skip to content
Driving Line Mark Logo

Orphaned & Discontinued Car Show

  • Story By
    Evan Griffey
Orphan Show 10 I know about underdogs. In a peer group who worshipped the Honda Civic, my first new-car purchase was a ‘91 Sentra SE-R… blasphemy. On the domestic side, where Mustangs ruled the roost, I rolled an ’87 Buick Grand National. Today, living in the Pacific Northwest where it’s not if you own a Subaru, it’s how many; I drive a Mitsubishi Evo IX in lieu of the prerequisite WRX. All this to say that I am used to being out numbered and on the wrong side of the status quo ratio, but I embrace this uniqueness… and dare I say… all the cars I’ve listed are better, more fun to drive rides than their more popular counterparts. So I was in the right frame of mind going into the 15th Annual Orphan & Discontinued Car Show, fittingly hosted by the Corvairs Northwest car club. The show was held at an intimate venue called Country Village in Bothell, Washington. As expected the Corvair was well represented. They even had their own swath of the show field. There were quite a few Studebakers as well, but also some uniquely unique cars. Here is a cross section of some of the odd but awesome cars in attendance. [caption id="attachment_21166" align="alignleft" width="940"] Josephine Wilson made a splash with her muscular 1971 AMC Gremlin. The car dubbed America’s mileage leader faced off against the Ford Pinto and Chevy Vega in the Stone Age of domestic mpg wars. Josephine Wilson made a splash with her muscular 1971 AMC Gremlin. The car dubbed America’s mileage leader faced off against the Ford Pinto and Chevy Vega in the Stone Age of domestic mpg wars.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_21167" align="alignleft" width="940"] The AMC is powered by a stout Chevy LT1 small-block V8. The engine was manufactured between 1992 and 1997 and rated anywhere from 260 to 300 horsepower; a real shot of adrenalin for the gremlin which was originally motivated by an inline 6. The AMC is powered by a stout Chevy LT1 small-block V8. The engine was manufactured between 1992 and 1997 and rated anywhere from 260 to 300 horsepower; a real shot of adrenalin for the gremlin which was originally motivated by an inline 6.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_21163" align="alignleft" width="940"] Dubbed the Darth Vader Studebaker, this Champion had the look. The wheels are gold plated, that's gutsy...just how Vader would have played it. Dubbed the Darth Vader Studebaker, this Champion had the look. The wheels are gold plated, that's gutsy...just how Vader would have played it.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_21164" align="alignleft" width="940"] Another engine swap, the Champion sports a Cadillac V8 fitted with a wet-manifold NOS nitrous system… and a dose of gold-hued bling. Another engine swap, the Champion sports a Cadillac V8 fitted with a wet-manifold NOS nitrous system… and a dose of gold-hued bling.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_21165" align="alignleft" width="940"] Jim and Betty Nickle displayed their 1964 Wagonaire. Talk about greenhouse effect, this wagon has more glass than a New York skyscraper. We also like the Studebaker’s retractable roof in the back. Jim and Betty Nickle displayed their 1964 Wagonaire. Talk about greenhouse effect, this wagon has more glass than a New York skyscraper. We also like the Studebaker’s retractable roof in the back.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_21162" align="alignleft" width="940"] Brian Stanton dared to be different with his super-clean 1972 Opel Manta Rallye. Part of the 1900 series, the Rallye was the sporty model and featured a four-banger rated at 92 horsepower. The cars were imported from Germany and sold through Buick dealerships. Brian Stanton dared to be different with his super-clean 1972 Opel Manta Rallye. Part of the 1900 series, the Rallye was the sporty model and featured a four-banger rated at 92 horsepower. The cars were imported from Germany and sold through Buick dealerships.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_21159" align="alignleft" width="940"] Wagon fanatics rejoice, Roger Eggebraten’s 1966 Checker Marathon Wagon is a rare sight indeed. Wagon fanatics rejoice, Roger Eggebraten’s 1966 Checker Marathon Wagon is a rare sight indeed.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_21160" align="alignleft" width="940"] Cecil and Patti Williams’ Artesian Turquoise 1965 Corvair Corsa caught our eye. We love the color and its factory turbocharged flat-6. Cecil and Patti Williams’ Artesian Turquoise 1965 Corvair Corsa caught our eye. We love the color and its factory turbocharged flat-6.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_21161" align="alignleft" width="940"] This well dressed Studebaker 259-inch V8, replete with period-correct Fram carburetor air filter, impressed us in its overall attention to detail. This well dressed Studebaker 259-inch V8, replete with period-correct Fram carburetor air filter, impressed us in its overall attention to detail.[/caption]  
Return to beginning of article

Loading ...