Vellum Venom Vignette: Does This Icon Make Me Look Fat?

by Sajeev Mehta

Published: September 21st, 2012

Here’s the thing about going retro: like movie sequels, the original is usually far, far superior. But unlike sequels, we operate a vehicle outside of the lens of historical significance. Most of us need an automotive appliance to do our jobs. If you need a new ride, how do you roll? In a modern take of a classic, complete with CUV-sized dimensions and proportioning, that’s how!

One of the few exceptions (outside of rich people price points) is the Scion FR-S, which is the subject of my next Vellum Venom. So consider this a tease: enjoy the “bulk” of owning retro in our current age of fat CUVs, insane Energy Drinks, Hot Yoga and Gluten-free diets!

Rarely does someone park a retro monster side-by-side with the original, but these scale models help. Auto manufacturers are wise to not make it this obvious in PR photography.

But thank goodness the blogosphere does the job instead.

Is there a buffet at The Vanishing Point?

I donno, does the legendary Camry have functional A/C?

Maybe I was wrong about PR photos…especially when the new model looks even larger when they put it in the foreground. HERTZ SO GOOD.

And on a more personal note, don’t park your personal 2011 Ford Ranger next to the two on the right. Oy vey!

And lastly, this one from TTAC’s sinistermisterman.

Sajeev Mehta

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2 of 55 comments

Panzerfaust on Sep 22, 2012

I've always been of the opinion that the retro versions of once popular cars are the automotive embodiment of the baby boomer (of which I am one) i.e., trying to be what we were 30-40 years ago, only bigger heavier rounder and with microprocessors. If you really want to see something shocking, park a 1969 Chevy C-10 next to a 2012 Silverado, you'll think the C-10 is delivering the ladder to get into the Silverado.

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Oldyak on Sep 23, 2012

thanks for the SHO pics... A forgotten survivor!!

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