Random a question as questions get, but color me curious. I've always been interested by common vehicles that were ordered/delivered from the factory with odd and/or unique equipment combinations. I haven't owned many, given my age bracket (90's kid), however there are a few that stand out:
1997 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi - This was one strange car: it was a verified SSEi, but painted plain old white with teal green CLOTH interior. It was supercharged, obviously, and wore the SSEi only body effects. However it had SE trim wheels, the basic radio, no electronic suspension, no multi-adjustable seats, no sunroof, nothing. Outside the body kit, it literally could have been mistaken for an SE model. Many people don't know that the L67 engine was available on ANY Bonneville that year, from the SE up to the SSEi. It was incredibly unique for someone to pop for an SSEi, only to de-content it to SE level features. A supercharged SE is rare, a stripper level SSEi must be unheard of!
1989 Ford F-150 - This one was another "Why would someone order this?" example. On first glance, it was a fairly common truck: regular cab, 300 I6, 4x4, standard trans. What made my truck odd was the way it was equipped. While it carried mostly base-level running gear, it also happened to be a Lariat trim. Not only was it a Lariat, but it had the FOUR speed manual, instead of the much more common ZF 5-speed. It was also had the manual shift t-case but auto locking hubs. Beyond that: it had factory dual-shock front suspension, dual gas tanks, and NO power windows or locks. Someone basically ordered an XL with better cloth seating. WHY?
Those are the two that stick out, however I will give honorable mention to my last Cadillac: a 2003 Cadillac Seville STS. Not a particularly unique car, apart from the fact that it was one of very few equipped with factory navigation. Back then, that was a big deal. I've looked at countless Seville's over the years, and mine was one of maybe 5 I've seen with factory navigation. Sure, it was useless given it's age, but it was a heck of a cool option back in '03!
1997 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi - This was one strange car: it was a verified SSEi, but painted plain old white with teal green CLOTH interior. It was supercharged, obviously, and wore the SSEi only body effects. However it had SE trim wheels, the basic radio, no electronic suspension, no multi-adjustable seats, no sunroof, nothing. Outside the body kit, it literally could have been mistaken for an SE model. Many people don't know that the L67 engine was available on ANY Bonneville that year, from the SE up to the SSEi. It was incredibly unique for someone to pop for an SSEi, only to de-content it to SE level features. A supercharged SE is rare, a stripper level SSEi must be unheard of!
1989 Ford F-150 - This one was another "Why would someone order this?" example. On first glance, it was a fairly common truck: regular cab, 300 I6, 4x4, standard trans. What made my truck odd was the way it was equipped. While it carried mostly base-level running gear, it also happened to be a Lariat trim. Not only was it a Lariat, but it had the FOUR speed manual, instead of the much more common ZF 5-speed. It was also had the manual shift t-case but auto locking hubs. Beyond that: it had factory dual-shock front suspension, dual gas tanks, and NO power windows or locks. Someone basically ordered an XL with better cloth seating. WHY?
Those are the two that stick out, however I will give honorable mention to my last Cadillac: a 2003 Cadillac Seville STS. Not a particularly unique car, apart from the fact that it was one of very few equipped with factory navigation. Back then, that was a big deal. I've looked at countless Seville's over the years, and mine was one of maybe 5 I've seen with factory navigation. Sure, it was useless given it's age, but it was a heck of a cool option back in '03!
, lousy rear seat accomm (the bench seat behind was "shallow"; wouldn't fully support your thighs). The overall combination was stupid and odd. Learned my lesson.
