Mr Lobster Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Amazing. Awesome stuff you've seen there, I really do want to go to USA just for a spotting trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddyramrod Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Mr Lobster, do it! Totally recommended. My tip is, hire a car and just dive bravely into the back roads, or at least the housing estates. You'll be amazed at the wealth of old cars that'll turn up. I couldn't believe all the first-gen Mustangs in SF. There's stuff in daily use, and shabby stuff parked on the street. And that's just in normal residential areas! Rural communities are the place to spot pickups, of the 70s-Ford-or-Chevy variety, almost every yard has at least one. If Barrett doesn't mind a brief hijack, I can post up some pics... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrett.in.the.USA Posted May 25, 2011 Author Share Posted May 25, 2011 Go ahead Eddy! Few more from the mean streets of SF Sorry about the photo quality of this one, I was trying to be subtle and not wave my camera around in this GR3 neighbourhoodDSCN1145 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr This place is great, always something of interest in or around it. Notice the Fulvia coupe peeking out from inside.DSCN1149 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Not sure how comfortable I'd be leaving any car parked round here, least of all a minty Mk2 JaaagDSCN1150 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr DSCN1151 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Cowhorn!DSCN1152 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr 70s Chevy action. The rustiest car I've seen in Ca. Still definitely would thoughDSCN1153 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr This was even betterDSCN1154 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Back at the Italian garage. Think this is the owner's rideDSCN1144 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Went out last night to grab food and didn't bother to take my camera ("it's only up the road, what's the point?") and saw a Datsun 2000 Fairlady roadster, another Dodge Dart wagon, early 70s Toyota pick up, Econoline pick up and several massive 70s barges.... lesson learnt! Asimo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordpoplier Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 your spots are fantastic! I'm the other side of the country and we get scraps compared to these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocket88 Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 Go ahead Eddy! Few more from the mean streets of SF Sorry about the photo quality of this one, I was trying to be subtle and not wave my camera around in this GR3 neighbourhood If that's a genuine Grand National please steal it, crate it, and send in my general direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garethj Posted May 26, 2011 Share Posted May 26, 2011 Top spots, keep it coming Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garycox Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 What's the white saloon? LUKS GR8. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddyramrod Posted May 27, 2011 Share Posted May 27, 2011 Some highlights from our trip last year, then... We flew into Las Vegas, hung around for a few days then drove to SF with an overnight stop at Fresno. Down the coast to San Diego, back to Vegas via a bit of Route 66, and eventually home.1978 Mercury Cougar XR7, owned by one bloke for 30+ years. I found it on the used-car lot next to our motel in Fresno. How I failed to hand over the cash I'll never know... 1962 Cadillac was just parked on a side street in San Diego. Having owned one (flimsy excuse, I know) I just had to stop and get a pic.And as I was shooting it, this came by...1964 Ford Galaxie.1955 Chrysler was on a nearby side street...Chula Vista marina gave us not only this lush 1935 Nash, but also this beautiful 55 Chevy!San Francisco gave us:Dodge was clearly a daily....And this Pontiac is the kind of thing you find when you just take off down random side streets. I love it!Kennedy Lincoln was parked outside a Starbucks, apparently it belongs to one of the staff and he uses it daily!Old Mustang, just as we turned onto 66 going back to Vegas!And finally...I wanted the biggest SUV I could get... Chevy Suburban fits the bill! Mine for two whole weeks, lovely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrett.in.the.USA Posted May 28, 2011 Author Share Posted May 28, 2011 Looks like you was in some right posh neighbourhoods Eddy, I have to dodge about 5 million crackheads everytime I leave the house to get fags or whatever. That 67 Dodge is awesome, one of my favourite shapes of Yankee motors. Loving the wheels on that '55 too Gary, the white sedan was a '72-ish Chevelle. Bloody cool eh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrett.in.the.USA Posted June 2, 2011 Author Share Posted June 2, 2011 Well. Probably my last spotting update from SF as I'm heading North tomorrow and most likely wont be back down this way again. DON'T PANIC though as I managed to have best day of spotting in my life today. Some proper OMGWTF moments coming up - enjoy Ok, these first three were from earlier in the week - shaky PreludeHonda Prelude Gen 1 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr And this massive old coach was parked outside my flat the other nightI wouldn't leave that there..... by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Insert your own oxidization jokes hereAlfa Spider by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Right, on to today's haul. Started with this Variant which I've been trying to snap for a whileVW Variant by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Then BOOM! Trigger's American cousin pops up from nowhere!Opel Kadett wagon by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrOpel Kadett wagon by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Not sure what the deal is with this, I've seen a couple about, invariably driven by some 'wacky' hippies. IIRC they are called Cushman Rangers, but I may be waaaaay off the markCushman by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Loads of these about but I figured I should pap one before I bugger offHonda Accord by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Lesser spotted more-door TercelToyota Tercel by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Proper motorChevy El Camino SS by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrGot another look on my way backChevy El Camino SS by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Love these, whatever they areBig pimpin' by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrBig pimpin' by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Hmm..Ratty Celica by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr GETTAFUGOUTAMYWAY!Airstream by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Forgotten what these are actually called here so I'm calling it a BluebirdDatsun Bluebird wagon by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr GMC by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Hold on, what's that....?Toyota Cressida wagon by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr WHOA!Toyota Cressida wagon by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr ZoomPeugeot 505 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Zoom-ZoomMazda 323 sedan by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr This looked very lonely and sad with it's lights upPorker 924 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Terminally rotten van - check out the A pillar on the full size version!Rotten canvas by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr PWPAlfa GTV by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Detective Stan Hirst - Undercover!Mercury Marquis by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrMercury Marquis by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Dodge by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Right, at this point I'd made it to the beach, my half way point, so I'll put the next lot up in a second - including some MEGA spots Asimo and michael1703 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrett.in.the.USA Posted June 2, 2011 Author Share Posted June 2, 2011 Okay.... Enjoyed the view of the ocean for a while, walked along the sea front and WTF! Subaru coupe by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrSubaru coupe by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Gotta be in the running for my spot of the trip, I don't think I even knew this style of coupe existed. This generation of Tercel is super rare nowToyota Tercel by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr This thing was pretty epicLoose Hat by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr I don't care what you lot think, this looked incredible, like it was the first time it had ever been outside. I have to say, US spec early Sherpas look ace with the all red rear light clusters and clear front indicators. The hardtop was the icing on the cakeMGB by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Okay, back to your normal programmingVW Scirocco Mk1 by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrVW Scirocco Mk1 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Celica Supra by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Think this Jeep is a cut-down mailtruckStrange bedfellows by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr original rat by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr That red one's a Valiant, btw - best shot I could getDead by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr I thought my luck in spotting mega rare J-chod would be all used up by now, but nope!Toyota Land Cruiser by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr One this early must be stupidly rare now, right?Toyota Land Cruiser by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Next street along, the American version!Jeep by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrJeep by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr One of the saddest most unbelievable sights I've ever seen... parked under cover but open to a fairly busy city streetDodge Challenger by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Chap also has this...Ford Torino by SanFranBarrett, on Flickrplus about another 4-5 70s Yanks that were parked off street and impossible to photograph Not sure what these are actually calledToyota Corolla by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Looks like it's done some jumping...Ford Fairlaine by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr More shortly... Asimo 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrett.in.the.USA Posted June 2, 2011 Author Share Posted June 2, 2011 I'd walked about 500 miles at this point, and I was about to walk 500 more. Before popping into a pub for 3 rapid pints, I manages to spot this bit of American muscleMercury Cougar Eliminator by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr And on my way out I saw this!Ford LTD? by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Not sure how I feel about this, looked alright I guessFord Maverick by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr HAHAHAHAHAH! What a crock of shit! what the?? by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Well, at least he hasn't stuck a friggin prancing horse badge...... oh, wait he has. LOLZ!Fierrarrioo by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Beast! by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr BROWNMazda 606 sedan by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr 50s ShiteDeSoto by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrDeSoto Fireflyte by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrDeSoto Fireflyte by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Solid gold shiteK-car? by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr GMC by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr VW Jetta by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Chevy wagon by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr BMW '02 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr I'm gonna miss seeing these about everywherePeugeot 505 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr I thought this was another 2-door Jetta thing but actually I reckon it might be a FoxVW Jetta by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr GMC truck by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Kia Opirus by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Beige RX-7 Mazda RX-7 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Sick of these nowBMW 2002 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Oh Hello!Chevy Nova by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrChevy Nova by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr heheheHippy Celica by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr GR8 4 FALLIN OVERFord Bronco by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr K GUYZ, more coming up in a second Asimo and Lacquer Peel 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrett.in.the.USA Posted June 2, 2011 Author Share Posted June 2, 2011 I'd had some seriously lucky spots at this point, especially with the old J-tin, so I was pretty nonplussed about seeing this old crockToyota Tercel by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrToyota Tercel by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Alright, I admit this was a surprise. I felt filthy taking a photo though because you just know the owner gets it all the time and he LOVES the attention. I just about managed to hold off from shouting BUT I ACTUALLY LIKE SHIT CARS LIKE YOURS!DMC Delorean by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Ah, this is more like it! A rare thing indeedDatsun Sunny by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Shit the bed!Honda Civic wagon gen 2 by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrHonda Civic wagon gen 2 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr This.....Dodge van by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr ....was parked opposite this....Chrysler Imperial by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr ...which was behind this!Plymouth Fury III by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr all three were about a block away from this suckaPlymouth Valiant by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrPlymouth Valiant by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr All of that is enough to keep me quite literally ERECT for a fortnight, but hold on a second!Toyota Corolla by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrToyota Corolla by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Datsun pick-up by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrThe camper was another Datto like this one, but there was someone inside it Celica ST by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Finally, the old punk dude I'm staying with rolls around in this, which is possibly the coolest van I've ever seenChopped Chevy by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrChopped Chevy by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Okay, that's yer lot! Not bad for one day of walking around eh? There might be a few more dribs and drabs from the next week but don't hold yer breath, like Asimo and michael1703 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volksy Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Don't know where to start with that EPIC update, apart from I want to live there!! Early Bronco and Landcruiser for me! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michiel Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 100% totally excellent, hard to pick a favo(u)rite. But since this post started a new page: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spottedlaurel Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Extraordinary! Difficult to pick a favourite, would I go for one of the obscure Japanese things or a random US land yacht? Subaru was sold in the UK, known as GLF. I remember one from the late ‘80s. The ‘Bluebird’ estate was called Maxima there, had a longer front overhang with a V6 stuck in the nose, but its otherwise as the version we got here from 1984-86. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garethj Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Dead by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr"Hirst's used autos, waddya want?" "Oh yeah? Well the transmission worked fine when you drove it off the lot. Don't you try and stiff me on the next payment or you'll have a lot worse than grinding gears to worry about!" Top work again, Barrett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Madman Of The People Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Extraordinary! Difficult to pick a favourite, would I go for one of the obscure Japanese things or a random US land yacht?The ‘Bluebird’ estate was called Maxima there, had a longer front overhang with a V6 stuck in the nose, but its otherwise as the version we got here from 1984-86. The Bluebird was actually called the Nissan Stanza in the States. The Maxima was a bigger car and, I believe, also available in the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brammy777 Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Such a good update, incredible to see what is still on the roads over there! Clearly the dry climate has done wonders for the older cars, especially the Japanese ones. Subaru coupe for me please, such a great design. RE the Maxima, they look very much like the U11 Bluebird we got over in Estate form (most notablly) up until 1990ish, the T12/T72 models sold in the US were badged as Stanzas, they were a bit iffy with the naming system over here as they actually replaced the U11 with the U12 in 1987, which we didn't get in the UK. Confusing model range at the time.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrett.in.the.USA Posted June 8, 2011 Author Share Posted June 8, 2011 Okay, here is possibly the last batch of US spots from me! Something by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Ford Galaxie by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrFord Galaxie by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Spoke to the bloke who owned this, I congratulated him on the size of his balls. Totally original, 42k miles, and he has an Elan +2 as well!Lotus Elite by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr El Camino by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Duel by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr VW type 2 truck by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Fiat 500 by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Okay, here are the final two, I hope you'll agree they are something a little special..... Stanza! by SanFranBarrett, on FlickrStanza! by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr And...OMNOMNOMNOMNOMNI by SanFranBarrett, on Flickr Ok, that's all folks! I'll be back at the weekend and possibly heading straight up to Bromley (or whatever it is this weekend) so maybe see some of you there? Lacquer Peel and Asimo 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torsten2001 Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 I particulately enjoyed the Ford Bronco, thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Bo11ox Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 This is the most awesome spotting thread of ALL TIME, splendid work Barratt Holmes!!!! Trying to pick a winner out of that lot is nigh on impossible, however i'll give it a whirl and go with the 'NO MORE VIETNAMS' Celica, also a big fan of the Ford Torino and Chevy Nova Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michiel Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 Dear Stanzanta, plz to send me that Stanza. What a GR8 car. And what a GR8 thread indeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shep Shepherd Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 That Stanza is really amazing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Mainwaring Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 I'm with Bollox, this is a friggin' brilliant spottings thread. Fuck the Stanza, I'm having that crusty Galaxie. Route 66 material, or wot?! Minor constructive note...the Duel car was a Plymouth Valiant, not a Dodge Dart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boobydoo Posted June 8, 2011 Share Posted June 8, 2011 Minor constructive note...the Duel car was a Plymouth Valiant, not a Dodge Dart. ...yes and they wanted a bright red one so it would stand out against the desert backdrops better when filming. Ditto on an excellent thread. Lord Barrett deserves an award for his efforts....well done , Mister!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garethj Posted June 9, 2011 Share Posted June 9, 2011 Top work, dude! Don't forget to get off with at least 2 air hostesses on the way back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barrett Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 I spent ages trying to find this thread the other day to pull a couple of pictures off, so I'm just gonna 'bump myself rotten' to make it easier in future, and because I guess lots of people didn't see this before, even though spotted threads are now mostly ignored. Can't believe it's ben five years since my last holiday ffs holbeck, alf892, Brodders and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cort16 Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 Great shite spotting, there's usually loads of old Shite in San Francisco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chaseracer Posted October 10, 2016 Share Posted October 10, 2016 A worthy bump, sir Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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