The Supra

The Toyota Supra (Mark IV) was one of the best street cars in what I will term the "golden age" of street racing where competitors would have been Integras, NSXs, 300ZX, RX-7s and the ultra rare Skyline or the random half Honda CR-V with NOS.  Sold with forced induction (and then even more with a second turbo) and shit-ton of torque, it became one of the classics.  Even now, it is highly coveted and prized especially when in great condition.   Those who have only driven on in the many video games find themselves jealous of those you have enjoyed the rare privilege of being at the helm of this beauty.

For those who only know these from some Hollywood movies, you are fail!  This is one of those that harks back to that age where one could just push down on the accelerator and go with smoke and squeal of burning tires in the background.  It just looks fast sitting there with its whale tail and exhaust...this is a car! 

SFO Special: Random Pics

SFO Special Report: Stock Top

When parking at the hotel last night, I came upon this Beetle.  At first, I was thinking Roman Meal, but instead it is Stock Top Brewing.  Effective?  Well, it caught my attention from a parking lot away.

Enjoy this one around the Bay.  

Review: The Aveo

After driving the 2010 Chevy Aveo LT for the past 24 hours, I have to say it is a major improvement from the Chevy's I rented in the past.  It seems that Chevy shaped Saab and Saab has changed Chevy. The quality of the build is good.  The creature comforts are not half bad.

Now for the reality. The Aveo is power starved even at this altitude (which is near sea level).  I am not used to having to floor a throttle down in a car to make it up a hill. 

Throw in a turbo, update the interior and improve the accessories and one could sell this as a small Saab.

Where the tires touch the pavement: I give it 2 out of 4 cylinders.  Almost there, but still a long way to go.

Flower Power

What do you get when you mix hundreds of plastic flowers, paint, some random knickknacks and a Saturn SL2? 

You get this: 

Hands down one of the most creative mods I have seen.  Is it art?  Is it beautiful?  Is it a car or a canvas?  I will let you be the judge.

Lamborghini Gallardo

Ever wanted to see a car that costs more than the average house in the United States?  Most people do not get this privilege.  On Friday, I spotted this little gem, the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4. With a price starting around $205,000, you would expect this machine to do more than just drive.  I am thinking it should take flight.  But, that is exactly what this does with a V10 5.2L direct injection engine topping out at 202 mph. 

Simply, I would love to see this work of art outstrip anything in its path.  There are Italian cars among us. Lesser cars: be on notice.    
 

Archive: December 1, 2007

The damn PT Cruiser that destroyed my weekend trip plans in SFO.   Yes, that is transmission fluid oozing from under the car.  

The Harley Davidson F-150

The F-150 has been the flagship..err truck for Ford for over 60 years.  I understand the need for a light truck with an open bed for hauling s%&^ around especially if you live out in the country farming or like getting roped into helping your friends and family move on weekends.  But what is this?  You need a speciality truck to haul your bike around?  Why not drive the bike?

I don't see this owner throwing stuff in the bed that could damage this truck.  So, I am still confused over this one and probably will be.  Please help me out if you can.    

Cheating Offroad

Several days ago, we came upon this XTerra.  First thing that you notice is that it says it is an Offroad XTerra. After looking at it closely, you discover that it is the current generation of XTerra.  But, it is no Offroad.  In front, you notice there are no fog lights and no off road lamps on top.  

Peering into the cabin, you notice that the all powerful three buttons are missing including downhill vechile assist.  So, the owner pasted OFFROAD on the doors to try look like a true XTerra Offroad.  FAIL!  Caught red handed.  Poser!  Go down and get a real Offroad. 

The ZAP Xebra

Our first random car spotted today.  It is a ZAP Xebra - an electric three-wheel psuedo car that looks like the result of a Prius and Beetle getting busy. Top speed of around 40 mph with a standard range of 25 miles (do the math on how much time you actually get behind the wheel of this long distance runner).   Since it is a four door, it appears one can transport up to four friends...close friends I bet.  It does not get much better than this.

Don't think I will be picking one up for a commuter anytime soon.  Nice find for the first random car.  

Welcome to the Random Car...

discussing what's on the road and what shouldn't be.    Welcome.  Please share your images or experiences of random cars that are spotted on your roads.  If you are sharing an image, please blur the license plate.

Thank you!