Monday 19 December 2011

I need your help - what cars are these?

When I was on my ride through the USA last year, I saw and photographed two cars.  I want to refer to these in my book about the trip but I am afraid I don't know what they are.  Does anyone out there know?

I believe the lighter car might be a Chevrolet Impala, but I am not certain and I don't have a clue what the green car is.  I will be very grateful for any information!




22 comments:

Anonymous said...

the one on the left is indeed a 1960 impala
and the one pon de right is a 1967 Buick Riviera

word up yall

Anonymous said...

My uncle had an old Impala similar to the one pictured- awesome tailfins and chrome- would love to have that car now!

Bluekat said...

The green one is a Buick Riviera. My Design Instructor in college drove one.

Zed1000 said...

Gary, thank you for continuing to work on your book. I tried to explain your trip to my wife and friends, but without your pictures and comments it just was not the same. Besides a book would make a wonderful addition to my coffee table.

P.S. I used to post comments as "James" and the Majestic View Lodge in Zion thanks you for your wonderful comments and photographs.

mq01 said...

anon is correct, definitely an impala and riviera. love them both, great cars!

Erik R said...

The green one is a 1971,72, or 73 Riviera. I can't tell you more without seeing the grill or rear bumper. My first car was a '73 Riv. I wish I still had it.

Roland said...

My boss who owns more vintage cars than I own socks (vintage AND new) confirms the 1960 Impala and 1967 Riviera. Jeez when you look at the later versions of these cars on wikipedia (1999 Riviera, 2002 Impala) it gives you a pretty good idea of the downfall of the American car industry...

RichardM said...

It's kind of amazing that the Riviera was sold as a "personal luxury car" implying that it was "small and sporty".

Erik R said...

google image 67 riviera and 73 riviera.... the boat tails of '71, '72, and '73 are unique to those 3 years.

Gary France said...

Erik – I think I have more pictures including the front and backs of the cars. I will find them and add some of the Riviera to the post so you can see them.

Radar said...

Agree with the first response, with a minor addition -- the Chevrolet Impala is a 2-door hardtop. And while I would hate to see it happen, I think the Buick could win in a front-end collision with a Humvee - those Rivieras were massive hunks of metal!

Roger said...

One is white one....and one is a greeny one, it is ok you dont need to thank me, I will be here all night giving out great advice.

Erik R said...

Gary, I posted pictures of my old 73 Riviera and a link to more info to help you get the correct date on the green one.

Steve said...

@Raftnn - lol there's a comedian in every crowd

Gary France said...

Anonymous - thanks very much for the info. I was amazed when later that day, when you, my son telephoned me to tell me it was you that posted this comment. I had no idea you, sitting in London, would know what these cars are. Top man, Charles!

No Name – I would love to drive a set of fins like those!

Bluekat – Lucky design instructor. What a car....

Zed1000 – Great to hear from you James. I hope you don’t mind, but I have added your blog to the list of those that I read. It is good to know that you are still looking at my blog and thanks again for recommending where to stay in Zion – I remember it well.

mq01 – You are right, they are terrific cars. Oh how I wish I had a classic American car. One day.....

Gary France said...

Erik – I have added another two pictures to the post showing the front and rear of the Riviera.... does that help? I am sure you would still want to have that car. What a beauty!

Gary France said...

Roland – I just Googled those later versions. I wish I hadn’t. Long live classic cars! Please say thanks to your boss for me. I can just imagine you calling him to your desk, showing him my blog and asking what those cars are....

Gary France said...

Richard – This is very amusing. How times have changed.

Erik – I looked at Google Images as you suggested. I am still not sure! I have posted a few more pictures above....

Radar – I think I would say a prayer to the Car God that a front-end crash didn’t happen. It would be carnage.

Roger – What a public service you provide! LOL.

Erik (again) – I love the old pictures you posted on your blog. Very retro and that goes for you and the car!

Chillertek – I saw your comment on Erik’s blog and I am sure you will understand if I don’t agree. Having stopped to look at the Riviera in Lincoln, I have to say I liked it. Each to their own, I guess.

Erik R said...

Gary, Im going to say 1972. Because, 71's had small louvers in the rear trunk lid, and the 1/2 inch wide body side moulding that runs down the side of the car and curves up and over the rear wheel. That was standerd in 72 and was a dealer option in 71.

http://www.hemmings.com/hcc/stories/2007/05/01/hmn_feature21.html Has a bunch of information on them.

It is NOT a 73, or later... nor a 70 or earlier.

Erik.

cpa3485 said...

Hey! Those look familiar!

:)

GF said...

Whatever they are, I wouldn't mind owning one :-) As a kid (born in Mozambique) my father showed me pictures of American cars, I was always fascinated by the tailfins :-)

Gary France said...

Erik – Sincere thanks for all of your help with this. It has gone into my book as a 1972.

Jim – They certainly should look familiar to you!

George – I too loved old American cars with tailfins. My absolute favourite is a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. While I was in Santa Crux recently I bought one. Problem is, it was a model about 10 inches long. One day, I hope to get a real one!