July 26 Weekly Open Thread
As usual, this thread is the place for all random conversation that doesn’t fit anywhere else.
A few possible topics:
- I was flabbergasted yesterday to see a Jensen Interceptor convertible, of all things, parked on the side of I-90 yesterday. Only a few weeks ago, I spotted an Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, one of the loveliest modern cars in existence, passing the other way on I-90 in rural eastern Washington. Both experiences were the rough equivalent of strolling past the Queen of England in an outlet mall.
Twice in a month is making me wonder–am I the only Car Luster who has been blessed with these sightings?
- My Jensen encounter yesterday came after a weekend backpacking with the family, which was fun. Our reliable Honda Accord family car took us deep into the mountains on a steep, narrow, and incredibly rough gravel road–we’re talking potholes several feet deep and rocks the size of apples. I took it slow and was quite careful, of course, but the Accord handled it just fine.
The whole thing made me think about the SUV phenomenon, which we’ve already debated ad nauseum. SUVs are great for rough roads and hauling, but my Accord experience reminded me that before SUVs became mainstream, families took their monstrous rear-wheel-drive sedans and wagons over those kinds of roads all the time, often hauling boats or campers. I’m guessing back in the 1960s and early 1970s, there were plenty of Ford Galaxie 500s and the like towing pop-up campers and fishing boats up that same road. Sure, a Jeep Grand Cherokee could handle that road more easily than my Accord. But the trip was a good reminder that our cars are capable of much more than the typical tasks.
–Chris H.