@87CE 95PV Type Я: Technically the model is shown is in Graphite Metallic. A color option available in 1988 and 1989 only. A rare color (I personally have only seen two others in person), which is unfortunate, because they look handsome in that dark gray.

I share the same dream of cruising Route 66 in a vintage American machine. But for a more inspirational reason than anything else. In the 1950s, we were sure we would have nuclear powered ocean liners and flying cars by 2000 or so. That kind of optimism breeds innovative thinking, and the cars reflected that. For…

Saw the question, and this came to mind almost instantly. I could write a book on the reasons why I would choose this car, but I won't.

@Frank Grimes: Ranchero came before El Camino.

Camaro, S-10 Blazer, those 1988+ Chevy trucks, take your pick.

@LandofMinos. So stupid, he makes two short planks look like a computer.: Woah now. Ya wanna take this outside? Just about every part and piece of an F-150 is like a Ute x10. Even the stock mirrors are chrome-laden steel units. Can't beat a Ford truck for durability and dependability.

@Csirkefogo: You're speaking of trains as if they're a theoretical device. They aren't. We have, here in the U.S. even, trains. Woah! But guess what: the methods of security enforcement instituted by the TSA are not not not applied to train transport! Crazy stuff.

@LandofMinos. So stupid, he makes two short planks look like a computer.: You're missing the point ya'll. Those Holdens and Ford utes are neat. They're quick and all. But ya know, I wouldn't trade my F-150's off road prowess for speed. Kicking up rooster tails on the beach is fun too. And you can't beat that feeling…

Ha, my history teacher played the original radio skit in class yesterday.

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and risk being stoned to death. But I don't like Utes. I do not see the appeal over, say, my short bed, reg cab F-150. Utes are like trucks, only they can't do truck things.

Anybody else catch the Bimini Blue face-lifted second generation Ford Tempo to the left? It is either a GL or LX.

@Skunky: What cars got it besides the Mustang and Fairmont? I'm at a loss. Because in the 1980s, Ford was incredibly diverse. From the European-derived CE14 Escort/Tempo chassis, to the Fiesta, the Panther platform riders, Aerostar's FWD/AWD chassis, and ending with the unique Taurus. Fox only served mid-size rear…

J-Bodies. What GM brand didn't get one?

@ahnuc: A similar situation existed between the KCAP (Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Missouri) and Oakville. Oakville existed as the secondary Tempo/Topaz assembly plant, and as such all high-end two door Tempos were manufactured in KCAP. There's no such thing as a Canadian built two-door T/T. Similarly, Ford…

@ahnuc: You have mispoken friend. You are incorrect. Also, Oakville, Ontario doesn't know how to build cars. I know, I own one built from there and then one built in KCAP in good old America.

There can be only one: the 1984 Ford Tempo. Dependable, and a timeless classic.

Ford Fiesta could fit the bill.

See... People are so down on minivans. I do not understand why.

The only car that gets my heart rate up is my own Ford Tempo. Especially when you're skidding into a turn in one of Alaska's mountain ranges at 1AM, with no ABS, no traction control, no airbags, and no stability control.