"All I wanna do is havesome fun,’til the sun comes up over Santa Monica Boulevard…” I used these words from Sheryl Crow some 13 years back after a trip to LA to drive the Plymouth Prowler. But to me they’re just as apt today, somehow capturing the fun-loving spirit of the City of Angels, an ethos that gave rise to California’s love of weird and wonderful wheels of all kinds, a passion that, for motoring fans at least, typifies the American dream.
With that automotive dream seemingly imploding all around us, it makes sense to go back to its roots. Because while GM, Chrysler and Ford may disappear or survive, America’s car culture will most certainly live and prosper, come what may.
So this month we’re taking you on a virtual trip to LA, with the legendary Chip Foose, who many may recognise from the TV show, Overhaulin’, as our guide. Chip’s itinerary, though somewhat different to the one I followed back in 1996, has the same kinda’ spirit. I did go to some of the places he suggests, such as the Petersen Museum, and I did get to meet Jay Leno. But probably the place I still remember most fondly is Cruiser’s Car Wash in the San Fernando Valley. I was there on a balmy Friday evening, and I can still see the varied array of cars gathered there, much in the way Chip describes in his visit to Cars and Coffee. A couple of Chevys – a ’48 and a ’58 – reminded me of my Dad, a ’37 Plymouth got me thinking about my grandfather, and – from a 1996 perspective – I mourned the loss of Detroit iron to the South African market. Not that Corollas, Golfs and Civics aren’t great cars, it’s just that there’s somethin’ about those hunky machines made in the US…
Further on in this issue we continue the Yankee theme with Stuart Johnston’s ode to the Dodge Charger, and a drive in a special version powered by The General. Now there’s a rather different combination of Americana! Peter Richards’ flawless black-and-orange Charger is an example of how enthusiasts have kept the American kustom kulture alive in South Africa. But there’s hope for fans of heavy metal. Despite the financial woes Stateside, it’s good to see that South African subsidiaries of US firms are keen to offer the latest Detroit bruisers to the local public where possible. Chrysler has been a shining example, offering cars such as the 300C SRT-8 for some years now. GM, while marketing Yankee-style Aussie Chevs, is keen to offer the Camaro here if and when it becomes available in right-hand drive. And the same goes for Ford and the Mustang. Maybe things aren’t so bad after all…
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