AACA Charlotte AutoFair Part II

We'll now continue on my previous post covering the AACA's largest East-Coast show, the Charlotte AutoFair. There's a lot of metal to drool over, so let's get going!

I'm sure Paul can set me straight on the year and specifics, but this was one absolutely stunning DeSoto.  This brand as a whole ceased to exist some time during 1960, but it used to be one of the shining stars in Chrysler's empire of brands.  The two-tone aqua and white paint scheme is charming.

Here's a mint 1996 Chevrolet Corvette GranSport - the last of the line for the C4's.  This model came with the high-output version of the iron block LT-1 V8, dubbed the LT4 - which was higher compression, higher revving, and better breathing.  This was basically the model that replaced the ZR-1 at the end of it's life cycle before the C5's came into being, and it's a bit of a rare site these days.

This isn't something you see every day - a K-car derivative Dodge Rampage pickup converted to a tube-frame rear wheel drive chassis with a giant Mopar race V8.  Oh, and quad side pipes per side - just simply insane.

Here's the car from the lead image - a rare Saleen Mustang Parnelli Jones edition.  These are my personal favorite new Mustangs, equipped with the tuned RaceCraft suspension, special bodywork (check out those Minilite knock-offs!), a 302ci 4-valve "cammer" naturally aspirated V8, and a shaker hood with some hot hood pins.  These cars are wonderfully anachronous, but that doesn't stop me from wanting one.

And on the other end of the Saleen scale, here's a brand-spanking-new Saleen S302E, the top of the line Mustang-based Saleen.  This one's got a 550bhp supercharged 5.0L 32v V8... which seems like enough.

I have such a soft spot for Chevy Corvairs... there's just something about an American car with a rear-engined, air-cooled flat six and swing axles.  Oh boy.  Plus they're a high water mark in the pantheons of automotive styling to me.  More Corvairs ahead...

Here's something interesting: in 1962, Chevy introduced a first on the Corvair: a turbocharger.  Along with the Oldsmobile F-85 Turbo Jetfire, the Corvair Monza Turbo was the first production car to be available with an exhaust-driven turbocharger.  Take that, 911 Turbo.

Here's another interesting concept: a Corvair station wagon.  Which begs the question: since it's rear-engined, does it keep your groceries warm on the way back from the store?

Here's ane example of the Flying Italian Cadillac, the Allanté, which was partially produced (as well as designed) by Pinin Farina in Turin, Italy.  I'm not so sure about the wheels, but it's still a sexy shape - even with a blasted tent tied to it.

Last, but not least, for today: an original Studebaker Avanti coupe - a rather forward-looking sports car for it's day, and a rather oft-copied design today.  Studebaker went under because people weren't ready for what they were selling - this is a great example.  It's rather striking, especially in the shade of coffee brown seen on this one.

There'll be yet more AutoFair coverage tomorrow, so stay tuned!