Author Archives: Ken Altes

1952 Packard 200 Deluxe Touring Sedan in Texas

Written by Ken Altes

1952 Packard 200 Deluxe Touring Sedan, powered by 288ci straight-eight paired with a two-speed automatic transmission. I photographed it at Austin’s Lonestar Round Up custom car show.  I think it’s happy to see you!

1952 Packard in Austin TX 1952 Packard in Austin TX at Lonestar Round Up

1971 Oldsmobile Toronado in Liberty Hill, Texas

Written by Ken Altes

455 cu. in. Olds V8 pulls this heavy FWD car.  The 1960s was an innovative decade at General Motors.  The Toronado in 1966, along with the Cadillac Eldorado, were the heaviest FWD production cars ever and first American FWD since the 1937 Cord, but the transaxle was so stout that it was used under GM RVs into the 1970s.  GM started the decade with the independent suspension, air-cooled rear-engined Corvair, the next year the 215-cubic-inch (3.5 liter) aluminum V-8 and rear transaxle and turbocharging –  the only American engine design ever to win a Formula 1 title.  The super handsome 1963 Buick Riviera is a classic, originally pitched in-house as a new Cadillac model.  The 1966 Pontiac Tempest had a single overhead cam (SOHC) straight six.  What am I missing?  The 1970s was a different story, the American car nadir (not Nader – that was the 60s) with downsizing and stifling engines.

1970 Oldsmobile Toronado1970 Oldsmobile Toronado for sale

Mild Custom 1950 Ford in Central S. Austin, Texas

Written by Ken Altes

These Cadillac wheel covers are a great touch on this 1950ish Ford custom, probably a Club Coupe or Business Coupe. 1951 Ford Custom in Austin 1951 Ford Custom in Austin TX

1967 Pontiac GTO in S. Austin, Texas

Written by Ken Altes

Parked at the curb, this dazzling GTO was glowing under the bright summer sun. Outstanding condition, color and model (and wheels).

Update: the owner of this exquisite 1967 Pontiac GTO, Jason Napolski, spotted his car on our facebook page, and sent us this message: “Thanks for posting, I am the owner, some under the hood photos for all to enjoy, Thanks for looking!”  It’s his engine picture below.

Its fun to get messages from owners of cars that I’ve posted, and, so far, they all seem pleased.   1967 Pontiac GTO in Austin Texas1967 Pontiac GTO in Austin TX front  1967 Pontiac GTO in Austin TX rear1967 Pontiac GTO S. 1st Perf, Austin TX engine1967 Pontiac GTO in Austin  1967 Pontiac GTO in Austin TX interior1967 Pontiac GTO in Austin TX side