Econobox. 1983 Toyota Tercel

Econoboxes. That's what they were called, the sometimes-rugged, sometime-not little hatchbacks that sprouted up in North America in the wake of the 1973 energy crisis. They were everywhere...and now they are mostly nowhere. Many Japanese imports of the day were sensible, economical, and well-built little cars, but their steel was even more prone to rust than the Detroit strain. Survivors are rare. We spotted this one on Deer Isle, Maine. On your next visit to The Island, check in at the Deer Isle Artist Association.