Photo Gallery

automotive art gallery, car gallery, car pictures

Danny Whitfield’s “The Auto Gallery”
http://www.dannywhitfield.com/

We hope you enjoy our gallery of favorite pictures and images below, many of which have been used in articles found here on Classic Cars Today Online.

If the picture selected is contained within an article on our website, you will have the choice of going directly into that article.

We do our best to keep the pictures organized in alphabetical order by make, however there are always additional pictures way at the bottom waiting to be positioned that you might enjoy as well.

Click on any of the pictures below to expand to full size – then use the back arrow key to return to this gallery in order to see other images.

-Sean

: 1969 DODGE CHARGER R/T Hemi wheel with center hub cap

: 1955 AC ACE

: 1955 AC ACE

: (15 model years) 1991 – 2005 ACURA NSX. Honda’s Acura division created the NSX to be the first ever “Japanese supercar”. It was the first production car to feature an all-aluminum body. Light weight allowed its V6 engine to deliver performance matching the priciest German and Italian rivals. Here a 1999 model is shown.

: A little-known home market notchback sedan version of the first-generation Acura Integra.

: A gathering of gearheads, somewhere in New York state circa 1959.

: 1934 ALFA ROMEO 8C 2300

: 1939 ALFA ROMEO 6C 2500 with wire wheels

: 1939 ALFA ROMEO 6C WIRE WHEEL

: 1950 ALFA ROMEO 6C COUPE

: 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Pinin Farina Berlinetta

: 1949 Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 Pinin Farina Berlinetta

: (29 model years) 1966 – 1994 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER, PICTURE A. While the Spider survived many minor spoiler, bumper and wheel revisions over its lifespan, its basic shape was the same. Here a 1966 model is shown.

: 1969 ALFA ROMEO 1750 GTV

: 1969 Alfa Romeo Spider convertible. (Owned by Ed Geller)

: 1967 ALFA ROMEO GT 1300 Junior Coupe

: 1970 ALFA ROMEO 1750 GTV

: 1971 ALFA ROMEO 1750 GTV

: (29 model years) 1966 – 1994 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER, PICTURE B. While the Spider went out of production during 1993, final models were badged as 1994s for U.S. sale. Here a 1986 model is shown.

: 1986 ALFA ROMEO GTV6 fastback coupe

: 1987 ALFA ROMEO MILANO

: 1988 ALFA ROMEO SPIDER

: 1994 ALFA ROMEO 164 Q4

: 1994 ALFA ROMEO 164 Quadrifoglio 4. The “Q4” version was an all-wheel-drive model added for 1993.

: 1972 AMC MATADOR coupe

: 1962 Aston Martin DB4 Series 5 Vantage GT Coupe

: While the 1961-65 Lagonda Rapide was a personal favorite of Aston Martin’s then chairman Sir David Brown, the Rapide saw limited sales of only 55 units over three years before being dropped.

: 1964 ASTON MARTIN DB5

: 1965 ASTON MARTIN DB5

: It featured an inline 4.0-liter 6-cylinder, dual-overhead-cam engine which produced 236 horsepower. Four wheel disc brakes and all-independent front and rear suspensions were equipped on the Rapide as well. It was a car ahead of its time, and a nicely integrated design based on Aston’s famous coupe featured in early James Bond movies.

: Built in extremely limited numbers during 1974, Aston Martin’s next foray into four-door GT cars was a stretched version of its popular 1970s “V8” coupe model. , this car featured an advanced aluminum block V8 engine of 5.3 liters which produced 350 horsepower.

: 1986 ASTON MARTIN V8 VANTAGE COUPE

: 2013 ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH

: 1952 ASTRA

: 1973 AUDI 100 COUPE S

: 1974 AUDI 100S sedan

: 1987 AUDI COUPE QUATTRO rear view

: 1986 AUDI COUPE QUATTRO

: The 2007-08 Audi RS4 and 2003-08 S4 models powered by a 4.2-liter V8 engine are “halo” versions of the base A4. For 2009, the A4/S4 was redesigned and S4s no longer carry V8s. The RS4 was dropped after 2008 altogether in the United States.

: Another look at a 2008 Audi RS4 convertible.

: Audi S5 coupes, based on the A5 coupe, were introduced as 2008 models and continue today powered by the VW/Audi corporate 4.2-liter V8. After the 2012 model year, the V8 will be replaced by a supercharged V6.

: 2008 AUDI RS4 sedan

: V8-powered S4 convertibles ran from 2004-08, and the RS4 convertible (shown) was sold in the U.S. for the 2008 model year only.

: The Audi Museum located on the grounds of company headquarters in Ingolstadt is a must see for any automotive history buffs visiting southern Germany.

: 2014 AUDI RS5 CONVERTIBLE

: 2014 AUDI RS5 CONVERTIBLE

: 2013 AUDI R8

: 1959 AUSTIN-HEALEY SPRITE

: AUSTIN HEALEY SPRITES in the shipping yard

: 1963 Studebaker Avanti coupe. (Owned by Bob Peles)

: 2013 BENTLEY MULSANNE

: 2013 BENTLEY MULSANNE

: 1937 BMW 328 ROADSTER

: 1957 BMW ISETTA 300

: 1957 BMW ISETTA 300

: A better view of a 1957 BMW ISETTA 300, similar to one owned by Elvis Presley.

: 1957 BMW ISETTA 300

: 1959 BMW 507

: BMW’s 1800ti (1964-71) was a sister version of what Americans know as the 2002ti model sold in the United States from 1968-1976. Unlike the 2002 model that Americans got, European 1800s were also sold as 4-doors.

: 1971 BMW 2002

: 1973 BMW 2002tii

: 1973 BMW 3.0 CS formerly owned by Jerry Garcia, photographed in 2013.

: Carolyn Garcia (a.k.a. “Mountain Girl”) photographed taking her former husband Jerry Garcia’s 1973 BMW 3.0CS out for exercise.

: 1974 BMW 3.0 CSi

: 1974 BMW 3.0 CSi

: 1975 BMW 2002

: 1980 BMW 320i coupe

: 1985 BMW M6

: 1987 BMW 535is

: 1987 BMW M6 coupe

: 1988 BMW M5

: The BMW Z3 two-seater convertible ran from 1996 to 2002 (1996 model shown).

: 2001 BMW Z3 convertible

: A 2010 BMW M3 coupe.

: BMW M6 coupe, M6 convertible, X1 sport utlity, and 6-series sedan under cover before introduction to the press at the 2012 NY Auto Show.

: BMW employees reveal M6 convertible, M6 coupe, X1 sport utility, and 6-series sedan models to the automotive press at the New York Auto show April 4, 2012.

: 2014 BMW Z4 at the 2013 New York International Auto Show press preview.

: 2013 BMW M3 COUPE at the 2013 New York International Auto Show press preview

: Manufactured from 1974 until early 1976 for the U.S. market, the Brickin SV-1 gullwing coupe was the creation of Malcolm Bricklin, an American millionaire who had previously founded Subaru of America. (Photo credit: Sean Connor)

: 1951 BUICK ROADMASTER “woody” Estate wagon

: 1952 BUICK ROADMASTER convertible

: 1953 Buick Super 8 with factory original wire wheel covers

: A 1953 Buick Super fitted with the optional wire wheel covers

: 1964 BUICK RIVIERA

: 1967 Buick LeSabre with dog dish center hub caps

: 1968 BUICK RIVIERA

: 1969 BUICK RIVIERA GS

: According to legend, several customized 2- and 4-door 1971 Buick Electras with a third drop axle were built over four decades ago. While not factory grade, the custom work is better than average.

: According to legend, several customized 2- and 4-door 1971 Buick Electras with a third drop axle were built over four decades ago. While not factory grade, the custom work is better than average.

: According to legend, several customized 2- and 4-door 1971 Buick Electras with a third drop axle were built over four decades ago. While not factory grade, the custom work is better than average.

: According to legend, several customized 2- and 4-door 1971 Buick Electras with a third drop axle were built over four decades ago. While not factory grade, the custom work is better than average. But why?

: According to legend, several customized 2- and 4-door 1971 Buick Electras with a third drop axle were built over four decades ago. While not factory grade, the custom work is better than average.

: 1972 Buick 455 Estate Wagon

: (Alternate DONK) 1973 Buick LeSabre coupe

: A 1973 Buick Electra – navy blue with white vinyl top and chrome mag wheels.

: 1973 BUICK ELECTRA ESTATE WAGON

: 1976 Buick Electra coupe, rare model made without vinyl roof. (Owned by Donald Bell)

: 1978 BUICK SKYLARK sedan, with base model hub caps.

: (14 model years) 1977 – 1990 BUICK ELECTRA ESTATE WAGON. Similar to sister Olds versions, these big American wagons were among the last of their kind and will likely be collectible in the long run. 1988 model shown – Photo credit: www.autogaleria.hu

: A 1940 Cadillac LaSalle customized into 8-door woodie wagon form.

: 1947 Cadillac next to a 2019 CT6

: 1949 CADILLAC 62

: 1953 Cadillac Coupe de Ville with original style wire wheel covers.

: 1955 CADILLAC

: 1956 CADILLAC COUPE DEVILLE convertible

: Here, an original-specification wire wheel cover is seen on a 1956 Cadillac.

: 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Motorama show car interior

: 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham Town Car

: From 1957 – 1960, the Eldorado “Brougham” was a separate, low-volume specialty 4-door. It shared no body panels with any other Cadillacs, and was priced almost twice as high as “regular” Eldorados such as the Eldo Seville coupe, and Eldo Biarritz. Elvis and other celebrities owned them.

: A 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham four door, similar to one Elvis Presley reportedly owned.

: 1957 CADILLAC ELDORADO BIARRITZ

: three 1959 Cadillac Eldorados, one 1959 Series 62 and a 1956 Eldorado at the Cadillac Big Meet in Upper Austria, AT.

: A closer look at Cadillac’s “vicodec” roof, standard on all 1957-59 Eldorado Broughams. 1957 model shown.

: 1967 Cadillac Coupe de Ville wreath and crest.

: A 1967 Cadillac Coupe de Ville in repose in Tucson, Arizona.

: 1967 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE, without vinyl roof.

: 1968 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE

: 1970 CADILLAC DE VILLE

: 1970 SEDAN DE VILLE

: (Alternate DONK) 1971 Cadillac Sedan de Ville

: A 1971 Cadillac Calais sedan base model with no vinyl roof rolls down the assembly line, followed by a Coupe de Ville.

: 1972 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE front end.

: 1972 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE.

: (Alternate DONK) 1971 Cadillac Coupe de Ville

: 1972 CADILLAC COUPE DEVILLE

: A 1973 full-size Cadillac rolls down the assembly line in Detroit.

: 1974 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE

: 1974 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE

: 1974 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE

: New 1975 Cadillacs are loaded into “Stak-Pak” rail cars for delivery.

: (1975 CADILLAC ELDORADO CONVERTIBLE) For a good feel of what it’s like to pilot one of these love boats, forward to about :27. Wheel covers on this car are from a 1969 or ’70 Eldorado. See “Driver Seat Videos” section of this website

: (Alternate DONK) 1975 Cadillac Coupe de Ville

: A 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible on the assembly line in Detroit.

: 1976 CADILLAC ELDORADO CONVERTIBLE

: These commemorative license plates were issued during 1975 and 1976 in the state of New Jersey. The state normally requires front license plates to be displayed, but suspended that rule during the time period shown along the bottom.

: Reflections of Yesterday – with a 1976 Cadillac Coupe de Ville in the foreground, 1959 Coupe de Ville in the showroom. Photo – J. Snook

: 1976 CADILLAC SEDAN DE VILLE

: 1976 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE

: 1976 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD, taken at Millburn Downtown Car Show – May 2010

: 1976 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD, photographed at Millburn Dowtown Car – Show May 2010.

: 1976 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD

: 1976 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD

: Few things say luxury like the word Brougham in cursive writing. A 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham with padded soft-touch vinyl roof covering.

: 1976 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD

: 1976 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD

: 1976 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD

: 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

: 1976 Cadillac Seville

: 1976 CADILLAC ELDORADO BICENTENNIAL EDITION

: 1976 CADILLAC ELDORADO BICENTENNIAL EDITION

: 1976 CADILLAC ELDORADO convertible

: 1976 CADILLAC ELDORADO

: 1976 CADILLAC ELDORADO

: 1976 CADILLAC ELDORADO

: 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

: 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham

: 1976 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD

: A 1977 CADILLAC promotional picture for the downsized Fleetwood and de Ville models introduced for that model year.

: 1977 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE

: 1977 Cadillac Sedan de Ville on the assembly line. Directly behind it is a ’77 Coupe de Ville.

: 1977 CADILLAC ELDORADO CONVERTIBLE. While GM stopped offering convertibles from the factory, aftermarket customizers used factory top parts to create 1977 Eldorado convertibles that were factory grade.

: (16 model years) 1977 – 1992 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD BROUGHAM SEDAN, PICTURE A. These full-size Cadillacs introduced for 1977 were the first American luxury cars to be downsized for a changing world. While losing a foot in length, the ’77 model’s boxier shape allowed virtually similar interior room to the ’76. Here a 1978 model is shown.

: 1978 CADILLAC ELDORADO CONVERTIBLE. While GM stopped offering convertibles from the factory, aftermarket customizers used factory top parts to create 1977-78 Eldorado convertibles that were factory grade.

: Here, a 1978 Cadillac Coupe de Ville sits next to a 1978 Ford Thunderbird Diamond Jubilee Edition.

: On this 1978 Cadillac assembly line, vinyl roofs have already been fitted to the vehicles. Because the red Eldorado was not fitted with one here, it likely was going to be sent to elsewhere for fitment of a Biarritz package.

: 1978 CADILLAC ELDORADO CONVERTIBLE. While GM stopped offering convertibles from the factory, aftermarket customizers used factory top parts to create 1977-78 Eldorado convertibles that were factory grade.

: 1979 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE

: 1979 CADILLAC SEDAN DE VILLE

: 1979 CADILLAC SEDAN DE VILLE

: Full padded vinyl roofs such as this one were equipped on 98% of all Cadillac de Ville and Fleetwood models in 1979.

: 1979 CADILLAC SEDAN DE VILLE

: 1979 CADILLAC SEDAN DE VILLE

: 1979 CADILLAC SEDAN DE VILLE tail light.

: In reference to the movie Goodfellas, this picture has been titled, “Howard Beach the week after the Lufthansa event”.

: 1979 CADILLAC COUPE de VILLE

: (1991 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD BROUGHAM) The final three years of the full-size 1977-1992 Cadillac body style featured aerodynamic headlights and lower plastic bodycladding.

: Leather seats from Cadillacs of late-1970s through early 1990s vintage tend to resemble the plush chairs of an ivy league law library.

: (16 model years) 1977 – 1992 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD BROUGHAM SEDAN, PICTURE B. These large, rear-wheel-drive cruisers were planned to be out of production by 1985, but lower gas prices and high demand kept them in sailing on with few changes. Final year 1990-92 models received aero headlamps and Mercedes style gray plastic body cladding. Here a 1991 model is shown.

: 1964 CHECKER MARATHON. From 1959 through 1982, the Marathon model saw no annual styling changes whatsoever. Their simplicity and durability made them favorites of taxi companies.

: Wisconsin resident John Romppainen’s 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air was picked to chauffer Marion Ross and the late Tom Bosley (aka Marion and Howard Cunningham) from the long-running ’50s-era sitcom “Happy Days” — for a day of festivities and the unvieling of a bronze statue of The Fonz in Milwaukee.

: This styling proposal for the 1957 Chevrolet is dated May 21, 1954. It was early in the design process and some ’56 styling cues were included on this car. In fact, a variation of ’55 grille was used on this car. Chevrolet believed that the ’55 grille was not well received by the public and changed it for 1956, but this styling study was made before the ’55s had been introduced.

: 1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR

: 1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR with moon hubcaps

: 1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR COUPE

: 1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR COUPE

: 1955 CHEVROLET jet plane hood ornament

: 1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR COUPE

: Elfi Arkus-Duntov, wife of Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov with her 1955 Chevrolet Corvette, photographed in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan.

: 1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR hood view

: 1956 CHEVROLET 210 HARDTOP SEDAN

: 1956 CHEVROLET BEL AIR HARDTOP COUPE

: 1957 CORVETTE equipped with American Racing “Torque Thrust” style wheels.

: 1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

: 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR

: 1957 CHEVROLET BEL AIR hardtop coupe

: 1957 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

: 1959 Chevrolet Impala bodies receive paint on the assembly line.

: A 1959 Chevrolet Impala pre-assembled front clip is lowered on to the vehicle frame.

: Here, the first bits of interior trim are fitted to this 1959 Chevrolet Impala.

: 1959 Chevrolet Impalas on the assembly line.

: 1959 Chevrolet Impala convertible.

: For 1963, little changed on the Corvair. Wire wheel covers remained the same.

: 1963 Chevrolet Corvette coupe. (Owned by Gregory Della Pia)

: A 1963 Chevrolet Impala SS coupe with vinyl roof covering.

: 1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

: A 1964 Chevrolet Impala equipped with 15-inch wire wheel covers.

: This photo captures a Chevrolet dealership service department in the 1960s. In the foreground is a 1965 Impala, and on the closest service bay is a 1949 Chevrolet.

: (1965 Chevrolet Biscayne 396) Chevrolet regained the number one spot with its full-size Bel Air / Biscayne / Impala models from 1958 – 1969. Shown here is a 1965 Biscayne.

: In 1981, Mike Grady took his newly-acquired ’66 Corvette Sting Ray off the road to begin restoring it. Thirty years later in 2011, he was finished. For this picture Mike returned to the location where he took his first picture of the car at age 22 in 1980. The now-vacant building once housed a machine shop where he worked at the time.

: In order to get the body painted by a professional shop, the frame needed to be on the car already. Here, Mike enticed a group of friends in late 2000 to perform the task with the promise of pizza.

: Mike notes that had the car been together and running, he would have ended up selling it on multiple occasions when money was tight.

: 1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

: 1966 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

: Since vinyl roofs were perceived as sporty during the 1960s, they were offered on musclecars such as this 1967 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette coupe. (Owned by Craig Calwhite)

: 1967 CHEVROLET BEL AIR 6-cylinder sedan

: 1967 CHEVROLET BEL AIR base model hub cap.

: 1967 CHEVROLET BEL AIR. The narrow inline 6-cylinder base powerplant leaves a great deal of room on both sides of the engine bay.

: 1967 CHEVROLET BEL AIR sedan.

: A wider view of the 14-inch Chevrolet wire wheel covers, as seen on a 1967 Camaro.

: (15 model years) 1968 – 1982 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. While Corvettes do not need frequent restyling, this third generation probably featured the widest variety of underhood updates to match the wildly changing times from late 1960s to early ’80s. Here a first-year 1968 model is shown –

: Only RS versions of the Camaro featured hidden headlamps as seen on this ’67 coupe.

: A prototype styling exercise of the second generation Chevrolet Camaro, in notchback form.

: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette coupe. (Owned by Paul Donohue)

: 1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS

: 1970 CHEVROLET CHEVELLE SS

: 1970 Chevrolet Camaro SS, with factory moon hub caps.

: 1970 CHEVROLET NOVA SS

: 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS with vinyl roof. (Owned by Don Stackhouse)

: 1971 Chevrolet Nova

: (DONK) 1972 Chevrolet Caprice coupe.

: 1972 Chevrolet Monte Carlo with vinyl roof covering. (Owned by Gregory Roser)

: 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle SS coupe with vinyl roof covering. (Owned by George Kuchlur)

: 1972 CHEVROLET IMPALA with wire wheel covers

: 1972 CHEVROLET CAPRICE

: 1972 CHEVROLET CAPRICE

: (DONK) 1973 Chevrolet Caprice convertible.

: (19 model years) 1973 – 1991 CHEVROLET BLAZER FULL SIZE. The Chevrolet Blazer of 1973 set styling parameters for SUVs that were immediately followed by Dodge and Ford. Here a first-year 1973 model is shown.

: 1973 Chevrolet Impala hardtop coupe with moon hub caps

: 1973 CHEVROLET NOVA SS

: 1974 CHEVROLET IMPALA HARDTOP SEDAN

: (DONK) 1974 Chevrolet Caprice convertible.

: (DONK) 1974 Chevrolet Caprice convertible.

: (DONK) 1974 Chevrolet Caprice convertible.

: 1975 Chevrolet Impala hardtop sedan

: 1975 Chevrolet Impala interior

: Downward view of a 1974 Chevrolet Monte Carlo coupe, with landau vinyl roof covering.

: (26 model years) 1971 – 1996 CHEVROLET FULL SIZE VANS. Here a 1976 customized Chevy Beauville van is shown.

: (DONK) 1975 Chevrolet Caprice with 26-inch rims.

: 1975 CHEVROLET CAPRICE convertible with wire wheel covers in G.M. arctic blue

: (DONK) 1975 Chevrolet Caprice convertible.

: 1975 CHEVROLET CAPRICE

: (DONK) 1975 Chevrolet Impala coupe.

: (DONK) 1975 Chevrolet Caprice convertible.

: (DONK) 1976 Chevrolet Caprice Classic coupe.

: An abandoned 1976 Chevrolet Impala coupe in Detroit, 2013.

: The Impala held the number one sales spot for 1977 and 1978. This would be the Impala’s last time as a number one seller after losing it in 1979 to the Olds Cutlass Supreme.

: (14 model years) 1977 – 1990 CHEVROLET IMPALA / CAPRICE SEDAN. GM’s lowest-priced full size car saw downsizing earlier than rivals did, and its clean lines and smaller size proved popular with buyers. These downsized coupes, sedans and wagons were #1 sellers for multiple years during their design run. Here a 1977 base Impala is shown.

: 1977 CHEVROLET IMPALA base model

: The redesigned Chevrolet meets a 1967 Cadillac back in 1977 on the corner of Mystic Avenue and Harvard Street in Medford, Mass

: (Alternate DONK) 1977 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

: (15 model years) 1973 – 1987 or 1991 FULL SIZE PICKUP. Chevrolet’s full size pickups used Blazer and Suburbans until two-door pickups were redesigned for 1988. 4-door crew cab and special use pickups retained older Blazer/Suburban styling through 1991. Here a 1977 model is shown –

: 1977 Chevrolet El Camino with vinyl roof covering.

: A SERIES OF 1979 CHEVROLET BLAZER AND PICKUP TRUCKS

: 1979 Chevrolet K-5 Blazer

: 1979 CHEVROLET BLAZER

: (12 model years) 1970 – 1981 CHEVROLET CAMARO. The second-generation Camaro proved so popular among baby boomers seeking “personal luxury” styling with performance that only minor front and rear end revisions were made during the design run. 1981 model shown.

: (13 model years) 1984 – 1996 CHEVROLET CORVETTE. The 4th generation Corvette saw a return to high performance. Well-balanced styling lasted 13 model years, and many felt it could have gone that many more before changing. Here a first-year 1984 model is shown.

: 1983 CHEVROLET BLAZER 4×4

: 1984 CHEVROLET CAMARO

: 1984 CHEVROLET CAMARO

: (BOX) 1987 Chevrolet Caprice.

: A closer look at the glass composite rim.

: (BOX) 1990 Chevrolet Caprice sedan.

: (19 model years) 1973 – 1991 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. 4-door Suburbans mirrored changes that Blazers saw. Here a final-year 1991 model is shown.

: This 1991 Corvette is fitted with 16” steel wheels from a 4th-generation V6 Firebird.

: 1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

: 1991 CHEVROLET CORVETTE

: 1996 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS

: It’s unknown if this photo of what appears to be a 4-door Camaro is a real spy shot, or computer generated. Note this model has 3 taillight squares on each side instead of the normal two. (Photo credit: Baldwin Motors)

: (2013 Chevrolet Camaro 4 door) An alternate view of the current style Camaro as a four door.

: 2013 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL-1 COUPE

: The vinyl roof covering on this 1929 Chrysler 4-door sedan is an example of how many sedans and coupes were decorated from the mid-1920s through the mid-1930s.

: 1934 Chrysler Airflow coupe.

: The new-for-1934 Chrysler Airflow’s modern, integrated metal roof was key to creating a look of pure, smooth lines. As the original “aero” look of this car inspired other designers to create similar designs, vinyl roofs became yesterday’s news.

: 1947 Chrysler Town & Country 4-door sedan “woody”. (Owned by Frank Scudese)

: 1948 CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY convertible

: Trunk view of a 1956 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL

: 1970 PLYMOUTH FURY GT

: 1970 Chrysler 300 coupe. (Owned by Jay Fisher)

: 1973 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron coupe.

: 1973 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron with plain roof and center hub caps

: This 1976 Chrysler New Yorker shows another version of Chrysler Corporation’s “up and over” vinyl roof look.

: “SIMULATED CONVERTIBLE” – features vinyl material that simulates the grain of convertible top material, along with metal bars underneath to create a three-dimensional appearance of metal brackets underneath a softtop roof. Here, a 1980 Chrysler Cordoba is an example of the type of roof covering most popular from 1977-82 when American convertibles were noteably absent from production.

: A customized 1980 Chrysler Cordoba convertible, shown with top down.

: 1980 Chrysler Cordoba customized convertible, with top up.

: Because Frank Sinatra helped the struggling Chrysler Corporation in 1980 by doing an advertising campaign free of charge, he got to drive the first new Imperial off the assembly line during the fall of 1980. Frank Sinatra Edition Imperials were available during 1981 and 1982 model years.

: 1981 Chrysler Imperial

: 1981 Chrysler Imperial

: 1983 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL with wire wheel covers.

: A 1983 Chrysler Imperial photographed on Fremont Street in Las Vegas during 1999.

: The March 21, 1983 issue of Time Magazine featured then Chrysler Corporation CEO Lee Iacocca, with the new-for-’83 LeBaron Town & Country convertible.

: 1986 CHRYSLER LEBARON TOWN&COUNTRY CONVERTIBLE

: 1986 CHRYSLER LEBARON Town & Country convertible at the Chrysler factory museum in Michigan

: “LANDAU” – This style covers only the rear portion of the roof. Landau roofs were used equally on coupes and sedans. Shown is a 1988 Chrysler Fifth Avenue. This Chrysler trend of integrating part of the rear door with vinyl covering was used on many of their models in the 1980s, and proved quite popular with buyers.

: While Chrysler’s P.T. Cruiser of 2001-2010 may not appeal to everyone, a cult following ensures these cars will always hold their value well. Final year 2010s with low mileage often sell for more than new sticker price.

: A P.T. Cruiser “woodie” (or “woody”) package was available from Chrysler. While fake wood may not appeal to some, the PT’s fan base will always seek these models highly.

: Chrysler 300 SRT8s on the previous generation body style were offered from 2006-2010. (The 300 was redesigned for the 2011 model year, and an SRT8 version on the new platform is coming to market now.

: CHRYSLER IMPERIAL concept car, at the Detroit Auto Show January 2006.

: A 1965 Citroen 2CV sedan, seen on the streets of new York City, Christmas day 2013.

: 1964 Dodge Dart GT convertible

: 1968 DODGE CHARGER R/T

: 1969 DODGE CHARGER 500

: 1969 DODGE CHARGER “General Lee”

: 1969 DODGE CHARGER “General Lee”

: The Dukes’ Dodge Charger vs Bandit’s 1977 Pontiac Trans Am

: 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T

: 1968 Dodge Coronet R/T

: 1969 DODGE DART GTS

: 1970 DODGE CHALLENGER 426 HEMI

: 1970 DODGE CHARGER 500

: 1970 DODGE CHALLENGER convertible

: 1970 DODGE DART SWINGER base wheel and center cap

: 1970 DODGE DART SWINGER

: 1970 DODGE CHARGER DAYTONA

: “UP AND OVER” – Here a 1973 Dodge Charger features a creative vinyl roof covering not often seen.

: This 1974 Dodge Challenger was one of many equipped with the vinyl roof option, which goes to show this option was so popular by the mid-’70s that it was considered normal…even on muscle cars.

: (13 model years) 1978 – 1990 DODGE OMNI / PLYMOUTH HORIZON. Inspired by the front-wheel-drive VW Rabbit of 1975, Chrysler Corporation created their own larger version. 1988 Omni shown.

: (13 model years) 1977 – 1989 DODGE DIPLOMAT SEDAN. The Diplomat was Dodge’s version of Chrysler Corporations answer to the compact, crisp Cadillac Seville of 1976. These remained popular in base form as police cars and in high-end versions with padded vinyl roofs, whitewall tires, and wire wheel covers. Here a 1985 model is shown –

: 1991 DODGE RAM police van in service at Point Pleasant, NJ July 2013.

: Dodge Magnum SRT8 wagons were introduced as 2006 models, and discontinued at the end of the 2008 model year when the base Magnum was also dropped due to slow sales.

: 2006-2010 Dodge Charger SRT8s often appear in disguise…

: Dodge Challenger SRT8 coupe (2008 to present).

: 2013 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 SUPER BEE

: 2013 DODGE CHARGER SRT8 SUPER BEE

: 2013 DODGE CHARGER DAYTONA

: 2013 DODGE VIPER

: 2013 DODGE RAM POWER WAGON

: The 18-inch Chrysler Corporation steel wheel that has been in use on Dodge Charger police cars since 2007.

: The 18-inch Chrysler Corporation steel wheel that has been in use on Dodge Charger police cars since 2007.

: 2012 DODGE CHARGER POLICE CAR

: 2010 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T EQUIPPED WITH 18-INCH BLACK STEEL POLICE PACKAGE WHEELS

: The 1958 Edsel was one of the first American cars to use color-matched wheel covers.

: 1956 FERRARI 250 GT ZAGATO

: 1959 FERRARI 250 GT COUPE

: 1960 FERRARI 250GT BERLINETTA

: 1960 FERRARI 250GT coupe

: Cameron’s garage that housed his father’s 1961 Ferrari 250GT California Spyder in the movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” was designed by architects A. James Speyer and David Haid in 1953. With a capacity for six cars, this garage appears more like a showroom.

: 1961 Ferrari 250GTE

: 1961 Ferrari 250GTE

: 1962 FERRARI 250 GT BERLINETTA

: 1962 FERRARI 250 GT BERLINETTA

: 1963 FERRARI 250 GT CALIFORNIA CONVERTIBLE

: 1963 FERRARI 250 GT CALIFORNIA CONVERTIBLE

: 1964 FERRARI 250 GT LUSSO

: 1964 FERRARI 250 GT LUSSO

: 1967 FERRARI 330 GT SERIES II

: 1973 FERRARI 365 GTB 4 DAYTONA

: 1978 FERRARI 308 GTS

: This 1978 picture shows a Ferraris 308 GTS rolling off the assembly line in Maranello. A 308 GT4 is on the left and a 512 Berlinetta Boxer is in the background

: After its debut at the Turin show, the Ferrari Pinin continued its motorshow appearances until 1981 when it was put in storage. It was later sold to a close personal friend of Enzo Ferrari’s, then again in 2008 to its current owner.

: 1982 FERRARI 400i

: 1983 FERRARI 512BBi

: (12 model years) 1985 – 1996 FERRARI TESTAROSSA / 512TR. While some Ferrari designs prove more popular than others, the company’s mid-engined V12 supercar immediately became an ’80s icon. It was rebadged the “512TR” for 1992. Here a 1988 Testarossa shown.

: 1987 FERRARI 328GTS

: A 1988 Ferrari 328 at Summit Downtown Car show 2013

: 1988 FERRARI TESTAROSSA

: 1988 FERRARI TESTAROSSA

: 1989 FERRARI 328

: 1991 FERRARI 348

: One of the seven Ferrari 456GT Venice station wagons made.

: 1996 FERRARI F355 coupe

: 2004 FERRARI 575M

: 2010 FERRARI 612

: 2010 FERRARI 612

: 2010 FERRARI 612

: 2010 FERRARI 612

: Ferrari displayed this 4-door concept car in 2008, powered by a V12 engine driving the rear wheels.

: 1953 FIAT 8V BERLINETTA ZAGATO

: 1953 FIAT 8V BERLINETTA ZAGATO

: 1969 FIAT 500

: 1969 FIAT 500

: 1973 FIAT 124 SPORT SPIDER

: 2013 FIAT 500 Retro Surf concept at the 2013 New York Auto Show

: Currently the Fiat 500 is produced only as a two-door hatchback. Although many differing spy photos of an upcoming four-door model keep surfacing, we like this artist’s rendering of what a 500 “sedan” should look like the best.

: 2014 FIAT 500 ABARTH

: 2013 FIAT 500 GUCCI EDITION

: 1914 Ford Model T delivery truck. (Owned by Bob Cacchio)

: Above: the new-for-1928 Ford Model A coupe is an example of the first type of automotive vinyl roof popular during the mid-1920s to early ’30s designed to evoke memories of horseless carriages.

: 1936 FORD convertible with grille and V8 emblem.

: 1936 FORD

: 1940 Ford “woodie” 3-seat station wagon. (Owned by Paul Lebitsch)

: 1951 FORD VICTORIA

: From 1950-51, Ford offered vinyl on coupe versions of four of its models to simulate convertibles. 1950 Ford Crestliner coupe shown.

: 1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD

: 1955 FORD THUNDERBIRD with factory wire wheels

: A 1956 Ford Thunderbird equipped with the same wire wheel add-ons. Here, they are fitted over full original Thunderbird wheel covers here.

: A 1956 Ford Thunderbird 2-seat roadster equipped with factory authentic wire wheels.

: Ford borrowed the title in 1957 with their comparatively sized Fairlaine model, beating Chevrolet by 28,000 units. However, that was only a 2% victory when considering the larger volume each of them commanded at the time.

: 1960 FORD SUNLINER convertible

: 1961 FORD THUNDERBIRD

: A closer look at a 1962 Thunderbird Landau Edition vinyl roof. Notice the “landau bar” designed to simulate luxury coaches from a bygone era. (Photo credit: N. Baum)

: A full-size 1963 Ford Galaxie coupe with a pseudo-convertible vinyl roof.

: “Buyer beware” if looking at purchasing an older vinyl-topped vehicle that has been kept outside and not cared for. Here, extensive corrosion is found on the metal roof panel of a 1966 Thunderbird (Photo credit: G. Vida)

: One side of this early mockup of the 1964 Ford Mustang is a styling exercise to see what a four-door version would look like. The side of the car facing away from the camera is traditional Mustang coupe. This sedan concept later served as basis for the Falcon model of that time.

: 1964 Ford Mustang 4-door concept

: When Ford introduced the 1964 Mustang, vinyl was there too.

: Here, a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible is one of many rolling off this assembly line.

: Here, a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible is one of many rolling off this assembly line.

: 1965 FORD MUSTANG

: 1965 FORD MUSTANG convertible

: 1965 FORD MUSTANG GT350

: 1966 Ford Galaxie 500 coupe

: A “retromodded” 1965 Ford Mustang fastback

: Jay Leno in his restored 1966 Ford Galaxie 7.0-liter, identical to one he helped “persuade” his father to buy new.

: 1968 FORD GT40

: 1968 FORD GT40

: A two-month United Auto Workers strike against General Motors in 1970 cost Chevrolet over 250,000 Impala sales. As a result, the number 1 title for 1970 only went to Ford full-size 500 / Galaxie models.

: “HALO” – this type is similar to full vinyl roofs, but the vinyl stops just short of the tops of the side windows and windshield, allowing a “halo” of painted sheet metal to appear between vinyl and glass areas. This 1971 Ford Torino coupe is an example of how many halo type vinyl roofs looked originally.

: (Alternate DONK) 1977 Ford Granada sedan

: 1977 FORD LTD II police car once used by Lincoln, Nebraska police.

: Ford offered this creative style of vinyl roof covering on 1977-1979 Thunderbirds and Mercury Cougars that combines “canopy” and “landau” styles.

: 1978 FORD LTD COUNTRY SQUIRE WAGON (1973-78 body style)

: 1978 FORD LTD COUNTRY SQUIRE WAGON FRONT END

: 1978 FORD F-350 POLICE TOW TRUCK

: 1979 FORD LTD II formerly used by the New Jersey State Police.

: (15 model years) 1979 – 1993 FORD MUSTANG. While 1987 Mustangs got the most noticeable aero updates, body panels remained basically the same for 14 years. Here a 1988 model is shown.

: (13 model years) 1979 – 1991 FORD LTD WAGON. This generation of full-size Fords was the last one to feature station wagon versions. After 1991, the “LTD” moniker was dropped in favor of “Crown Vic”. Here a 1988 LTD Country Squire wagon is shown.

: (13 model years) 1979 – 1991 FORD LTD SEDAN. Similar to Chevrolet’s Impala/Caprice, Ford’s LTD featured traditional American car styling that proved popular. Only one front and rear styling update occurred for 1988. Here a 1991 model is shown.

: 1994 Ford F-250 fitted with a sleeper cab section.

: 1997 FORD F-250 Heavy Duty

: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (2007 – present) models feature a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 650 horsepower.

: As an April Fool’s joke, Road & Track magazine ran this series of photos showing a 4-door Mustang in development.

: A supposed 2014 Ford Mustang 4-door.

: These 4-door Mustang pictures are so well done, it’s hard to believe they are not real. Or maybe they are.

: 2013 FORD MUSTANG 5.0 LOGO

: 2013 FORD MUSTANG GT

: The GMC MOTORHOME was produced during 1973-78 model years. Offered in two lengths (23 and 26 feet), it was immortalized as the “Barbie Dream Van”

: Vinyl roofs were an option on 1950-51 Frazer models, such as this 1950 four-door sedan.

: 1968 HONDA S800

: 1976 HONDA CIVIC

: The Honda S2000 two-seater convertible (2000 – 09) has the distinction of being the only Honda model with a front engine and rear-wheel-drive. 2006 model shown.

: A 2004 model Honda S2000

: 1941 HUPMOBILE SKYLARK sedan

: 2004 INFINITI G35 coupe

: 1949 JAGUAR XK120 wheel

: 1949 JAGUAR XK120 hood view.

: 1949 JAGUAR XK120 roadster.

: 1949 JAGUAR XK120

: 1951 JAGUAR XK120

: 1954 JAGUAR XK120 ROADSTER

: 1954 JAGUAR XK120 hood view

: 1954 JAGUAR XK120

: 1954 JAGUAR XK120

: 1955 JAGUAR XK140

: (13 model years) 1956 – 1968 JAGUAR MARK II SEDAN. Known as the “2.4”, “3.4”, “3.8”, and “Mark II”, these were produced without changes through 1968 when the XJ sedan replaced it.

: 1966 JAGUAR E-TYPE CONVERTIBLE

: 1960 JAGUAR MARK IX saloon

: (20 model years) 1968 – 1987 JAGUAR XJ SEDAN, PICTURE A. Jaguar’s main sedan remained so popular, only one minor styling update was done for 1980. Here a 1968 model is shown.

: (14 model years) 1961 – 1974 JAGUAR XKE. One of Jaguar’s most recognizable designs, the XKE was also the company’s last “wire-wheel” sports car. Here a final-year 1974 model is shown.

: 1968 JAGUAR XKE COUPE

: Just over 10,000 Jaguar XJC hardtop coupes were produced during the 1975 – 1977 model years, powered by either an inline 6-cylinder or V12 engine. All of them left the victory with vinyl roof coverings.

: (22 model years) 1975 – 1996 JAGUAR XJS. Jaguar replaced its popular XKE model with this design which lasted over two decades. A soft top model was added for 1986. Here a 1975 model is shown – Photo credit: Jaguar Cars North America

: 1975 JAGUAR XJ COUPE

: (24 model years) 1968 – 1991 JAGUAR XJ SEDAN. XJ sedans were powered by 6 or 12-cylinder engines. While 1987 was the last year this design was sold in the U.S., it remained in production through 1991 as a “Daimler Double Six” model in Canada. Here a 1985 model is shown.

: (21 model years) 1955 – 1975 JEEP CJ5. The CJ5 was Jeep’s first update of its World-War II military vehicle. CJ5s were popular with off-roaders and post offices. The larger, but similarly styled, C7 replaced it for 1976. Here a first-year 1955 model is shown.

: Here, fully assembled Jeep CJ5s come down one line, and Wagoneers in another. Late 1960s or early 1970s vintage.

: (29 model years) 1963 – 1991 JEEP WAGONEER / GRAND WAGONEER, PICTURE A. The Wagoneer is often credited as the 4-door sport utility that made this segment popular. Here a 1963 model is shown.

: (29 model years) 1963 – 1991 JEEP WAGONEER / GRAND WAGONEER, PICTURE B. The Wagoneer’s design survived company ownership by Willys-Overland, Kaiser, AMC, and Chrysler. 1991 model shown.

: The owner of this 2006-11 Jeep Commander we spotted had a non-original wood trim package installed. Like us, they must appreciate Grand Wagoneers.

: 2013 JEEP WRANGLER MOAB

: 2013 JEEP WRANGLER MOAB

: Kaiser Motors also offered vinyl roofs for a short period during 1950-51. 1951 sedan shown.

: (15 model years) 1975 – 1989 LAMBORGHINI COUNTACHE. 1984 model shown.

: 1938 LANCIA ASTURA

: 1938 LANCIA ASTURA

: 1938 LANCIA ASTURA

: 1966 LANCIA FLAMINIA ZAGATO

: 1994 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 soft top

: 1987 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 4-door

: 1997 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 hardtop, with 6 seats

: A 1999 Land Rover Discovery TReK Edition at that year’s Chicago Auto Show. These vehicles were not originally sold to the public, but created during various years for use in “TReK” offroad challenges designed for dealership personnel training across the United States. (Photo credit: Chicago Auto Show)

: A look at one of the 2004 Discoverys actually used in company-sponsored G4 global off-roading events.

: An example of a Discovery equipped with black 16-inch Land Rover steel wheels. Many owners modify their cars with two- or three-inch suspension lift kits. With a stock unlifted suspension, the highest profile tires that would fit within the wheel wells without rubbing are 255/75-16s. Raising vehicle suspensions can put greater strain on driveshafts and axles since they must operate at more extreme angles.

: These 16-inch black steel wheels were often used by Land Rover on manufacturer sponsored off-road safari challenges. While they were never on the factory order sheet, many owners fit their Discoverys with them. Several wheel manufacturers produce versions of these, some with more backspacing than others. (Wheels with a lower amount of backspacing will stick out wider than stock from wheel wells).

: 1997 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90

: A 2003 Land Rover Discovery SE with 16-inch steel wheels and 265/75-R16 tires. Two- and three-inch lift kits will accommodate this size of tire without the need to remove the front bumper cover for clearance.

: 2003 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY monster truck (The 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery II: a look back at these modern classic SUVs)

: A 2004 Discovery HSE fitted with 16-inch aluminum wheels from a 1996-2002 style Range Rover. (Photo credit: B. Patterson)

: A final-year 2004 Land Rover Discovery SE7 with the third-row seating package in clean, well-maintained condition will always be a blue-chip investment.

: The second generation Land Rover Discovery was produced during the 1999 – 2004 model years. Shown, a 2004 Discovery SE7.

: 2004 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY with 245/75-16 tires

: 2004 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SE7

: The 1999-2004 Land Rover Discovery is one of the last sport-utilities with solid beam front and rear axles designed for off-roading. A fanatical ownership base ensures one kept in clean, original condition in decent repair will always be in demand.

: 2004 Land Rover Discovery, view from above.

: Image of a European market 2004 Land Rover Discovery equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.

: Access to third row seats on models so equipped is not like most SUVs – you enter by opening the rear tailgate and walking between the two seats. 2003 Discovery HSE7 shown.

: A better view of the two third-row seats, which stow up and to the side.

: Front view of a 2004 Discovery fitted with the Land Rover safari roof rack. (Photo credit: F. Delaney)

: 2004 LAND ROVER DISCOVERY SE7

: 2013 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90 HARRIS TWEED EDITION

: 2010 LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110

: 1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK II COUPE

: 1963 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL

: 1962 Lincoln Continental

: A star during the 1970s boom in “personal luxury” cars, 1977-79 Mark Vs are highly sought after today for their clean styling, and last-of-their-kind XL classic dimensions. This ’77 base model features entry level wheel covers and vinyl roof delete.

: A view from behind the wheel of a 1978 Lincoln Mark V. See our “DRIVER SEAT VIDEOS” to watch this one and others.

: A 1979 LINCOLN MARK V in black diamond fire metallic paint.

: 1977 LINCOLN MARK V Givenchy Edition.

: Right front quarter view of a 1977 Mark V Givenchy edition.

: Mark Vs have made appearances in many television shows and movies, most noteably this 1977 model driven by Jock Ewing in the long-running 1978-91 TV series “Dallas”.

: Today, the ’78 Mark V driven by Jock Ewing is in the museum dedicated to the Dallas television show located in the actual South Fork ranch located near Dallas, Texas.

: A better look at an extremely rare steel painted roof Mark V. The vinyl roof was offered as a delete option ($271 credit) to customers ordering 1977 and 1978 models. For 1979, vinyl roofs were standard and could not be deleted.

: Closeup look at a 1977 LINCOLN MARK V opera window on a model without the vinyl roof option.

: 1977 LINCOLN MARK V BILL BLASS EDITION. Midnight blue non-metallic paint with chamois pigskin grain landau vinyl roof.

: A Luxury Group option shown on this ’77 (and the one in the previous picture) allowed owners to mix and match paint, body molding strip, roof, and interior colors.

: This ’77 Mark V on display at the Imperial Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada was one of the last cars Elvis Presley purchased before his death on August 17, 1977.

: (1977 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL) “Town Car” edition in midnight blue with full chamois valino grain vinyl roof. This car features the power glass moonroof option.

: (1977 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL) “Town Car” edition in midnight blue with full chamois valino grain vinyl roof. This car features the power glass moonroof option.

: This ’78 Lincoln Mark V allows a closer look at the wire wheel covers that were introduced for that model year.

: 1978 Mark V Diamond Jubilee Edition in diamond blue.

: For 1978, a limited production Mark V Diamond Jubilee Edition was offered to celebrate the Ford Motor Company 75-year anniversary. Available in “Diamond Blue” (shown here) and “Jubilee Gold” metallic colors, Diamond Jubilees cost $8,000 extra.

: Body color matching of the turbine spoke alloy wheels was a feature unique to 1978 Diamond Jubilee edition Lincoln Mark Vs, and on the following year’s Collectors Series.

: Passenger side view of a 1978 Mark V Diamond Jubilee edition in diamond blue.

: 1978 LINCOLN MARK V

: 1978 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL LIMOUSINE once owned by actor Jackie Gleason. (Photographed at Pismo Beach, California in 2006)

: 1978 LINCOLN MARK V CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE

: Gold pinstriping and accents were featured on all ’79 Bill Blass Mark Vs.

: Left rear quarter view of a Bill Blass Mark V with traditional full vinyl roof covering.

: A rear quarter view of a ’79 Mark V Bill Blass edition with carraige roof. Spare tire humps were painted midnight blue, as seen here.

: Most ’79 Bill Blass Mark Vs were equipped with the more expensive carraige roof choice as seen here. It featured contoured ribbing in three spots along the roof to simulate a real convertible top frame.

: The Bill Blass package with Carraige roof (shown here) was a $2,775 option, while the Bill Blass package with traditional full vinyl roof was $1,809.

: All Mark Vs featured one-piece grilles that extended below the bumper cutout area.

: A closer view of a 1979 Mark V Bill Blass edition with the less common padded vinyl roof and exposed opera windows. This Mark V is equipped with the all-navy leather interior choice.

: This rusted ’79 Bill Blass Mark V perfectly illustrates how vinyl roofs trap humidity and cause corrosion.

: 1979 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL COLLECTORS SERIES

: 1979 LINCOLN MARK V 4×4 monster truck

: Opera windows were fully covered with a vinyl roof section on Collectors Series Mark Vs. This is the only Mark V edition to have this treatment from the factory, so if you see one with a roof like this, it is a ’79 Collectors Series.

: By 1979, every car sold in the United States except the Lincoln Mark V and Continental sedan had been downsized to meet upcoming 1980 fuel economy laws. To commemorate its unique XL-size holdout status in its final year, the 1979 Collectors Series was created.

: For 1979, all “Collectors Series” models had navy blue paint on the inset part between the turbine wheel spokes.

: 1979 Lincoln Continental Collectors Series sedan.

: 1979 Lincoln Continental Collectors Series sedan.

: 1979 Lincoln Continental Collectors Series sedan.

: 1979 Continental Mark V Collector’s Series in White Paint Code 9D

: (1989 LINCOLN TOWN CAR) Like most American luxury cars of the 1980s, 100% of Lincoln Town Cars from 1980-89 were equipped with either full or landau padded vinyl roofs. 1989 Town Car shown.

: A 1997 Lincoln Town Car limousine, built for uncertain future days. Seen on the streets of New York City, Christmas day 2013.

: 1986 MAZDA RX-7. The second generation of the RX-7 ran from 1986-1991.

: 1989 MAZDA RX-7

: 1988 MAZDA RX-7 convertible. Spanning the 1988-1991 model years, the RX-7 convertible was unique to the generation II body style.

: 1991 MAZDA MIATA MX-5

: 2013 MAZDA MX-5 MIATA

: 2013 MCLAREN 12C GT CAN-AM Edition

: A 1952 Mercedes 300SLR Carrera Panamericana race car grille. This was an early version of the production 300SL gullwing coupe introduced for 1955.

: The interior of an early Mercedes 194-body SL gullwing coupe racing prototype, produced in 1952.

: 1955 MERCEDES 300SL

: 1955 MERCEDES 300SL

: 1956 Mercedes 190SL owned by Claire Wegner.

: 1955 Mercedes 190SL with hardtop roof panel in place owned by Bob Platz.

: 1955 Mercedes 190SL with hardtop roof in place owned by June Platz.

: 1955 MERCEDES 300SL CONVERTIBLE

: 1958 Mercedes 300SL convertible

: 1957 MERCEDES 300SL soft top convertible

: This late 1950s Mercedes 190SL receives its 4-cylinder engine.

: A 1958 MERCEDES 190SL assembly line view

: 1960 Mercedes 220SE coupe owned by Bruce Ianelli.

: A 1960 Mercedes 190SL owned by Robbie Ackerman does yard springs 9-21-2002

: The new creation is 8 inches longer than original 1955-63 190SLs. Body panels were cracked and lengthened at 5 separate points from front to back.

: 1963 MERCEDES 230SL

: 1963 MERCEDES 230SL

: 1963 MERCEDES 230SL

: Most Mercedes-Benzes through 1967 featured a painted center cap, painted wheels, and a separate surrounding trim ring. This owner chose not to mount the outer trim rings.

: 1964 Mercedes 230SL wheel with painted center cap and outer trim ring.

: 1964 Mercedes 230SL owned by Jerry Robinson.

: 1964 Mercedes 230SL owned by Jerry Robinson at check-in.

: 1964 MERCEDES 230SL

: 1965 MERCEDES 200D

: Hood view of a 1965 Mercedes 190D.

: 1965 Mercedes 190D owned by Classic Cars Today contributor John Bleimaier.

: A 113-body Mercedes 230SL / 250SL rolls off the assembly line sometime between 1963 and 1967. This bodystyle adopted the one-piece wheel covers in 1968.

: 1967 Mercedes 250SE coupe owned by Keith Morgan.

: A 1967 MERCEDES 250SE convertible formerly owned by actress Stephanie Powers.

: 1967 MERCEDES 250SL

: 1967 MERCEDES 280SE

: 1967 MERCEDES 230S

: 1967 MERCEDES 230S

: “California Coupe” models were a variation of the Mercedes 250SL, produced from December 1966 through January 1968. A fold-down rear seat was fitted in the space where the soft top well and related equipment normally went.

: The rear fold-down seat of a 1967 Mercedes 250SL California Coupe.

: Here the new-for-’68 Mercedes “113 body” E-class sedans roll off the assembly line. In the background, a 280SL and a final-year ’68 Finback sedan are visible.

: The “115-body” Mercedes E-Class ran from model years 1968 – 1976. Here, a Euro market 1968 Mercedes 230 is shown.

: 1968 Mercedes 250SL owned by Mickey Wilson.

: 1970 MERCEDES 280SL

: 1970 MERCEDES 280SL

: 1970 Mercedes 280SE 4.5 sedan. (Owned by Andy Permison)

: 1970 Mercedes 280SL equipped with original equipment 14-inch wheels that first became available in 1969.

: 1971 Mercedes 280SL

: Hood view of a 1963-71 style Mercedes SL, as seen on a ’71 model.

: 1971 Mercedes 280SL

: A behind the wheel view from a 1971 Mercedes 300SEL 4.5. See “DRIVER SEAT VIDEOS” section of our website to see the video.

: 1971 MERCEDES 280SE 3.5 CONVERTIBLE

: 1971 Mercedes 280SE 3.5 Cabrio owned by Richard Raskin.

: The 1971 280SE Convertible was the last four-seat Mercedes ragtop produced until the 300CE Cabrio was introduced twenty years later.

: 1970 MERCEDES 280SL with 15-inch reproduction Bundt style wheels

: 1970 Mercedes S-class hood view.

: 1971 Mercedes 250 owned by John Longo.

: Trunk view of 1971 Mercedes 250 owned by John Longo.

: 1971 Mercedes 280SL owned by W. Franklin Richardson.

: A 1968 Mercedes 280SE convertible with the 14-inch color matched wheel covers shown in the prior photo.

: 1972 MERCEDES 350SL. Only 1972 and 1973 U.S. model SLs featured the small bumpers that Euro models kept through 1989. American models were usually fitted with vertical buffer pieces.

: 1972 MERCEDES 280SE 4.5

: 1973 MERCEDES 450SEL

: 1973 MERCEDES 350SL (European model)

: 1973 MERCEDES 450SE

: 1973 MERCEDES 450SE

: 1973 Mercedes 280SE 4.5 owned by Aurelein deSeze

: 99.9% of all Mercedes “bundt” style wheels of this 1969-85 design were 14 inches in diameter. It’s a little-known fact 15-inch factory versions of these wheels (shown here) have been available all along.

: a final-year 1973 300SEL 4.5

: Mercedes models leaving the Sindelfingen, Germany plant between 1973 and 1976.

: These 1974 U.S. market Mercedes 240D models are prepared for shipping.

: 1974 MERCEDES 240D

: For 1975, Mercedes introduced a 3.0-liter 5-cylinder diesel engine. In some markets like the United States, this model was known as the 300D. In some areas, Mercedes badged it as the 240D 3.0

: 1976 MERCEDES 240D

: The high-powered, low-production Mercedes 450SEL with a 6.9 liter V8 was sold through model years 1976-80. U.S. versions (as shown here) had rubber covering the full bumper widths.

: 1976 Mercedes 450SL.

: 1976 MERCEDES 300D diesel

: An early European 123-body Mercedes 280E, photographed in 1975.

: On January 27, 1976, the 123 mid-range passenger car model series was presented as the replacement for the 114/115 model series. Until the end of its production in November 1985, close to 2.7 million vehicles of the 123 series had left the factory.

: (19 model years) 1963 – 1981 MERCEDES 600 LIMOUSINE. Mercedes-Benz’s 600 “Grosser” limousine models were low production, high-end automobiles popular with political figures of all nationalities. Later year 600s were produced by order only in far fewer numbers. Here a 1972 model owned by Hugh Hefner is auctioned off.

: 1977 MERCEDES 230C equipped with aftermarket wire wheel covers and a “230CE” badge from a later model of 1980-85 vintage.

: 1977 MERCEDES 230C equipped with aftermarket wire wheel covers and a “230CE” badge from a later model of 1980-85 vintage.

: 1977 MERCEDES 230C equipped with aftermarket wire wheel covers and a “230CE” badge from a later model of 1980-85 vintage.

: 1977-78 MERCEDES 300D

: 1978 Mercedes 450SL.

: 1978 MERCEDES 300SD

: 1978 MERCEDES 230 (123-body style, 1977-85)

: 1978 MERCEDES 230

: 1978 MERCEDES 230 (123-body style, 1977-85)

: (1978 Mercedes 450SLC 5.0) The 450SLC 5.0 was an SLC 4-seat coupe powered by Mercedes-Benz’s brand new 5.0-liter aluminum block V8. Produced in low numbers for 1978 and 1979, this model existed primarily to serve Mercedes-Benz in rallye racing. For 1980 it became known as the 500SLC and was produced through 1981, the final year for all SLCs. Trunklid spoilers as seen here were standard equipment. (Wheels on this car are not original equipment.)

: (1978 MERCEDES-BENZ 450SEL 6.9) This low-volume subset model replaced the standard 450SEL’s 4.5-liter engine with a high-performance V8 of 6.9 liters. Referred to by many as simply the “6.9”, these were produced from model years 1976 through the last year of this S-class bodystyle in 1980.

: 1978 Mercedes 240D owned by Cindy Fischer.

: 1978 Mercedes 240D owned by Cindy Fischer.

: 1978 Mercedes 240D owned by Cindy Fischer.

: 1978 MERCEDES 300CD

: 1979 MERCEDES 300SD

: This 1979 Mercedes 300D owner is fitting tire chains to climb a snowy mountain pass in Mount Buller, Australia.

: 1979 Mercedes 300CD

: 1980 Mercedes 450SL

: In this 1979 photo, a Mercedes 123-body wagon sees final assembly in Germany.

: 1979 Mercedes 250T Euro-spec wagon customized with real wood

: 1979 Mercedes 250T Euro-spec wagon customized with real wood.

: 1979 Mercedes 250T Euro-spec wagon customized with real wood.

: 1979 MERCEDES 450SEL

: 1980 Mercedes 450SL

: 1980 MERCEDES 450SEL

: The final model year of 116-body S class production (1980) overlapped with the 126-body S-class that replaced it. Here, a 1980 450SEL 6.9 European model is shown on display at MB headquarters in Stuttgart.

: 1980 MERCEDES 450SEL 6.9 European model.

: A 1980 model short-wheelbase 126 body is photographed on Mercedes-Benz’s test track in Germany in late 1979 along with the three prior generations of S-class models.

: A prototype Mercedes 126-body S-class undergoes durability testing during 1979.

: A mechanical drawing of the new-for-1980 short wheelbase 126 body sedan.

: A prototype Mercedes 126-body S-Class undergoing wind tunnel testing during 1979.

: 1980 MERCEDES 126-BODY S-CLASS short wheelbase.

: 1980 Mercedes 450SLC owned by Michael Goldberg.

: 1980 MERCEDES 280SE Euro model

: A 1980 MERCEDES 380SE euro market model. Note the absence of optional headlamp washers usually fitted to these vehicles.

: 1980 MERCEDES 500SE (126 body S-Class)

: 1980 MERCEDES 500SE short wheelbase 126-body

: 1980 MERCEDES 500SE (126 body S-Class)

: The prototype 14-inch wheel covers, as seen in this typical pre-production promotional shot.

: 1980 MERCEDES S-CLASS Short wheelbase

: Mercedes 123-body midsize factory limousines were offered from model year 1979 through 1985.

: Mercedes 250 models were powered by a 2.5-liter 6-cylinder carbureted engine. (1980 factory limo shown)

: Mercedes W123-body factory limousines featured fold-up seats between the rear bench and the front seats. When deployed, these limos could carry 8 people.

: Long-wheelbase 126 models were introduced later in 1980 as ’80 models in Europe, and as ’81s in the U.S.

: 3-time Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet picking up his new 500SEL at the factory.

: (1981 MERCEDES 500SEL) Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi picking up his ’81 500SEL from the factory in late 1980.

: 1981 Mercedes 300TD wagon owned by Alex Rosner.

: A 1981 Mercedes 500SEL, Galaendewagen, and 123-body sedan are visible in this picture taken in a Paris Mercedes showroom.

: When my father received a one-time sudden windfall in 1980, he decided it was finally time for a “really nice” car. Luxury cars such as the Mercedes 240 Diesel I advised him to buy were not normally in my family’s budget growing up. I presented him with many logical arguments in my attempt to sway his decision.

: A 1977-85 style Mercedes “123 body” photographed at twilight.

: 1981 Euro market MERCEDES 380SL photographed on Daimler-Benz proving grounds

: 1981 Mercedes 380SL Euro model

: 1982 Mercedes 300GD Gelandewagen 2-door owned by Michael Mendes.

: 1982 MERCEDES 230CE

: This Mercedes 123 coupe is equipped with 14-inch wheels from a “Pagoda” generation 1963-71 SL.

: 1982 MERCEDES 300TD

: 1982 Mercedes 300D Turbodiesel

: 1983 MERCEDES 500SE

: 1983 MERCEDES 300D Euro model with Rinal wheels

: 1983 MERCEDES 300D with Rinal wheels

: 1983 MERCEDES 300D Euro model with Rinal wheels

: For 1980-85 model years, lower side cladding was ribbed as seen here.

: 1983 Mercedes 380SEL

: Long-wheelbase 126 bodies came first to the United States as 1981-83 380SELs

: 1983 Mercedes 380SEL

: 1983 Mercedes 380SEL

: 1983 MERCEDES 240D

: 1983 Mercedes 500SEL with aftermarket round headlights

: Shifter gates were updated for 1983 to properly read “D-3-2″ and feature a 1st gear detent marked “B” to the right of 2nd gear position on V8 models. Transmissions normally started in 2nd gear unless first was manually selected this way.

: 1983 Mercedes 240D. The 1983 240D was the final Mercedes model sold in the U.S. with color-matched wheel covers.

: 1983 MERCEDES 300CD coupe in matte black finish.

: 1983 MERCEDES 300CD in matte black finish.

: Trunk view of a 1983 MERCEDES 300CD in matte black finish.

: 1983 MERCEDES E-CLASS

: 1984 MERCEDES 300D with 15-inch aftermarket bundt wheels manufactured by ATS.

: This 1984 MERCEDES 300D with 15-inch aftermarket bundt wheels makes it easier to see the differences ATS took to avoid copyright infringement.

: 1984 MERCEDES 300D with 15-inch aftermarket bundt wheels manufactured by ATS.

: 1984 Mercedes 300D converted to run on biodiesel

: This owner has fitted his 1984 Mercedes 280SE with color-matched 14-inch wheel covers from earlier models.

: A Euro-market 1984 Mercedes 280SE (126 body S-class) with painted wheel covers from previous-generation models.

: The 500SEL was finally brought to the US for 1984-85, and was the sole long-wheelbase model during those years.

: 1984 Mercedes 500SEL

: 1984 Mercedes 500SEL in “040 black” non-metallic paint.

: 1984 Mercedes 500SEL, with one U.S. market sealed beam headlight and one Euro composite assembly.

: 1984 Mercedes 500SEL

: 1984 Mercedes 500SEL

: 1984 MERCEDES 380SE

: A 1984 500SEL upgraded by German tuning house AMG. Engines were bored out to larger displacement for more power, and suspension and brake systems were upgraded for performance. Wheels and lower spoiler pieces shown on this ’84 were installed by AMG, and headlight assemblies were converted to Euro flush assemblies.

: 1984 MERCEDES 190E (W201 body) factory picture.

: 1984 MERCEDES 190 factory picture.

: 1985 Mercedes 300TD wagon owned by Mike Schwab.

: I bought this ’85 Mercedes 300D on December 30, 1992 and twenty years later today I still own it. How does one properly celebrate a 20 year anniversary with a car? No longer a daily driver, I still take it out of the garage and take it to work often on clear days.

: 1985 Mercedes 300CD owned by Carl Belt.

: This 1985 Mercedes 500SEL convertible was created for the Dutch Royal family by customizer Carrosserie Caruna out of Spreitenbach Switzerland.

: 1985 MERCEDES 380SE

: 1985 MERCEDES 380SE

: 1985 MERCEDES 300D at Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters in Montvale, N.J.

: 1985 MERCEDES 300D at Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters in Montvale, N.J.

: By the end of 123-body production in November 1985, close to 2.7 million of them had left the factory.

: 1985 MERCEDES 300D Turbodiesel

: 1985 MERCEDES 300D, U.S. model.

: 1985 MERCEDES 300D Turbodiesel, U.S. model

: 1985 Mercedes 300D in autumn, photographed October 2013.

: From left to right, this picture shows a 1985 Euro market 190E, 300E (newly introduced), and 126-body S-class.

: 1986 MERCEDES S-CLASS

: A Mercedes-Benz factory promo picture for the Euro market 1986 300SL.

: 1986 Mercedes 300SL promo photo

: A 1986 MERCEDES 560SE Euro-only model front view.

: If you’ve ever wondered what a 1986-91 S-class would look like with older style wheels, this one is equipped with 15-inch factory “bundt” style alloy wheels. Original 14-inch bundt wheels would not clear the larger front brake rotors equipped on 1986-on models.

: A MERCEDES 190E front end clip, perched atop Precision Auto classic Mercedes specialists repair shop in Rockaway, New Jersey.

: 1986 MERCEDES 560SL

: 1988 MERCEDES 560SEL

: 1986 Mercedes S-class promotional picture

: 1986 Mercedes 560SL.

: 560SLs kept the original ’72 style headlights and ’74 bumpers through 1989 (1986 560SL shown).

: These 15-inch aluminum wheels were standard on all SLs from 1986 – 1989.

: 1986 Mercedes 560SL. As required by U.S. federal law, all 1986 and later vehicles featured third brake lights mounted up high in the center area.

: 1986 Mercedes 560SL.

: Base European 126-bodies featured 15-inch steel wheels from 1986-1991 (instead of 14-inch ones). Here, a 1986 300SEL Euro model wears base 15-inch plastic wheel covers.

: 1987 MERCEDES 560SEC

: An overhead view of the 107-body proportions (1988 560SL shown).

: 1986 MERCEDES 190D 2.5 factory picture.

: 1987 MERCEDES 560SL

: 1988 Mercedes 560SL.

: (40 model years) 1979 – 2018 MERCEDES GALAENDEWAGEN. The “G-Wagen” was introduced as a go-anywhere military vehicle for 1979. It’s shape has worn well and has remained unchanged. This model was not imported into the U.S. by Mercedes until 2002. This Mercedes press photo commemorates the G-wagen’s 30 year anniversary with mainly 1979 and 2009 models –

: 1987 MERCEDES 300SE (Euro)

: Three Mercedes 560SLs. From left to right: blue 1987, white 1989, and red 1988

: The Mercedes midsize platform that spawned the 300CE/E320 Cabriolets is referred to as the 124-body. Shown in this 1988 photo are other 124 variations: 300CE coupe (foreground, 1988-95), 300E sedan (middle, 1986-95), and 300TE wagon (rear, 1987-95). Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz Classic Center

: 1988 MERCEDES 560SL (107-body style, 1972-89)

: 1988 MERCEDES 560SL (107-body style, 1972-89)

: 1988 MERCEDES 560SL (107-body style, 1972-89)

: 1988 MERCEDES 560SL (107-body style, 1972-89)

: 1988 MERCEDES 560SL (107-body style, 1972-89)

: 1988 MERCEDES 560SL (107-body style, 1972-89)

: In the concours judging section, this 1988 MERCEDES 560SL sits alongside a row of other 107 body SLs.

: 1988 MERCEDES 300SE

: 1988 Mercedes 190E customized convertible.

: 1988 Mercedes 190E customized into convertible form

: Mercedes 190E customized cabriolet

: 1988 MERCEDES 420SEL

: 1988 MERCEDES 420SEL

: A closer look at the hardtop coupe version of the 300CE, introduced years earlier as a 1988 model.

: Factory promotional picture of a Euro market 1988 124 body coupe. (Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz Classic)

: Euro-only 300SLs from 1986-89 featured an inline 6-cylinder engine and could be ordered with a 5-speed manual transmission. Notice the original slim bumpers from 1972 were still used.

: Euro market 1989 Mercedes 300SL.

: In the late 1980s, Mercedes created a prototype 1989 190E cabriolet.

: The concept 190E convertible never saw production. Here, a would-be 1989 model is shown with the top up.

: Today, the 1989 190E convertible styling exercise is on display at Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.

: 1989 MERCEDES 190E Cabriolet concept car on display at company headquarters in Stuttgart.

: 1989 MERCEDES 560SL

: A final-year 1989 Mercedes 107-body SL.

: 1985 Mercedes 300D & 1991 420SEL

: Side view of a 1986-1991 long-wheelbase Mercedes S-class (1990 560SEL shown).

: (12 model years) 1980 – 1991 MERCEDES S-CLASS. This “126 body” generation was the longest-running S-Class design to date. Body panels remained unchanged through the entire design run. 1990 model shown

: (13 model years) 1990 – 2002 MERCEDES SL 2-SEATER. For the first time in almost two decades, Mercedes offered a sporty 300SL version of its roadster with a six cylinder and manual transmission in the U.S. While that didn’t last, the design itself did. 1990 300SL shown.

: 1991 Mercedes 420SEL in desert taupe color.

: 1991 MERCEDES 300SEL

: 1991 MERCEDES 420SEL

: 1990 MERCEDES 560SEL

: While lower plastic bodycladding had been painted gray on most 126s through 1988, it was closely matched to body colors on 1989-91 models. Black and white cars were the exception.

: 1991 Mercedes 420SEL in desert taupe paint shade.

: (1991 MERCEDES 500SEL) The 500SEL was the only 126 body S Class to run with the same model name and engine through the entire 1980-1991 body run. All other 126 model designations were changed in 1986.

: 1991 MERCEDES 300SEL

: “The original owner posted this car for sale in the Mercedes Club magazine in 2001. I thought by the time I’d noticed the ad, I would have missed the chance to buy it. Black 560SELs sell fastest, especially a ‘91 with 13k miles.”

: The 560SEL was the most powerful version of the 1980-1991 “126 body” S Class.

: 1992 MERCEDES 190E 2.6

: 1992 Mercedes 190E 2.6

: A European market promotional photo introducing the 124 body Cabriolet for the 1992 model year, one year earlier than in the United States. Cabrios were sold through the 1995 model year in the U.S., and through 1997 in parts of Europe.

: (1992 MERCEDES 300CE Cabrio) Early Euro-market Cabrio models such as this one were equipped with slightly different wheels that did not see production on U.S. versions.

: 1992 Euro models were introduced as the “300CE-24” reflecting the 24-valve 3.0-liter engine fitted that year only. For 1993, the 3.0-liter was enlarged to 3.2 liters. Although U.S. and Euro markets both got the 3.2, ’93s were badged “320CE” in Europe and “300CE” in the U.S.

: A rear 3/4s top-up view of an “early” 124 body cabriolet. This promotional photo introduces the European market 1992 300CE-24 Cabriolet.

: Promotional photo introducing the U.S. market 1993 300CE Cabrio. Notice the “square within rectangle” headlight assemblies unique to the U.S. market. Headlight wipers were standard equipment.

: Seeing a 1993 190E 2.6 Limited Edition (foreground) and a standard 1993 190E 2.6 (background) next to each other, one can see the subtle exterior differences such as 8-hole aluminum wheels and a slightly lowered sport suspension.

: Limited Edition 2.6s were fitted with these Recaro two-tone racing seats with red and black leather.

: (1993 MERCEDES 190E 2.6) The “190E” and “2.6″ badges visible on standard 1993 190E models such as this one were left off of Limited Edition models. Only the Mercedes star emblem adorned trunk lids.

: Shown here is a right-hand-drive Euro market 1993 MERCEDES 190E 1.8

: 1993 MERCEDES 190E 2.6

: MERCEDES 190E models (201-body chassis).

: MERCEDES 190E models (201-body chassis).

: MERCEDES 190E models (201 body)

: A euro-model 1993 300CE Cabriolet equipped with the AMG upgrade package. 1994 and later models were known as the “E36”, reflecting the enlarged 3.6-liter engine. (Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz Classic Center)

: A 1993 Mercedes 400E with accessory rims finished in gun metal gray.

: 1993 MERCEDES 500E

: 1994 MERCEDES E320 convertible

: 1994 Mercedes E220 Cabriolet

: 1995 Mercedes E320 coupe owned by Oliver Seligman.

: A factory promotional picture for the lowest-priced 124 body Cabrio sold in Europe, powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It was badged the 200CE for 1993 and E200 from 1994-on. Notice this low cost model came standard with steel wheels and plastic wheel covers as shown here. (Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz Classic Center)

: Side view of a Euro market E220 Cabriolet. (Photo credit: Mercedes-Benz Classic)

: Mercedes E55 AMG sedans (1999-2006) spanned two design runs and are affordable future collectibles.

: The CLK55 AMG coupe 2000-06 spanned two design cycles (redesigned for ’03), and featured the naturally aspirated 362-horsepower V8 of 5.5 liters. CLK55 AMG convertibles were available for 2002 only. Unlike newer AMG models, these can be had for affordable prices today and will not likely depreciate much more. 2001 CLK55 shown.

: 2002 Mercedes SLK320 owned by Carl Schwartz.

: When Mercedes-Benz introduced their new-for-2007 S-class sedan, they rolled out this “Ocean Drive” concept four-door convertible.

: A view of the 2007 Ocean Drive 4-door convertible concept with the top up.

: Unfortunately, this handsome concept car never went into production.

: 2012 Mercedes SLS coupe owned by Ethan Goldman.

: 2013 MERCEDES SLS

: 2013 MERCEDES CLS with matte finish vinyl covering.

: 2014 MERCEDES SLS AMG CONVERTIBLE

: The 1950-51 Mercury Monterey coupe was the second of four Ford Motor Company models available with a vinyl roof covering option.

: 1957 MERCURY COLONY PARK WAGON

: 1968 Mercury Cougar

: 1967 Mercury Cougar

: Offered for 1970 on Mercury Cougars was this “houndstooth” patterned vinyl roof cover. (Photo credit: hooniverse)

: A closer look at a 1970 Mercury Cougar equipped with a “houndstooth” vinyl roof.

: 1973 Mercury Cougar convertible

: 1991 MERCURY TRACER LTS

: 1991 MERCURY TRACER LTS

: 1991 MERCURY TRACER LTS INTERIOR

: 1991 MERCURY TRACER LTS

: This MGB assembly line photo is of unknown vintage, but is most likely late 1960s or early 1970s.

: This MG assembly line photo is of unknown vintage, but is most likely late 1960s or early 1970s.

: (62 model years) 1951 – 2012 MORGAN PLUS 4 / PLUS 8. The Morgan’s basic design originated in 4-cylinder “Plus 4” form for 1951. An 8-cylinder “Plus 8” model was added for 1968. Both models have been produced on and off over the years, with fenders of varying widths to accomodate more modern wheels. Here a 1968 Plus 8 is shown.

: 1958 MG 1500 COUPE

: 1969 MG MGB convertible

: 1975 MG convertible. (Owned by Carolyn Baranowski)

: 1978 MG

: 1991 ROVER RV8

: (32 model years) 1959 – 2000 MINI. Once sold as the “Morris Minor” and “Morris Mini”, original Minis changed almost imperceptibly over 30+ years until going out of production in 2000. Shown is a 1989 Mini.

: 2013 MINI CLUBMAN WOODY CONCEPT

: 2013 MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS EDITION

: 1952 MORGAN PLUS 4 roadster

: 1967 MORRIS MINOR

: 1985 NISSAN MID4 CONCEPT

: 1985 NISSAN MID4 CONCEPT

: 1985 NISSAN MID4 CONCEPT

: 1950 OLDSMOBILE 98

: Another view of a 1953 Olds with the factory wire wheel covers. Like most American cars from this time, the steel wheels beneath were painted to match the vehicle.

: A 1953 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight equipped with factory option wire wheel covers

: For 1962, General Motors followed Ford’s lead with the Thunderbird and introduced vinyl roofs as an option on lower-priced hardtop coupes such as the Oldsmobile Starfire (shown) and Buick Skylark sister version. (Photo credit: C. Royster)

: Many carmakers in the early ’60s sought to make their pillarless coupes look as much like convertibles as possible. The creases on the roof shown here were actually in the metal roof itself. Adding a layer of vinyl fabric with fake stiching designs only enhanced the illusion.

: 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2 with dog dish center hub caps.

: 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2 with dog dish center hub cap.

: 1965 Oldsmobile Cutlass 4-4-2 with dog dish center hub caps.

: A better view of a 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass equipped with the 14-inch wire wheel covers shown in the prior photo.

: Oldsmobile 14-inchj wire wheel covers received spinners for 1966.

: A closer view of a 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass with 14-inch wire wheel covers.

: 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass F85 W-31

: Here, a 1969 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser wagon is seen equipped with the 14-inch wire wheel covers shown in the prior photo.

: 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass S W-31 high performance model

: 1969 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight Regency

: 1970 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 4-4-2

: 1970 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 4-4-2

: 1970 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS 4-4-2

: A 1970 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO equipped with “Halo” style vinyl roof.

: 1973 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO

: 1973 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO

: 1973 OLDSMOBILE TORONADO

: At the end of “Evil Dead 2”, Raimi’s 1973 Oldsmobile gets sucked into a time vortex – where it makes an appearance in Part 3 of the movie trilogy.

: According to actor Bruce Campbell, Raimi’s childhood friend, “This damn car has been in more movies than I have”.

: While Sam’s 1973 Oldsmobile (center) was often beat up and damaged in early films, today the Delta 88 has stunt doubles for the hard knocks.

: (Alternate DONK) 1973 Oldsmobile Delta 88 coupe

: (Alternate DONK) 1975 Oldsmobile Delta 88 convertible

: The ’76 Cutlass stole the best seller title from the ’75 Impala, only to lose it again one year later.

: 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme – this base model is equipped with an extremely rare 5-speed manual and a 260 cubic inch V8.

: (14 model years) 1977 – 1990 OLDSMOBILE CUSTOM CRUISER WAGON. While full-size rear-wheel-drive Olds sedans departed after ’85, wagons were kept in original form another five years. 1983 model shown.

: 1911 Palmer Singer. (Owned by Herb Singe)

: 1932 Plymouth 4-door convertible. (Owned by Joan Hagaman)

: This mock-up was a styling proposal for a 1949 Plymouth was photographed Ju;y 1946. Had it been put into production, it would have come to market looking almost identical to the production 1948 Hudson…a year later.

: 1958 PLYMOUTH BELVEDERE hardtop 4-door sedan

: 1958 PLYMOUTH FURY HARDTOP COUPE, similar to many used in the filming of Stephen King’s “Christine”.

: 1964 PLYMOUTH SPORT FURY

: 1964 PLYMOUTH SPORT FURY base wheel and center hub cap

: 1965 PLYMOUTH VALIANT

: 1967 PLYMOUTH FURY WAGON

: A wider view of a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda equipped with the wire wheel covers seen in the prior photo.

: Late to jump on the 1960s wire wheel cover band wagon, Plymouth offered this design on midsize 1968-69 Barracudas and Valiants.

: 1969 PLYMOUTH ROAD RUNNER

: 1969 Plymouth Satellite, rear view. (Photo credit: Sean Connor)

: Pontiac built several mockups of a “Ventura” compact car using Chevrolet’s upcoming rear-engined Corvair model. Ultimately, when they introduced their own compact for production as a 1961, it was instead called the Tempest and built on the traditional Buick Special / Oldsmobile F-85 platform. This mocked-up “Ventura” was photographed in the styling studio on April 6, 1959.

: 1962 Pontiac Tempest coupe. (Owned by Paulene Maddison)

: 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix, rear view. (Owned by Arnold Eisele)

: 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix, front view. (Owned by Arnold Eisele)

: A first-year 1963 Pontiac Grand Prix with vinyl roof covering. (Photo credit: Polara64)

: 1964 PONTIAC GTO convertible

: 1966 Pontiac GTO on assembly line

: 1967 PONTIAC GTO CONVERTIBLE

: 1967 PONTIAC GTO

: 1967 PONTIAC GTO

: 1968 PONTIAC LEMANS

: Custom chrome treatment on a rallye II style Pontiac wheel

: 1969 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, base model with 427 cubic inch V8 and 4-speed manual.

: 1969 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, base model with 427 cubic inch V8 and 4-speed manual.

: 1969 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, base model with 427 cubic inch V8 and 4-speed manual.

: 1969 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, base model with 427 cubic inch V8 and 4-speed manual.

: Here, a 1969 unibody Pontiac Firebird and body-on-frame Chevrolet Impala roll down a General Motors assembly line in Detroit, Michigan.

: 1969 Pontiac Trans Am in three-tone paint

: 1969 Pontiac Trans Am in three-tone paint

: 1969 Pontiac Firebird

: 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix models receive final inspection.

: A 1968 Pontiac LeMans with wire wheel covers seen in the prior photo.

: A 1970 Pontiac Grand Prix nears completion on the assembly line.

: 1970 PONTIAC GTO JUDGE

: 1971 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

: 1971 Pontiac LeMans with “The Wall of Hoods” behind it.

: This 1973 Pontiac Catalina sedan commemorates the 16 millionth vehicle to be built with the Pontiac badge.

: (1973 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE) Introduced for 1971 when all General Motors “B-body” full-size cars were redesigned, the Grand Ville nameplate was slotted above the Bonneville to become Pontiac’s new flagship.

: (1973 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE) Pontiac’s largest 455-cubic-inch V8 was the standard engine in all Grand Villes through 1974. For 1975 it became optional, replaced by a standard small-block 400 cubic-inch engine.

: (1973 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE) Dual-exhaust versions offered through 1974 made 250 horsepower, while single-exhaust versions introduced for 1975 made 215.

: 1973 PONTIAC PHANTOM concept car, created by Bill Mitchell.

: 1973 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE CONVERTIBLE fitted with 1970s Oldsmobile wire wheel covers

: 1974 PONTIAC GTO

: 1974 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE CONVERTIBLE

: 1991 Mercedes 420SEL & 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible

: 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible, photographed at that year’s Chicago Auto Show.

: Here, a 1975 Pontiac Catalina sedan driven by the Klopek family – creepy neighbors in the 1988 movie “The Burbs”.

: (Alternate DONK) 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible, fitted with a ’76 Bonneville grille assembly.

: (Alternate DONK) 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible

: 1975 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE CONVERTIBLE

: 1975 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE CONVERTIBLE

: 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible at Berkeley Heights car show 2010

: PONTIAC RALLYE II WHEEL

: (1975 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE) The Grand Ville was Pontiac’s highest line model, produced from 1971-75 in sedan, coupe, and convertible form. The Grand Ville was slotted above the Catalina and Bonneville.

: 1975 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE. The long road back to 1975 is littered with many would-be classics that didn’t make it.

: 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville front view

: 1975 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE

: (Alternate DONK) 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible. As Homer Simpson points out, 26-inch rims are installed.

: 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible at Somerville Cruise Night 2013

: 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville trunk at Summit Downtown car show 2013

: 1975 Pontiac Grand Ville convertible at Somerville Cruise Night 8-23-2013.

: Staff members of Classic Cars Today Online enjoy an evening out at Somerville Cruise Night.

: 1975 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE

: 1975 PONTIAC GRAND VILLE

: (12 model years) 1970 – 1981 PONTIAC FIREBIRD / TRANS AM. Pontiac’s version of the Camaro had an equally long design run. 1977 Trans Am shown.

: 1978 PONTIAC TRANS AM

: 1979 PONTIAC FORMULA FIREBIRD original 2-tone paint design.

: 1979 PONTIAC FIREBIRD FORMULA paint package.

: 1980 PONTIAC TRANS AM

: 1993 PONTIAC GRAND AM

: 1907 Pope Hartford. (Owned by Herb Singe)

: 1955 PORSCHE 356

: 1957.5 PORSCHE 356 COUPE

: 1958 PORSCHE 356

: 1959 PORSCHE 356

: 1962 Porsche 356

: 1961 PORSCHE 356

: 1964 PORSCHE 911 owned by Jerry Seinfeld

: 1964 PORSCHE 911 owned by Jerry Seinfeld

: 1967 PORSCHE 911 custom limousine

: 1973 Porsche 914

: This early 924 prototype was developed in 1974. Today, it resides in Porsche’s factory museum in Germany.

: This mechanical drawing shows the layout of Porsche’s first ever model with a front engine. Instead of being mounted behind the engine, the entire transmission was cleverly mounted over the rear axle for even weight distribution and balanced handling.

: Porsche’s popular “phone dial” wheel designs equipped on 944 and 928 models were standard on all 1987 and 1988 924S models.

: 924 Carrera GTs were equipped with these aluminum wheels from Porsche’s higher-price 911 model.

: The 1983 – 1991 Porsche 944, and subsequent 1992-1995 Porsche 968 models were built off the same platform as the 924. As this 1986 944 Turbo shows, styling was clearly derivative.

: 1987 PORSCHE 928

: Many Porsche fans considered this a thoroughly thought out styling excercise based on Porsche’s classic 911 two-seater, and its cancellation met with much disappointment.

: Although styling of the 989 mirrored the rear-engine Porsche 911, the new model was to be fitted with a front-mounted V8 engine.

: Big financial losses Porsche suffered after the recession of 1990 began caused the company to cancel planned production of the 989 in late 1991.

: 1994 PORSCHE 968 CLUB SPORT

: 1964 Saab 96 two-stroke gasoline model

: Rear view of the ’67 Saab 96 coupe.

: Once clearing customs, cars like this 1967 Saab Sonnett may still be required by individual states to pass through motor vehicle inspections and minor modifications before they can be titled and registered.

: (15 model years) 1979 – 1993 SAAB 900. Saab’s 900 took earlier 99 model styling and advanced it, retaining its popular appearance for over a dozen years. Here a 1982 model is shown – Photo credit: Saab Scania

: A 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk with original equipment Lyons wire wheel covers.

: A nicely turned out Rolls-Royce sedan.

: (29 model years) 1967 – 1995 ROLLS ROYCE CONVERTIBLE, PICTURE B. The Silver Cloud was renamed Corniche in 1971. Here a final year 1995 Corniche is shown.

: “FULL” – this style covers the entire roof, including A-pillars. This 1997 Rolls-Royce reminds us that Europeans were equally seduced by vinyl and had a harder time giving it up than Americans did.

: 1987 TOYOTA SUPRA

: 1987 TOYOTA SUPRA

: 1987 TOYOTA SUPRA

: 1987 TOYOTA SUPRA

Photo Gallery

Leave a Reply Cancel reply