The Amazing Cars of Key West

"Jagvar" (Jagvar) 07/14/2014 at 09:21 • Filed to: None

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Hey Oppo! I just got back from a long weekend in Key West. I've been there before, but never have I seen as many interesting cars as I saw this trip. Most surprising of all were the MG T-type and the Alvis TD21 drophead coupe, but they were really all gems. Here are the very Jalop-worthy rides I saw over four days:

I've seen a couple of E63 AMG wagons before, but this was the first time I'd seen the older E55. Very cool!

505Turbeaux > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:23

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lol I have the same shirt. Here is my daughter shaving my face with a popsicle stick (only one I have wearing it)

Also, do you EVER wear shoes? :)

thebigbossyboss > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:24

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BOAT!

MAXIMUMVRM > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:25

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love Key West but I never see cars

cabarne4 > 505Turbeaux 07/14/2014 at 09:28

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+1 seriously, dude, I'll buy you a pair of shoes. Do you realize how gross the ground is? Especially in places like Key West. No telling how much piss / vomit you're walking through.

WatMyner > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:32

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Is this car something to be excited about?

Jagvar > 505Turbeaux 07/14/2014 at 09:32

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You are a snappy dresser, sir.

Also, shoes are straight-up evil.

angusparvo > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:32

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This one looks like it might have come over from Cuba

kwkouki > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:33

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didnt see the lime green jeep with the zombie stuff all over it?!

505Turbeaux > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:33

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I just rock out adidas sandals all summer long. I give you shit but I rock out without the shoes often, but need something on my feet at least when I walk into the office and out...

Jagvar > WatMyner 07/14/2014 at 09:33

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Buick Reatta? Yeah, I'd wager a lot of Jalops would be excited to see that one. They're rarer than hen's teeth. And check out that digital dash! So '80s!

Jagvar > kwkouki 07/14/2014 at 09:35

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Must have missed that one!

Vicente Esteve > 505Turbeaux 07/14/2014 at 09:38

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I have the same shirt as well!!

drshaws > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:40

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Que? I am unsure how Reatta = jalop. I'd vote CP in every NP/CP instance where this vehicle was presented.

just me > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:41

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Is that a Buick Reatta? Stretching the meaning of the word "Amazing"

Jagvar > just me 07/14/2014 at 09:42

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Just enjoy the free car pictures, dude. :)

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:44

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"Late" Series IIa, '70 or '71. Selectro locking hubs, "Standard" version hood, front lights replaced and Series III upper door hinges/mirrors added. The tow hooks up front are also added.

Dean > drshaws 07/14/2014 at 09:48

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Because 80's Touchscreen CRT!

tobythesandwich > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:49

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So much hate for the Reatta. I wonder why everyone here is so negative about it. Sure it's an older GM product. And right now anything GM is the devil, and will kill you and your family. But the Reatta is actually a neat little car. Buick really was taking a chance. Sure it was a car killed by penny pinching, missed opportunities, and a clueless demographic. But that's not the point! It's still neat because it's fairly uncommon, had some neat old school tech, and is just neat to see once in a while.

I don't see an Allante and whine "oh, what garbage. The Merc SL was better." And it was. But sometimes you just gotta check your brain at the door and appreciate something relatively unique and interesting.

lazy_git > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:51

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I've had two Series IIIs - this looks like a Series II

Ted Ladue > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:52

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I was down there earlier in the month and also appreciated the cars. But the ones I like were (shockingly) the more beat up, zero fvcks given ones. An old Pathfinder with the roof cut off and not doors. A jeep with a milk crate for a seat. In a place that gets very little bad weather, I guess you don't need stuff like roofs and seats!

And also a lot of cool bicycles!

Jagvar > tobythesandwich 07/14/2014 at 09:52

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Yeah, I too am both perplexed and surprised about all these people harboring strong negative feelings about a Buick Reatta.

Coty > WatMyner 07/14/2014 at 09:52

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What a deprived life.

Jagvar > lazy_git 07/14/2014 at 09:53

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Cool! How were they to drive/maintain?

Mailbox Cancer > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:56

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Sheila Beauf?

Mailbox Cancer > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:57

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Weird. First time I've seen an E55 wagon as well.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > tobythesandwich 07/14/2014 at 09:59

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It should get mad props just for being a competent two-door Buick. The other two-doors of the 80s were kind of flakey with little other than tech disguising that they were rebadges. The mid-90s Skylark coupe was less than terrible, but it and the Riviera were sort of the last hurrah of the fancy executive two-door Buick - and if your last best hope is the 90s Riviera, that's just sad. I mean, Buick was pretty much built around the classy businessman, and made high-tech two-doors a thing .

Bubs > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 09:59

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Several years ago I got to spend a week in Key West, and I had a similar car-spotting adventure going on myself! Most of the time we were doing regular touristy-type stuff, but thankfully there was a fellow car enthusiast amongst my company so the two of us devoted an afternoon to just walking the streets of Key West and spotting all the cool cars / bikes. Cars aside, Key West is simply an amazing place!

FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:00

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In order of wants-

H1 hummer

Ford LTD

Tri 5 Chevy restomod

Hooker > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:00

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The want is oddly strong. Not sure why. Also, I am making plans to attend Cars and Coffee at Katie's on August 9th! Already have a hotel booked (Dulles airport? Seemed close.)

Vic-in-Norway > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht 07/14/2014 at 10:00

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With Cuba license plate too... interesting, is that even legal to drive Cuban car in USA? I know since no front plates in FL, it might just be a plate stuck on front bumper too to be cool, which it kinda is! :)

Chasaboo > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:02

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Yikes, wish I hadn't seen that E55 wagon, now it's on the must have list.

area man > just me 07/14/2014 at 10:03

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it's just you

damnthisburnershitsux > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:04

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RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Vic-in-Norway 07/14/2014 at 10:05

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Oddly enough, I don't think there's anything to prevent a Cuban car being driven in the US *in theory*. Cuba is a signatory to the convention providing for the International Driving Permit, so even with limits on diplomatic relations between the two countries, it seems a Cuban national (and presumably his car) in the country legally would be allowed to drive. The limit here would be driving a Cuban car to the US, of course (Cuban car raft joke goes here).

Probably in this case just a Cuban plate he got somewhere, although a SWB Land Rover can be floated with as few as 11 standard barrels quite easily.

Vic-in-Norway > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:06

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There was a tan and really rotten 1950's MG in the small neighborhoods around Hemingway house a few years ago. Also a really rusty, woops, I mean "patinaed" 70's Olds Cutlass that surely would have passed for Jalopobiles. Impossible to see all the cars in Key West in one go though of course, that place is indeed bigger than it looks!

RalphieDC > tobythesandwich 07/14/2014 at 10:08

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I've always had a soft spot for the Reatta soft top. Although I really don't like the car in red, which it seems all of them were painted. I prefer black like this one:

Although I don't think I would ever want to try to keep that digital/crt dash going with these cars going on 30 years old.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > lazy_git 07/14/2014 at 10:09

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It's a late IIa, either 70 or 71. '69 had non-recessed headlights. Whoever rebuilt it got some Series III hinges, though, hence the four mirrors.

godblessE39 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:09

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I'm guessing by that picture you posted in the comments that you owned a Reatta (I see a VW key ring). Besides the touch screen, standard equipment, and that they "tried", what made it special?

Jagvar > godblessE39 07/14/2014 at 10:11

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I've actually never owned a Reatta. The dashboard pic is from the Googles.

godblessE39 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:14

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Damn, I have no sleuthing skills.

Jagvar > Hooker 07/14/2014 at 10:15

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Awesome! I'll see you there. If you're by the airport, you're about 20 minutes from Katie's

Jagvar > FJ80WaitinForaLSV8 07/14/2014 at 10:17

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I was honestly shocked to see an H1 in the Keys. A lot of the roads there are reeeeeally narrow. It's got to be nerve-wracking to drive it around the islands!

Jayhawk Jake > tobythesandwich 07/14/2014 at 10:19

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Distaste for it is one thing, but people are straight up attacking Jagvar for including it. It's mind boggling.

Jagvar > Vic-in-Norway 07/14/2014 at 10:23

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Yep, there was a Florida plate on the back. Upon close inspection, the Cuba plate didn't even look real, or if it was, it had been repainted.

vc-10 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:25

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What the fuck is this thing? It looks like a knockoff Smart.

vc-10 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:26

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I think I need one of these T-Shirts...

tobythesandwich > RalphieDC 07/14/2014 at 10:27

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I don't think I've really seen many in red. All I ever see is black or that blue/teal color that Buick used in the early 90's

Jagvar > vc-10 07/14/2014 at 10:31

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That was my reaction, too. Apparently, it's an electric car called a Kandi Coco . Sounds like a stripper's name, but seriously, I'm not making that up.

the7thearlofgrey > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:31

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it's Key West and non of these? oh there all at the drive -in watching Richard Gere talk about uses for gerbels

RalphieDC > tobythesandwich 07/14/2014 at 10:31

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Really? It seems all I see is that red color of the one above or silver. I like silver but it hides the front turn signal lights and I think they are a nice styling feature on the car.

Roundbadge > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:36

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I don't get the dislike. I've always loved Reattas...mostly because they weren't the same as everything else being regurgitated by Buick in those days. Everything about them was cool. Who cares if it's not a brown diesel manual Miata wagon...

rosslitman > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:37

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The hell is this? Looks like some kind of weird Chinese Smart ForTwo knockoff?

Jagvar > rosslitman 07/14/2014 at 10:39

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It's an electric Kandi Coco. I'd never seen one either!

rosslitman > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:40

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I saw you're earlier post - so where can I find this Kandi Coco and does she make house calls?

filmlandgrab@gmail.com > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:40

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Kudos! Thanks for taking pictures of cars I would take pictures of! Gold star for the owner of that tri-5 Chevy and doing a FOUR DOOR, yessir!

Maxaxle > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:41

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Classy.

Maxaxle > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:41

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So easy to steal, but so cool.

Maxaxle > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:41

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AREGH

Maxaxle > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:42

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What's so special about a Volkswagen Fox?

Maxaxle > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:42

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Not sure if it should be destroyed on sight, or if it just needs offroad tires and more horsepower.

Maxaxle > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:43

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WTF. Why pink!?

Maxaxle > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:43

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FAZTR grocery getter?

Jagvar > Maxaxle 07/14/2014 at 10:43

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Jagvar > Maxaxle 07/14/2014 at 10:44

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It was actually red. Nighttime picture with a potato phone, so lighting isn't the best.

Brickman > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:47

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Did this one have the touchscreen CRT?

1995droptopz > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:54

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Expired MI plate...Blue plates only available from 1983-2007. After 2007 they mailed out the new white/blue lettering ones. The Lincoln is likewise not legal.

1995droptopz > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:55

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Expired MI plate...Blue plates only available from 1983-2007. After 2007 they mailed out the new white/blue lettering ones. The Lincoln is likewise not legal.

camb416 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 10:57

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dafuq

Quasistellar > MAXIMUMVRM 07/14/2014 at 10:59

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Yeah, driving actual automobiles is not really ideal there.

MAXIMUMVRM > Quasistellar 07/14/2014 at 11:01

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hell neither are scooters. Last tine there gf got hit twice.

SlabSheetrock > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 11:04

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My own contribution from our trip down to Key West in March. I would later see this car booted on Duval St. for parking illegally- and unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough with the phone to get a shot of the McLaren MP4-12C I saw the next day.

Vic-in-Norway > 1995droptopz 07/14/2014 at 11:10

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Pretty sure it is just a FL Antique plate:

Hooker > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 11:12

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Sweet! Looking forward to it! haven't been to a Cars and Coffee yet. 20 minutes is not bad at all!

PARTS+ACCESSORIES > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 11:13

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No Conchmobiles? Key West is the only place where glueing shells to your car is a bonafide thing. That place is crazy-wonderful.

1995droptopz > Vic-in-Norway 07/14/2014 at 11:21

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I don't think I have ever seen one of these...I learn something every day

Mr. Blue > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 11:30

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Can't find my picture of it so stole it off of Google, but there are a few really nice Jeepsters out on Fleming—

Spike_africa > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 11:45

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You can find some amazing cars in my home town area of the FL,Keys. The middle and upper keys have some really amazing beach bum cruisers and shit bag cars. I once had a guy try to sell me a El Camino with a cracked block, swearing the steam was because it had exhaust and was fast. Amazing characters down there.

Aphthakid > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 11:51

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There are a couple places in Key West where you can rent these weird electric cars. Didn't get any pics while I was there, unfortunately.

Doncommando > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 11:54

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Any good places to visit/eat around Key West? Visiting Miami and KW in August so I need tips from the locals.

Also, get some flip-flops. Hippie.

TheDon > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 11:55

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I should have taken photos of all of the jalop worthy cars I found in Boise this past week.

Jagvar > TheDon 07/14/2014 at 12:15

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What did you see? I'd expect to see a lot of tough old Ramblers and Scouts in that part of the country. But then, I've never been to Boise.

jkm7680 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 12:19

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Awesome findings, more Oppo then I thought out there. That looks like fun!

Jagvar > SlabSheetrock 07/14/2014 at 12:20

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Mmm...those fins...

scoob > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 12:25

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Pro-tip: Don't come to Manhattan!

Jagvar > 1995droptopz 07/14/2014 at 12:26

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It's a Florida "Antique" plate, actually.

Jagvar > scoob 07/14/2014 at 12:28

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Oh, I've been there. The doctors then had to saw off my limbs and transplant new ones.

eldo500 > WatMyner 07/14/2014 at 12:29

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There's a beat up Fox and a Smart Car in there, and you're questioning the Reatta?

derhoggz > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 12:32

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No.

Jagvar > derhoggz 07/14/2014 at 12:34

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Yeah, with a few exceptions, I'm against applying bumper stickers in general.

NigelAstydameiaburn4 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 12:40

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I've always loved LTDs—they're everywhere in all the cop/detective shows of the '70s, driven by bad guys and Feds (and now this Shooty McShooterson owner with his/her "My Other Auto Is A .45" sticker... Florida!!!).

Jagvar > eldo500 07/14/2014 at 12:42

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No smart cars pictured, actually. That's a weird electric car called the Kandi Coco. Very short range, and they sold for Tata Nano prices when new.

Airmon > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 12:43

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Key West has also had art cars for the 20+ years I've been there. Artists Rick Worth and Captain Outrageous ( just two that I can think of ) adorned cars, trucks and scooters. Here are some examples: http://ladyofthecakes.wordpress.com/2013/01/27/col…

Jagvar > Doncommando 07/14/2014 at 12:46

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There's a restaurant called La Te Da that always serves up amazing food, though it is on the pricey side. The "seahorses" (scallops wrapped in ham and drizzled with lemon butter) will change your life.

Jagvar > Brickman 07/14/2014 at 12:46

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A peek inside confirmed that yes, it did.

FCV-8311 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 12:48

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LTDs rock! :D

sefeing, actually bought an E46 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 12:54

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Key West looks a lot like Greenwich, CT car wise. hah

Doncommando > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 13:01

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Thanks! If there are any more, keep them coming! I'll be renting out a convertible like a typical tourista.

eldo500 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 13:19

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Interesting! I googled it, and it turns out you could get 'em for $865 in Oklahoma, thanks to a state rebate!

http://www.autoevolution.com/news/kandi-coc…

Jagvar > Doncommando 07/14/2014 at 13:29

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Eaton Street Seafood Market. Off the beaten path, and frequented almost exclusively by locals. They make AMAZING lobster rolls to order. Not to be missed.

Also, Conch Republic Seafood Company. Right on the water, it's a shaded, open-air restaurant, so it's an awesome place to cool off. It's very touristy, but the food is great. Awesome sandwiches and hand-cut fries. The grouper wrap is very tasty, and so is the key lime pie.

vc-10 > Jagvar 07/14/2014 at 13:32

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Did nobody think about it before they started marketing it?