I used to carpool with the Strilkos, a family which had 1967 Oldsmobiles—a Cutlass and Delta 88. Both were white. When rust started to take over, they replaced them with a 1978 Ford LTD II and Oldsmobile Delta 88, both sky blue. Not my favorite blue, but I do enjoy many light blues and turquoises from earlier eras. I think the reason for this was being a past owner of a ’70 4-4-2 with light blue stripes.
It’s always interesting to me to see the sensibilities of colors throughout the decades. Among these AutoHunter Picks, something wouldn’t appear quite right if you switched the colors of the four vehicles below with each other, but as is, you wouldn’t blink. Nonetheless, certain light blues can be an acquired taste, as I still hate the 1978 blue. Which of the below blues moves you?
1979 Volkswagen Thing
I don’t remember how old I was—I’ll guess six—but my family went to Cozumel for vacation. The things I remember were my first exposure to Corn Flakes instead of Frosted Flakes, the song “Cielito Lindo” (had to look up the name), and my dad driving stick shift. The car? A VW Thing.
I don’t remember where we drove, but it was clear my dad hadn’t driven stick in awhile. Basically a Beetle in beachcombing Jeep drag, this VW knows no limit to the fun you can have, with this one originally coming from Mexico.
1961 Buick LeSabre Convertible
Nineteen sixty-one was a special year at General Motors as the corporation designed great cars across the board. Nonetheless, the 1961 Buick doesn’t receive as much love as Chevy or Pontiac models, but it’s no less perfect.
I love this car’s Bimini Blue hue with matching top, two-tone blue interior, horizontal speedometer, and super-smooth Turbine Drive transmission behind the Nailhead. This Buick will make someone very happy during the summer eves.
1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Cars with two headlights looked bug-like to me when I was younger, so I always preferred the 1958-62 Corvettes. Today, they look nose-heavy and I lean towards the earlier C1s for their lighter look.
Sure, this ’57 now packs a 327, but that gives you license to either find a correct 283 or play around with a car that is most often found stock. What if you built it as a vintage 1962 plaything? Watch American Graffiti and maybe you’ll get inspired.
1964 Ford Thunderbird Hardtop
Affectionately known as “Flair Birds,” the 1964-66 Thunderbirds have always been cool in my book. This one was originally Wimbledon White with a Light Blue metallic vinyl interior with Dark Blue appointments.
The body has been sprayed in a turquoise (reminds me of Pagoda Green) with the interior receiving cloth inserts. Pretty, isn’t it? With plenty of power accessories, including a power seat, this T-bird appears to be the kind of cruiser you can enjoy every day.
