Generation Gap…Roundup

Some cars, like the Pinto, the Edsel, and the Aztek are one hit wonders that maybe were OK in their day, but no one ever wants to see again. Probably cuz they weren't even good enough to be deemed OK, even in their heyday. But some cars…some cars are just so awesome, you gotta bring them back generation after generation. We're talking the Chevy Malibu, the Ford Mustang, The Dodge Charger, the VW Beetle…all are worthy contenders for this month's challenge we like to call…Generation Gap.  A challenge like this was just ripe for buddy team ups both young and old alike! So how did we do then? Well, you youngins go ahead and get ON my lawn…its OK, I won't bite…and I don't smell like old people…now pull up a chair and check it out.

A LUGNuts challenge wouldn't be complete without a slew of Peter Blackert entries. First on the slab is one of many solo entries, this one a car that first appeared for one model year only, in 1959, as the Dodge Silver Challenger -available in silver color only.



In case you're writing a book, wanting the answers to Lino trivia questions or stalking me, you might like to know that I was born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island in 1971. This Peter-built Nissan Skyline GT-R Coupe was born the same year in Japan. While it is decidedly boxy, I seem to be a bit rounded around the edges. And slightly paunchy.



The boxy Scirocco was spawned in 1974 and Peter presents us one in sort of a golden, mustardy color. it was the precursor to the game-changing VW Golf that came out a year later. Funny, now in 2014, the Modern VW Golf still outshines the modern Scirocco. Its like always having a richer, smarter, more successful, and better looking younger brother.



Young Jonathan Derksen shows some love for the classic 1949 Cadillac Series Sixty-Two Convertible and as a result, shows all us oldsters…and the rest of the world how a good model LEGO car is done. Nothing beats the clean white and tan color scheme and those classic aircraft inspired tail fins.



A trio of grumpy old codgers team up to present three Rolls Royce Phantoms in delicious Neapolitan ice cream flavors. First Nathan Proudlove serves up the modern 2014 Phantom in decadent chocolatey  goodness. It looks good enough to eat!



Next Lino Martins spoons out a scoop of less decadent, but more popular vanilla flavor with the Rolls Royce Phantom II from the early 1930's. Strange how that works out. Its such a plain flavor but it is the most popular.



Rounding out our ice cream flavors nicely, Peter comes back to help us out with a heaping helping of strawberry flavored Phantom V goodness from the 60's. This render represents a particular Rolls owned by Sir Elton John. How does that song go? Hold me closer Tony Danza?



And not quite sure how buddy challenges work, Sir Manperson asserts his manhood into our trio and berths an unplanned 2000-something Phantom Rolls. Turns out Neapolitan has a fourth flavor. Mayonnaise!



New guy Skuppi knows the score. He goes solo and pounds out a1967 Mustang GT350 with classic blue Shelby striping. He tells us this is definitely one of the coolest things that the sixties produced. That and braless-ness.



Proving to be an all around pal, Peter comes back to buddy up with none other than Ralph Savelsberg. This time the dynamic duo presents a pair of Ford Thunderbirds. Peter goes retro-modern with the 2002 shown here in red, with the optional white removable top.(Speaking of Braless!)



And Ralph continues with his series of movie cars and builds the famous 1966 Ford Thunderbird Convertible from the film 'Thelma & Louise', Starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon. I don't care how old they are. Those two can go braless anytime they want. Hubba-hubba!



And by "those two" I meant Peter and Ralph. Hah! Dumb joke, I know. But it had to be done. Anyway, Sir Manperson redeems himself slightly with this render of a 350Z, which I suppose comes from a long line of "Zeds".



Anybody who's anybody has the new Mini Cooper official LEGO set. Well I don't have it but its tops on my birthday list. When you don't have the set, you simply strive to build your own as Peter did here with this 1994-2000 Mk VII Cooper in British racing green with white stripes.



The Dodge Challenger was a car so good they had to bring it back again in 2008. Muscle cars in general died out in the 80's, 90's, and most of the oughts so its refreshing to see a resurgence in modern times. Peter brings it back and its pretty in purple.



 I'm not sure I like it when a car as cool and iconic is the Mini Cooper reinvents itself as a larger, roomier 4-door. It was iconic because it was so small, so different, but now I think it has lost its identity. Fiat 500 is doing the same with the 500L and the soon to be released 7-seater. But Peter does it justice with the 2013 Mini Mk III.



Remember that bastard child of the 70's that couldn't live up to his brother's fame and good looks? No, I don't mean Tito Jackson. I'm talking about the VW Scirocco lifecycle Mk III from 2008 to present. The modern Scirocco sadly still can't live up to the modern Golf. Peter renders it here in envious green.



Come to think of it, Michael turned out ugly and dead so I guess Tito is doing OK for himself all things considered.  Also doing OK for itself, the most recent addition to the GT-R legend, the 2011 update Nissan R35 GT-R.



Is that all of them? I think it is. That concludes the roundup that started with a Pinto, ended with Tito Jackson and there was a whole lot of ribbing in between. The hope was to bring readers young and old together to lament about classic rides that have had modern a resurgence, but most likely we'll get a lot of dead air and maybe eventually one or two unrelated comments about Canadian meds or get rich quick business schemes. Has anyone ever met anyone who sends those kind of spam emails and comments? I bet they're just the kind of people no one would ever want to hang out with…the kind of ignorant dipshits who think Streetfighter is the best movie ever made and that Matchbox 20 is an awesome band. No, I can't say I've ever met anyone like that nor would I want to. Anyway…so what are we doing next month? We're getting deeply personal for a challenge we like to call LUGNuts In Real Life…all about letting down our guard and building our own personal rides. Chances are, the vehicles we drive daily aren't as wild as the Batmobile or a concept Lamborghini with freakin' lasers coming out of the grille, but they're our own so they mean something very special to us. Oh by the way…I own a car now. Yeah, yeah, I know, not quite as ironic when the LEGO car guru doesn't even own a car, but I do now so I guess you're gonna have to delete that hilarious chapter of the book you may be writing on me. So what sort of car do you think I own? You'll have to wait until next month to see. In the meantime, if you have read this, go ahead and leave your guesses in the comment section. Or better yet, explain to us your thoughts on how future sociologists will see current online groups as subcultures. If you haven't read this, then by all means, leave your ignorant comment in 3…2…1...