Spring Spotting 2026

3/28/26 to 6/18/26

For the start of Spring, here are some of the classic and noteworthy vehicles we spotted during the season. On a deeper note, let's think about the colors of cars.

3/28/26: 1990 Acura Integra (David)

I wonder what the original color of this car was...

3/29/26: 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero (David)

Finished in the one year only color, Lime Yellow. If you know, you know!

Above: 3/30/26 - 2008 Porsche Cayman Rallye (David)

Definitely not an old car, but this thing is pretty damn awesome! This is one of FCP Euro's official cars, that has been completely built by them. What was once a bone stock Porsche Cayman, has become a suitable rally car, ready for the off-road! It’s recieved several color schemes over its past, but I think this multicolor finish is my favorite. This is definitely a car worth highlighting from my trip to FCP Euro’s Connecticut warehouse location.

You can read more about this car on FCP’s blog: https://www.fcpeuro.com/blog/rallye-cayman

Above: 1991 BMW 325i Sedan (E30) (David)

Here’s a lovely E30 sedan in an uncommon metallic wine red finish.

Above: 3/30/26 - 1991 Nissan Figaro (David)

What a cutie! This was the last car I photographed at FCP Euro's Connecticut location. Interestingly, this is the last car I would expect to find there. Among a sea of European sport sedans and wagons, this little Nissan sat atop the lot, and truly stole the show…

Above: 3/30/26 - Cool Cars on I-95 (David)

Left to right: 1997 Acura Integra Type R (JDM RHD import), 2004 Saab 9-3, 1993 Honda Civic Hatch, 2003 BMW 325i Estate (E46).

4/8/26: 1964 Ford Galaxie (David)

This is daily driven. Yes, even during the winter. See? Cars are meant to be driven!

4/8/26: 1977 Ford Mustang II (David)

Yeah, the kids are alright. This was being driven by a young driver, about our ages. It's great to see young enthusiasts driving cars nearly twice their age.

4/8/26: 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) (David)

This showed up in my neighborhood, and I'm happy to see it. It reminds me of a Miata I used to see around 2021, but has since gone AWOL. I'm glad to see another NA Miata local to me.

4/12/26: 1986 Honda Prelude (David)

This car was MINT. In addition to a flawless appearance, it featured original accessories, a standard transmission, and of course, pop up headlights. It could be yours for the sum of $8000! Imagine daily driving this!

4/12/26: 1957 Oldsmobile 88

She was gated off, so unfortunately I could not get better photos. Oh well! It’s a survivor condition Olds 88 out in the wild though, which has enough cool factor on its own.

I’m pretty impressed with the condition of this car, and I’d be inclined to know how it is mechanically.

As Sam would attest, seeing survivor sedans or “regular cars” of over half-century old cars is just as cool, if not cooler, as seeing restored examples of their more desirable counterparts.

4/13/26: Saab 900 Turbo SPG (David)

A nice example of a 900 SPG.

Above: 4/15/26 - 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (David)

There are many colors to this car, but I love it. This is awesome.

Above: 4/16/26 - 1989 Volvo 740 GLE 16 Valve (David)

Yes, this a fairly uncommon Volvo 740 with a 16 valve motor. To my knowledge, it was a special option for the Volvo Red Block motor, only available on the higher end 740 and 940 models. Today, many enthusiasts seek to find these motors, as a 16v head grants more power and efficiency, especially when modifying a car for power. See Stu's Volvo 240.

Above: 4/16/26 - 1987 Ford Thunderbird (David)

A car ripped straight from the pages of my childhood. Growing up in the early 2000s, it wasn't uncommon to see a late '80s beater riding around town. 20 or so years later, they're a rare sight now, as the new cars from the 2000s have taken their place. But, when I do see an '80s beater, it brings a smile to my face. I'm glad this car has survived.

Above: 4/17/26 - 1995 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) (David)

What drew me to this Jeep were its rims. I don't think I've ever seen them before, or at least on an XJ series Jeep. I'm curious if they're factory or not.

4/26/26: 1985 Ford LTD Crown Victoria P-72 (David)

Nothing special, just a casual ex-police car Crown Vic.

4/27/26: 1986 Nissan 300ZX (Z31) (David)

This was a special surprise when I pulled into work this morning.

4/30/26: 1983 Oldsmobile Cutlass Hurst/Olds 442 (David)

I'm speculating this is a 1983 Hurst/Olds based on the color combination of black over silver, which was exclusive for the 1983 model year.

This sad Cutlass is on its way to some pre-determined fate. We're hoping its to get restored, or to get parted out. By the looks of that door sill though, I don't think it's going to be pleasant.

I figured, for such an historical American car from their darker period, this Olds should at least have one last chance at the spotlight, even if its not its finest hour.

5/1/26: 1999 Honda Civic DX Hatchback (David)

Leaving this here because... One hot hatch follows another. Also, when did you see one of these classic Civic hatches last?

5/2/26: 1992 Volvo 240 Estate (David)

Here is a pretty cool 240. It features blacked out "Virgo" wheels from a 240 Turbo model, and a five speed manual transmission! It looks ready to conquer any road.

5/3/26: 1973 Dodge Polara (David)

1973 was the final year of the Polara, and the final year of the "fuselage" era of the Chrysler C-Platform cars. From 1969 to '73, these C-Platform cars, which included the Chyrsler Imperial and Newport, Dodge Polara and Monaco, and Plymouth Fury, were known for being some of the largest production passenger cars ever built! While this car might look small in this photograph, be assured, it wasn't.

5/3/26: 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (David)

The last of the lumbering Oldsmobiles. These hulking machines were produced until 1984, being replaced by the much more efficent and redesigned GM C-Platform in 1985. While I'm glad GM was adapting to the modern era in the 1980s, I still love these old barges that linger around.

Above: 5/3/26 - BMW Modern Classics

Left to right: A 1995-97 BMW 320i Touring Estate (E36) and a 1984 528e (E28). My pick is the E28, but an E36 wagon is unbeatable.

5/8/26 - 1964 Volkswagen Dune Buggy (David)

It appears that this old buggy belonged to Pepperoni's restauarant. The wearabouts and current operation of that establishment are unknown to me at the moment. All I know is that someone has their VW dune buggy!

5/9/26: 1983 Mercedes Benz 380 SEC (W126)

Talk about a rarity in my own backyard! This Mercedes legend was photographed just a few blocks away from my house by the local hardware store.

5/10/26: MGB Roadster (David)

Wait... I'm not in Europe anymore am I!

5/14/26: 1989 Plymouth Reliant-K (David)

It's always great to see a young person driving an otherwise less desireable classic. This is the case with this K-Car. In the American classic car scene, where people tend look down upon the "lesser" cars of the 1980s that weren't powered by a V8 or were 100 feet long, the younger generations have started to look after these cars. So yes, it's great to see these being saved, when they would otherwise be forgotten about or excluded.

5/14/26: 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser (J80) (David)

A pristine example of a modern classic Land Cruiser. Seriously, this was flawless!

5/14/26: 1995 Honda Del Sol

A surviving Honda Del Sol is a treat these days. What were once common sports cars have now begun to fade into the background. Most of them were driven to death, but few survive. While this one is beat up, it makes me happy that someone is keeping it on the road.

5/25/26: Toyota CeliRav-4 (David)

Many would call it an abomination, but I think it works. I personally would love it if Toyota made a RAV-4 with a Celica front end. I really love what the owner has done here.

5/27/26: 1965 Pontiac GTO (David)

It's always great to see classic cars being driven regularly, especially cars that gain the reputation for being "show queens." Cars are meant to be driven folks!

5/31/26: 1978 Chrysler LeBaron Town & Country (David)

This beast was photographed on my way home from work around the Roger Williams Park/Egewood area of Cranston. It turns out it was owned by ONEC friend Jack!

Above: 6/2/26 - 1995 Saab 9000 Aero (David)

Here is a beautifully kept 9000 Aero at my local Saab specialist, Conntech Saab.

6/5/26: 1991 Chrysler New Yorker Fifth Avenue (David)

I can't name the last time I saw one of these old Chryslers, but I'm damn sure it wasn't in this condition! Seriously, this car is mint! Who saved this?

6/5/26: 1997 Honda Stepwgn

This is a JDM import. The Honda Stepwgn is like the Japanese Sprinter van we never got. Unlike the familiar Odyssey, the Stepwgn is taller, slightly longer, and can accomodate more passengers and cargo space. Once again, this is proof that we did not get many of the cool JDM cars in the US domestic market.

Above: 6/5/26 - 1981 Volvo 242 DL (David)

Here is a lovely Volvo 242 finished in Scotia Blue. This car was spotted in the East Side of Providence, making for a gorgeous scenic background.

6/8/26: 1968 Ford Mustang Convertible (David)

A local classic spotted on my way to work. Sam may have seen a this car a few years back.

6/12/26: 1971 Triumph TR-6 (David)

There may have been a British car meet occuring when my friends and I were walking around Warren, RI one night. A gaggle of buzzed men came clambering around a corner and hopped into their tiny British sports cars, and drove off. This TR-6 happened to be there.

Above: 6/5 and 6/13/26 - Two Rare Modern Saabs (David)

On the left we have a 2011 Saab 9-5 finished in Java Brown, a very rare color found on modern Saab models. On the right is a 2011 9-3X, a car produced in very limited quantities.

Above: 6/15/26 - 1962 Chevrolet Impala (David)

Is it 1989, or am I seeing things! This '62 Impala Lowrider looks like it was ripped straight out of the late '80s, and somehow time traveled to 2026. While a not a pristine example like the lowriders of today, this car has old school character that cannot be replicated. With its standard gold paint, slight rust, fuzzy dice with the wire spoke wheels, I can almost hear War playing.

6/17/26: 2000 BMW 325i Estate (E46) (David).

What an absolutely gorgeous car. Cape Cod, a fairly affluent area, is home to many well kept cars, such as this E46 estate where it was photographed. She's a manual too!

Above: 6/18/26 - One Old School Parking Lot (David)

I once again time traveled to the 1990s! In one parking lot, I found this late '90s Dodge Caravan and this 1977 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, in addition to my '78 Saab. Not photographed was a C4 Corvette.

Above: 6/18/26: 1977 Chevrolet Chevette (David)

Here is possibly the greatest car I've found this year. It's a 1977 Chevette that is daily driven by one of the employees at my local Napa shop. He's been driving it routinely for the past 4 years, and it hasn't let him down. When people ask him how he's able to drive an obscure classic like this Chevette, he simply tells them "I keep working on it!"

Above: 6/18/26 - 1988 Cadillac DeVille (David)

This '80s Caddy was sold to another employee by the owner of the Chevette. It also gets driven fairly regularly.

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