Modern Classic: Mercedes Benz 280C (W114)

Pull out any book dealing with the history of Mercedes-Benz and most likely the vehicles featured are the Silver Arrows race cars, the 300SL Gullwing, 300SEL 6.9, and the 190E to name a few. But one family of Mercedes-Benz vehicles played an important role in the brand’s future and would create a dynasty of midsize Mercedes-Benz sedans, coupes, and wagons that would last until 1996. That family of vehicles were the W114 and W115 series and today will look at a 1975 Mercedes-Benz 280C.

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Review: 2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4

The world of SUVs is quickly turning into the world of over-sized station wagons with all-wheel-drive. Gone are the ladder frames and live axles, replaced by unibodies with half-shafts seemingly no thicker than a straw. Advantages of unibody design include reduction in weight and fuel consumption, along with more car-like driving characteristics.

So why is the 5^th generation Toyota 4Runner still a truck? Because it can be, because it should be, and because it needs to be. Allow me to explain. … Continue Reading

Modern Classic: Jeep Cherokee

When we think of the Jeep brand, the first thing that comes to mind is the iconic Wrangler. Think a little more and the image of the boxy Cherokee appears. When the first models rolled off the Toledo Assembly Plant in 1984 no one expected the little Cherokee to set a trend for small SUVs which are so popular now days. Today we will look at two Cherokees, an early ’86 model and one of the last “Classic” models from 2001.

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Modern Classic: 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra

In the automotive world Cobra has two meanings, the Shelby Cobra and the Ford Mustang Cobra. Carroll Shelby took a British sports car called the AC Cobra and stuck an American V8 into it in turn creating an icon. The other is the Ford Mustang Cobra which came to life on the Mustang II in 1976 as an appearance package that was available for all engine choices. Two years later, Ford offered a King Cobra package with the 302 V8 as its only engine option for the final year of Mustang II.

In 1991 Ford established the Special Vehicles Team. The group was charged with building high performance vehicles for enthusiasts. Their first products were shown at 1992 Chicago Auto Show, with the introduction the F-150 Lightning pickup and the Mustang Cobra. … Continue Reading

Quick Drive: 2012 Acura TL

In 2004 a uniquely sculptured third generation Acura TL premiered. Contemporary looks combined with legendary reliability and a fair price made it an instant hit. Even my own mother bought one. When parked next to my E46 BMW, the bimmer looked downright dated and, to add insult to injury was significantly down on power. At the time I said that this TL would have been a nearly perfect automobile had it been rear-wheel-drive.

In 2009 the fourth generation of the TL came out. Acura took a big chance stylistically with it, being the first car in its lineup to feature the infamous “Power Plenum” front end, which became known as the “beak”. The whole car seemed bigger and more massive. Despite the new all-wheel-drive system, increased room and power, the automotive media chastised the TL for its looks. Buyers showed equally little mercy as sales numbers were significantly down from those of the previous car. … Continue Reading

Modern Classic: Chevy Impala SS

First offered as a package on the Impala in 1961, some consider the Impala SS to be one of the first muscle cars. Its name alone conjures up images of muscle cars, drag strips, and the golden age of General Motors. In 1969 GM decided it was unnecessary to continue with a performance version of big sedan and the SS was retired just as the world was entering an energy crisis. … Continue Reading

Modern Classic: Peugeot 505

French car manufacturers have a history of making unique cars, and the 1980s may have been the pinnacle of their independent engineering and design. Before going more mainstream in the mid-1990s (at least from an engineering perspective), French car companies used the latest (and therefore not always the greatest) technology to make their vehicles stand apart. The resultant vehicles, which can be described as either as quirky or insane, have developed a love-it-or-hate-it following from the public.

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First Lexus LFA Ever Sold Goes Out For a Sunday Drive

You read that right, the first Lexus LFA sold to a paying customer anywhere in the world made an appearance at a popular Atlanta-based car meet called Caffeine and Octane.  The people that attend this show are always treated to some nice cars, but the rare appearance of Lexus’ $375,000 super car was without a doubt the highlight of this month’s meet.

The owner, who was just as much of a down-to-earth car lover as the rest of us, was kind enough to fill me in on the details of his LFA, including how the VIN reveals it’s only the 3rd production LFA ever built (cars number 1 and 2 are reportedly in safe hands with the Toyoda family) and the first in the United States. His hyper Lexus was so new, it had been picked up only 12 hours before the event, and the drive to it was its  first time out since being driven home from the dealership. … Continue Reading

Modern Classic: Saab 900 SPG

Love them or hate them, Saab has been producing Scandinavian turbo sedans, coupes, and convertibles for their loyal niche market since 1978.  As the new year begins, car enthusiasts should take a look back 25 years into automotive history to the year 1985.  This marked the first year the Saab 900 SPG was imported into North America.

The 2- and 4-door Saab 900 hatchbacks were built from 1978 until 1993.  With 908,817 built during a decade and a half, the Saab 900 has become an iconic vehicle.  But there is one Saab 900 that stood out from the pack, despite its subtle differences.  With only 7,600 2-door hatchbacks and convertibles trickled into the USA from 1985- 1991 it is no surprise that the Saab 900 SPG blended in so well with the rest of the 900s.

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Weekend Driver: Porsche 944

Back in the summer of 2009, I set out to find a great second driver for less than $3000. The goal was to fix ‘er up and sell ‘er on for a profit. People warned me that I’d be throwing money out the window but I’m stubborn so I found out the hard way.

I was looking for something fun, sporty, and older since I had a small budget. I checked out lots of clunkers including some Alfa Romeo Spyders, BMW 635CSi’s, and Porsche naturally aspirated 944′s among lots of other cars. … Continue Reading

Ford’s New Racecar – Mustang Boss 302S

This is the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302S. Ford unveiled the car at Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando, where CarGuyDad friend, sometimes contributor, friend of Bill Bacon, and an all-around nice guy, Baer Connard was. Baer snapped some pictures at the show and I do believe that outside of the two photos supplied with the press release, these are the first live shots of the car. Enjoy. … Continue Reading

Hatchmaker, Hatchmaker, Make Me a Hatch!

To follow up our recent 2011: Return of the Wagon, I intended to go deep into the world of mini wagons, or 5-door hatchbacks as most manufacturers call them. However, instead of listing everything with five doors, I decided to go into the more interesting vehicles first, followed by the less enthusiast-orientated models.

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Review: 2010 Acura TL

All-new for 2009 the Acura TL has grown in size and received what can only be described as controversial styling compared to the slick 2004-2008 model. I recently had the chance to drive a 2010 Acura TL courtesy car for 5 days which is how long it took to fix my 2005 TSX.

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2011: Return of The Wagon

Perhaps it is the name itself that conjures up thoughts of big, bulky hunks of metal forcing us on boring road trips to Grandma’s for the weekend. In United States, the term “station wagon” comes from its initial use as the taxi from train stations in the early 1900s. Before the term station wagon was adopted, they were called “depot hacks.” Good change huh?

When Ford introduced their Model A in 1929, the station wagon was officially born. Other manufacturers quickly followed in Ford’s footsteps. For decades wagons were loved throughout the world and every manufacturer had at least a few in their model lineup.

Compared to those from the mid 20^th century, wagons, like most cars, have lost quite a bit of flair becoming longer versions of boring sedans. The 1970s through the early 1990s were especially rough for the wagon’s image. Those years shaped Baby-Boom and Gen-X buyers to despise the station wagon, which is reflected in sales numbers. For whatever reason, the image of the station wagon is tainted with thoughts of the uncool. But could 2011 be the year that marks the return of the wagon? … Continue Reading

Review: 2010 Hyundai Tucson GLS

The year was 1986 when my parents decided that the old Buick should be replaced by a new, reliable, fuel-efficient, Japanese car. At the time however, a new Asian company came onto the market in United States. The cars seemed similarly made and of similar quality but at a much lower price. My parents ended up with a loaded four-door hatchback Hyundai Excel GLS. The S must have stood for sunroof, which was the only thing that was electrically powered. No air-conditioning, no power-steering, and a five-speed manual made the best use of the 68-horsepower dished out by the furious 1.5-liter four.

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