On the Day You Were Born ...

"Steve in Manhattan" (blogenfreude01)
11/14/2014 at 14:02 • Filed to: cadillac

In the fall of 1959, you could walk into a showroom and buy this - a 196o !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! Biarritz convertible.

On the day you were born, what was the car you would walk into a showroom and buy? Keep it reasonable - no exotics, no supercars, just some wheels for you to drive every day. My answer should be obvious.

DISCUSSION (93)

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:04

Same answer I always have - 1986, BUBBLEBACK TIME!

Kinja'd!!!

I would require a 5.0 under the hood and I'd be set

Mercedes Streeter > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:05

Since I have this crazy love for 90's Saturn, a 1992 Saturn SC!!!

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TheHondaBro > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:05

E36 BMW M3 from 1996, because you said I can't opt for a Jaguar XJ220.

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Bandit > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:07

Kinja'd!!!

Why must the 90s suck so much. Born in '96 car's a '97

505Turbeaux > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:08

Kinja'd!!!

'79 Fairmont Squire or probably what would be my choice, '79 Audi 5000

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CalzoneGolem > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:08

I'd walk in an buy myself a 1980 AMC Eagle wagon in black. I'd skip the pin stripes.

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camaroboy68ss > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:08

Kinja'd!!!

a 1992 Z28 Camaro in 90s-tastic teal

Party-vi > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:09

Kinja'd!!!

My actual (previous) car - a 1988 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L 5spd.

ly2v8-Brian > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:10

Kinja'd!!!

October 1989 so, early 1990 MY. Which I will go with the 90 M3

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:12

1985: The e28 M5 was introduced in the year of my birth. Oddly enough I should have posted this topic for tomorrow as it is my birthday on Saturday

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Steve in Manhattan > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
11/14/2014 at 14:15

Happy Birthday - mine is just gone.

Twism > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:15

Fastest production ''car'' in 91:

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Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:16

In June 1992, you could buy...

A 1993 Mazda MX-6

Kinja'd!!!

Probably minus those rims.

Also..

A FD RX-7, brand new.

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R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:16

Thanks so much!!

I had two this week: USMC birthday on the 10th and tomorrow is mine.

Steve in Manhattan > Twism
11/14/2014 at 14:17

I'd forgotten these exist ...

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:18

My SUV.

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It's a '95, but I was born in late '94, so it is plausible.

My citroen won't start > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:19

1989 535i

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Takuro Spirit > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:19

Something on the lot here:

http://jalopnik.com/5862830/proof-…

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Twism > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:20

as did most of the automotive community...
(it keeps prices down for mint versions, so let's keep it that way!)
They were stupid-fast back in the days:
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/gm…

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:20

Well, you could get a Trans Am in 1981,but I'd rather have a Rover SD1.

A SD1 V8-S in fact, in Triton green, the one in the picture is a '79, but they look pretty much the same.

Kinja'd!!!

Jcarr > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:20

'84 Grand National

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..or '84 Monte SS

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RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:21

Probably a 5.0 Capri:

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Slave2anMG > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:21

Kinja'd!!!

Coty > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:22

Kinja'd!!!

lone_liberal > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:23

If there was any way to swing the $6k retail price it would be:

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Chuck 2(O=[][]=O)2 > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:23

Kinja'd!!!

Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:23

'94 right here! Since I'm a tad late to jump on the Mk3 Supra wagon, I'm going with a Cadillac Fleetwood.

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RPM esq. > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:24

This is an impossibly difficult question for 1984. I'd have to flip a coin between these two murdered-out monsters:

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BMW 633csi

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Buick Regal Grand National

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:25

'84 / '85

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Steve in Manhattan > Twism
11/14/2014 at 14:27

Was there a Blazer version? Syclone?

Steve in Manhattan > RPM esq.
11/14/2014 at 14:29

I have always liked the looks of that 6 series. Very pure design.

shop-teacher > Bandit
11/14/2014 at 14:30

Nothing about that car sucks!

OK, that's not true, but I still love those.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:30

You could also buy a VW Fox in June of 1992.. My father did.

Kinja'd!!!

My choices are so obscure, images suck for these.

Ed, for the old good times > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:32

Around here it was much more of this:

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shop-teacher > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:35

A 1981 Oldsmobile Delta 88 coupe.

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My mom got a new '84 just like this when I was little, except it had wire-spoke hubcaps. It was the favorite car she ever owned. Man that thing was comfortable. If I ever find a clean one of these in midnight blue, I'll have to buy it.

shop-teacher > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:37

Yep, the GMC Typoon.

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shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
11/14/2014 at 14:40

The first time I saw one of those, I thought it was some weird aftermarket thing.

shop-teacher > camaroboy68ss
11/14/2014 at 14:41

Sweeeeeet.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
11/14/2014 at 14:41

lol

It hits all my targets

1) Different

2) Mercury

3) 5.0!

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
11/14/2014 at 14:42

It really is the perfect car for you!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
11/14/2014 at 14:44

YEP!

I love when people have to say "what is that?!" when I pull up.

Twism > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 14:46

GMC Typhoon

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Same recipe, but with added rear space and rear seats.

Bandit > 505Turbeaux
11/14/2014 at 14:48

None of this?

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Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge > RPM esq.
11/14/2014 at 14:49

Definitely the 633... Much better all-around car.

Bandit > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
11/14/2014 at 14:50

Recaro seats can't even convince you?

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Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Bandit
11/14/2014 at 14:52

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Trans Am, it's just that it won't do as a DD, I need more seats you see :)

Bandit > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
11/14/2014 at 14:53

2.73 is enough for everything! Hell, I fit my full size mountain bike in there and still had room for two people :p

505Turbeaux > Bandit
11/14/2014 at 14:58

I want it, but I could never make one of those work with my lifestyle. I wish I could!

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Bandit
11/14/2014 at 15:01

I spend most weekends at my familys cottage with 3 friends and more often than not a dog. So I need room for at least 4 people a dog and luggage. I'm the shortest one at 5 feet 8", as much as I'd love me a Trans Am it's just not feasible.

JR1 > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 15:08

Kinja'd!!!

Not the best era for cars but some gems can be found. Long live the 1994 Corvette!

Steve in Manhattan > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
11/14/2014 at 15:09

You and Clarkson.

JR1 > Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh
11/14/2014 at 15:09

That is an... odd choice. But whatever floats your boat!

JR1 > Bandit
11/14/2014 at 15:11

I feel your pain man. I do. Tis a dark era indeed.

MarquetteLa > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 15:14

Mazda sold their 323 GTX in the US in two years: 1988 and 1989. I was born in 1989, but the GTX I currently own is a 1988.

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Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > JR1
11/14/2014 at 15:14

Considering the fact that one of my dream cars is an old car from Wales (Gilbern Invader) I'd hardly say a Rover SD1 is an odd choice :P

Laird Andrew Neby Bradleigh > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 15:17

Yeah, one of the few things I agree with Clarkson on :P

Steve in Manhattan > shop-teacher
11/14/2014 at 15:23

That is a magnificent yacht. The neighbors had a medium blue 1969 2-d00r 98.

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T5Killer > Bandit
11/14/2014 at 15:26

How does that suck. Try being born in '81 there is pretty much nothing cool or fast available in the US. Btw you could step into a Ford dealer in '96 and get the 1st of the DOHC Cobras

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Steve in Manhattan > Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge
11/14/2014 at 15:26

Before I passed the NY bar, I passed the MD bar in 1997. Enterprise had nothing on the rental lot except this - drove it from DC to MD to take the test. All my friends from law school made fun of me (It's Morrie Seinfeld!), but they were more than happy to ride to lunch in it.

Steve in Manhattan > MarquetteLa
11/14/2014 at 15:29

Close enough for jazz, as they say.

LumberJunk > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 15:40

Born in November of 1993 I would likely have gone to look at the 1994 Acura Integra GS-R

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Also would have looked at the 1994 Saab 9000.

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Today I drive an '08 Saab 9-3. So the youthful me would have bought the Acura, only to realize that I really do need a 4 door to suit my lifestlye and I would have foolishly traded it in for the 9000.

LumberJunk > RPM esq.
11/14/2014 at 15:43

You're making me miss my 633csi :'(

I love everything about those cars.

Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 15:44

The haters can hate... I'd daily a B-Body Fleetwood in a heartbeat (if I could find a nice one). Most people don't bother to maintain these. :/

Carlitos the Fünfer > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 16:15

I'd go with a 911! 1993 was the start of the last air cooled generation (993).

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RPM esq. > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 16:22

aaaaaand thanks to this post I'm now spending my afternoon on Craigslist. Thanks, Steve.

JWLane83 > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
11/14/2014 at 16:28

Same. I had an 82 Mustang GT with a 347 in it. Insane car.

JWLane83 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
11/14/2014 at 16:30

I love all the four-eyed Fords!

shop-teacher > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 16:30

Niiiice!

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JWLane83
11/14/2014 at 16:31

4 eyed ford you say?!

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shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
11/14/2014 at 16:31

I bet you get that a lot in the Montego! I either get that, or, "Nice Nova!" when I'm in the Apollo.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
11/14/2014 at 16:32

hahahaha yeah, you know all too well my situation on that one don't you!

One car show a guy asked if it was an Oldsmobile (in his defense we were quite a ways a way from it)

shop-teacher > T5Killer
11/14/2014 at 16:32

Seriously! I tell you, these kids today! :)

JWLane83 > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
11/14/2014 at 16:43

Later. Think early Foxes

T5Killer > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 16:45

I was born in 1981 there really is no choice IMHO

DMC-12 (kinja doesn't allow me to post pictures at the moment) Seriously 81 was a very dark time I cannot name one car beyond the DMC-12 that is something I want. Even the mustang which is my default choice was bad in 81 it had a 255 v8 that had 120HP!

Steve in Manhattan > RPM esq.
11/14/2014 at 16:46

Hey - it's what I do best.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > JWLane83
11/14/2014 at 16:54

Meh, I like those too, but the classic I just posted is my Mercury Montego MX.

So it wins everything lol

shop-teacher > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
11/14/2014 at 18:03

I can actually see where he's coming from. The Cutlasses of that era have similar sillouettes, especially in the grill area.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 18:04

In the summer of 1998, you could order the upcoming B3 3.3 Alpina-BMW.

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This beaut made 276hp back in 1999. it was fucking insane

Steve in Manhattan > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
11/14/2014 at 18:20

And 276 from a straight six, if I recall correctly

Bandit > T5Killer
11/14/2014 at 20:08

1981 Trans Am Turbo Special Edition... I own one. Coolest american car of that year.

AMC/Renauledge > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 21:55

Kinja'd!!!

On March 4, 1983, you could walk right into a Chrysler dealer and pay way below sticker price for an Imperial coupe, Frank Sinatra tapes included. 1983 would be that generation's last year, and they sold poorly.

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However, if I were not a wealthy man, but the single accountant I am today, I'd have walked right past all the Alliances on the lot and bought an AMC Spirit GT. Also in its last year. 4.2L six. 5MT.

Steve in Manhattan > AMC/Renauledge
11/14/2014 at 22:03

That Imperial is our AM Lagonda, and probably just as reliable. And the Spirit was a good-looking chunk, and AWD if I recall correctly.

ranwhenparked > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 22:03

I'd go with either the grey market Citroen CX imported by CXA or an Avanti Coupe, since they were still making the real ones at the time.

AMC/Renauledge > AMC/Renauledge
11/14/2014 at 22:04

Kinja'd!!!

If I had lived in Europe, I would have picked up a Talbot-MATRA Murena. Also in its last year on the market.

AMC/Renauledge > Steve in Manhattan
11/14/2014 at 22:09

The Imperial was way more reliable than any Lagonda. By the '80s, that platform was rock-solid. The only thing that was iffy was the computer that ran the fuel injection system. Many Imps got retrofitted with carbs under warranty and the 318 V8 and automatic were bulletproof.

As for the AMC, it was a neat little car. But the Eagle SX/4 was the one with AWD. The Spirit GT was RWD.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
11/15/2014 at 11:59

Yea and from a distance its not that bad. I just like making people work for it haha

Jedidiah > Steve in Manhattan
11/15/2014 at 16:05

Needs to long, low, and luxurious. Too bad the 90s were terrible. 1995 Fleetwood or Town Car would have to do

Kinja'd!!!

Steve in Manhattan > Jedidiah
11/15/2014 at 17:03

I actually rented both of these cars back in the 90s - the Lincoln had (barely) better dynamics, and the Caddy tended to wander.

Jedidiah > Steve in Manhattan
11/15/2014 at 18:48

My dad bought a 93 Roadmaster when it was new — it was shit. It was really underdampened for its size and was made as if by throwing a magnet down the leftover parts room at GM.

It wandered all over the road. I was hoping that the Caddy would be different, but hearing that It doesn't give me much confidence.

Steve in Manhattan > Jedidiah
11/15/2014 at 19:00

Well, that car was an Enterprise rental in July 1994 (when I took the MD bar) but I doubt it was ever thrashed. 27K on the clock, if I recall correctly. Enterprise was out of Tauruses, wasn't going to let me have a Jag, and I wouldn't take an Astro panel van. I remember the poor dynamics, and the fact that it took me a good half hour the night before to find a space big enough for it near Dupont Circle, where I lived at the time.