| 1971 Mazda 1200, 1200cc 4 cyl, 4 speed manual |
Purchased from a co-worker while working on a construction site in Ottawa in 1976. Nobody would believe that I regularly garnered 45 mpg (Canadian) from this 49 hp joy box. It lasted almost 6 years for me and was well known at the University. I bought a similar model 4 door coupe to use for spare parts. When I towed the parts car to the recycler, he asked which car I was junking, "... are you pushing or pulling?"
Rolled this car in a snowy ditch outside Waterloo. Fortunately, the precious cargo was not injured. Rolled it back, pushed it out of the ditch and kept going. I had footprints on the ceiling for months.
This photo is from the last day, dragging it off to the recycler. |
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| 1972 Mazda 616, 1600cc 4 cyl, 4 speed manual |
My parents purchased this from a family friend in London Ontario in 1978(?) for my younger brother. I tw as cheap and my '71 Mazda was doing well so it looked like a deal. I acquired it since I was doing all the maintenance work on it, anyway. |
Have you got a photo of me with my car in your photo albums? |
| 1975 Fiat X-1/9, 1900cc 4 cyl, 4 speed manual |
On a fun/$ basis, the nicest ride ever manufactured.
Suspension connection ripped out of the sheet metal. Otherwise, I would have held onto this one for much longer.
The car was donated to a fellow who wanted to attempt some creative bodystyling. Never saw it again.
Yes, this is the only photo that I have and it's the little speck in the background. Some friends from Aqualine/Moen at the camp. |
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| 1978 Datsun B210, 4 cyl, 4 speed manual |
Solid, hatchback hauler. Made a couple university co-op moves for me. It had to be put down after I T-boned an industrial sized pick-up truck in Waterloo. Legally, the other driver was in the wrong place. There are no accidents, only collisions. Nobody hurt. |
Have you got a photo of me with my car in your photo albums? |
| 1979 Ford Mustang, 4 cyl automatic (ugh!) |
Not really my car. Lots of noise, no guts, moderately poor mileage. Shake, rattle and roll - if a part could fall off or break, it did. It was registered to my youngest brother but we worked different hours so we alternately drove it to work each day and I maintained it.
Further history: it was owned by a friend of my middle brother; I rebuilt the engine for him (cracked pistons, etc.); my middle brother bought it; he sold it to my youngest brother; I used it. I'm convinced that the engine would run if you put mud in it. |
Have you got a photo of me with my car in your photo albums? |
| 1975 Honda Civic, Sedan (not hatchback), 1300cc 4 cyl, 4 speed manual |
This was a great car. Bare bones transport like a 1960's Beetle. Plastic mats instead of carpet. Plastic seat covering. Miniscule trunk (NOT hatchback). Despite a complete overhaul, I could never stop the oil leaks but the engine was solid and quick off the mark. |
Have you got a photo of me with my car in your photo albums? |
| 19xx Subaru GL-10, 4 cyl, 5 speed manual |
I really liked this car, despite the unreliable electronics in the digital instrumentation. Smooth and comfortable to drive. Did I mention the really nice seats? Made it from Burlington, ON to Lunenberg, NS and back without the digital display ... or speeding tickets ... and a failing muffler ... and a crying baby. |
Have you got a photo of me with my car in your photo albums? |
| 1986 Mazda 626, 2000cc 4 cyl, 5 speed manual |
Purchased new for my fiancee. She passed it to me many years later. It was 19 years old when I drove it into the recycler's yard and handed them the keys.
Mother-in-Law referred to it as the "Hillbilly'" car because of the puddle that developed on the floor after a rain. Didn't go for a 4th Mazda over concern about Ford's ownership position. |
Have you got a photo of me with my car in your photo albums? |
| 1997 Toyota Camry, 2200cc 5 speed manual |
Bought new to accomodate the sudden increase in family size. We took the stroller to the dealerships to test fit and lifting in/out of trunks.
This is the type of vehicle that built Toyota's reputation for solid dependability. Currently 13 years old and it still feels like the day it left the lot - no rattles, shakes or groans. Minimal mainenance. |
Have you got a photo of me with my car in your photo albums? |
| 2003 Saab 95 Linear, 2300 cc 4 cyl turbo, 5 speed manual |
Bought off-lease showing 60k. Suspect that it may have had an accident in its history. Nice ride.
Moderately thirsty in the city, better on the highway. Expensive maintenance: fuel pump, wiper transmission, windshield. I enjoy the fun and aesthetics of European cars but the maintenance is a killer and some dealer techs just have trouble getting it right the first time (second time, third time ...).
The photo is just too cliche, but it was too convenient. That is a real jet in the background but its mounted on a post. |
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Next: Maserati sounds interersting ... |
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