Well, they were low....

OK, so they weren't the longest or the widest - I think you likely got my meaning.

Non- "shoebox" was unusual for fifties cars (and I like it).

This one I saw had that big "pseudo-grille" bit of trim on the trunk. It was definitely an earlier car.

Wonder why someone would do that.

Has to be a story there.

^ Sure there is, and it's a short one: Stude sheet metal can be hard to find.

RE: the definition of 'shoebox'...

I've repeatedly heard it associated with the '49-51 Ford.... my casual thought was it's because Ford had integrated rear fenders (smooth down the sides like a shoebox) whereas -for comparison- Chevy didn't until '55. I've heard it once or twice connected to the Tri-5 Chevys, but by that time EVERYTHING had integrated fenders, and the term had no more relative meaning for a given post-'54 year.

In fact, Stude itself didn't go that route until the '53 Champion. Here, Chevy followed Ford (with V-8s, too)....

Edited June 24, 201114 yr by balthazar

Interesting.

I've always heard the term "shoebox" associated with '55-'57 Chevys. I've used it in a generalized sense to indicate that basic body shape and proportions. For the most part, it isn't my favorite automotive style - even though I love the simple beauty of a '55 Chevy.

I hear you on the sheetmetal issue, but this car was clean and all one color.

Maybe the guy just liked the Gran Turismo script.

Hope I see it again.

A bright light blue new SRX, in traffic getting back into Philly. Blue Frost. First one I've seen in this shade.

I saw a '53 Studebaker coupe an a car hauler a while back...red w/ a black roof. What I really liked about the '53-54 Studebaker hardtops and coupes were how low and clean they were...very little trim....so many cars in the early 50s were tall, humpy and still had tacked-on looking rear quarters, followed by the excess chrome gorp and fins of the late 50s--the Studebaker coupe in contrast was so clean and linear...

For the earlier Studebakers, I liked the wrap-around rear window of the Starlight coupe, but found the front end of the '50-51 hideous.

Edited June 24, 201114 yr by Cubical-aka-Moltar

Had Co-op at a ford dealership for the past while, saw plenty of focus' fiestas an SRX a old gen CTS a Raptor, and plenty other new fords

On my lunchtime stroll I came across a gorgeous silver '65 Olds Jetstar 1 hardtop (Starfire style roofline) w/ tasteful 20 inch chrome wheels. Like a mirage in the vile desert heat, it was quite a surprise to see such a car amidst the usual Prii, BMWs, Mercedeses etc in a downtown Scottsdale parking lot..

Saw a black Ferrari 458 Italia in the same area yesterday afternoon...1st one I'd seen, pretty sweet.

Also, I've probably seen 1/2 dozen Nissan Leafs (Leaves?) this month so far..

Edited June 24, 201114 yr by Cubical-aka-Moltar

Freshly arrived '11 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T at the store a few spots down from work.

They really did not do a good job here. Blacked out the grille, looks cheap. Removed the roof rack, okay. But then the wheels are no different, or at lease the same size, as every other model and look blah. Basically looks like a mid-level model missing chrome. At least give it a sporter, 1" larger wheel design, if not any other design add-on. Van or not, still.

Edited June 25, 201114 yr by caddycruiser

Saw a black Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk out for cruise 2 days ago. It was an early one too, before they squared-off the roof.

I love those!

First new Saab 9-5, white, very nice

White/light blue '58 Chevy wagon

Silver Mercedes CLK 65 AMG

Orange Plymouth Prowler

Light blue '68 Impala sedan

Red '77 Firebird Formula

White Triumph TR3

Saw a really clean '73 Impala wagon, white w/ woodgrain trim. Clean sharp chrome. Never seen a white wagon of that era.