Dogs. Hyundai PR. Weird cars. Champion of the odd, the unappreciated, the forgotten, the misunderstood. MOG SUPER 3/BADSQUATCH/PAO/SPG/MX5/CRX/R53 GP/PALISADE
Friends, it’s time to come clean. I’ve been keeping a big secret since Halloween.
Meet Bimble, our new Morgan Super 3. I placed a deposit in March of ‘22, so we waited patiently a long time.
It’s real, it’s spectacular and it's already got over 700 miles on it.
It's family.
This is terrifying: a marketer pinged me for quote permission — common for a journalist. Only I didn’t recognize the text as something I’d ever said. Pumping it into Google returned nothing.
I asked where he got it: ChatGPT. AI fabricated a quote and attributed it to me.
🧵
I’m not naming the marketer because he did the right thing by attempting to verify the quote with me and he engaged with me courteously and appropriately.
But this should scare the hell out of all of us in #journalism, and indeed, everyone who ever puts content on the internet.
Bourdain.
Genuinely think about him and his work every week.
As a rule, I’m not one to fixate on celebs of any type, but he really seemed like he had come into his own personally and professionally, so his suicide was a real shock.
Admired his craft and his mission to unite.
That’s exactly my point: he wouldn’t have, because I never said it. It’s not an opinion I hold about that particular tech, but that’s honestly the least of my concerns about this issue.
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1987. Honda. Accord. LXi. Hatchback.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this winning example of peak Honda. Low cowl; MANUAL TRANSMISSION; great ergonomics, visibility.
$7,999 and 110k on the clock.
sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/…
Hyundai’s design bravery here is incredible. Zero references to past (successful) generations in a class of SUVs known for iterative, safe designs like CR-V and RAV4.
I think this looks utterly fantastic, but it won’t be for everyone and I’m sure Hyundai is 100% okay with that.
Has there ever been a car where two side-by-side occupants have sat more inboard than the Vector W2?
Incredible tumblehome and the sills to end all sills.
ALT Image via https://www.facebook.com/groups/vectormotors/permalink/10159378314675759/?mibextid=W9rl1R
Insane. As I’ve been saying to others, imagine if I wrote about a more widely consequential topic like religion or war or medicine or politics, or if I had a bigger platform than my little corner of the world. The potential damage of a whole-cloth fabricated quote is immense.
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1974. Porsche. 911. Targa. LIMOUSINE.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this ex-One Lap special built for Benihana founder Rocky Aoki. It’s got a bed, a sink and a 959 body kit. What else could you need?
losangeles.craigslist.org/la…
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1985. Honda. CR-X. Si. CONVERTIBLE.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this tidy, Radwood-ready Straman conversion. 104,400 miles. Manual.
When was the last time you saw one? (Have you *ever* seen one?)
fresno.craigslist.org/cto/d/…
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1982. Dodge. Challenger.
Not that one. Or that one. THIS one.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this tidy two-door Mitsu in ‘Merica garb.
When was the last time you saw one? (Have you *ever* seen one?)
losangeles.craigslist.org/ws…
I know Honda made roughly a billion of these in the Nineties, but what are the odds of seeing two green ones randomly parked together like this today… let alone such clean examples?
The owner of this Infiniti M45 tells me he designed his own headlights and trim. I personally prefer the originals but admire the creativity and craftsmanship.
I know these Y34s landed with a thud in the US and many people aren’t fans of the looks, but I’ve always liked them.
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1992. Porsche. 968. Oak. Metallic. Green.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this verdant vision. Claimed one-of-30, w/tan cabin + God's Own Gearbox.
Lots of miles but recent refurb. $16k. Nice price?
sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto…
Was on my way to return my rental car before catching a flight out of Cleveland when I spotted something odd by the side of the road. Couldn't help but double back and take a closer look.
(*Insert Bob Seger theme song pun here*)
I bet there is a lot you didn't know about how much taxpayer money police spend to manipulate what you see in the news. Read about it here: equalityalec.substack.com/p/…
Found a second Saab this morning. It's not part of the #Wagonfest show, but hoo boy, this 900 was worth the wait.
Chairs, flares and perhaps most impressively, an uncracked dash.
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1983.AMC. Eagle. Wagon.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this root beer float, this OG SUV. You gotta love a Radwood-ready family-style 4x4 that rocks plaid AND steelies w/OWL rubber.
120k, $7,500.
sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto…
Apparently a certain YouTube star decide it would be smart to hoon his new Ferrari across a dry cornfield.
It went about as well as anyone could reasonably expect.
Personal News:
After nearly two decades at the wheel as an automotive journalist, I’ve taken off my editorial hat for an amazing opportunity. I’m proud to announce I’m Hyundai Motor America’s new head of product PR!
Thrilled to help lead the hottest brand in the biz. Let’s go!
It might just be because I miss Japan so much, but the debuts coming out of the Tokyo Motor Show are making it feel like this is the best one in many years. In fact, it might be the best auto show in many years, period.
Surprising number of sports cars and cars in general.
It doesn’t just find previously written information. It’s not just a search engine. It’s capable of wholly inventing things, including quotes.
I just looked up my dad, an immigrant Czech musician. It got his origin right and some dates, but made him a mechanical engineer.
I was truly excited for the new Meyers Manx 2.0. It looks fantastic and promises brisk all-electric performance.
I just received initial pricing info, and it’s just about killed whatever excitement I had.
$74,000 base price, $125,000 Launch Edition.
Prepare for cancelations.
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1986. Zimmer. QuickSilver.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this chrome-nosed, go-for-baroque curiosity. The last time you saw one was C/D’s notorious ‘87 cover.
Fiero bones, this one has a Chevy V8.
sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/…
Say “hello” to my little friend, our new Mini Cooper S JCW GP. 42k miles. One of 2000 (415 sold in US), this R53 remains the zenith of modern Mini to me. I’ve wanted one since ‘06, but couldn’t swing it then.
Light, focused and backed by mega supercharger whine, it’s huge fun.
Randomly outside my brother’s hotel in Landshut, Germany this morning: The most amazing assembly of @BMW 507s I’ve ever seen.
He said his room stunk of exhaust fumes — even with the windows shut. That’s premium air. What is this, $25M in Bimmers?
An amazing sight.
In case you’re wondering what the new 2019 @Lamborghini Urus sounds like, here’s a taste of it in full-angry corsa mode.
No V12 shriek here, this turbo V8 burbles and pops.
@roadshow @cnet#Urus
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1991. Plymouth. Laser. RS.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this slipstream Diamond-Star rarity.
Not AWD, but ultra rare and in good shape. When was the last time you saw one, let alone this clean?
sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/…
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1979 Mazda. 626. Coupe. Manual.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this minty, multi-award-winning 59,200 mile-coupe. When was the last time you saw one?
The price is very ambitious, but find another one.
losangeles.craigslist.org/sf…
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1986. Nissan. Van. GXE.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this two-tone space egg. Safety-second cabover seating position. Factory fridge.
When was the last time you saw one? (Have you *ever* seen one?)
inlandempire.craigslist.org/…
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1974. Mercury. Comet.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this mustard hero. I6. Three on the tree. 40k. Bumpers like park benches. Seats like a Michael Cera shirt.
When was the last time you saw one?
orangecounty.craigslist.org/…
Hot Take: 911 Dakar and Huracán Sterrato are going to provide better ownership experiences for most buyers. Not track days, everyday life. The extra clearance will make driving much easier/more enjoyable - less vulnerable to speed bumps, curbs and tall intersecting road crowns.
Always a treat to see a Polestar 1 on the prowl.
Loved driving one — enjoyed it way more than I expected I would. For my money, it’s still one of the best-looking cars in recent memory.
Forget Ford, I'm not sure there's a more consequential model for the entire industry than the Lightning. If it wasn't good, it could singlehandedly set EV adoption back years.
After spending a week in this Platinum, I think it may be good enough to pull the timetable *ahead.*
ALT 2022 Ford F-150 Lighting pickup in front of mural.
Like Tony, I’m a journo who takes great joy in traveling frequently for work, meeting people and eating too much good food along the way.
Needless to say, I’m hugely fortunate to do so, yet I’ve also struggled w/depression (which helps explain why Tony’s death hit so hard).
My immediate thoughts upon reading this, in order:
1) With Tesla’s panel gaps?
2) I can only imagine the company’s legal team is having a substantial freakout with this assertion.
3) Cybertruck owners, be sure to read the fine print on your warranties.
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1961. Chevrolet. Corvair. 4x4.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this lifted, Jeep-Wrangler-based knobby Nader nightmare. V8 power, caged and more cohesive than it has any right to be.
Is $21,000 crazy?
orangecounty.craigslist.org/…
A Rover SD1 is among the last cars I would expect to find in the middle of Nowhere, California. Spotted it keeping company with the derelict remains of Fifties and Sixties pickups and battered construction equipment. Had to make a U-turn to capture these images.
Every time I get ready to sell my CRX Si, I take a drive in it and reconsider.
This morning I pressed this 35-year old into commuter duty and it reciprocated pure joy.
Gotta love low-cowl-era Honda. OK!
This ‘49 MG TC was running Blizzaks, which is hilarious. Owner says they were on clearance at Tire Rack for around $80 and they’re a fitment originally designed for the BMW i3. 🤣
He says they’re still far better to drive on than vintage-pattern tires (e.g. Coker). I believe it.
Exciting Personal Update: As some of you already know, I am Edmunds’ new Director of Video, Editorial!
I’m a couple of weeks in already, and I’ve been bowled over by the talent and passion on this team. Truly psyched to lean into video production as my main focus.
Let’s go!!
Here we go, friends.
This is my 1984 Volvo 245 pickup — AKA “Brickup,” a one-off conversion.
B23F Redblock underhood. Essentially stock outside of its... err... restyling.
Absolutely unkillable.
Appreciate the opportunity to join #radathome, @radwoodofficial! #VRadwood
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1988. Dodge. Shelby. CSX. VNT. PROTOTYPE.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this Shadowy, Radwood-ready hot K-car with its pioneering variable-nozzle turbo + logotastic seats. Sunbaked. Titleless. Needy.
shorturl.at/gpNX7
Coincidentally, fellow US auto journo Dan Neil showed up to Morgan Motor Co. this morning as well.
Naturally, Mr. @WSJ had to show me up in my rental VW Golf in fabulous style with this Alpine A110 press car. 🤣
Quite a spec.
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1986. Dodge. Colt. Vista. 4WD.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this teal-licked steelie van, this Chariot of mire, a rare Mitsubishi captive import. Manual. 120k.
When was the last time you saw one?
inlandempire.craigslist.org/…
Apparently this 1980 Datsun 280ZX hammered at Monterey for... $231,000. 🤯
28 miles from new and one of 500 10th Anniversary Editions.
The pre-sale estimate was apparently $150-$200k. I'm not sure I would've guessed it'd be north of $70k, myself.
mecum.com/lots/1088319/1980-…
As I live and breathe, CA Craigslist has EVERYTHING.
1987. Nissan. 200SX.
Gaze in slack-jawed wonder at this angular 80s masterwork. V6, RWD, manual. 53k miles. The $6,995 ask even seems fair for a Radwood-ready rarity.
Posting it so I’m not tempted.
sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/…
Oh, hey. I've been keeping a secret: We got our '22 @Ford Bronco a couple of weeks ago and have already driven it nearly 2,000 miles.
Badlands 2-Door 2.7T Squatch w/all the fixins.
Predictably lackluster efficiency aside, it's a hugely fun, usable LA ride.
Positively smitten.
ALT 2022 Ford Bronco Badlands - two-door, Sasquatch package, in Cyber Orange.
I’m mildly obsessed with the new Maverick.
I think a truly affordable small truck has long been overdue, and I think @Ford is going to sell a bajillion of these things.
Elon, the documents related to the @NHTSAgov recall (that your team would have seen and provided input on) cited a maximum “rolling stop” speed of 5.6 mph provided certain conditions were met, not 2 mph. Can you please clarify? Are those docs incorrect?
cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla…