It’s customary in New Mexico to keep old, almost dead, cars somewhere around the house. One never knows when one might need a spare part for the currently working car, or when one has to start the old clunker in an emergency. Except for Santa Fe — the County created an ordinance that makes it unlawful to park cars on the front lawn. It’s considered an eye-sore. However, some of those old relics are actually quite beautiful — some are still in use and are well kept up; others develop a patina of erosion, rust, and decay that I find endlessly fascinating.
Here is a collection of recent portraits.
This one is a deliberately preserved fire engine from the Regina Volunteer Fire Department. It is indeed noteworthy because it establishes the age of the fire department; the vehicle looks like it’s from the 1940s or 1950s (I can’t tell because I’m no expert).
The next car was parked on a lot in Youngsville. The original paint has been stripped by time and weather to be replaced by more dramatic patterns.
We discovered this beauty off some dirt road in the middle of nowhere.
Spotted from the train between Albuquerque and Santa Fe —
and at the parking lot at Bode’s Store in Abiquiu:
This lovingly polished old Chevvy is still in use!
on the wall -- by jessica rath 