The Target: Nissan GT-R (produced 2007-present).
Spotted: Menlo Park, Calif. July 3, 2011.
Significance: Nissan’s iconic supercar — “Godzilla” — finally stomped across the Pacific in 2007, much to the delight of “Gran Turismo” fans in North America.
The Target: Third-generation Buick Skylark (produced 1964-72).
Spotted: Healdsburg, Calif. July 10, 2011.
Significance: The third generation Skylark shared its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Chevelle, Pontiac Tempest and the Oldsmobile F-85. It would go on to serve as the basis for Buick’s legendary GS line.
The Target: Lamborghini Gallardo (produced 2003-present).
Spotted: Monterey, Calif. Aug. 12, 2012.
Significance: Also known as the “baby Lamborghini,” the Gallardo is the Italian supercar maker’s most-produced model to date. More than 10,000 have zoomed off the assembly line in Sant’Agata Bolognese since 2003.
This lime green machine took part in the 2011 Italian Stampede, an annual rally from Los Angeles to Laguna Seca for the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion.
The Target: 2012 Fisker Karma.
Spotted: Laguna Seca in Monterey, Calif. Aug. 20, 2012.
Significance: Fisker touts the Karma as the first true electric vehicle with extended range. Drivers can eke out carbon dioxide-free miles in “stealth” mode or opt for a sport setting that takes full advantage of the power plant’s prodigious torque — more than the Bugatti Veyron! Base models start at about $95,000.
The Target: 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Spotted: Santa Clara, Calif. Aug. 20, 2012.
Significance: While other ‘67 Pontiacs featured stacked headlights, the Grand Prix’s were concealed and horizontal. Also new for the model year was an energy-absorbing collapsible steering column. As previously mentioned on Car-Spotting, John De Lorean had a significant role in the development of the GTO and Grand Prix.
The Target: First-generation Pontiac Firebird (produced 1967-69).
Spotted: San Jose, Calif. Aug. 30, 2011.
Significance: Cousin to the Camaro, the Firebird was something of a consolation prize for Pontiac, which had initially wanted to produce a two-seat sports car based on its Banshee concept. However, GM feared such a vehicle would directly compete against Chevrolet’s Corvette and the decision was made to give Pontiac a piece of the pony car market by having them share the F-body platform with Chevy.
