Indie Auto

Tatra was yet another automaker that deemphasized aerodynamics by 1970s

by Steve in Design Notes 11

(EXPANDED FROM 8/23/2023) A few years ago Curbside Classic reposted a story about the Tatra T-613 (Shafer, 2023). What struck me about that car, which was designed in the late-60s but did not reach production until 1973, was it looked rather generic (Wikipedia, 2023). Kind of like one of those disguised cars in the old insurance company ads. How could such [...]

1963-65 Buick Riviera shows GM’s struggle with personal coupes

May 20, 2026 18

(UPDATED FROM 12/14/2023) The 1963-65 Buick Riviera was one of the more memorable designs of the 1960s. However, the car didn’t really look like a Buick. Nor did it sell very well — arguably due to its confused personality and penny [...]

Motor Trend asked former car designers to offer frank views on the 1961 models

May 19, 2026 6

(UPDATED FROM 8/28/2024) Motor Trend had an intriguing article in its December 1960 issue. Former designers supposedly gave their “frank opinions of what is right and wrong with all of the 1961 cars” (1960, p. 29). Let’s walk [...]

Patrick Foster shows how International Harvester failed to adapt

May 13, 2026 5

(UPDATED FROM 9/4/2020) International Harvester is the post-war U.S. automaker that has received the least attention from historians. Thus, Patrick Foster’s book, International Harvester: The Complete Story, is a particularly welcome [...]

Was the 1978 Cadillac Eldorado the most excessive car of the brougham era?

May 12, 2026 29

(EXPANDED FROM 1/5/2024) Reasonable people can debate what was the most excessive car of the brougham era, but I would propose the 1978 Cadillac Eldorado for top honors. To be more specific, I would point to the top-of-line Custom [...]

Why is the Toyota Sienna minivan’s styling out of this world?

May 3, 2026 9

(UPDATED FROM 3/4/2024) AUTOMOTIVE VIEWS NEWSWIRE — It’s no accident that the Toyota Sienna minivan stands out from the crowd when it comes to styling. Disturbed by declining sales, the automaker decided to give [...]

How much do Trump policies have to hurt auto industry before it supports Dems?

by Steve in Current Events 21

In early April the average new car price hit $50,729. This was an $820 jump in just 30 days. Meanwhile, first-quarter new car sales have slowed. A recent Automotive News (2026b) editorial claimed that “there is no doubt” rising prices have contributed to the sales decline. And in another unsigned editorial, the trade journal once again complained that [...]