Under-Appreciated '90s-'00s American Cars With Whitewalls

"ptak appreciates old racecars" (racecarptak) 07/10/2014 at 18:36 • Filed to: None

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My favorite category.

None of the pics are mine.

I think the PT Cruiser and the HHR are phenomenally designed cars from an aesthetic standpoint - especially the HHR (most PTs need a little modding to look really good).

I'd convert them to RWD, but I'd totally rock one.

wkiernan > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 18:39

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Fat whitewalls and Baby Moons would look pretty cool on a Miata.

ly2v8-Brian > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 18:40

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Take the 'wood' off I'd say this works.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 18:41

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I like the HHR aesthetically. I even like it mechanically in SS form.

I dunno if I'd call the 300 under-appreciated. It always seemed like everyone liked them.

ptak appreciates old racecars > wkiernan 07/10/2014 at 18:42

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YOU CALLED

Seriously though, that is the coolest Miata I've ever seen.

ptak appreciates old racecars > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/10/2014 at 18:42

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Everybody likes the 300, but they don't like it enough.

Don't mind me, I'm a bit of a 300 fanatic.

ptak appreciates old racecars > ly2v8-Brian 07/10/2014 at 18:42

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Agreed. The wood is a little kitschy.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 18:43

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Oh, I love the 300. It's such a badass car.

PS9 > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 18:44

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It takes real effort to make a PT Cruiser look not-bad. This still does not look good, but not-bad is a marked improvement.

ptak appreciates old racecars > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/10/2014 at 18:45

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It really is. To me, it was the first car to really have the "American automotive aesthetic" since the early '70s. It's very classy, but it doesn't try to be too classy, like a Rolls-Royce, because it has a bit of badass in it. It's the Humphrey Bogart of cars.

MIATAAAA > ly2v8-Brian 07/10/2014 at 18:47

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I think take the wood off and make this the panel van version of the HHR. Done deal.

ly2v8-Brian > MIATAAAA 07/10/2014 at 18:58

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also keep the visor (it actually looks good on this) and upgrade it to SS kit.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 18:58

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I want that 300. Add some more dish to the rear wheels and it'll look even more badass.

Firewrx234 > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 19:01

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This is a category I didn't even know existed!

MIATAAAA > ly2v8-Brian 07/10/2014 at 19:06

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This may actually convince me to buy an HHR. Who knew!?

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 19:09

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I was thinking of doing this with my 300 when I had it. it's a shame I never saw this picture before cause I would of totally done that. it looks just like how I had it pictured in my head.

ly2v8-Brian > MIATAAAA 07/10/2014 at 19:16

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They aren't bad looking little wagons. The interior is not impressive cheap materials, but it feels put together well. Not sure about how it drives, but those are my impressions from sitting in one.

JR1 > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 19:33

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Best PT Cruiser on the planet

trmoore09 > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 19:41

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I'm a fan of the neon. I would DD that for sure.

Frank Grimes > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 19:58

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I saw this recently I thought it was kinda cool and then it pissed me off. If you cant tell it says "LOST IN THE FIFTIES" below the license plate. That ruins it and makes me think the driver is a massive idiot. Your car sir is not built in the fifties! But you are such a fan of the fifties you bought a car from the 2000's and put moon caps and chrome wheels and pinstriping all over it and then put that stupid slogan on the back!!!! IT MAKES NO SENSE!!!!!!

I like the blue one above and this white one but that sticker makes me think the guy equates a HHR he striped and put wheels on with someone acutally into 50's cars and has built an actual Hot Rod.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 19:59

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The 300 is the rare car that really is all things to all people.

Makoyouidiot > ptak appreciates old racecars 07/10/2014 at 20:39

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That 300. Wow. WANNNNT

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > ly2v8-Brian 07/10/2014 at 23:23

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I like the wood, but since it's a custom why not real wood

ly2v8-Brian > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/10/2014 at 23:26

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You may be on to something.

quarterlifecrisis > Frank Grimes 07/11/2014 at 08:54

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Sort of related, at a show last summer I met the most awesome old guy ever. Like, late 80s old. He had his 69 Camaro at the show that he had done about a 2-3" chop on, was immaculate. But he was more inclined to brag about his project. He ran out to his car to grab some photos...he was building an HHR.

Although, this HHR had a custom frame, was converted to RWD, had a 9" and an LS7. He was a very cool old man.