Welcome back to The Lost Cars of Brooklyn – where we discovered a classic 1983 Oldsmobile 88 Delta Royal Brougham V8 Coupe.

A private seller down in Dyker Heights is offering up one mint condition Oldsmobile two-door for just $1,750.

With 117,000 on this 8 cylinder’s odometer, it may be a coupe but this car’s got girth. We aren’t going to try estimating miles per gallon, because you drive this vehicle for style, not to save the Earth.

For a 1983 model, there’s a nice amount of modern installed features:

Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
Power Door Locks
Power Windows
Power Steering
Power Seats
Tilt/Telescope Steering Wheel

According to the seller’s description, this Oldsmobile includes an original engine and rebuilt transmission. Inside, 88 Delta has a new headliner, body trim moldings, and center wheel emblems. This is a great find, click the Auto Trader link below if interested, now!

Source: Auto Trader

It seems that putting on a large scale auto show, featuring hundreds of concept cars and thousands of people in attendance, can be sort of dangerous.

During the 2012 North American International Auto Show, anything can happen. We expect to see the latest, most outrageous concepts from auto makers both foreign and domestic. Sometimes, the content gets a little too hot.

Case in point, just the other day LINCOLN (yes, they insist it be spelled all CAPS) showcased their MKZ Concept for 2013. A new direction for the company, as stated in the release. Unfortunately, as the vehicle sat on display, it started to smoke. Yes, LINCOLN’s hot new model caught fire.

No explanation was given for this smokey event, while reps for the company stood in front of the driver’s side door – hoping no one would notice.

This isn’t the first fire at a Detroit Auto Show. During 2010′s event, an electrical fire inexplicably began above Audi’s E-Tron (electric car, irony?) Concept booth. The area was evacuated of both people and automobiles.

In 2009, another almost-fatal incident occurred at the Cobo Center in Detroit. Chrysler’s Pentastar logo, perched high above the auto maker’s then-new line of 200C Concepts, fell from the sky, almost hitting a passerby.

Again, no one was injured, and much like this year’s smoking MKZ, automotive press officials had themselves a good laugh.

Living in Brooklyn is a dream for some. To others, it’s just the city of their existence. North Brooklyn gets a bad rep these days, laying claim to Williamsburg and Greenpoint – so called “Hipster Heaven.”

But many have inhabited this area of “BK” for generations, and it shows when you stumble upon their automobiles. The people of New York City are the proudest you will ever meet, that goes double for outer borough residents. They hold tight to civic pride, love of community, and to memories – including their classic automobiles.

Take a walk (or fixed gear bike ride) around North Brooklyn, and you’ll see many old school vehicles park on gritty (or not so much) NY streets.

A slightly-dropped Chevy Nova in Greenpoint.

This rusty roadster probably hasn’t moved from its spot off Meeker Ave in decades.

Always parked in the same spot at a school bus depot is this classic 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

NY-proud Ford Mustang hangs out off the BQE.

In Williamsburg, someone has a very well maintained Ford Fairlane…

…and in Greenpoint, another Fairlane!

Can’t go wrong with a deep purple Plymouth. You can bet there will be more shots of this ride coming to blog posts!

There are countless web articles published every season on How To Prepare Your Car For Winter Driving. But no one tells us how to dodge leaves and school children during Fall. This year, many Americans are experiencing milder weather for November & December. (Hey, that kind of rhymes!) In the North East, it’s basically still Autumn.

Instead of giving readers basic Winter driving tips, we decided to write out a few Fall commuting basics, since many of us are still seeing piles of leaves on the ground, instead of (thankfully) snow.

Photo: automobilesdeluxe.tv

Kids are back to school, and they just do not understand looking both ways before crossing the street. Restless school children run wild after 3 pm, so use caution when passing through suburban areas, as well as school zones.

Give yourself extra time to get around. If you’re caught behind a school bus, it will take more than a few minutes to make it to a destination. Give that bus a lot of extra room, and don’t pass unless its operator gives you an ‘ok’ wave.

Photo: autoblog.com

This extended warm weather is misleading. Precipitation and slippery roads are coming. Random hail and rain can fall from the sky without notice. Wet leaves breed extra dangerous road conditions. Travel with caution when moving over soaked foliage. Piles of wet leaves can also obstruct large potholes or puddles.

Damp leaves can severely damage the electrical systems and undercarriages of automobiles. Avoid parking on top of them this time of year.

Photo: mbcharlotte.com

Regular maintenance is key to the long life of your vehicle. When seasons change, it’s important to check your wiper blades. They should be replaced approx. every 6,000 miles, or twice a year.

Brakes and tires should also be taken care of before or during Fall. Tires should have a good amount of tread left. Mechanic shops will typically inspect brakes free of charge.

Photo: focusedonlight – Flickr

Finally, make sure you heater and defrost is fully operational. Early morning frost has begun. Front blower hoses should be inspected, and have electrical wiring on the rear defogger double-checked.

Sources: goodgarageschemeblog.com / icarumba.com

Moving platforms that connect high-speed trains while in motion – sounds like a great idea, right…right?

‘Moving Platforms’ takes two high-speed trains (around for years in Japan/China, still working out the kinks in America) and connects them with an extendable platform, which acts like a tunnel allowing passengers to transfer trains while both are in (very fast) motion. This cuts down on transfer times and station stops, streamlining the process of rail travel.

This idea has been around since the 1960s, though even current infrastructures do not allow for such a futuristic, and all be it dangerous train-jumping process.

According to reports, this new model plan means trains would never enter a city. Trams would pick up passengers from various locations to rendezvous with the proper connecting service. Trains would run constantly, and only stop for occasional maintenance.

We’re taking bets on how many insane deaths happen if and when this plan comes to fruition anytime soon.

Source: Jalopnik

Coffee and other caffeinated drinks are super hip these days. You don’t always have to leave the driver’s seat to purchase a perfect Cup o’ Joe. Maybe it’s part of the American experience – having deliciously brewed coffee, or a top-notch espresso, delivered via Drive Thru window.

Even if you travel for a living, there is probably a superb drive-up cafe just a few minutes from your current location.

We took a tour of the best coffee shops with drive-thru access in five regions of the USA. After several jittery debates, Automopedia chose its Top 5:

East Coast / North East – THE PIGGERY

Location: 423 Franklin St. in Ithaca, NY

Previously known as “Buzz,” these coffee shop owners added a deli to an award winning breakfast joint, followed by its name to symbolize the fantastic “farm to table” bacon. FYI: Deli hours begin later than Piggery’s drive-thru cafe. However, there is no better locale in the North East to grab a hot cup of freshly brewed (local NY) coffee, along with bacon, egg & cheese on a bun.

Southern US – Poplar Perk’n

Location: 4610 Poplar Avenue in Memphis, TN

Offering up coffee, smoothies, and other blended drinks every day of the week, Popular Perk’n is Tennessee’s answer to the drive-up cafe. This quaint shop is a favorite of college students and working class heroes alike. Popular’s owner Jimmy Whidden might even expand to include on-site baked goods.

Mid West – Mudslingers Drive Thru Coffee

Mudslingers began as an idea based out of Minnesota (its official HQ) and has grown into franchise opportunities across the nation. Soon enough, there might be a Mudslingers drive-thru in your home town. Coffee is not the only option at ‘Slingers – there’s a wide array of pastries and bagels, soups, frozen/mixed drinks, and the knowledge that your order will be ready in moments. Skip the fast food line; Mudslingers is your healthier, non-corporate option.

South West – Raw Bean Coffee House & Drive Thru

Location: 611 SW Temple in Salt Lake City, UT

Raw Bean is known as one of SLC’s prime coffee locations. A full-service stop, their dining area gives customers free wifi and freshly brewed goodness in every cup. Raw’s drive-thru option brings those on the go a quick detour for “spot-on” iced coffee. We’ve also been informed that patrons should take advantage of free biscotti.

Pacific North West – Cowgirls Espresso

Yes, that woman is in a bikini, holding a large caffeinated drink. Try to remain calm and carry on. Cowgirls combines sex and steaming coffee in a business strategy sweeping down the Western US. Their Seattle location includes “Bikini Wednesdays” – which is the only time baristas wear even less than their normal work attire.

Welcome back to the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show. As week two comes to a close, and we microwave Thanksgiving left overs, auto makers who graced the floors of LAAS are headed home. But we leave LA with a bang, Parkour style!

According to Wikipedia: Parkour (sometimes abbreviated PK) is a method of movement focused on moving around obstacles with speed and efficiency. Originally developed in France, the main purpose of the discipline is to teach participants how to move through their environment by vaulting, rolling, running, climbing and jumping.

It’s also a favorite hobby of Dwight, Andy, and Michael:

Smart 341 Parkour Concept

Sadly, Smart Parkour has nothing to do with the French martial art. It’s a concept designed by “Annie” – an investigative reporter who entered her idea for “Hollywood’s Hottest New Movie Car” and won top prize at LAAS.

Smart Parkour features several design elements that allow occupants to shoot photos from all angles, including the small car’s domed top, along with its ‘suction cap-enabled’ climbing ability.

“With the 341 Parkour, Smart hit the nail on the head: the design combines innovation and functionality with an exciting film plot,” according to judges.

This is Lincoln’s “New” Design: 2013 Lincoln MKS

Lincoln has continually stated they are going ‘all new’ for 2013, including a complete remake of their models. Well, sorry to say, the 2013 MKS looks pretty similar to previous models. Maybe this “new and improved” design will pop up in 2014.

Lincoln hopes to transform itself into a “great American luxury brand” – much like it was before it became the symbol of livery cab use. The auto maker is spending $1 billion on development of seven new / refreshed models, the first of which should appear at January’s 2012 Detroit Auto Show in the form of a MKZ concept.

Back to MKS, which contains a 3.7-liter V6 producing 300 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. There will also be a 3.5-liter EcoBoost version available, with 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. We’re curious to see of that big ol’ grille remains in 2014.

Chevrolet, Topless: 2013 Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible

At long last, Chevy Camaro ZL1 Convertible makes an appearance, and will soon drop into your local Chevrolet dealer. 2013′s Camaro ZL1 houses a powerplant making 580 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter LSA engine. Better put on a hat while blowing down sunny California freeways.

GM flip-flopped for over a year on whether or not to produce a convertible variant. Seems as if they gave in to fan requests, but will these loyal followers show up to dealerships?

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

Finally, there’s a new luxury coupe/convertible in town. Based off the popular Jaguar XKR, the supercharged 2012 XKR-S Convertible was live at 2011 LAAS.

XKR-S Convertible is more ‘dramatically styled’ than many other Jag models. With a 550 horsepower, 502 pound-feet of torque engine, XKR-S hits the 60 mph mark in an amazing 4.2 seconds. This makes it one of the fastest convertibles ever available from this car maker.

That’s all from LAAS 2011! Check back for more Auto Show updates @ Automopedia!

Source: Motor Authority

Welcome to the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show.

As week one gets underway for the public (automotive press has mostly come and gone) there are a few models we can’t wait to show you. Some are production versions of concepts long teased online (we’re looking at you Subaru!) – while other vehicles rolling across the floors of LAAS were created simply for fun, and to gain that all important auto show “WOW” factor.

What better way to spend those pre-Thanksgiving days walking around a car show – Here’s a look at some of the more interesting LAAS 2011 reveals.

A Real Life Mario Kart

You can’t run an auto-related event in Southern California without West Coast Customs dropping by. The crew famous for Pimp My Ride, and making Xzibit a star, marked the release of Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo Wii by creating fully functional, real life models of Mario character karts.

Mario & Luigi’s vehicles from the game were present, and can be driven on both ground and water (if you follow the video game’s premise that is).

Ford at 2011 LAAS – 2013 Mustang GT500 & Escape

Ford made huge reveals at this year’s LAAS. First up, it’s the much anticipated 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 from Shelby. What’s so special about another GT variant? This model can reportedly hit 200 miles per hour, while remaining perfectly street legal. In our opinion, it’s also one of Shelby’s sexiest enhancements to date.

On the other end of the spectrum is 2013′s Ford Escape. Originally the auto maker’s prized crossover, this vehicle is now being geared towards soccer mom’s as the latest in lady-driver tech. We don’t understand this new gender-biased marketing strategy – especially since this gas or hybrid powered truck registers 237-hp from its 2.0-liter engine. Who says women have to drive wimpy cars, anyway?

2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year – Volkswagen Passat

Next up, it’s time for Motor Trend’s Car of the Year award. The honor was bestowed to a 2012 Volkswagen Passat. The VW was singled out for its affordability, as well as popularity. Passat had its best month (October 2011) as far as sales since 2005. With the successful release of a redesigned Jetta also taking place this Fall, seems like 2012 will be a great year for VW sedans.

American Luxury – Cadillac XTS

Cadillac is doing battle with foreign luxury auto makers. If they stick to models like the upcoming XTS sedan, they’ll have no problem kicking BMW in the bum. Headed to dealers in 2013, XTS reminds us of President Obama’s pumped-up Cadillac limo. The large trunk on this full-sized vehicle harkens back to Caddy’s of yesterday – the kind Robert De Niro hid bodies in.

Subaru’s Sports Car – The BRZ

Subaru has been teasing us with dark images of the BRZ sports car for months. Finally, at 2011 LAAS, we get to see a production-ready variant. Subaru’s horizontally-opposed “boxer” engine will power BRZ, with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a low center of gravity. Apparently, the more officially official Subaru BRZ will debut Nov. 30th at Tokyo’s International Auto Show. So, what exactly is the model we’re looking at above??

Land Rover DC100

We almost forgot: Land Rover still exists, and is making new cars. The long awaited Land Rover DC100 Sport is rumored to be the company’s replacement for Defender. However, other rumors suggest Land Rover Defender will stay with the foreign nameplate until 2015 – 2017. Guess only time, and sales figures, will tell.

Sources / Photos – MA | Jalopnik

I bet this vintage 1920′s Subway train, running on New York City’s 2/3 line from Sept 3rd through the 25th, is on time more than the G in Brooklyn. Starting as a promotion for the second season of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire (ironically shot in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, near the aforementioned G train) the cars will run on Saturdays and Sundays through the month from 12 to 6 pm, stopping at the 96th, 72nd, and Times Square-42nd st stations. Promoters will also be handing out complimentary MetroCards to tease the series’ return.

The MTA sometimes brings out vintage subway cars during holidays, which is where New York Magazine snagged this entertaining and informative video:

According to officials – “Originally operated by the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) system, the train began service back in 1917 and will once again be operational. Customers who have the opportunity to ride the vintage train will be transported back in time to the Prohibition era with authentic details such as rattan seats, ceiling fans and drop sash windows…”

Boardwalk Empire returns September 25th on HBO.

Source: Huffington Post

Bentley Azure, Ferrari 430, Aston Martin Rapide, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and a Porsche 911. I got 99 problems and a scratch is one. This very expensive multiple fender-bender occurred last week in Monaco.

According to The Daily Mail, “The Bentley crashed into the Mercedes, which caused it to hit the Ferrari. The Rapide and 911 also got tangled up in this mess, but it remains unclear how that occurred.”

All vehicle drivers and passengers walked away without injury.

Source: WCF