The Automobilist

For the drive from Dubin into the North, and then back into the Republic to visit the Donegal village his maternal ancestors left in the 19th Century, your correspondent reserved a Ford Fiesta, but had to make do with this mostly capable Renault Clio. A little more power would have come in handy on the hills and dales of Ulster, especially for overtaking agricultural vehicles and locals evidently in no hurry whatever, but thanks to a manual transmission, the French hatchback acquitted itself well enough. A tip though for those planning to drive into Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland, where the metric system is used: insist on a car with an analog display so you don’t have to guess how fast you’re driving in those parts of the emerald isle still under the Crown.

While your correspondent transited the Smithfield neighborhood on Dublin’s north side en route to Ireland’s national decorative arts museum at the exquisite 18th century Collins (formerly, Dublin) Barracks, he spied this Land Rover pickup truck, parked alongside a block of smart, appropriately martial-looking dwellings. Another variant of Britain’s world-beating utility vehicle (no pretentions to “sport”, thank you very much) not made available to Yanks, this no-frills truck is doubtless, despite its forty-odd years of age, ready to do the business.

The Automobilist returns from a hiatus during which we did a bit of traveling (though not nearly enough) which included crossing the Atlantic. The last time that happened the roads on the other side were chock-a-block with a lot more cars like this nifty AX spotted in Dublin’s Ranelagh neighborhood.

Adieu, 2016.

Winter is coming. Put not your trust in Porsches.

Among the many 3-Series configurations that were never made available to North American buyers was the handsome E30 wagon, or “Touring”, model. The Automobilist is proud to bring you this example, despite the fact that it has been lowered (or are the wheels are that oversized?), which was reportedly imported from Poland by a previous owner.

It would seem Daimler-Benz is confident of its position in the North American market. The introduction of so spartan and inexpensive a vehicle (the extra-German Metris retails for about $25,000) would surely damage the reputation of a lesser luxury brand. 

J. F. von Eichendorff (1841)

Before the eye-catching Infinitis of today, there were conservative designs like this M30.

One of the best things about living in New York City is that, unlike nearly every other city in the United States one can get to the ocean without leaving the city limits. Given the Gateway National Recreation Area sitckers on the bumper, this is something it seems the owner of this Subaru GL well appreciates.

(Merriam-Webster).

The fashion nowadays is for dramatic design that owes little to no allegience to the past. But for many of us who admire automobiles as works of art, it is often the details that harken back to an earlier time such as upright radiator grilles, chrome rain gutters, switches and levers, analog gauges, and even simulated wood, that we love the most.

Travel season is over. Now comes colder weather, falling leaves, and the gathering of firewood or pumpkins or whatever.

The stainless steel body on this Tudor was one of six made to order by Allegheny Ludlum. Ford Motor sent the cars around the country to promote its '36 models. This example was eveuntually purchased by Allegheny Technologies, the successor to Allegheny Ludlum, which has donated it to the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh where it is on display.

Here in the Northeastern United States, which as of this writing is enveloped in high summer heat and especially high humidity, the prospect of any breeze, even a warm Sirocco one, is appealing.

Of course, we would regard one who owns and babys a classic Chevette to be infinitely more interesting than the typical Corvette devotee.

Before Diesel jeans, Vin Diesel action movies, and the VW diesel emissions scandal, there was GM’s brief foray into diesel engine technology.