Thames Freighter

This exceptionally clean Thames Freighter panel van was spotted on a rainy day in the parking lot of the Clubman's All British Motorcycle Show in San Jose, CA. OK, what the hell is a Thames? Answer: A British-made Ford. This particular van is part of the 400e Range built between 1957 and 1965. Models exported to the U.S. were labeled either the 800 Freighter, or the Thames Freighter, like this one. The vintage license plates indicate this is a 1961 model. If one of your old Matchbox cars came to life, this is what you would see!

1963 Comet Convertible

Here is a 1963 Mercury Comet Convertible spotted streaking through the rain on Highway 101 in San Jose, CA. This was the first year the Comet was offered in a convertible, and the last year to have the little tail-fins. The owner has optimistically taped-up the folding top in an effort to get just one more season out of it. Seeing this Comet in motion was a rare site indeed....

Camaro Pizza Delivery

I spotted this 1979 Camaro Z28 in downtown San Jose, just as it came a stop light. The car looks to be all original, and in good shape. If you want your pizza delivered hot, this vehicle is the perfect choice. I hope the driver receives a good tip, that way he can at least break even after he pays for gas.....

Cadillac Seville Stretch

Here is something that I have never seen before. A custom made long-wheelbase Seville. I have seen many variations on the first generation Sevilles made 1975-1979, but never a 1980-1985 Seville like this one. The quality of the paint and body, and the level of fit and finish are first-rate. It looks to have been coach built when the car was new. I did some research, and I think this may be a "Opera Sedan" built by Grandeur Motor Car Corp. The roof line has been modified as well. I spotted this pimped-out specimen in front of a pizza pallor in Pleasanton, CA. No doubt he will be ordering his pizza with every topping available.

Jensen Healey

This Jensen Healey roadster is one of about 10,000 produced between 1972 and 1976. The original front bumper is missing, so the cars owner has mounted a pipe to the front of the car held on by large hose clamps. Is the car a under-paid plumber's pipe dream? Or is he living the the California dream....

1964 Buick LeSabre Stationwagon

This car is used by its owner everyday. There is a roof rack for carrying his mountain bikes. An original paint car, well equipped with factory A/C, power windows, and a very rare rear glass wiper/washer system.

1953 Cadillac

Here is a 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Sedan, spotted on the street in San Jose, CA. I've seen this car driven around town several times, and I finally was able to photograph it. Well-worn, but intact, she's a stout old girl, a little lacking in the social graces, but a lady just the same. She even has factory A/C, as evidenced by the air scoops on the quarters.

1968 Dodge Dart GT

Here is a 1968 Dart GT spotted in a supermarket parking lot in Redwood Shores. Original green paint with white bucket seats. Original black plates. Someone's everyday car. Check out the original TV commerical here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34KJnJQigD8

California Car Spotting: Real cars on the streets

This Blog is a collection of photos I have taken of older cars parked either on the street or in parking lots. I like to see cars in their natural habitat, as opposed to a car show. Cars that are currently being driven on a regular basis and used for transportation. Cars that are in driveways and that are not running are not included. There are many web sites devoted to spotting high-end exotic cars, but I prefer everyday cars still in use. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoy taking the photos and sharing them.