# What's the most interesting car you saw today?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [May 21, 2014, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889 "2014-05-21T02:35:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 77

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**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\
**Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1522 "2017-04-12T13:04:48Z")

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Another two yesterday, but one was the same one from the day before.

My wife spotted a 1962 T-Bird (with the jet exhaust tail lights) on her way home from work.

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**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\
**Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1523 "2017-04-12T13:31:07Z")

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While car shopping this weekend, I came upon a funky looking Miata (so I thought) from the rear. After walking around towards the front, I discovered a Fiat 124 in dark grey, developing before my eyes. I haven’t liked a lot of the recent roadster designs (Miata, Z4, Sky, Solstice _shudder_), but this was a beautiful looking little ziparound. It may have been within my budget, but being utterly inappropriate for 5 months out of the year nixed that fantasy.

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**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\
**Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1524 "2017-04-12T14:21:15Z")

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> [@Chisquirrel](#):
>
> While car shopping this weekend, I came upon a funky looking Miata (so I thought) from the rear. After walking around towards the front, I discovered a Fiat 124 in dark grey, developing before my eyes. I haven’t liked a lot of the recent roadster designs (Miata, Z4, Sky, Solstice _shudder_), but this was a beautiful looking little ziparound. It may have been within my budget, but being utterly inappropriate for 5 months out of the year nixed that fantasy.

The Fiat 124 Spider was resurrected recently but I have yet to see one in the wild. I remember Super Bowl commercials for it.

I’m surprised to read this just now on Wiki ( **bolding** mine):

> [@](#):
>
> (The Fiat 124 Spider is) Largely **based on the fourth generation Mazda MX-5** roadster and **manufactured alongside it at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant** , the 124 **shares its platform, mechanicals, interior, top mechanism and windshield with the MX-5** , while featuring a Fiat-engineered and manufactured turbocharged Multiair engine, unique exterior styling and slightly increased length and cargo capacity over the MX-5.

I’ve seen the new Miata, but like I said, not the 124. I’m a fan of the Miata in general, but not this latest generation. [From pictures, though](https://www.google.com/search?q=Fiat+124+Spider&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=inv&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiot5-vjp_TAhVX1WMKHYwLB_YQ_AUIBygB&biw=768&bih=928), the 124 looks nice. It tugs at my heart a little because it reminds me of my first car, a 1979 Fiat X1/9 which I loved.

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**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\
**Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1525 "2017-04-12T14:51:40Z")

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> [@Bullitt](#):
>
> it reminds me of my first car, a 1979 Fiat X1/9 which I loved.

/snip

I had one of those too! Granted, it lasted about 3 days before the transmision was completely smoked. Given that the car was 25 years old at the time, the dealer agreed to just take it back and refund the money rather than try to repair it under lemon laws. It wouldn’t blast you back through your seat, but that thing handled like it was on rails.

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**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\
**Post date:** [April 12, 2017, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1526 "2017-04-12T20:39:25Z")

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> [@Chisquirrel](#):
>
> that thing handled like it was on rails.

It sure did, yessir.

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**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1527 "2017-04-13T01:31:28Z")

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I saw the “[Aviato](https://goo.gl/photos/JfrL6jXxsoq7syRAA)” SUV from the show Silicon Valley on the way home today. Unfortunately TJ Miller was not driving. Apparently the fake-branded Ford Escape is available to rent from a new company called Turo.

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**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1528 "2017-04-13T02:15:15Z")

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> [@blondebear](#):
>
> I saw the “[Aviato](https://goo.gl/photos/JfrL6jXxsoq7syRAA)” SUV from the show Silicon Valley on the way home today. Unfortunately TJ Miller was not driving. Apparently the fake-branded Ford Escape is available to rent from a new company called Turo.

FYI, Turo isn’t a regular rental company. It’s sort of an AirBnB for cars, where you can rent out your own personal car to other people (locals or vacationers) while you’re not using it.

As with other examples of the “sharing economy” (stupid fucking term), things can get a bit dicey when something goes wrong.

[Here’s What Happens When Someone On Turo Crashes Your Audi R8](http://jalopnik.com/here-s-what-happens-when-someone-on-turo-crashes-your-a-1792048817)

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**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1529 "2017-04-13T11:26:31Z")

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While at the store yesterday: A shiny, like-new, Dodge Viper. The car to its left was a Chevy sedan with faded paint, busted up headlight/fender, plastic taped over one window. But it was the Viper that seemed like the odd duck there.

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**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1530 "2017-04-13T14:56:03Z")

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A BWM i8 in grey and black.

Also, on the ride in this morning a Pontiac Torrent in white, with hot pink body cladding, window tint, and badges, and even a pair of hot pink fuzzy dice hanging from the rear view mirror.

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**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\
**Post date:** [April 13, 2017, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1531 "2017-04-13T22:08:17Z")

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[This Toyota Tercel](http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/driver-with-open-beer-log-suspension-stopped-in-west-quebec) has a novel suspension.

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**Author:** ![Enola\_Straight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dec6dc/32.png) [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\
**Post date:** [April 15, 2017, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1532 "2017-04-15T02:52:48Z")

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In the pit today I saw a McLaren  
[http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/consumer/1309\_motor\_trend\_the\_goods\_september\_edition/54284888/vorsteiner-mclaren-mp4-vx-front-three-quarters.jpg](http://image.motortrend.com/f/features/consumer/1309_motor_trend_the_goods_september_edition/54284888/vorsteiner-mclaren-mp4-vx-front-three-quarters.jpg)

And even park a Bentley SUV

[![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQGZAn0dHvM/Vm83qj19J9I/AAAAAAAAjTs/gwL_DcrxkbA/s1600/2016-Bentley-Bentayga01.jpg) ](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FQGZAn0dHvM/Vm83qj19J9I/AAAAAAAAjTs/gwL_DcrxkbA/s1600/2016-Bentley-Bentayga01.jpg)  
with a twin turbo V12.

But the MOST interesting car I saw was a 1952 Chrysler Saratoga.  
[![](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2653/4206783414_01e68246fe_z.jpg) ](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2653/4206783414_01e68246fe_z.jpg)

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**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\
**Post date:** [April 15, 2017, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1533 "2017-04-15T23:31:24Z")

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I parked next to a navy blue 1991 Cadillac Sedan de Ville Concours d’Elegance (similar to [this](http://www.fleetofcads.com/Brougham91.htm)). Owner said it was originally owned by [Tasty Baking Co](http://www.tastykake.com/).

Thing was yuuuge!

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**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\
**Post date:** [April 16, 2017, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1534 "2017-04-16T00:01:22Z")

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Today was a good day.

[ul]  
[li]A Delorean, parked on the side of the road along the beach[/li][li]A 2017 Chevy Bolt EV, the first one I’ve seen in the wild[/li][li]A 1970 Chevy El Camino SS in great shape[/li][/ul]

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**Author:** ![catflea12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f6c823/32.png) [@catflea12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catflea12)\
**Post date:** [April 17, 2017, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1535 "2017-04-17T21:41:29Z")

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Not today, but last weekend I saw an early 60s woody station wagon with a surf board on top. This is unusual because there are not a lot of places to surf in Nebraska.

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**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\
**Post date:** [April 22, 2017, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1536 "2017-04-22T13:17:47Z")

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I’ve been seeing more and more of these recently released [2017 Jaguar F-Pace SUV.](http://www.caranddriver.com/jaguar/f-pace) I like it.

I’ve only seen the Ferrari FF a couple of times around here. But here’s the latest version of it, [GTC4Lusso](http://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/9535/2017-ferrari-gtc4lusso-doubles-the-pleasure), and I absolutely love it.

I think the new [Genesis G80 Sport](http://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/9544/2018-genesis-g80-sport-to-start-at-55250) is a fantastic looking car and I’d seriously consider buying one if the dealership network was more substantial.

But what I’m really excited about is the [new design of Mercedes Benz](http://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/9414/mercedes-unveils-new-sensual-purity-design-for-small-cars-2).

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**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\
**Post date:** [April 22, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1537 "2017-04-22T14:07:40Z")

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I’m not quite sure it counts since it was unplated (but it could be; at least in some states; I think, as it has a “license plate light”) but in a HP parking spot at the bank was a [Palmer Twosome](http://palmerind.com/electric/hybrid.php). A guy with obvious mobility issues came out, sat down, started it up & zipped away across the parking lot. Don’t know if it then took it on the (busy) road or just loaded it onto a hitch mounted rack on the back of his car like I’ve seen with smaller scooters. I would think the latter would be more effort than just driving your car across the parking lot to get to the bank.

I’ve also saw him cruising down the bike trail on it.

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**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\
**Post date:** [April 23, 2017, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1538 "2017-04-23T19:52:18Z")

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A 1960 Austin Healey Sprite, last night in San Jose. Ivory color.

The bugeyed car, like this: [https://www.google.com/search?q=1960+Austin+Healey+Sprite&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjIg-CArLvTAhVKxmMKHdVDDLUQ\_AUICCgC&biw=1024&bih=672#imgrc=mIiGu8bVVbSMUM:](https://www.google.com/search?q=1960+Austin+Healey+Sprite&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjIg-CArLvTAhVKxmMKHdVDDLUQ_AUICCgC&biw=1024&bih=672#imgrc=mIiGu8bVVbSMUM:)

It was in excellent condition. I may have unintentionally irked the owner when I pulled up and innocently asked him, “Hi, is that a TR…?” I thought it was a TR-3. I now know, after looking them up, that they look quite different.

TR-3: [https://www.google.com/search?q=1960+Austin+Healey+Sprite&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjIg-CArLvTAhVKxmMKHdVDDLUQ\_AUICCgC&biw=1024&bih=672#hl=en-us&tbm=isch&q=Triumph+TR-3](https://www.google.com/search?q=1960+Austin+Healey+Sprite&client=safari&hl=en-us&prmd=sivn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjIg-CArLvTAhVKxmMKHdVDDLUQ_AUICCgC&biw=1024&bih=672#hl=en-us&tbm=isch&q=Triumph+TR-3)

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**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1539 "2017-04-24T10:29:38Z")

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Yesterday parked at the local In-n-Out was an early 1980s Fiat X1/9, all white including its targa top.

As I’ve mentioned here or in other threads, the first car I ever bought was a 1979 X1/9, and I loved that car. Not a lot of HP but it would cruise at 100mph pretty effortlessly, and it handled like it was on rails.

I also saw a red targa Ferrari 308 GTS on the freeway, the Magnum P.I. car.

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**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1540 "2017-04-24T16:33:04Z")

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I just spent a week in Moab Utah and saw too many older trucks to count. Lots of GM and Fords from the 50’s and 60’s, but also a bunch of Willys, Internationals, and Dodges. My favorite was a 1950’s era Dodge Power Wagon fitted out with a huge sound system that was billing itself as a party truck, available for rent.

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**Author:** ![Chisquirrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6bbea6/32.png) [@Chisquirrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chisquirrel)\
**Post date:** [April 24, 2017, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-most-interesting-car-you-saw-today/688889/1541 "2017-04-24T16:48:00Z")

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> [@Bullitt](#):
>
> and it handled like it was on rails.

It sure did, yessir.

No interesting cars for me lately, though I do get to test drive that purdy little Fiat 124 tonight, and possibly the Nissan 370Z if time allows. Who knew car shopping could be so fun?

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