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In 1989, Mazda released a car that changed automobile design for the next 30 years. The release of the Mazda Miata was a moment of absolute joy for drivers who desired a two-seater convertible that didn’t spend the majority of its time in the auto shop. Prior to the release of the Miata, the only options were European roadsters like the MGB, Triumph, and Alfa Romeo. These classic convertibles offered absolutely no competition to the Miata because they all had serious problems with reliability. For 17 years, the Mazda Miata dominated the two-door convertible roadster market, until Pontiac made its mark with the Solstice in 2006.
The Deuce and a Quarter: Slang for the Car Enthusiasts
Cars have earned their place in the hearts of their drivers. In the United States, it seems that as soon as something becomes special to us, we give it pet names. Those pet names then turn into slang terms, which evolve as they spread around the country. Cars have had their fair share of memorable slang terms.
Cars with the Wrong Names
Carmakers have had some serious winners when it comes to names. Take the Ford Mustang, Chevy Corvette, and the Mazda Miata. Before a car is named, the manufacturers work with their marketing departments to create a name that embodies the look and feel of the car. The names are created to appeal to a particular audience, so when the marketing departments get it right, they really do get it right. But, when they get the name wrong, it can become a joke in the industry. These are a few of the comical names that do not fit the car’s style and driveability:
Animated Characters Selling Automobiles Over the Years
Car commercials and animated characters have gone hand-in-hand since car commercials hit the small screen. From Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang to modern anime, animated characters are useful tools for selling cars of all makes and models. These are a few of the more memorable cartoon characters and the cars they sold:
Disney Characters and 1955 Nash Rambler: Back in the mid-century, Disney characters played big roles in big commercials. Jiminy Cricket actually sang a version of his iconic “When You Wish Upon a Star” song for the Nash Rambler. Pegleg Pete, the mean cat, also was featured in a spot for Nash.
Dream Cars for a Ride Through Northern Michigan
Photo Courtesy of : www.vintagedrivingmachines.com
One of the most beautiful places in North America is in the Leelanau Peninsula of Northern Michigan. This area of the world includes the legendary Sleeping Bear Dunes and Sutton’s Bay. This iconic area of the world can be accessed on M-22 which begins near Manistee and ends at Traverse City. This road takes drivers back to nature, especially as the leaves change in the fall, and the simple things in life. While it is a wonderful drive in any car, make, and model, there are a few cars that would be perfect to cruise up and down this magical highway.
Car Classes from the 1960s
Today’s automotive lingo includes car classes like exotic, luxury, compact, and sporty – to name a few. Even though most people can name at least one car that would fit into each of these modern category, these categories have not always been. The 1960s was the first decade to see a wide variety of different cars and the categories from the 1960 were quite different than the ones used today. In the 1960s, drivers could pick from pony cars, muscle cars, economy cars, and executive cars.
The Muscle Car and Pony Car
10 Best Concept Cars That Never Were
Car makers have long designed cars that stretched the boundaries of technology and novelty as part of their effort to develop new ideas and new designs. In many cases, manufacturers never intend these so-called concept cars to enter production. Instead, these cars test possibilities and inspire new designs as part of the effort to bring better cars into the marketplace. The following list includes some of the best concept cars that testified to the brilliance of their designers, but, regrettably, never became available for sale.
1. Mazda Furai
From MGB to Miata
In 1989, a drought ended. This drought involved the two-seater sports coupe. In 1980, the last MG MGB was made and in the 1989, the first Mazda Miata was sold. When looking at the MG MGB of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, it is easy to see the influence that the ground-breaking sports car had on the Mazda classic.
Frustration Became Brilliance