In this case, I like the shadows.
Taken today, the first day of winter.
The shadows in this picture are great because they add drama to the image. Shadows directly below the subject matter are unflatering due to "high-noon" sun light. "67 Heaven" looks much better in shade or overcast days since the red gets washed out in bright sunlight...looks orange. Unless that is what you're looking for, stay away from bright sunlight.
Delaware river is a nice shot, Even though the car is filthy, it is an appealing image, except for the paper cup on the ground...A nice shot. One of the things most people don't think about when taking pictures is that they see a potentially good photo opportunity and lose site of the details such as power poles, trash, trash cans, people, sign posts, traffic, traffic lights, even a large rock that may not be part of the composition. Unless these items are intended to be included as part of the subject matter, try to avoid them.
"67 Heaven's" railroad shot is a good idea except for the mentioned power poles and the sidewalk curb in the foreground is distracting...Maybe try the shot again at a different angle if possible. At least you're thinking about the composition, which is great.
Also, as someone mentioned the subject matter should be in sharp focus with a slightly out of focused background. This is easy with a telephoto lens and a wide aperature (opened f-stop). Small lenses (50mm or wide angle 28-35 mm) tend to get everything in focus. So with small lenses such as these, fill your frame with minimal background material.
Also, try to add contrast to the image whether it be light/dark, color contrast or subject/background matter. There are different ideas to what contrast is. For instance color contrast blue/yellow, red/green are a few good combinations. Look at a color wheel for help. The red mid-year on the grass looks great. I think "67 Heaven" shot next to a golf coarse grean on a over cast day with some fill flash for a little "pop" and the cup flag in the near background would be a great shot (red/green color combo). Other techniques are styles of contrast are old/new... Place a new car in front of an old gas station or barn makes a shot intesting. Location, location, location. I like to look at the many Corvette books that are available and car calenders are a good resource for ideas.
I really enjoy this thread and everyones ideas. I'm what you could call a used to be professional photographer, but have been out of it for years and now I just play with the camera. Keep up the good work!
otfl could easily be improved upon, but you get the idea. 
I too use a Sony and have found if I don't check to see if its set for indoors or outdoors it doesn't do as well on auto. Here is an engine shot, guess who's it is. 
