American Classics, turned Itasha

 The result of liking American cars and Japanese Anime.

The title is pretty self-explanatory, Itasha; is two Japanese words, Ita- as in 'pain' and -sha for 'car'. So, even the Japanese know that these Anime-themed cars are pain or even sacrilege, to differing degrees. I (unsurprisingly) enjoy them. They can be tasteful, and they can be an eyesore. In this post I'll share some of the rarer ones —combining classic American cars with Anime wraps— specifying both the name of the character and or (media depicted) in addition to the car's make and model.

• 1972 Ford Mustang - Ikuno Dictus (Umamusume)

• 1976 Ford Pinto - Mint Fantôme (Virtual YouTuber)

Cute wrap!

• 1963 AMC Rambler 770 - Hatsune Miku (Vocaloid)

• 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Townsman station wagon  - Kayoko (Blue Archive)

• 2003-2008 Lincoln Town Car - Mayu Sakuma and Yukimi Sajo (The Idolm@ster Cinderella Girls)

• 1954 Ford F100 - Lily (Vocaloid)

Honorable mention:

• 1968 Plymouth Barracuda - Unknown.

I can understand how these cars can be cringeworthy or even painful to look at, but I don't hate them. I enjoy the concept of Itasha in general however, when I saw these classic American cars with Anime wraps, something clicked. They are quite rare; as I couldn't find many vehicles with these sets of criteria. 

Links:

• Wikipedia - Itasha
• Twitter - @waifusquadvinyl
• Twitter - @mintopinto76
• Reddit - More Itasha from Anime North
• Twitter - @RolledMochocho2
• Facebook - Konksy Works's Post
• みんカラ - carview!

American Classic Automobiles (1950s - 1974)

Today, I want to share some photos and videos about some of my favorite types of cars—American Classics.

Now, this type can encompass different sizes and configurations from many eras, so let me zero it in more. I am generally attracted to American V8s made roughly between the 1950s to 1974 (known as the start of the Malaise Era, in American automotive history; in consequence to the Oil Crisis of 1973). 

I have to add that—I'm not interested in speed, power, or loudness. All what I'm looking for is aesthetics, style, vibe, and feel. It is very subjective and/or abstract even, it's either you understand it or you don't. My taste has developed from watching movies with old car chases and playing Driver: You Are The Wheelman, at an early age.

I shared this intro before in a previous post, and I'll share it again; since I believe this intro single-handedly shaped my perception and taste for cars, for as long as I can remember.

I typically steer away from "fast back" designs, I prefer hard top versions better. I really love tailfin styling and finder skirts, which are extinct on contemporary cars.

I'll list some of my favorite American cars, that don't get much attention 'usually':

• 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

• 1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass 422

• 1970 Chrysler 300 

• 1969 Buick GS

• 1970 AMC Rebel The Machine

• 1957 Plymouth Fury 

To Be Continued... 

Links:

• YouTube - 69 Plymouth Road Runner
  
• YouTube - American Cars Party Tricks (1963-1972)
  
• YouTube - Driver PS1 Intro Remastered | 1080P 60FPS
  
• Citrus Service - Neo Classic Cars - A stream of Consciousness
• YouTube - Oldsmobile Burnout olds 98 cyclones doughnut posi 455 ninety eight
  
• 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler
  
• 1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass 422
  
• 1970 Chrysler 300
  
• 1969 Buick GS
  
• 1970 AMC Rebel The Machine
  
• 1957 Plymouth Fury

Neo Classic Cars - A stream of Consciousness

1993 Dodge Viper GTS Concept

Nothing grandiose, just wanted to share this YouTube video that popped into my feed. It's a video about the latest Grand Theft Auto V's Online DLC -Agents of Sabotage- except this video sheds light on the vehicles added to the game and their real-life counterparts. The video is very well edited and put together. I had a blast watching it; as someone who likes cars, trucks and cool vehicles in general, and I hope you like it too. 

SD1ONE - GTA V Online Real VS Agents of Sabotage Cars | F&F builds included

Usually I don't pay attention to any car made after 1979 but this video kind of expanded my horizons (just a bit). 

2003 F150 SVT Lightning

2005 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 Coupe 1SB

1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

1985 Buick Regal Grand National

To me, it's hard for one vehicle to grab all of my attention, however if multiple cool vehicle were in one spot or they interacted with one another e.g. a police chase. That would really grab hold of me and leave me in awe. I believe my first ever interaction with a piece of media involving cars was the opening cinematic for the 1999 game Driver You Are the Wheelman, on the PlayStation One. Which I blame for my.. non-conventional taste in cars.

 Driver You Are the Wheelman Intro

What I'm trying to same is that verity is the spice of life.. or something to that extent. I might make more posts in the future about the kinds of vehicle that I enjoy or dream of owning. Have fun everyone, and drive safely.

Links:

• Supercars.net - 1993 Dodge Viper GTS Concept
• YouTube - GTA V Online Real VS Agents of Sabotage Cars | F&F builds included
• Classic.com - 2003 F150 SVT Lightning
• Modernclassicmotorcars.com - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 Coupe 1SB
• Wikipedia - 1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
• Oldcarsweekly.com - 1985 Buick Regal Grand National
• Wikipedia - Driver You Are the Wheelman
• YouTube - Driver You Are the Wheelman Intro