September 19, 2023 | 121 Comments(first posted 2/11/2011. Updated 9/17/2023) Having the distinction of being the most built car ever (over 21 million), the Volkswagen Beetle rightfully gets a lot of CC attention. In this […] -
![(first posted 12/6/2011) Better a day off than an off day It’s always good to be able to take one’s father’s advice (as long as it’s good advice and you’re […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/CC-156-001-800.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Trailhead Classic: 1978 Subaru BRAT – Subie Doo")
Trailhead Classic: 1978 Subaru BRAT – Subie Doo
Posted on September 16, 2023 | 59 Comments(first posted 12/6/2011) Better a day off than an off day It’s always good to be able to take one’s father’s advice (as long as it’s good advice and you’re […] -
![(first posted 9/15/2017) BAM! Seeing this Dodge van bouncing down US 67, I was automatically transported back to the late 1970s. The late ’70s was a great […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Dodge-1.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: 1976ish Dodge D-100 Tradesman – Dreamboat Annie Joined The Convoy")
Curbside Classic: 1976ish Dodge D-100 Tradesman – Dreamboat Annie Joined The Convoy
Posted on September 15, 2023 | 81 Comments(first posted 9/15/2017) BAM! Seeing this Dodge van bouncing down US 67, I was automatically transported back to the late 1970s. The late ’70s was a great […] -
![Here’s a controversially styled car, courtesy of a controversial stylist; the 1960-62 “Plymouth” Valiant. A product of the one and only Virgil Exner Sr. And here’s a quote from another […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_20230902_161440571.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: 1961 Valiant – Follow The Leader? The Dilemmas of Art vs. Commerce")
Curbside Classic: 1961 Valiant – Follow The Leader? The Dilemmas of Art vs. Commerce
Posted on September 11, 2023 | 37 CommentsHere’s a controversially styled car, courtesy of a controversial stylist; the 1960-62 “Plymouth” Valiant. A product of the one and only Virgil Exner Sr. And here’s a quote from another […] -
![(first posted 9/4/2017) When Virgil Exner’s Forward Look burst onto the scene at dowdy, conservative old Chrysler Corporation in 1955, it marked a new era for the company […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/1964Dodge880-01-crop.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Car Show Classic: 1964 Dodge Custom 880 – The Forward Look Goes Out With A Whimper")
Car Show Classic: 1964 Dodge Custom 880 – The Forward Look Goes Out With A Whimper
Posted on September 4, 2023 | 115 Comments(first posted 9/4/2017) When Virgil Exner’s Forward Look burst onto the scene at dowdy, conservative old Chrysler Corporation in 1955, it marked a new era for the company […] -
![(first posted 8/31/2013) This was a radical car for Ford. If you didn’t live through the ‘70s and remember well all the bloatmobiles that Ford (and, to be fair, GM […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/79FordFairmont1jg.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: 1978 Ford Fairmont – The Ur-Fox")
Curbside Classic: 1978 Ford Fairmont – The Ur-Fox
Posted on September 3, 2023 | 164 Comments(first posted 8/31/2013) This was a radical car for Ford. If you didn’t live through the ‘70s and remember well all the bloatmobiles that Ford (and, to be fair, GM […] -
![(first posted 9/25/2013) The Audi Fox, called the Audi 80 in Europe, was a milestone car for both Audi and Volkswagen. Introduced in 1972 in Europe and sold in North […]](https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/1-Rear-quarter.jpg?resize=115%2C115&ssl=1 "Curbside Classic: Audi Fox/80 (B1) – The Foxy Mother Of The Modern VW/Audi Era")
Curbside Classic: Audi Fox/80 (B1) – The Foxy Mother Of The Modern VW/Audi Era
Posted on August 31, 2023 | 101 Comments(first posted 9/25/2013) The Audi Fox, called the Audi 80 in Europe, was a milestone car for both Audi and Volkswagen. Introduced in 1972 in Europe and sold in North […]
