Tag Archives: Mimbolove1980s

Motostalgia Auction: 1987 Land Rover Defender 90

Written by Ken Altes

Love any rugged 4×4 with diesel power. Add air conditioning and that’s pretty hard to beat. The green Land Rover is a 1963 Land Rover Santana Series 2A, made in Spain for export to Central and South America.  See link at right for Motoreum.1987 Land Rover Defender 90 in Austin TX MotostalgiaLand Rovers and Land Cruiser  in Austin TX1987 Land Rover Defender 90 in Austin TX

Iraqi Taxi: 1981 Chevy Malibu In Plain Wrapper

Written by Ken Altes

Anonymous conveyance at N. Lamar Goodwill.  Surprisingly,  one contemporary road test found the Chevrolet Malibu to be comfortable and good handling.  So good that the famous car nut Saddam Hussein ordered 25,500 of them in 1981. Only 13,000, or so were delivered, most used as taxis in Baghdad, the rest were sold at a discount in Canada.  Saddam had decided that his limited funds were better spent buying bombs for Iran. A police package with a 350 cu. in. V8 was built in good numbers. Built from 1978 to 1983, their rear door windows were fixed but the rear corner windows were electrically operated. Had a weird 267 cu. in. small block V8 but could only manage sub-20 MPG, and 14 sec. 0-60 times.1981 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan Austin TX1981 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan Austin Texas1981 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan Austin TX rear

Bustle-Back Cadillac Seville on S. 1st St

Written by Ken Altes

Cadillac’s first front driver with 105 hp diesel option, built from 1980 to 1985.  Cadillac at its nadir, but at least it’s not a Cimarron.

Slantback Cadillac in Austin TX side Slantback Cadillac in Austin TX rear Slantback Cadillac in Austin TX front