The Toyota Corolla of Classic Cars

When someone says "classic car" the first things that always come to mind are two-tone paint jobs, excessive chrome accents, sweeping compound curves, and enormous tail-fins. While there have been many cars that fit this description, there is no more common an example of it than the Chevy Bel-Air.

 While the Bel-Air remains a beautiful example of the artistry of fifties car-design, the question that has to be asked is: What is the purpose of owning a classic if everyone else on the road has one just like it? Every person who has some money and decides to spend it on vintage cars, appears to begin their collection with a fifties-era Chevy. 

Part of the reason for this is that the car was exceptionally popular when it was new. From 1954-1957, more than 2,630,000 cars bearing the "Bel-Air" monicker were produced, according to chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com. This makes parts comparatively easy to find, and therefore makes the cars easy to restore. However, there are problems that arise as a result of this. Part of where antique cars get their value is from something called the economy of rarity, wherein the fewer of something there is, the more that thing is worth. 

This concept applies to intrigue as well. The more of a certain type of a thing there is floating around the more likely people are to think, "oh another such-and-such" and thus diminish the curiosity value of that thing. The Bel-Air appears to be in severe danger of falling into this category. This doesn't have to be the case however. There are plenty of other cars from around the same era that are possessed of just as much integrity and virtuosity of styling as the Bel-Air, and which should be able to curb our obsession with it.

The stately Chrysler, for example,

monstrously befinned Plymouth,

regal Buick,

or imposing Mercury.

This is a call to action for classic car owners and lovers, shift your focus away from the Chevy Bel-Air and instead spend all the time and energy that goes into restoration on some of these more unique and unusual, but no less beautiful and quintessential classics. In so doing you will rescue the Chevrolet Bel-Air from being relegated to the "meh" column of history, as well as foster some appreciation for other hallmarks of automotive design.

South Valley Cycle Trail

There's a truly lovely bicycle trail along Albuquerque's bosque outdoor space, it runs fit approximately 15 miles the Rio Grande. The southern four miles or so run between the river and the back of farms or industrial/junkyard complexes.
We saw a really cool, but incomplete, Chevy Biscayne (I think), at least the straight 6 is still there.

The blue one, look at those fins!

As well as a several-layer-high wall of junk cars off in the distance.

 

The zoom will help us.

A little.

I truly recommend anyone local or visiting check out the with bosque cycle trail, the views and wildlife are outstanding, and the pavement and level course make it a leisurely and fun time.

And Now, a Coincidence

Hilariously, I also went to Madrid last week separately from that other guy that posts here.

Much of the population stepped out of the 60s directly into Madrid, and many brought their cars with them.

 I think this is a Nova II from the mid 60s.

I also trespassed on someone's property and saw this thing. Someone who knows more than nothing about these should probably tell me what it is. I believe it said "Shadow" on the tank.

The setting was so perfect I couldn't resist doing a doctored version of the photo.

Before anyone asks. No, I did not use Instasham.

Madrid, NM

We took a day trip around the back of the Sandia Mountains, stopped in Madrid on our way to Santa Fe. Along with beautiful scenery and some small town shopping we saw a few cool cars.

Like this early 60s Chevy Bel Air, looks like the paint is original, and the interior was gorgeous all-white vinyl.

There was also this 80s (I think) Porsche, with a whale-tail spoiler.

And this vintage GMC.

Junk yard finds

We visited the scrap yard of Coronado Wrecking and Salvage, here in Albuquerque. They demolish and haul away buildings (or what-have-you) and many of the materials end up in their salvage yard, which is open to the public six days a week. It's a bit hard to find but once you know the way it's quite easy, simply sign in at their office an explore the yard in your vehicle or on foot. I went with some friends and classmates we were looking for steel tubing, chain, sheet metal, and inspiration. We found most of these things, and more:

Resembles a luggage-tug from the airport. Could this have towed YOUR suitcases?

MASSIVE dump truck, put into proportion by our lovely model, Patrick, from PariahCycle.

Imagine changing this flat by the roadside.

Something classy

Ruidoso NM (part II)

I don't know this mint colored one, anyone recognize this? Chevrolet Deluxe?

Big Boys Toys, apparently a great shop for bikes.

I absolutely love International Scouts, they're not Broncos, they're better.