charlie8575

I agree 100%. The 1970s were a time a major transition society-wise and with changes in society, come changes in its products. No, the cars of the time weren't always the best work they could do- a combination of the general malaise on society at that time, and regulations that changed so fast, and such great number, that it made consistent engineering and construction quality very difficult. Very few cars have personality anymore. I kinda like the Chevy HHR; I think that has more personality than most cars on the road now, at least style-wise. And Ford seems to be making an effort to re-introduce some into all its cars, but when the engineers and stylists are the same (a bunch of stuffed-shirt bureaucrats, product liability attorneys, insurance dweebs and the wind-tunnel,) you can only do so much. What I find difficult to understand is the lack of color. I like having choices beyond bland, ugly and unattractive, unless I want to add $300-1000 to my sticker price. Yes, cars are a reflection of their society. What ours reflect today, don't reflect on us well. Charlie Larkin

Very nice work on both of these. I think that your son especially is doing well with this is a positive sign. That could seriously be the best therapy for him and I encourage you to keep him in that direction. Keep it going, kids of Sam! We're all here to help you if you need it. Charlie Larkin

Sounds nice, Ron. Pictures?? Charlie Larkin

Jim, The Buick had a 2-1/2inch longer wheelbase than the Chevy (121-1/2" vs. 124",) so any LeSabre kit done properly would also need to have a stretched chassis, too. The Caprice body would make a good start, as much of the shape is the same, and it could work, with a lot of effort and care in shaping the sides and front. As to the wagon (and yes, I'd love a real Laguna wagon, too, just for the cool factor,) the Cutlass coupe has a four-inch shorter wheelbase than the sedan/wagon. You might be able to start with a Laguna race-car and Cutlass chassis and then re-shape and stretch as appropriate. The Laguna I think would make a great subject; although a thread in the general area pointed out a lot of kits of 1970s cars are/were made, it seems that the manufacturers really missed some of the more interesting models. Charlie Larkin

Well, Cliff, great minds run on the same track, I was actually about to post about this. The story can be found here, too. http://autos.yahoo.com/news/cadillac-unveils-convertible-hybrid-concept-car.html Personally, I think it's actually a rather nice-looking car. The article notes a subtle hint of 1961-'69 Continentals with the slightly stepped slab-side and the center-latched doors, which I agree is there. I'd certainly not object to a model. Actually, I wouldn't even be disappointed if Cadillac started making this. I think it's a far sight better than the ugly-mobiles they're offering now. Charlie Larkin

Gee, my 1970s cars were some of the best ones I had, too. Easy to repair when the needed it, sound construction, durable, started in the worst of weather. About the only really issue I had, and would still have with a 15-20 year-old car in New England, is rust. I agree with Christian, and with the discontinuance of the Ford Panther platform, America has now lost its last true full-size cars. The 300/Charger are close, but not quite the same thing. They're missing one seating position and about 5-6 cubic feet of trunk space for a start. Charlie Larkin

Very nice job. Charlie Larkin

I like that last picture, very dramatic. What building is that in the background? Also- what is the wagon at the top? Charlie Larkin

Orange you a smart guy, Mike? Charlie Larkin

Wow. Need more be said? Charlie Larkin

Nicely-executed. Charlie Larkin

Looks to be 1/64 or 1/87, which is it? Nice job on it, too. Charlie Larkin

Looking good, Mike. Charlie Larkin

Ah....I didn't count the Model A. Don't have that either. I do have the Connie and the Cord, plus the MG. I didn't know they made an XK 120. I'll need to get one of those. That Bandai SJ sedan looks interesting. If it is in fact, 1/24 as Christian states (and it sounds like it is,) I may have to add that to my "look for" list, too. Charlie Larkin

A beautiful bride indeed. Congratulations to you both, Mark and Jill, and may many, many happy years be ahead for both of you. Charlie Larkin

Very nice Bob. That looks like about the new version of Sublime. Charlie Larkin

I have most of those. I'm not sure about the Benzes and I know I don't have that Deusenburg metal boattail or the Bugatti. They're lovely kits and look very nice when put together. Charlie Larkin

Congratulations, Darin. I know she's gone through some tough times health-wise, but I hope those get into the past quickly and you both have a long and happy road ahead of you. Charlie Larkin

Great creativity and execution. Charlie Larkin

Wonder how you'd then reinforce the body to cut down on warp? I like the paint scheme. Charlie Larkin

I'm surprised I never responded to this. Very nice model. That looks great. The Slant-Six fits the car very well. Charlie Larkin

Yes, Kurt, with some very minor modifications, that Pontiac 421 can be made to look like a 287-370 cu. in. engine. I wasn't aware GMC had a unique block for the 6. I just thought they had a slightly bigger displacement on a Chevy block. Charlie Larkin

Plans for mine include Burgundy Mist with a black interior. If I get adventurous, I might try a vinyl top, and do that in white. Nice job, Erik. it's always nice to see a Buick built. Charlie Larkin

Nice work, Ben. Welcome. Charlie Larkin

Why not, it's the same bellhousing. Nicely-done, Bruce. Charlie Larkin