My wife and I recently spent a long weekend in the Washington, D.C., area, and it was not a surprise to find some interesting automobiles scattered about. One day we toured the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where I spotted a few JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars. I presume that navy men and women, while sailing around the world, return with cars that they can’t otherwise source here in the States.
Sightseeing in several neighborhoods also uncovered cars on the street that I haven’t seen in the metro NY/NJ area in a while. The most fabulous find was the Rover TC2000, because I would have presumed that one hundred percent of them stopped running ages ago.
It only proves that cars of interest are everywhere, you only need to look for them.
FROM THE ANNAPOLIS NAVAL ACADEMY:
ON THE STREETS OF D.C.
A pair of Volvo C30s. The design has aged well, I think, and they are starting to become collectible among Volvo fans.
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Hopefully, you were not down there when it was snowing. They almost never get any snow down there. They have virtually no snow removal equipment, no experience driving in it, and the minute they see a few flakes they immediately close their businesses and drive home like crazy people. I was at the Washington Auto Show one year in the late 70s and after the press day I intended to drive home to New Jersey. My wife and I went to the Smithsonian Museum in the AM. When we came out we saw a few snow flakes, so I suggested we start for home in our Volvo. Eleven hours later we made it home! The majority of that time was spent getting out of DC and going North in Maryland. I was never so happy to get back to NJ in my life. Winter driving in the South is really terrifying!
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Hi Bob, thanks for your comments. We missed the snow while in DC, luckily! I agree, drivers who don’t know how to motor along in the white stuff are a terror on the road! Best, Richard
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I know you think I’m a dull guy as I’m driving a 16-year-old minivan and, so, am trying to redeem myself in your eyes. Yes, the 2009 is still going strong, but like all things, nothing lasts forever. Although I’d actually like to sell it before anything goes wrong, My main reason is I no longer am in the moving game (kids, college, parents, big projects), It’s time to upgrade. Since November, I’ve been on the hunt for a 2019-2020 Buick Regal TourX in Essence trim. In Europe, it was the Opel. It is a relatively rare car with 5000 brought over, from what I’ve read. I am going for a fully loaded one with a panoramic glass roof. I’ve never had a new car, probably never will and although I could afford something new, this tickles my fancy. Take it from a man that had a Merkur Scorpio and you realize I like different or am a sucker. Ha.
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Hi Bob, and thanks for the comments. I’m a big fan of the German Opels, going way back to the Manta and the GT. Those Regal wagons are sharp looking, and were well thought of when new. Good luck with your hunt! Best, Richard
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Sharp eyes! Although that yellow Rover would have been hard to miss! You may be slightly pessimistic about the surviving population…… but not by much. However, finding one parked on the street in somewhat rough condition apparently being used as regular transportation has to be unique. The owner must be very committed and maybe just a liiiittle bit eccentric. Probably both. I remember servicing a couple of these at our shop in the early ’70s. Very comfortable cars that were also fun to fling around with interesting features like De Dion rear suspension with inboard brakes and a strong SOHC engine.
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Hi Bob, and thanks! Interesting comments from someone “who was there” to experience the Rover magic. I remember reading in my favorite mag, Car and Driver, that they were fans of the car. Of course, they didn’t live with one from day to day…. Best, Richard
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