Early Summer Finds

Above: 7/1/26 - 1990 Toyota Tercel Revisited

Yeah, she’s got a 5 speed too.

See Bike Ride 15 for the original entry from 2022!

Above: 7/4/26 - BMW 325i (E36)

Few have dared to go where this person has gone. What a glorious machine. Rumor has it the owner lets other eople drive this car to the local bar, Grumpy's, for shenanigans. 

Above: July 2026 - Classic American Cars of Different Eras

Left to Right: 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis, 1968 GMC Suburban, 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, and 1962 Ford Falcon

Above: 7/11/26 - 1971 and 1974 Saab 99 Sedans

This is a 1971 99 sedan. By all accounts, this car is fascinating as it is rare. Roger has had it 20 or so years, but its been off the road for several "quality of life" upgrades. These upgrades are where this car becomes all the more fascinating. 

The early 99s came with 1.85 liter four cylinder motors. These were early versions of the B-Motor, and were plagued with being unreliable and problematic. Its sister motor, the Triumph 2.0 liter slant four, was produced around the same time, and a much better motor. Roger removed the Saab 1.85 motor and replaced it with the Triumph. He then swapped out the Triumph valve cover with the original Saab cover.

Now, it wasn't that simple. The 2.0 liter motor was dual carbureted. The Saab B-Motors were single carbureted, while the Triumphs were dual carbureted. The challenge now was to figure out how to convert the 99's throttle to engage the dual setup. 

The solution was ingenious. Roger fashioned a throttle out of a Saab V4 alternator bracket, and suspended it between the original throttle linkage and the new throttle linkage for the second carburetor. Now, the throttle controls both carbs! The next part of the puzzle is figuring out a way to keep the new assembly secured, as it currently suspended via the new throttle. 

But wait, there's more! Of course, Roger didn't stop with the motor, he also replaced the transmission. The later 99 transmissions, from 1973 and later were also more robust. This car now has a manual transmission from a 1973 car, that suits it much better than its original. 

Our next car is a 1974 99 sedan. This one is a much more ambitious project, but shows signs of promise. 99 sedans, like 900 sedans, are not too common these days, and are seldom seen at Saab meets or shows. This 99 sedan has survived, but needs some work to get it back on the road. Roger plans to uphaul this one, giving it new body panels and a manual transmission in place of the automatic.

Above: 7/26/26 - 1975 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 

Corvette summer is officially here.

Above: 7/26/26 - 1984 Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

The classic Jeep Wagoneer is perhaps one of the few SUVs that most car enthusiasts can mutually agree is a great car. I reckon it has to do with AMC’s forward thinking vision of what a work vehicle and a family vehicle could be. Their vision was bright with the classic Wagoneer and the Eagle, but unfortunately they were too early to the game when most people weren’t interested yet.

Several decades later in 2026, it’s easy to see how influential these cars have been to modern car design - for better or worse. Regardless of how you feel towards SUVs, AMC’s vision surges past the oversaturated market of behemoth land yachts and imagines a tasteful combination of pure practicality and timeless style. There’s a reason why people still hold these classic Wagoneers in high regard.

Above: 8/13/26 - 1991 Acura Interga LS Hatchback

Above: 8/13/26 - 1991 Volvo 240 Estate Revisited

Hey Volvo homies, this one’s for you!

See Late Winter Finds 2024 for the original entry.

Above: 8/17/26 - 1962 Saab 96

Here is what looks to be a 1962 or 1963 Saab 96. It's a frankenstein of a few vintage Saabs, but the idea is there. Noting the righthand photo, the grille design is unique to the 1962 through 1964 models. Most Saabs of this vintage are very rare to come by, as the later 1965 to 1972 cars sold in the US were more popular due to their V4 motor. Saabs from 1955 to 1965 were sold with the two stroke motor. 

Above: 8/18/26 - 1990 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 16v (Mk. II)

It’s always been impressive to me how Volkswagen was able to completely change their aesthetic in the 1980s from their earlier image, yet still remain just as relevant in car culture and automotive history. Perhaps Volkswagen is the David Bowie of cars?