BigPontiac

Delivery is either Fri or Sat next week, then I should have pics. First I have to get the Infiniti delivered to my friend so the plates can go on the 'Bu.

I don't really remember much about it...just the power back window that went into the roof and the tailgate that went into the floor. I'm not even sure there are any pictures of it kicking around. I may have an extra wheel cover from it kicking around in my basement. My one main memory is that it blew a headlight on the way home from the dealer the day we picked it up :AH-HA_wink: It's cooler sibling at the time in the garage was a 1976 Plymouth Volare coupe, silver with a maroon rear quarter top and maroon interior/bucket seats, dog dish hub caps. 318 V-8 with a 4sp manual. It had HUGE quality problems and the front fenders rusted out within the first year, but "when it ran, it was awesome" is his quote. He special ordered it and based his purchase on Consumer's Reports recommending it! Our teenage neighbor across the street at the time "midnight auto'd" him some full wheel covers for it. I still have the 4 dog dish caps.

I find the new Legacy's to be a little strange looking -- mostly the front. He's already had both a previous generation Legacy wagon and a Forrester, so it was time to mix it up a little. I'm happy he's buying the Chevy -- but if this car has even a single problem I'll never hear the end of it! Chevy's offering a $1,500 cash incentive currently, plus they'll give you $500 if you don't opt for the 60 return option. Add to that my Dad's eligible for supplier pricing and deal became too compelling to refuse. Taking the trade-in factor out of the equation was the key factor in the end.

1974 Chevrolet Bel Air Wagon. Dark green (without wood paneling) and a 454 V-8 under the hood. It was traded for a 1978 Buick Century Wagon 4 years later.

His wife is 64, so she wasn't thrilled by some of the "technology" features on the Infiniti -- the main ones being the keyless ignition/push button start, the electric tilt/telescope steering column and the "Infiniti Controller" to adjust climate control, stereo, etc. I logged some over 200mi in the car this past week bring it to my friend's house and back and none of those feature endeared themselves to me either It's also a reasonably large car and she wasn't comfortable driving something so large.

Fully aware of the platform differences. Intent was to get a smaller and simpler car than the M35x that his wife would drive.

I might be interested in this if the cars were available locally.

He tends to get all caught up in "the deal". I was lobbying for a Buick LaCrosse, but it was shot down again as "too fancy" so the Malibu got the nod. He started with the Malibu, then the Subaru dealer started sweetening the deal, so he got caught up in the Subaru. Once my friend confirmed last night he'll buy the Infiniti, he went out today and bought the Malibu once it was a car vs. car comparison. Though he did then lecture me on the 65% NA content in the Subie vs. 75% NA content in the Chevy -- which I then had to explain parts content vs. where do the profits go, etc. The next challenge will be if the Mariner's days are numbered -- he likes the GMC Terrain (and I hate them) -- much rather have an Equinox, though the baby Enclave could be a contender if it comes to market soon enough. I was most surprised he didn't like the Ford Fusion -- quote being "I've had enough of cheap plastic" after he looked at it.

My dad's getting rid of his 2008 Infiniti M35x in favor of a 2010 Chevy Malibu 2LT. The reason for the change is really it had gotten difficult for him to drive a car all the time and he's taking over his wife's SUV (2008 Mercury Mariner)...and his wife found the Infiniti to be "too fancy" and wouldn't drive it. So *really* this will be his wife's car (and she used to have an Aveo), but I'm still happy I was able to talk him into a Malibu as I really hated the Subaru Legacy GT which was their other choice. One of my friends is buying the Inifiniti for his wife. And yes, I did use guilt and "as a taxpayer, you own part of GM" to squash the Subaru deal...finding a buyer for the Infiniti sealed it, since the Subaru dealer offered more on a trade-in. Details: * Ext. Color: Imperial Blue met * Int. Color: Titanium Sheer Suede *** MECHANICAL *** * 5 YEAR / 100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN LIMITED WARRANTY SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS * 2.4L ECOTEC DOHC VVT 4CYL ENG * TRANSMISSION, 6 SPD AUTOMATIC * 4-WHL INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION * TAPSHIFT MANUAL SHIFT CONTROL *** SAFETY & SECURITY *** * AIR BAGS, DUAL FRONTAL, PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM, HEAD CURTAIN SIDE AIR BAGS, FRONT/OUTBOARD REAR; SIDE IMPACT AIR BAGS, DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER * ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM, 4-WHEEL DISC * STABILITRAK STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM W/ TRACTION CONTROL * REAR CHILD SEAT LATCH SYSTEM * 1YR ONSTAR DIRECTIONS W/ AUTOMATIC CRASH RESPONSE AND TURN-BY TURN NAVIGATION (ASK DEALER ABOUT GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE) *** EXTERIOR *** * 17" WHEELS CHROMETECH ALUM * TOURING TIRES * POWER OUTSIDE MIRRORS, FOLDING, BODY COLOR * CHROME EXHAUST TIP *** INTERIOR *** * AIR CONDITIONING * READING LAMPS, REAR * POWER DOOR LOCKS * POWER WINDOWS, DRIVER EXPRESS DOWN AND UP * POWER TRUNK RELEASE * AM/FM STEREO W/ CD PLAYER * XM SATELLITE RADIO - SERVICE SUBSCRIPTION SOLD SEPARATELY BY SIRIUS/XM AFTER 90 DAYS * BLUETOOTH FOR PHONE * PWR SEAT ADJUST-DRIVER, 6-WAY * POWER LUMBAR, DRIVER SEAT * ULTRALUX HEATED FRONT SEATS * FLOOR MATS * REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER * SEAT, REAR SPLIT FOLDING * DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER * TILT AND TELESCOPIC LEATHER WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL WITH CRUISE CONTROL * STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS * REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY * REMOTE VEHICLE START * UNIVERSAL HOME REMOTE * INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR, AUTO DIMMING WITH COMPASS * TIRE SEALANT & INFLATOR KIT IN PLACE OF SPARE TIRE * TIRE SEALANT & INFLATOR KIT IN PLACE OF SPARE TIRE MSRP STANDARD VEHICLE PRICE1: $25,175.00 o DISCOUNT OPTION PACKAGE o 2LT Option Package o Imperial Blue met o Titanium Sheer Suede o 6-way Power Driver Seat Adjuster o Remote Vehicle Start System - Key Fob o Trunk Mat o Floor Mats - Premium, Carpet Frt, Rr & Trunk o Sunroof: Sliding, electric o PROCESSING DIRECTIONS & CONNECTIONS SERVICE PACKAGE o COUNTRY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) o 4 cyl Ecotec 2.4L DOHC engine o Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic o Wheels, 17" Chrome-Tech o NE1:CT/MA/ME/NJ/NY/OR/PA/RI/VT/WA Emissions o Premium Mat Package o Premium Trim Pricing Code o SALES PROCESSING STOCK ORDERS o Conversion Code for 2LT o Radio, Digital Audio 'S' Band (XM Radio) o OnStar o Bluetooth for phone o Frt. License Plate Mounting Bracket o Compact Spare Tire and Jack Assembly o TOTAL OPTIONS: $1,135.00 o TOTAL VEHICLE & OPTIONS: $26,310.00 o DESTINATION CHARGE: $720.00 o TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE: $27,030.00

View from my kitchen.

Two Autoblogs posts on this today: The NA Version from Facebook as mentioned earlier in this thread: Link And the rumored performance model with a chop: Link

And yet, as a global manufacturer GM incurs the expense to design, develop and manufacture vehicles with both automatic and manual transmissions just like BMW, Audi, VW, Mazda, Honda, etc yet chooses not to leverage that investment to its full potential by not marketing vehicles with manual transmissions in the North American market, unlike its competitors. The cost of "tooling up"is already handled by being a global manufacturer. As for Americans "overwhelming preferring automatics" -- you seem to be basing that assumption on vehicles being purchased with automatics when no alternative transmission choice is available. Past market performance is not necessarily an indicator of future market performance -- if a profitable niche market can be pursued for little or no cost, the risk is minimal with nothing but upside...especially if it attracts new customers who wouldn't normally consider a GM car.

What about the centers from the late 80s Olds Ciera International Series? Or these: Link

And it could also be that those Americans who can drive and want a manual have next to no American sedans to choose from and thus are forced to buy an import. The CTS is one of the few out there. Make it easier to special order a car rather than pushing "lowest common denominator" ordering by dealerships and maybe more would be sold. The G8 should have offered a manual on all models, not just the GXP.

I was actually looking at a set like those on eBay...apparently they were designed as part of the C5 1953 Commemorative Edition Corvette. They were painted red and silver. The original owner said he had a set of standard Corvette rail covers, but that they needed to be modified which is why he never got around to putting them on. So, based on that I'm likely going to "start" with a standard set and figure out what needs to be modified...then I might move up to that vintage look set later. The motor was pulled from a 99ish Firebird which was wrecked about 500mi after having the LS1 crate motor installed. Most of these covers appear to need to be modified to fit an F-body, so it might be that simple. I've been focused on driving it before I lose the weather rather than tinker with it The exhaust is growing on me...kinda like a Harley with straight pipes...but it's reasonably docile if I'm careful with the gas pedal...

So far it seems to gather attention wherever I take it...certainly don't have to worry about not being noticed! Next up I'll start with some accessories: floor mats and some Corvette fuel rail covers for the LS1...

Unmolested and original 300ZX - Link

Now have valid CT registration for the Novamad...and it was FAR easier than I expected. I drove it over to the inspection station on the WA plates it came with (since they were still valid) and all they did was a VIN check on it. They yelled at me a little about the reg and insurance being in different names, but that was it. I really think I got a good inspector...or could just be the title/reg being current in another state avoids the major inspection. Today, take VIN check form, reg application, bill of sale and title to the DMV office and they gave me plates. On the road as a '62 Nova Wagon with emission except status. Either way the biggest hurdle has been cleared.

So far I filled it with gas, then calibrated the speedo, then cruised around for a little while....then the weather has been crummy. I'm still "learning the car" so to speak. Major objective is inspection to either pass or find out what I'll need to modify to pass. After that I'll start to think about some of the modification ideas I have to "make it my own"

Speedo is now calibrated -- this car definitely gets looks! If one of the moderators could move this tread to the "Project Car Chronicles" section, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks. Tomorrow (weather permitting) I'll hopefully get to take it out for a longer spin. First project is to calibrate the speedometer -- looks pretty straightforward. Also, there is a Nova parts place called "Ground Up" a few towns over, which should be very convenient!

I'm headed out to PA on a business trip for the next few days, but here's the arrival pictures. A few are blurry since I was in a hurry...

The Novamad has arrived. I'll post pictures later.

It looks like Big 3 Performance is updating 69 GTOs similar to how Unique Performance used to make the Mustang GT500E "Eleanor" or how Year One makes the Burt Reynolds T/A. It reads like Big 3 approached him to add a name to their car. Warning: You may actually need to click on these links and read content on another website before rendering an opinion. GeeTO Tiger.com Big 3 Performance

Link to article Jim Wangers Announces Signature Edition GTO Date posted: 09-18-2009 OCEANSIDE, California — The latest potential contender for muscle-car star status out of California is the Jim Wagners Signature Edition GTO, a car to be built based off original 1969 Pontiac GTO bodies but claimed as "all new from the ground up." The cars are nothing if not patriotic. They will get a chassis from the California-based Roadster Shop, a Pontiac V8 engine, a Viper-spec TR6060 six-speed transmission, a 3.73-geared Ford rear end and a DSE C6 Corvette front suspension. Styling touches include an "aggressive" front air dam, custom grilles with electric hide-away headlights and HID headlamps, a functional ram air hood and a custom ducktail spoiler. The HRE-sourced wheels are Jim Wangers Signature Edition Rally IIs, 19 inches in front and 20 in the rear. The Wangers' interior has leather Recaro seats, keyless entry, air conditioning and "a killer audio system," to modernize the retro-look car. As the company says, "This is the car Pontiac should have made but didn't." Wangers will show off the GTO at a "Tour de Wangers" in Oceanside in mid-October. No word yet on pricing or availability. Inside Line says: Sure looks like muscle-car nostalgia will never die. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent