Spotted is Globe Drive writer Peter Cheney's weekly feature that takes you behind the scenes of his life as a vehicle and engineering journalist. We also highlight the best of your original photos and short video clips (10 seconds or less), which you should send with a short explanation. E-mail pcheney@globeandmail.com, find him on Twitter @cheneydrive (#spotted), or join him on Facebook (no login required).
Red white and Beetle
The VW Beetle, also known as “the people’s car,” was commissioned by German dictator Adolph Hitler and designed by Ferdinand Porsche. But if you want to reimagine it as an All-American ride, all you need is three cans of paint. I spotted this one in North Carolina.
Built-in hazard sign
The Citroen 2CV is one of the slowest cars ever built. Early models came with a 12-horsepower engine, and took about a week to reach freeway speed. Given its performance capabilities, painting a permanent caution flag on the trunk might not be such a bad idea. John Stark spotted this 2CV in B.C.
Mr. Cousteau, your car is ready…
Coral reefs don’t usually come with wheels and headlights. Mac Lindsay spotted this apparition in Key West, Florida.
A personal vision
In a cookie-cutter world, some cars stand out. And for sheer uniqueness, it’s hard to beat Dean Northcott’s pink Oldsmobile Alero. Dean, also known as “Neon Dean” is a painter by trade, and has made his car one-of-a-kind with modifications that include frame-mounted neon tubes that make his car look like its floating on a bed of candy floss.
Marching to the beat of a different drum
Super-stretch limousines are usually based on heavy-duty truck platforms that can handle the weight of an elongated body and a load of drunken teenagers. But this builder started with a Dodge Charger. It will be interesting to see how many proms it survives before snapping in half. Vito Logiudice spotted it in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Bad load ahead, chapter 352
On a recent trip to North Carolina, editor Jordan Chittley spotted a Jeep with a kayak on the roof that looked like it wanted to fly. As we pulled alongside, we saw that there was only one tie-down line, and wondered what was holding it down. Then we noticed that the driver had a line running to the nose of the kayak through the open sunroof. And he was holding the line in his hand.
How not to slip of town unnoticed
Most BMW owners opt for colors that you’d see on an Armani suit – black, gray, silver, etc. Then there’s this guy. Bruce Moir spotted this multi-hued statement in Toronto.
Time tripping
Back in the 1950’s, smoothed-out sedans with side-mounted exhaust pipes were the height of hot rod style. The look still has appeal. Jordan Chittley and I spotted this retro ride in New York State.
On the hook
John Martins spotted this 1960’s Chrysler New Yorker in Oakville. Its classic ambience is only slightly diminished by the tow truck.
On the market?
Jordan Chittley spotted this vanity-plated Honda in Virginia, where the state motto is “Virginia is for Lovers.”
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