A Fiat in Their Future

Even with all of Chrysler’s problems, this is startling:

By any measure, Chrysler needs help to make its products more appealing, particularly in smaller-car segments. Toyota and Honda, for example, each have two models that are individually outselling Chrysler’s entire lineup of passenger cars this year.

Back when I first got interested in cars, in the mid-50s, Chrysler was putting out really creative, distinctive designs. One of the Big Three, albeit oftentimes number 3, Chrysler sold tons of beautiful Plymouths, Dodges, DeSotos, and Chryslers. They still made some good cars into the 60s and later. But the glory days were over after that.

I like the little Fiat 500 the new Chrysler plans on bringing here. I hope it’s a huge success. But I’m not so sure whether selling them in a Chrysler-branded dealership is going to be much of a selling point. The Chrysler brand was trusted and respected back in ’55, but, at the present time, it’s hard not to see it as a detriment.

Mac Transit?

Before and… after?

Several of Chicago’s CTA mass transit subway and elevated stations have been renovated in recent years. But many remain badly in need of upgrades—lighting, PA systems, accessibility, platforms, signage, etc. One of these stations is this old, near north side, Red Line one.

Now, Apple and the CTA are discussing a deal:

Will riders of the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line trains be pulling into the Apple iTrain station any time soon?

That’s the question being posed after CTA officials today confirmed they were in talks with Apple over the technological giant’s plans to fork over millions to refurbish the North/Clybourn station.

The cash-strapped mass transit system would receive up to $4 million to refurbish inside and out of the Lincoln Park station at 1599 N. Clybourn Ave., officials said.

In exchange, Apple would receive first choice of advertising at the subway station, and it would have rights of first refusal of naming rights “if that was something the CTA were to offer,” CTA spokeswoman Noelle Gaffney said.

“We’re exploring different ways to improve our stations, and we’re also exploring the best way to do naming rights. This is one approach, and we’re looking at others, as well,” Gaffney said.

Several American mass transit systems, including those in New York City, Boston and Philadelphia, have sought to sell naming rights to transit stations.

Downsized Dog Relished

The new and improved Weinermobile now rolls (ha-ha) on a Mini-Cooper. The Mini will be more gas-efficient and maneuverable. Now if Oscar Mayer could only invent a low-fat, low-sodium hot dog to ensure we will all fit into those energy-saving Minis, SmartForTwos, and Yarises (or is it Yarie?). You know, those vehicles that will help the U.S. catch-up to the rest of the world’s higher fuel standards—before we’re in a real pickle. Someone may want to grill the Oscar Mayer executives about that.

Safari Love

The U.S. Postal Service is issuing five stamps depicting classic cars from the 1950s. They are paintings, portraying actual collectors’ cars. They all look great, tho I supposed I’m biased, having grown up in that decade going to every single Chicago Auto Show and returning home with bags full of brochures. Then pouring over them at home, fascinated by the multitude of models, options and color choices. In about September or October, my friends and I would ride our bikes around back of the local car dealers in hopes of getting our first glimpses of the new models.

I had my favorites (the ’57 Ford Fairlane 500 was one of many), but I loved them all, including not-so-pretty ones like a lot of the ’58s for instance. But they all had their many, many charms and distinct personalities— a lot more personality than most of the look-alikes on the road today. (I still can hardly tell an Accord and Sonata apart.)

I’m especially smitten with this 1957 Pontiac Safari. Being a two-door, it’s not really a family car. Yet it’s a station wagon. I can imagine a young couple with a toddler or two in the back seat (no one wearing seat belts). On their way to Wisconsin, or points west.

I like the superfluous details. Like the ribs on the roof, matched by those on the tail gate. Not really practical, but they suggest that things be carried or strapped, or set on top. The gate’s hinges are exposed, which you wouldn’t see now, but it adds to the functional look. As does the handle. Nothing hidden, just a big, bright, chrome, hand-fitting handle, with the visible key slot. Speaking of chrome, there’s lots of it. But not too much. Just the right amount, in my opinion. (And of course, sure to start showing rust spots by about 1960.)

There’s also that beautiful, blue exterior color, which really shows off the chrome. But, last but not least, is the nice touch of the sliding window in the back. Through that portal, I can imagine the kids in back grasping for the Tastee-Freeze treats their dad would hand to them. If they’d be quiet.