Oppo, What's Your Automotive Niche? 

"Spridget" (dustbustervans) 07/14/2016 at 18:17 • Filed to: None

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As I was talking to Jake Huitt- owns zero reliable cars about !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , he asked a rhetorical question of why he loves old Alfas so much. That got me thinking- as much as everyone on Oppo loves all sorts of madness, there always seems to be one type of car that we like above all others- our own automotive niche. For me, I’d have to say Citroens; I love everything they’ve done pre -1990, which is really my cutoff for all cars, and wouldn’t hesitate to drive any of them. I also dig vintage VWs (as do many others here), Renaults, microcars (though as much as some people here), and MG Midgets. What’s your automotive niche, Oppo?

djmt1 > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:22

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VIP styling. I don’t know why but it just sits so well with me.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > djmt1 07/14/2016 at 18:24

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That LS.. hnggghhgg

Spridget > djmt1 07/14/2016 at 18:24

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Or this?

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:26

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French cars, Czech cars, box flares, 60's muscle cars, my TA...

I don’t like to be labeled, I like lots of things.

MultiplaOrgasms > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:26

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Hmm...

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:27

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So far my niche seems to be cars that are actually totalled by rust structurally. Land Rover - frame rust so bad only the corner welds of the four-sided sheet chassis were left. My chassis right in the middle was approximately six thin wires. The Ranchero was purchased with chronic floorboard existence failure and firewall failure right at the ends of the rocker panels. The Lincoln needs new entire rockers, full stop.

djmt1 > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:28

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Nah, way too classy.

djmt1 > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem 07/14/2016 at 18:29

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Normally it’s not a good looking car but someone has worked wonders there.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:30

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My tastes are highly diverse and cannot be labeled.

Oh.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > djmt1 07/14/2016 at 18:30

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The right wheels and fitment work wonders

MonkeePuzzle > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:34

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early 2000s Japanese, sporty versions of boring cars.

Impreza WRX, Civic R, things of that soprt.

I do know Jake (who owns zero reliable cars) wishes it was Alfas too :D

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:38

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Pickup trucks

Pre-2005 BMWs

Had an E36 M3, have a manual V6 S10. Will own multiples of each, I promise.

MarquetteLa > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:38

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I’m kind of a slut for Mazda (Honda in background not mine).

Miatas, awesome little homologation specials like my GTX, RX-7s, assorted rotaries like RX-3s and Cosmos, AZ-1s, weird little cars like the MX-3, IT DOESN’T MATTER JUST LET ME PUT MY BODY IN THEM ALL

Land_Yacht_225 > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:40

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If it was expensive when it was new, but isn’t anymore, I’m all over that.

Oh, and they have to be standard, 3-box style sedans. In a word: flagships.

Berang > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:40

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I think my tastes mainly fall into two categories.

1: Vehicles where it’s evident engineers came up with some ingenious or original idea to solve problems instead of just copying everybody else.

Like the subaru 360, or the citroen ds:

And “honest” cars, where the mechanisms that make them work are simple and readily accessible/visible.

A 2cv exemplifies this, but many older vehicles to varying degrees are rather honest vehicles.

FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem > MultiplaOrgasms 07/14/2016 at 18:44

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That’s an interesting niche. Where can I acquire one?

Amoore100 > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:45

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Volvos and Citroens. Many hours spent on Swedespeed and Citroenet...

OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:47

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Hmm... i wonder what mine is.

TheJWT > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:48

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Looking at the cars I’ve owned, and the ones I want to own, I guess a majority of my interests lie in the mid 80's to early 90's. To me, that was kind of the sweet spot for sports cars when they had just enough technology to not break every hour, but still feel mechanical and connected.

Out, but with a W - has found the answer > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:51

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Roadsters, all of them.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:53

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I’d say mine is pretty well established. :)

Clemsie McKenzie > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:58

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Racecars. Old, new, I don’t care. But there’s something about racecars, the fact that they were designed to do one thing and one thing only: complete the race faster than anything else can. There’s a brutal honesty to race cars that I love: if it doesn’t help winning, it’s not on the car.

Some represent the best mankind could do at the time; others are simply ingenious ways to make your dad’s car go faster than his neighbor’s. It doesn’t matter, they exist solely to beat the opposition.

I just love their focus and purpose.

smobgirl > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:58

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70s Datsuns, 80s Toyotas, 90s Hondas.

And/or small vehicles that are comically under- or over-powered.

Saracen > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 18:59

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VW’s, including luxury VW’s (Audi) and fast VW’s (Porsche).

Diesel powered anything

Land Cruisers

Vintage sports cars (Alfas, Datsuns, Ferraris, etc)

vicali > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 19:14

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Tacomas and Aircooled VWs;

interstate366, now In The Industry > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 19:16

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The Honda Prelude. I currently own three, haved owned seven overall. Two 5th gens, 2 4th gens, and 3rd gens. The stable is one of each right now.

Future next gen S2000 owner > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 19:24

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Latest and greatest. I can appreciate a car’s place in history, but I’m all about next year’s model. Current object of my desire, Ducati Panigale 959.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 19:27

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I don’t think I really have one.

E92M3 > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 19:28

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I like all sorts of 50's and 60's American cars and trucks. That’s probably my favorite genre. But, I also like german cars (BMW ///M cars and Porsche’s), new and old.

Your boy, BJR > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 19:34

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Gangster cars. If it’s owned by hairy handed men in gold jewelry and lounge shirts, it's for me.

RallyWrench > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 19:39

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Jeez, where to begin? Old VWs, Porsches, Enzo-era Ferraris, Lancias, old Fords, European sports racing and endurance cars, pre-malaise era European road cars in general, and so much more. I think I occupy several niches of enthusiasm, but as far as actual cars I spend my own money on go, I seem to keep coming back to pre-OBDII BMWs back to the 2002.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 19:41

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I would have said Pontiac, but that didn’t quite seem true since the cars i lust after are about as eclectic as my taste in music. Lets just say I love classic jazz and heavy metal... so yeah my iTunes is varied. Thinking about most of the cars I dream to own one day a theme becomes very apparent. The car must have a V8, manual trans, and two doors. Lets review.

ETC......

Nimbus The Legend - Riding on air like a cloud > djmt1 07/14/2016 at 20:27

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hey! i resemble that remark!

Die-Trying > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 20:29

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pre-trendy(stuff before its popular) old cars and trucks......... look for squarebody 4x4 to make a comeback SOON............

ranwhenparked > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 20:32

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Grand tourers, followed closely by personal luxury coupes.

fhrblig > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 20:38

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Oh good lord, there are so many niches I subscribe to I’m not sure if I can remember them all. Let’s see...

I love AMC cars. I don’t know why, it makes no sense. We never owned one, and their history is checkered. It doesn’t matter. I love them all. I came very close to having a decrepit ‘80 Spirit AMX as my first car, and I was very bummed that it didn’t happen. Just today I was passed by a ridiculously cherry AMX and I nearly lost my mind. It was in amazing condition and the most beautiful red, it brought a tear to my eye.

Next, I love orphaned cars. Anything that has disappeared from the American market in the last twenty years grabs my attention. Daihatsus, Peugeots, Alfas (even though they’ve returned), anything along those lines. I would kill for a Peugeot 405 in good condition.

After that, I love pickup trucks. Specifically I love the bare-bones variety. No options, rubber floor, row-your-own gearbox, hand crank windows, etc. There’s something so honest about them.

Finally, big old-man cars. The Lincoln Town Car is a good example. Floaty, comfy, huge. Anything that feels like a sofa floating down the highway is perfect. If I can set the cruise control, fire up a cigar, and just knock out mile after mile, I’m a happy camper.

Spridget > djmt1 07/14/2016 at 20:41

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You can never be too classy.

Spridget > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 07/14/2016 at 20:42

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.

Spridget > FSI - alcohol enthusiast with a car problem 07/14/2016 at 20:42

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K-Mart

djmt1 > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 20:44

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I know my place.

My bird IS the word > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 20:45

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Gaudy ass show off mobiles.

Likes

-trans am

-tvr sagaris

-Lamborghini

-kit cars

-ruf 911s

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 20:49

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Fast practical vehicles, preferably RWD and V8.

I have a particular attraction to fast small trucks (including Ute/El Camino style) and anything that can be referred to as a “4-door Corvette”, IE ‘96 Impala or the SS.

Spridget > Berang 07/14/2016 at 20:55

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I think the 2CV also falls into the first category- There’re so many ingenious little engineering touches that no other car at the time had.

Spridget > Clemsie McKenzie 07/14/2016 at 20:58

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Excellent choice in photo car, but not the best Alpine IMO:

Spridget > MarquetteLa 07/14/2016 at 20:58

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Woah got a little rapey at the end there.

Spridget > RallyWrench 07/14/2016 at 20:59

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Yeah, I’m definitely into pre -’80s Euro cars in general, but the ones above in particular.

Spridget > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 07/14/2016 at 21:06

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Chevy S10 and BMW M3. Have there ever been two more different vehicles from the same time period in the same garage?

Spridget > Your boy, BJR 07/14/2016 at 21:07

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You should get one of these:

Spridget > OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars 07/14/2016 at 21:07

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Ferds?

Spridget > Amoore100 07/14/2016 at 21:08

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Citroenet is an amazing website. Citroen enthusiasts are some of the most loyal fans ever.

gmctavish needs more space > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 21:16

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Generally, pre-1995 BMWs and Volvos, those categories include some of my favourite cars, attainable and unattainable.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 21:25

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I actually sold the M3 to buy the S10. I went from a top line BMW to a base model truck.

Though I plan to buy another M3 eventually and never plan to sell the S10 so eventually they will share parking space.

Your boy, BJR > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 21:35

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I want one of those cars. I think they're one of the coolest ever made. Brad Pitt drives one in Killing Them Softly, which is a fucking underrated movie.

wiffleballtony > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 21:54

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I only own V8 cars from US marquees. With that said I only have two cars so it’s not a big feat.

Amoore100 > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 22:17

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Saabs, Peugeot/Talbot/Simca, and Renault/Alpine/Matra are relegated to second place, but I love them all the same.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 22:27

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Similar to you! I love pre 90's Citroens - also love a number of pre-’85 or so Peugeots (204,304,504,505).

My biggest love, though, is “simple” and smaller displacement cars, no matter how terrible :P...the FIAT 126 (especially the 126p), the classic FIAT 500, the FIAT Topolino, the Autobianchi Bianchina and A112, the Citroen 2CV/Dyane/Ami, the Citroen HY, the Trabant, the Wartburg, Japanese Kei vehicles, scooters (300cc or less)...you get the idea :P

The 126p and classic 500 are my favorites though! ;)

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > Spridget 07/14/2016 at 23:22

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Chevys, BMW, and hot hatchbacks.

Because I’m a crazy person.

Autofixation > Spridget 07/15/2016 at 02:29

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All wheel drive wagons.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Spridget 07/15/2016 at 06:22

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Basically anything made by the Leyland side of BL during their most breaky years, with a couple of Jags thrown in. Preferably cheap and projecty.

Add to that a handful of 70s/80s Alfas, Lancias, Maseratis and a hydropneumatic Citroen or two.

Basically anything a bit (lot) breaky too by the sounds of things!

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Spridget 07/15/2016 at 08:09

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I love 80's Japanese cars, especially Toyotas.

/beginshamelessplug

Heck, my friends and I love them so much we started Japanese Classics of Virginia and host a bunch of events through the year, from BBQ meets to cruises through the mountains. If you have some old J-tin in the VA area check us out

/endshamelessplug

Pickup_man > Spridget 07/15/2016 at 11:59

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Pickups, I love (almost) anything to do with them, lowered, lifted, slammed, bagged, jacked, hotrods, lowriders, mini trucks, pulling trucks, mud trucks, original restorations, restomods (my favorite type), work trucks, farm trucks, city trucks, luxury trucks, fast ones, slow ones, big ones, small ones, American trucks, Japanese trucks, Canadian trucks (also my favorites because they’re American, but not, ie. Mercury pickups) Euro trucks, car trucks, monster trucks, I even like (some) bro trucks (just not the typical people who drive them). So in general, I like pickups.

Pickup_man > CaptDale - is secretly British 07/15/2016 at 12:05

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Eclectic tastes in music is the best taste in music, my phone will go from Johhny Cash, to Kesha, to the Fratellis, to Eric Church, etc. etc. etc. and I’ll sing along to every one of them.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Pickup_man 07/15/2016 at 13:06

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Same here. I like that it freaks people out. The only music I can say I don’t like is gangster rap and backwoods country.

Clemsie McKenzie > Spridget 07/15/2016 at 18:32

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So many different Alpines, so much to love... I’m a big fan of Le Mans Alpines, but I see where you’re coming from!

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Spridget 07/15/2016 at 18:46

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anything that has a purpose or super high tech

I love or racecars or honest old cars also something that has core purpose, like a unimog.

on the other end super high tech. Pagani, F1 cars.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > MonkeePuzzle 07/16/2016 at 03:46

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I’ll have you know I think I might have somewhat found a way to keep both. I really hope so. I really can’t bring myself to kill an alfa. As an aside, you really should come over and wrench sometime.