Checking Out the Cars of Our Lives 8

Fri. Jul 5th, 2024

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Checking Out the Cars of Our Lives 8

Hi all! I’m glad to be back in the driver’s seat and ready for another trip down memory lane to check out the cars of our lives. These range from family cars, roadsters, muscle, to unique and quirky concept cars. To keep things simple, we only talk aesthetics, design, and the emotional content, leaving out as much of the technical stuff to experts.

Thapson

I’m not overly technical, so why play one here? Hope you enjoy my drive through history as I touch on the vehicles that are often forgotten only to trigger that “aha, I remember that model” moment in your minds.

Today we check out the nostalgia inducing British Vauxhall Victor, innovative Swedish Saab 900, opulent American Lincoln Continental Mk IV, and a rare mystery car. So, hop on board and let’s take a ride into the Cars of Our Lives 8!

Vauxhall Victor FB Series (1960-64)

Vauxhall Victor FB / ClassicCarCatalogue.com

The 1963 Vauxhall Victor is a car that brings back many personal memories for me. It was owned by two of our family friends, and stood out for its size. At the time, this car seemed pretty sleek, and somewhat “American looking”, albeit on a smaller scale.

This car is meant to be a big family car and quite spacious all round. It has a bench seat which is a very American feature. Not surprising as Vauxhall was part of GM’s British division. It’s apparent that globalization of sorts regarding automobiles had already started by then. Hence the “generics” creeping in – something I personally don’t like. I like it’s interesting sleek lines which curve down at the rear of the vehicle. It’s slightly rounded edges, gives the Vauxhall Victor a streamlined look as opposed to the pointed edges that were vogue at the time.

“The 1963 Vauxhall Victor is a car that brings back many personal memories for me.”

Triggers World of Old Cars / YouTube.com

While the interior is spacious, this Vauxhall also has a distinctly large trunk space. I like the somewhat small (by today’s standards) tail lights. Despite the large car size, the engine is relatively small. Its is available either as a 1.5 or 1.6 Liter, 4-Cylinder format. They come in a 4-door sedan or 5-door estate version. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the specs of the ones I came into contact with as I was too young then.

Since Vauxhall was part of the GM stable, the Victor FB was by no means the largest model they made. There were others bigger in size. But to me these year models stand out stand out for their looks and nostalgic feel. Hence, for me personally, it is very definitely one of the iconic cars of my life. Vauxhall’s are still common in the UK. But are so generic looking, that they seem “lost in the crowd”. All because of globalization and auto tie-ups around the world. Next, we go to Sweden and check out one of the coolest and most innovative cars from them.

Saab 900 (1978-98)

The Saab 900 is a car that the Swedes spent a long time thinking over. It’s chock-full of interesting design innovations which are cutting edge for their time. Designed for the cold climate of Sweden, it was especially popular in colder regions of the world. The interesting appearance and coolness factor turned it into a symbol for successful people in the US. In the eighties, it was synonymous with the “yuppie” generation.

It was designed on the previous Saab 99 chassis, but underwent some modifications to meet with US standards. The outward design is very unique to itself. With its large windshield, long front end, high roof, and sloping rear end, Saab 900s are recognizable from a distance. It’s a beautifully designed machine. Let’s look at the details and innovations that are on this vehicle.

Details and Innovations

Under the hood, the engine is strangely placed. Unlike other front wheel drive cars, the Saab engine is placed longitudinally rather than across, but with some deft engineering, the power still goes to the front wheels. And to top it all off, the engine is slanted at a 45-degree angle. The engine size ranged in the 2 Liter range with a turbo version available.

The car is available in both 2 and 4 door options or 3 or 5 door hatchback versions. A 2-door convertible for the ultimate “yuppie” experience was also available.

Ergonomics

Other unique innovations include a huge deeply curved windshield giving the driver a wide range of view. This is a reminder of Saab’s aircraft manufacturing division. Another reminder is apparent in the dashboard design and layout – resembling a plane’s cockpit layout. Controls and gauge placing reduces driver distraction by keeping buttons within easy reach. The most frequently accessed controls, e.g. the radio are on top of other controls. Doors open well below the point other car doors do. This enables easier access, prevent slush accumulation, and also provide a tighter fit when shut. The ignition key is located between the driver and passenger seat, near the handbrake for safety reasons. The high roof and slide-off clam shell type hood cover are the other major innovations on the Saab 900. I could go on, but I’ll let the accompanying video clip highlight it all.

TFLclassics / YouTube.com

Unfortunate Demise

Once you see one of these cars in person, and check it out close, you’ll realize what a beautifully functional car the Swedes built. The Saab 900 was by no means cheap, which is why it was so synonymous with the affluent. It’s a pity that Saab eventually went bankrupt. Who knows what other great cars they would have made over the years. While they did make other models over the years, I personally like the 900 the best. We may return to other Saab models in my future posts.

Next, let’s check out a car that has been listed among the “worst cars made” in the US. To me it symbolises American opulence translated in automobiles.

Lincoln Continental Mk. IV (1972-76)

The Lincoln Continental stands out as a representative of opulence, and an excessive lifestyle. Now there’s nothing wrong with that at all. If you are successful, have the power, the money, why not flaunt it in any way possible?

This car has been around for a long time and comes in a mind-boggling array of configurations. But I want to touch on the one I noticed first time on TV. The one driven by William Conrad as he drove around as Frank Cannon on that hit show “Cannon” back in the 70s. His car was very huge, imposing, and as American as possible. And to top it all off, it was a 2-door! That’s the most American thing ever! Due to Cannon, I love the model that was most like his – complete with oval “opera windows,” and the Lincoln logo embedded: 1972 through 1976.

A quick scene with “Cannon” and his Continental Mk. IV / Frank Cannon / YouTube.com

OsbornTramain / YouTube.com

Signature Looks and Specs

This was likely the highest point with respect to the size of American cars and also the time when the big decline started with the advent of the oil crisis. These cars were never smaller than V8, and came with the most luxurious trimmings and heavy doors. The trunk also had the shape of the spare tire in the back. Other unique features of the Continental is the long hood, hidden headlights, and centrally positioned grill. Almost all Continentals from this era had vinyl roofs.

Ostentatious Looks

The interior with its thick seats resembled a boat. Sure, it’s referred to as among the worst cars now, but that was a different era. I for one love the Continental Mk IV for it’s unapologetic over the top ostentatious looks. Isn’t that what America stood for then? Times have changed, but there are still many of us who like to travel in style and comfort. The Continental is still around, and still big and luxurious. However, this was a look at the first one I saw in action, and admired. The oil crisis, international competition, and evolving trends were to change the landscape of American cars.

That brings me to the unique quirky car of the moment. Let’s check out:

The Tucker Sedan or the Tucker 48

Immediately after WW II, Preston Tucker started work on a completely new car which would incorporate a range of new design concepts he had in mind. This car would be known as the Tucker 48. For too long the US market had been dominated by the “big three” and he felt the American public was ready for a new car that offered more. In short, he wanted to be a “positive disruptor” of the auto world.

Interesting Features

He proceeded to design a new car in 1944 and the result was a rear engine car with a host of interesting safety features. The most outstanding one was the third “cyclops eye” headlight in the front which turned in the direction of the car as it turned or rounded a bend. Both these innovations were new to the US. The door openings went slightly beyond the roof to facilitate easier entry and exit. Other technical innovations that were designed to increase passenger safety and security against theft. To this end, Preston Tucker held the patent for the collapsible steering wheel column, padded up the passenger cabin while moving the glove compartment into the doors – which considerably increased interior space. Under an agreement with Ford, they supplied some of the components he used on the Tucker 48.

Legendary Motorcar Company / YouTube.com

Legal, Economic Woes and Demise

However, a combination of nagging technical problems, and other legal troubles resulted in a shutdown of the Tucker 48 production. Only about 50 of these were built and are still valued for their unique innovations. Tucker’s quest to build the car was chronicled in the 1988 movie “Tucker: The Man and his Dream.” If not for the legal troubles and a lack of finances, Tucker might have surmounted the technical glitches and we could likely have a fourth car company in the US. But this was not to be, and the rest is history.

Feel free to contact me with your opinions, additions. Until then, remember to look carefully before opening your door before alight your car in a busy street. You want to make sure you don’t cause a crash with a passing vehicle or a cyclist whizzing by.

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