The island town of Palm Beach, Florida, is one of wealthy northeasterners’ favorite place to have a house (or a family compound) which provides an escape from the winter months, or to simply retire. The town has beautiful beaches, quaint streets, and is filled with palm trees. Those pretty main streets are full of high-end stores and financial institutions that most of us would have no reason to go into.
Despite its small ten square mile size, cars are the primary mean of getting around. Wealthy being wealthy, everyone seems to have the newest one of something; Rolls Royces, Ferraris, Bentleys, Maseratis, Porsches are ad nauseam. There was also a surprisingly high ratio of new Jaguars and Japanese luxury brands with respect to European brands, which once dominated this demographic.
All of that is great n’ all, but most of us here do not really care that much for those cars. The great news is that among all of that are surprising automotive treasures. I captured some of during my morning runs around the island or while driving. It is really just a small sample of what’s hiding there.
Yes, this Turbo S cab is rather new and blah, but it was its interesting color combination that captured me. Also note the factory aero package. Yuk.
This is the kind of stuff I did not expect to see, and right on Worth Ave., too. The Toyota looked mint, the LeBaron was just a pleasant surprise. Is that a GTC? If so, what was so special about the GTC?
It’s not often that you see a mint looking GMC Syclone, and a stock-looking one at that too. The world needs more affordable AWD turbocharged pickups.
Again, a new-ish vehicle, but one that’s definitely was not bought for its luxuries or prestige.
Where there are rich people, there are Grand Wagoneers. Except for Tim.
I’m assuming that the El Camino and Chrysler products are driven by people who just work there.
Casually parked on a side street was this awesome Econoline conversion van. It was in such a great condition that there was no way that it was original, or at least not repainted. It’s interesting to see that the original wheel covers were not swapped for a set of Cragars or other alloys.
Yawn, another Defender. For a vehicle that’s been imported in such limited numbers into U.S., it’s amazing that I see them everywhere. Also, I think I am getting over my obsession with these… the Wrangler is just too good.
This 924 was parked at some country club. License plate says “5 LEMANS”. One day I’ll get license plates that say “5 LEMONS” and I’ll park my Buick next to him.
Yes, another Land Rover Defender, but this one is special. First it’s owned by some kind of psycho Brit connoisseur who also has an old Range Rover Country in factory-like condition. That means the owner has dedication, stubbornness, money, and a bit of insanity in him/her. I would love to have one.
Second, this Defender is riding on bigger than stock tires (suspension looked stock), has an after-market brush guard like I’ve never seen before, a winch that looks like it has actually been used, and non-OEM lights all over. And, are those black things on top of the diamond plate snorkels?
All of that is great n’ all, but there was one more thing that no U.S.-spec 1993 (only year for the 110) Defender ever had – an automatic transmission.
I’m thinking that the two Dodge Chargers are rentals as the population of this island triples in the winter. Yes, that’s the best pic I could have gotten of that VW.
I never see Chevy Celebrities in the northeast anymore. I always thought that this was a handsome car, American design with some a Euro trashiness thrown in. Too bad the interior didn’t match the exterior.
I’m assuming that this is driven by someone’s housekeeper or a dog-walker or something… The Chevy certainly belongs to a connoisseur.
Spotted in Boca Raton, after I came out of the Concours. Whenever I see these I think that the owner/driver thinks that they are the coolest kids in the playground.
Much like the Syclone, the Impala SS proved that there was someone at GM who cared, who wanted to make great cars. I love these Impalas, at least in theory because I don’t think I would love them as much if I actually drove one. It’s too bad that so few remain stock.
Yes, another new car, but the 40th anniversary 911 is really special. Well… it’s special because it has Fuch-like wheels and Golf GTI-like plaid cloth seats. And a few more ponies, I think. It was parked right outside of the Boca Raton Country Club, where the Concours was.
Can someone explain what I am looking at here?
I had no idea that my cousin owned a Defender. I must get one of my own now. Bruder toys, if you’re wondering.
And finally, I came upon this Disco at a Boca pizza place. First, it’s rhino-lined, and it actually looked really cool. The paint did, at least. A crappy spare tire on OEM rim, while the four rolling wheels are steel with M/Ts means that this thing is a poser.
But then… there was the front.
I don’t even…
[Images copyright 2014 Hooniverse/Kamil Kaluski]
Except for the Bruder Land Rover, all pictures were taken in public areas, which is why the license plates are not blurred.
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