Why??

Ninety Eight on 21st

Ah, 1954… Firsts in so many ways… And the year I believe of this lovely unrestored Olds 98.

The 98 was the top Olds for many years and the options on this one shows. I’m assuming there’s a Hydramatic under there… I know there’s AC from these funky tail vents.

The nylon and vinyl interior has held up surprisingly well:

I’m not sure if its the first year for power brakes but the phrase is prominently displayed on the pedal.

All in all a nice rode. The details, like the rear wind wings, are what do it for me. The Twilight Sentinel… The two tone… Amazing to see an original in such good shape.

I LOVE the way the design is repeated on the c pillar.

Short Ride: Caddy in Blue

This amazing Caddy ‘vert just showed up ready for its close up, on Avenue A and 7th st..

The interior light was even on!

Tailfins too big to fit in the pic! (almost…)

This hue was used on certain electric guitars in the 60s. I believe it is what Fender called Lake Placid Blue and what Gibson called Pelham Blue. I love the correlation between my two worlds.(note: I’m sitting in the back of a theater on St Marks and feel too lazy to research, so if I’m dead wrong….well… That’s what comments are for.)

I think it’s a ’63- but might be a ’64. In ’63 the Cads went back to the podded headlights of the 59-60, leaving the Olds-resembling 61-62 behind.

Yet it kept the vague outline of the former, and the dogleg too. Change would come with the 1965 redo. But this run to me is one timeless Caddy.(Regarding the year and color, corrections/amendments welcome!)

Travels with Winston, #8 – St. Lou and Edwardsville

In which we explore the mysteries of St. Louis’ City Museum.

Short Ride – St. Louis Cadillac

Saw this right by Edward Jones stadium escaping St. Louis pre-rush hour:

Everyone tells me that the 1969 Cad was the last of the breed before GM started plasticking up the interior, cheapening it to where the former standard of the world became another cheap, flashy commodity. It’s a stylish car. I love that peaked rear window and the lively, lovely tailfins. It looks neither baroque, gaudy, or remotely traditional, while still exuding class. Also notice the general lack of chrome on it. I’d never thought about it til now.

It was Caddy’s first major restyle since 1965, and it set the pace for most of GM going into the Seventies.. Long, lithe, big fat front end and horizontal headlights centered to the grill. It’s a handsome car. I think this one’s a plum. (a green plum).

Travels with Winston, #7 – Columbus to Louisville and a night drive

In which our heroes move ever onward and explore various American rest stops for signs of a higher power.

Travels with Winston, #6 – Columbus Exposition

In which our fabulous trio of Shelley Miller, Jeremiah Birnbaum, and Winston the BMW explore Ohio’s capital, and find many delights.