What do you want from Ford? What would draw you into a Ford dealer?

Ford has shown some interesting concepts over the years, many of which never get built. But some do, and go on to be either flops of fads. Every once in a while like the Mustang and Taurus they become cars that define their segment, and the competition chase them.
Ford Motor Company made the Automobile accesable for the common man almost 100 years ago with the introduction of the Model T (1908) and sells various models all over the globe. Few companies have the brand recognition that Ford Motor Company has. It's trucks have been among the largests selling vehicles in the world, the F series for 29 years, the Ranger for 16 years. The Transit commercial vans are known the world wide.
Ford may not have created some segments of the market, but hey have refined and dominated some. The Pony car segment is named after the Mustang, even though it wasn't the first of it's kind to market. SUVs were available before the Explorer, but none sold in the numbers Explorer did. Ford has the ability to pull it together and regain market share and profitability.
Many companies hire market research companies and they form focus groups, recently there was a story in the press where one such group was looking at a preproduction Fusion, and until they were told it was a Ford, they had thought it was something new from the competition. Ford's image has been getting stale as their models have not been updated as quickly or sucessfully as competitors. Some of their new models lack passion, the biggest complaint you hear about the Ford 500 is about it's image and styling.

So here's a question I don't think I've asked before, What do you want from Ford? What kind of new models or features would bring you into a Ford dealer? Is it styling? Do you want more performance? Do you want better efficiency? Do you want bigger or smaller? Alternative energy? Make a wish list of what you want and post it to comments.

This is especially for those readers that don't drive a Ford now, but also for devoted Blue Oval Fans. Pretend that Ford is listening, let me know what you would like to see in a future Ford line up. Not limited to just Ford, but Mercury, Lincoln, Mazda, Volvo, Jaguar, Land Rover and Astin Martin also. Primarilly for the US market, but even if you'r not from the US, what would you want for your home market?

I've spent the last 10 months telling anyone who will listen what I want from FoMoCo, now it's your turn. Commentors should remember to ID themselves with at least initials, as Anonymous posts will not be published. I've read and discussed here, that Ford and other manufacturers hire consultants to scan web pages, including blogs to see what consumer trends may be. Now it's your turn to sound off. If you want to see Diesels in passenger vehicles or Hybrid trucks, now is the time to comment. You never know? And in the least you will have vented some of that frustration.

Head on over to Jalopnik to vote on which is the best American V8

Over at Jalopnik their running a poll on which is the "greatest American V-8." Two of the contenders are, The original Ford Flathead V-8 (1932-1953) and the Windsor V-8 that powered Ford cars (including Mustang) and trucks for over 30 years.
Now I wouldn't want to influence anyone's vote, but let's remember who produced the first widely available V-8. Hell Chevrolet didn't even offer a V-8 at all until 1955, the first Corvete had an inline 6. And while Chrysler's Hemi was an impressive motor for racing, Ford's Windsor family of engines 221-400 cu in, was far more prolific and sucessful in all types of racing right up to today.

Freestyle to survive, at least for the short term, AutoBlog article and link

Finally some good news for the Freestyle. Rumors and reports were that the FreeStyle Crossover, based on the 500 sedan ( and Volvo XC-90,) was going to eliminated because of lackluster sales in it's first year. Despite favorable reviews and outstanding safety ratings, the FreeStyle did not skyrocket up the sales chart. But if you head on over to AutoBlog, you'll see that the FreeStyle will survive at least long enough for a facelift in 2007.

I've commented on the Freestyle extensively and think it's one of the best in it's class. And I like the styling. The interior is class leading in comfort and configurability. Hopefully a minor facelift and the new 3.5 V6 will help sales pick up.

AutoBlog article "Reflex and Fairlane to part of Way Fordward?"

Interesting article over at AutoBlog, apparently Mark Fields mentioned the Reflex and Fairlane concepts (clay models of each flank him in picture) as part of the Way Forward plans at Ford.
Here's the much circulated picture of the Fairlane concept, the CUV which is rumored to be replacing Ford's minivan. There are aspect to like and dislike about it and we'll know more when a production version is revieled at a future autoshow.
More important to me and possibly to Ford is the Reflex compact sport coupe. I wouldn't expect to see a Diesel Hybrid with electric motor driving the rear wheels or the solar panels in the roof to assist recharging the batteries. But I love the styling and could appreciate a front wheel drive version with 1.5 or so liter I4.
I absolutely love the styling and can see this in my driveway. I'm thinking a blue or green one with a moonroof, leather and nice stereo. I'd love a Diesel, but a peppy little gas engine will do, as long as I can expect at least 30 mpg on the highway (prefer 40 mpg.) And since I'm dreaming a 6 speed manual would be nice too. I like the hatchback, keep it glass and make it functional. Price it around $22k well equiped, I don't care what the base price is, I wouldn't buy it stripped. I don't care about the scissor doors, conventional doors will do fine. But don't loose those lines, this car looks fast standing still.

Here's my pledge to Ford, build what I want and I'll buy it, and I think others would too. Believe it or not, I would actually buy this over a new Mustang. I like the styling that much.

I even like the name Reflex, it would be a nice departure from those damn F names. And the only down side is that now that damn Duran Duran song is running through my head. Oh well, as much as I try to forget the 80's they keep haunting me. Hey! There's an idea, use that song in the ads for the car, maybe even dust of the members of Duran Duran for a concert or something. Or even better, have a new group do a cover of the song. Get the young people and older people like me. This car just makes too much sense the more I think of it.

Ford are you listening????? I want this!

Desiree Cooper of the Detroit Free Press, must have had a Brokeback breakdown

I found this over at Jalopnik, apparently Desiree Cooper writing in the Detroit Free Press, is suggesting that Ford become the "Brokeback" brand. This of course being a refference to the movie Brokeback Mountain, about a long enduring relationship between two gay cowboys in Wyoming from the 60's to the late 70's. Now this is the first article I can remember reading that Cooper has written, but there are several problems I have with it.

First her overdrawn stereotypes are bordering on racism, when she says that Cadilac was the brand of the black middle class. I'm sure many African Americans drove Ford, Chevy, Buick, Volvo, whatever their tastes. And just stupid when she asserts that VW was the "symbol of peace and love." I think Desiree has been sitting in the back of a microbus smoking too much weed. Civil rights workers drove many different vehicles, as did war protesters. I mean really, how many dirty hippies could you really fit in a VW Beetle? Some of them went to those rallies in Mom and Dad's Delta 88.

While I agree that Ford ultimately took the right course in the latest clash with the AFA, I don't believe any one brand should be the "Brokeback" brand. That in itself is offensive towards gays and everyone in general. Yes market to the gay community because of their potential buying power, and to the black and latino communities, as well as asian and middle eastern. You don't devote a brand to any one group! You don't even devote a model to any one group.

I look at this in the same light as the article a few weeks ago, saying that Mercury is the new Chick Flick brand. You try and sell your vehicles to all groups, and yes you use marketing targeting each group. You have ads on BET directed toward an Urban Hip, primarily African American group, but the same vehicle can be advertised on CMT toward the Counry Western, primarily white group, as well as on Bravo toward the more afluent Suburban Liberal and Fox News toward the more Conservative consumer. Trying to aim a brand or model towards too specific a group or market is short sighted and can alienate potential buyers from other groups.

And to try and peg any brand or vehicle as the "Gay" car is ignorant of the gay community and the overall population. All people are unique, as are their vehicle needs. Not every gay person drives a Subaru, Saturn, Volvo, Jaguar, Honda or Ford. Like any other consumer a gay consumer is going to buy a vehicle that fits their budget and needs.

And what about Chevy Desiree? After all, that's what kind of truck the guys are leaning against, or didn't you know that? Bottom line, no one manufacturer needs to be the "Brokeback" brand, they need to build more interesting cars, that anyone would buy gay or straight. I realize these writer have to pump out the pieces in order to get paid, but come on, between this and the chick flick Mercury article, I wonder why they bother.

Mercury article

Comments to carefully moderated on this one, so stick to the context or it won't be published.

CX7 and Edge not the same, I and others are corrected

There had been a comment from a reader on an earlier post from a reader who said that I was mistaken when I said the new Mazda CX7 was built on the same platform as the new Ford Edge. Well that reader was correct, partially anyway. The new CX7 is built on a unique chassis, that is closest to the Mazda 5 minivan.
The Mazda 5 compact minivan, is based on Mazda 3's C1 platform which is the European Ford Focus platform. But the CX7 isn't purely Mazda 5 based. According to the article linked at AutoBlog, it's a unique blend of 3 & 6 chassis and engines.
The rear suspension is C1 based, like the Mazda 3, Euro Focus and Volvo S40( V50 & C70)
But the engine, trans and front suspension are from the Mazdaspeed 6. Even if the engine has been detuned by about 40 hp.

And before you start saying "Joe doesn't have a clue" remember that I wasn't the only one saying it, most of the mainstream automotive press was saying it too. So my only fault is passing on bad information.

But this leaves another question, if the rear suspension is from the Mazda 3 C1 platform, what AWD system is being used? Is it the same as the Mazdaspeed 6 or the Volvo S40/V50 ? I know the Mazdaspeed 6 uses the rear axle from the RX8, where will the CX7's be sourced from?

I know there are some Mazda guys out there, anyone want to fill us in??

Carpundit "Why police don't buy foreign cars?"

Over at the Carpundit's blog, he discusses why police departments don't buy foreign cars, and links to an article at CNN.com. One reason he points to and I agree with is that Government agencies, such as police forces usually buy American products, simply to "buy American." And of course discusses that until recently no foreign manufacturer produced a modle suitable to the job. Size and dependability are major reasons. Others involve cost and ease of repair.
In one sentence the Carpundit, who is a former lawman, wishes for all wheel drive for police cruisers. Here's the answer for many police forces, the 500 from Ford. Large enough, and available with all wheel drive. With the exception of the all wheel drive system, costs for repair and upkeep shouldn't be much more than the old Crown Vics or Caprices.

Piquete Project? Recyclable cars? Is this really new?

I was reading Jalopnik's blog this morning and there was a story with link to the Detroit News, about a new "Secret Plan" at Ford called the Piquete Project. This project is supposed to be a new project to make vehicles recyclable. And imediately I thought of this, the Model U concept from 2003.
This Supercharged Hydrogen powered Internal Combustion egine powered mini SUV, has a reconfigurable interior and fabrics and body panels made of soybeans. I found an older article on the concept here;

Edmunds.com article Model U

But as in my last post, I repeat that eveything old is new again. Soy fabric and body panels? Is the ghost of Henry Ford still walking around Dearborn whispering in someone's ear?

I remember thinking when I saw the Model U in magazines a few years ago, that it wouldn't sell. But being slightly older and infinitely wiser now, I realize that such a vehicle could indeed be marketed. That is if Hydrogen infrastructure existed.

You may scoff at the Soybean based body panels now, but remember the plastic panels on Saturn vehicles? And don't forget the Fiberglass Corvettes. Bill Ford says that the Piquete Project is new and I'm sure it is in a way, but in reality it's revisiting ideas that he and his eccentric great grandfather have been bouncing around over the last 90 years.

Inovation is not new territory for Ford, it's coming back to the company's roots. The company that put the world on wheels could reinvent the entire industry. I know that while others blog and discuss the "Way Forward" it may seem stupid to discuss this, but I'm not a journalist or industry analyst, I'm just a Ford fan. So if you're looking for the latest news on Way Forward, check the following; www.theautoprophet.blogspot.com , www.autoblog.com , www.jalopnik.com their coverage seems the most interesting to me.

Alternative fuel technology nothing new for Ford

I always remember one thing my father told me "There are no more original ideas, everything has been thought of before." And you know what? He was right. Today, we talk about alternative fuels and electric vehicles as if they are new technologies. But in fact, some of the earliest "horseless carriages" were electric and steam driven. Henry Ford from day one concentrated on gas powered automobiles and early on was encouraged by the prompting of Thomas Edison to keep up his pursuit of gas powered automobiles. Edison knew what we know now, that the weight of the batteries and the limited range of electric vehicles would always be and issue.
Recently I have been reading a series of books on the life and times of Henry Ford and his companies. And some things were a major surpise to me. One of those things was the fact that even though Henry Ford was a proponent of the Internal Combustion Engine, even he recognized that Petrolium based fuels would, like the dinosours that they are derived from, cease to exist one day. So as early as 1916 Henry Ford started to research and support the use of corn and potato based alcohol fuesl such as Ethanol.
Now, this hit me like a sack of potatoes when I read it (sorry, I know, terrible pun.) But think about this, in 1916 Henry Ford was proposing Bio Fuels as a replacement for Gasoline!

Now I know old Henry had his faults, his ego and his bigotry among them. But it's undeniable that the man was a visionary, if not the genius he billed himself to be. 90 years ago, Ford Motor Company was looking into some of the same technologies that we are revisiting today. And another indisputable fact is that while there were hundreds of auto manufacturers over the years, Ford was one of the earliest and historically the most sucessful and inovative over the long run.

Another one of Henry Ford's projects was production using Soy based products. He envisioned soy based fabrics and early plastics and experimented for many years and invested heavily in Soy plantations. Love him or hate him, the man was a visionary.

And of course now Bill Ford jr, his great grandson, is trying to bring Ford back into the inovation business with some of those same ideas. Do any of you remember the Model U ? It was a concept vehicle from just a few years ago, and relied on some of these same ideas, of recyclable structure and alternative energy.

Just food for though.

Fiesta time?

Is it time for Ford to reintroduce the Fiesta to the US markte? Hell yes! Originally imported to the US in the late 70's and departing shortly before the arrival of the Escort was introduced, the Sub-Compact Fiesta remained in production overseas and is still sold worldwide, with the exception of the US and Canada.

The Fiesta is available with both Petrol (Gas) and Diesel engines in Europe and acheives 40 mpg or getter fuel economy. Available as either a 3 or 5 door hatch in Europe, it's also sold as a 4 door sedan in other markets (including Mexico) and it's chassis underpins the European Fusion MPV/Wagon and Courier/Bantam light trucks (pickup and panel van.) The Ford EcoSport from Mexico/Latin America is a mini SUV available with all wheel drive, based on Fiesta mechanicals. Some other vehicles based on the same dependable Fiesta platform are the Puma sport coupe (97-03) and the Ka 3 door and Cabrio as well as the Ikon 4 door sedan sold in some markets.

Future plans call for a redesigned Fiesta platform, with development of common chassis elements to be shared with Fiat. So this successful platform has paid off well for Ford on a global scheme, and with new Sub-Compacts due in the US from Honda, Nissan, Toyota and possibly VW (Polo) and various Chinese brands, not to mention Chevy's Aveo ( a rebadged Daewoo) it seems time for Ford to bring this platform here.

Rumors are that a Fiesta and possibly the EcoSport may come to the US by 2009. I'm hoping that's soon enough to catch a piece of this market, and that Ford doesn't just bring the base models, but recognizes that a version of the Euro Fiesta ST could be very competative in the future. I'd buy one with the 150 hp manual and either rollback soft sunroof or a more useful moonroof.

How to compete and how not to, in the sport compact market.

Right now, this is the sport compact that Ford will be selling in Europe with over 200 hp. The Focus ST, which is Europes equivalent of our Ford Focus SVT (currently not in production, and don't hold your breath.)
And this is the most powerful version of the Focus available from Ford in the US. At 150 hp the Focus ZX4 ST is not a slouch, but not really a superstar. At lest it's available with a manual transmission. And let's not forget that wing, ooh wow. Not exactly warming up my blood. Not just that it's a 4 door sedan, I could get over that. But 150 hp??? Come on. This "sport compact" version can be had for around $19k and blends in well at any mall or high school.
This is the media's new star, the 2006 Honda Civic Si, with 197 hp and priced around $20k. Now I'm going to be kind, 197 hp is adequate, but what about torque? Can you say limp? The Civic Si only makes 148 lb ft of Torque. And you better love to rev up near the limit to make that 197 hp. Cause down low, it's not there. I have to admit I like the exterior styling, but the new interior leaves me wondering why? Why have a huge tach and then in a binacle out of Star Trek, have a digital speedo? We have a new 2005 Civic EX in our driveway, and it's dash is one of it's greater assets. Nice clear gauges, that are backlit in blue, controls laid out well. So why do this to a decent car?
Even Chevy is in the game, with their 205 hp Cobalt SS Supercharged model, selling around $22k. I've driven this and it's a powerful little package, and a good value. If I was in the market for a sport compact coupe, this would be my first and possibly last stop. Even for a guy that doesn't like GM, this is a well done car. I've driven both the SS and the LS in auto and stick shift and the handling is good, brakes are actually great, transmission feel is very good. Why can't Ford do something like this??
The outgoing American champ in the sport compact segment, the Neon SRT4 had 230 hp from a Turbocharged motor and a 6spd manual. These sold, when you could find them for around $24k, and from what I've heard, they're rough but drivable little beasts. But it's too late to get one of these, the Neon is dead to be replaced by the Caliber. The closest you can get to this is a slightly detuned version in the PT Cruiser GT with I believe 205 hp. There will be an R/T version of the Caliber and possibly an SRT4 version. The Caliber's top engine will be a naturally aspirated 178 hp I4. Even the base engine will be a 148 hp 1.8 and next a 158 hp 2.0.
With 300 hp and all wheel drive, the Subaru WRX STI is one of the kings of the segment, but don't expect to buy one for less than $30k. But even the lesser Subaru WRX with 227 hp will cost you close to $28k. Not bargains prices, but still class leading performance.
Matching the Subaru's boy racer looks and with almost 300 hp and all wheel drive, is Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution VIII. Again not cheap at around $30k, this is a tie for class leader with the subaru. Get em while you can, as Mitsu's future looks shaky.
Now, the Mini Cooper in base trim is a bargain at around $18k ( actually closer to $22k on dealer lots, only because they are ordered loaded), but with only 160 hp going to the front wheels it's not the fastest of the group. But for a few grand (about $4k) more you can get the JCW package, including a supercharger and various handling pieces. This like the Mustang and Beetle is another Retro wagon, but unlike the Beetle this one's interesting and not just a rebodied Golf.
The Scion Tc at $18k and with 160 hp is a bargain when you consider that for that price you need to order no options. Standard are the wheels (17's) Moonroof, stereo, A/C and power windows and such. Now when you go into the dealer it's easy to get suckered into another $4k in accessories, but the basic car is available for $18k. There is even a TRD supercharger available, so like the Mini Cooper JCW it can achieve better power.
And what about the loyal Blue Oval fan? Well, he's screwed. Here is the Roush Focus, with it's body kit, big brakes and 18" wheels, but what do you get in the way of power? The same 150 hp available in the Factory ZX4 ST. That's right, it's a pimped out ZX3 with a price tag of $26k.
But wait, there's always the Saleen N2O Focus right?? It's advertised on Saleen's website as being a factory 250 hp!! Wrong!!!!!!! It's the same 150 hp ZX3 with an almost completely installed 100 hp nitrous system. I say almost installed, because they do everything, install and wire the system, including arming switch. Mount the empty cylinder in your hatch. Everything, almost everything. And for an amazingly low price of $26k. Wow what could be cooler? I want to sing up now, where can I get one?

Hold on there buckaroo, don't jump too fast. You see, if you fill the tank of nitrous and install that last little hose to make the system functional, you void your warranty !!! And Steve Saleen and his boys won't lift a finger to help you. Now I don't just mean your warranty from Saleen, I mean your warranty from Ford! And not just on the engine, but transmission and everything else!

So while GM and Chrysler take this segment seriously, Ford just pretends it doesn't exist and allows aftermarket tuners to pedal this crap at selected Ford dealers. I recently was at a local dealer test driving a Fusion and they had several Roush product on hand including a Mustang GT for $47,000!!! And what did you get for that kind of premium? A body kit, big wheels and brakes, some handling goodies and oh yeah the stock 300 hp GT engine.

What fool would piss away the money on this? The salesman told me, they sell well. I can't figure why. I mean next year you can get a Mustang SVT GT500 for about $45K, right? Oh no, that's right the dealers will charge premiums for them and generally fuck around.

So here's a question for you, if you had $25,000 and wanted to buy a sporty compact car, which one of these would you buy? Would you spend the entire budget at the dealer or keep some of it for aftermarket speed goodies? Could a tuner plaque on the car make you spend the extra $8,000 ?

If it was my money, the Chevy would be in the driveway, with the factory leather, moonroof and 6 CD stereo and with what's left over I'd go to the TireRack and buy an extra set of tires for autocrossing.

Jack Roush and Steve Saleen should hang their heads in shame for putting their names on this crap. Saleen in particular should have to apologize to each person who bought the N2O and lost their warranty.

Transit or Econoline, which would be the best competitor for the increasingly popular Dodge/Mercedes/Freightliner Sprinter?

Ford is bringing out a redesigned Transit commercial van for Europe and the rest of the world. And I again think that it should be brought to the US to compete with DCX's Sprinter van.
The Econoline has been a workhorse for decades and has little change in the last 22 years.
For several years I had an Econoline E350 as my company vehicle and it served it's purpose well, but was a pig as far as economy. I'm not a lover of vans in general, prefering pickups for my personal use, but over the years have driven many Ford, Chevy and even Dodge vans. The Fords were always my favorites for simple reasons related to design. The doors were easier to get in and out and with more of a hood, less of the eninge protruded into the cab. The dashboard was usually better and handling and braking were marginally better. But even with the straight six engines, all of the US vans were pigs at the pumps.

So is it any wonder that the new Sprinter from Dodge/Freightliner (and in Europe Mercedes Benz) with it's more fuel efficient 5 cyl Diesel is becoming increasingly more poplular in fleets, like the local utilities and shippping companies? Not just fleet sales, but near me I'm noticing more Sprinters in the hands of small contractors, such as HVAC and plumbers. With all the roof height and wheelbase options, the Sprinter is just as if not more configuralbe than the Econoline and is even incroaching on the RV market.

Now Ford needs either a redesigned Econoline with a more fuel efficient powertrain, or maybe they need to bring the Transit here. The Transit, is available in either front or rear wheel drive with more versions than the Sprinter. Roof, wheelbase, powertrain and drive options make the Transit one of the most flexible commercial chassis in the world.

Would you buy a Hyundai or Kia pickup?

The segment that domestic manufacturers in general and Ford specifically has been able to dominate in has always been trucks. The Ford F series truck being the best selling vehcle in the world and best selling truck in the US for 26 years. Even the Ranger, which is getting overshadowed by many competitors was the best selling "compact" truck for 17 years.
But in the article from Forbes, linked at AutoBlog, Hyundai/Kia is questioning whether they should enter the truck market as a way to grow.

Now I know that Japanese trucks are highly regarded and the Korean brands have seen an amazing rise in quality and value in compact and midsize sedan markets, but would anyone want to buy a pickup from Korea? Even if it's a "transplant" model, designed and built in the US, it would have to be a clean sheet design, as Koreans don't have domestic pickup models.

Would they enter the "compact" segment or try to jump in to the lucrative "full size" market.
Toyota and Nissan have both been trying to crack that nut as of late, but with combined sales according to the articel of just over 420,000, it looks like truck buyers are among the last to display real brand loyalty. And neither Toyota or Nissan have a Diesel option on their "full size" truck, like the domestic lines do.

Luckily the new (as of 2004) F-150 is a much improved and very competative model that Ford recognizes as their sales leader. So it's unlikely that they will let it slip, like the Ranger, into obscurity.

But if the Koreans were to attack the "full size" truck market, could the "big 3" fight them and the Japanese onslaught without bleeding money?

Inspried by Brian's post, here are some of my past rides, including non Ford

Brian of RaceDriven.com is a member of the Autobloggers blog as I am, and he posted an interesting question, that prompted a little stroll down memory lane. He wanted to know what everyone's First car was and then the favorite of all the cars they owned.

Well, my first car was a 1967 Ford Fairlane wagon that my parents gave me, but I didn't have my license before that car went away. So the first car that was mine, bought and paid for was a 78 Chevy. But my first brand new car was a 1988 Ford Festiva like the one pictured here.

I had a collection of 70's cars mostly Ford including a Granada and a Versailes.
For a year I had an ex-police car in the fleet, a 1977 Plymouth Fury.
The 78 Monza was similar to this one.
For a couple of months in the mid 90's I had my only Japanese car, a Honda Accord. Never do that again.
My first truck was a Chevy. This beat up stepside was purchased at auction for $400 and sold 18 months later for the same price. Have to admit it was a lot of fun.
The only new car that I ever bought that wasn't a Ford. My 1994 Chevy S-10 SS. This was a lot of fun.
I had a 92 Crown Vic like this one. Actually I wish I stil had that. I know the guy I sold it to and he and his wife love it.
Now this one was at the same time one of the best and worst cars I've ever owned. A 93 Taurus SHOmatic. Fast and fun to drive, but with more problems than it was worth. I didn't even have the nerve to sell it, instead I donated it to charity with a list of all the problems in the glove box.

Just a quick stroll through the past. My parents weren't thrilled with my car collecting, at one time I had 5 cars and lived at home with Mom and Dad. I miss that feeling, you know walking out and trying to figure out what to drive today. I had my Mustang and the S-10 SS at the same time, as well as some of the 70's beaters. And as much as I hate white cars I had 3 at one time, just cause they were bargains. And I have 2 brothers who had cars and my parents each had a car, so for a brief while it looked like a used car lot around our house.

Only the pictures of the Chevy trucks are actually my vehicles, all others taken from Google image search. The shame is that I was too busy enjoying driving many of these vehicles to actually take pictures of them. Don't get me wrong, I have over 50 pictures of my Mustang, but not of many of the other cars. I'm not much of a photographer either, so they probably would have come out poorly anyway.