Indie Auto

1963 Mercury Marauder: Ford tries to do a premium-priced car on the cheap

by Steve in Gallery 11

(UPDATED FROM 1/30/2024) The 1963 Mercury Marauder “fastback” two-door hardtop represented the beginning of a new era for the Ford Motor Company. The utilitarian sensibilities of its former leader, Robert McNamara, were eclipsed by an emphasis on sportier cars. Among their features were more powerful engines, bucket seats and floor shifters. [...]

Did 1964 Ramblers share more parts between size classes than competitors?

May 26, 2026 0

(EXPANDED FROM 12/31/2023) A few years ago FS complained that our article on the 1963 Rambler Classic was “poorly researched.” This strikes me as an important — if nerdy — debate, so let’s drill down. He argued that: “The new [...]

Tatra was yet another automaker that deemphasized aerodynamics by 1970s

May 22, 2026 12

(EXPANDED FROM 8/23/2023) A few years ago Curbside Classic reposted a story about the Tatra T-613 (Shafer, 2023). What struck me about that car, which was designed in the late-60s but did not reach production until 1973, was it looked [...]

1963-65 Buick Riviera shows GM’s struggle with personal coupes

May 20, 2026 19

(UPDATED FROM 12/14/2023) The 1963-65 Buick Riviera was one of the more memorable designs of the 1960s. However, the car didn’t really look like a Buick. Nor did it sell very well — arguably due to its confused personality and penny [...]

Motor Trend asked former car designers to offer frank views on the 1961 models

May 19, 2026 6

(UPDATED FROM 8/28/2024) Motor Trend had an intriguing article in its December 1960 issue. Former designers supposedly gave their “frank opinions of what is right and wrong with all of the 1961 cars” (1960, p. 29). Let’s walk [...]

Patrick Foster shows how International Harvester failed to adapt

May 13, 2026 5

(UPDATED FROM 9/4/2020) International Harvester is the post-war U.S. automaker that has received the least attention from historians. Thus, Patrick Foster’s book, International Harvester: The Complete Story, is a particularly welcome [...]

Why is the Toyota Sienna minivan’s styling out of this world?

by Steve in Satire 9

(UPDATED FROM 3/4/2024) AUTOMOTIVE VIEWS NEWSWIRE — It’s no accident that the Toyota Sienna minivan stands out from the crowd when it comes to styling. Disturbed by declining sales, the automaker decided to give it the “sci-fi” look. And who better to help Toyota do that than an out-of-this-world designer? The Sienna’s styling was outsourced to [...]