Looking for 20's 30's 40's driver, not too far from St. Louis Mike 618-410-0335 (UNDER 15K)

If you are confining your seaarch to a "real" classic car, you have made a wise choice. When we say "classic" within our Club's definitions, we are talking about the "best of the best". Thus it is reasonable to assume you are talking about a "super luxury" car, which would offer you the best driving experience for its era.

But - strongly recommend you go to car shows and talk to people who own and operate cars within the year span you discussed (1920's thru 1940's). The technical differences in the capabilites of cars as those years unfolded, is so great, that if you are not familiar with them, you will be bitterly disappointed if you get the wrong car.

By 1940-41, your choice of a well equipped luxury car is one that can be driven the way we drive cars today, at the speeds we drive today, with the same comfort levels, including power windows, automatic temp. control, air conditioning, automatic transmissions, power radio antennas, and so on. They have four wheel INTERNAL expanding hydraulic brakes, and "final drive" ratios that permit sustained cruising at ANY speed you like. Pressurized cooling systems and full-pressure oiling, with "insert" type connecting rod bearings, mean sustained wide open throttle up long steep Interstate grades, will be of no consequence.

At the other extreme, a car from the early 1920's, even a "super luxury" car, is going to be DANGEROUS on modern highways, for a number of reasons.

First, the typical cruising speed on the roads of the early 1920's was about 30 mph (if you could stand the ruts and mud-holes at that speed). The brakes will be mechanically operated, EXTERNAL contracting, and only on the rear wheels. Yes, the "best of the best" could reach modern Interstate speeds (or even the speeds many people drive on suburban roads today). But stopping distances would make you a MENACE.

With the primitive oiling systems, "long stroke" engines, and the primitive "poured babbit" connecting rods rejected WORLD-WIDE by automotive engine designers, any sustained crusing speed much above 35 mph would be an invitation to engine failure.

There is a common mis-conception that cars from before the 1940's (when over-drives and/or automatic transmissions allowed much "higher" (numerically lower) axle ratios) that the older motors are "low speed" engines. The OPPOSITE is true. At 45 mph road speed, todays cars are loafing. At the same road speed, a pre-war car with the typical much "lower" (higher numerically) axle ratio, is spinning as much as TWICE the rpm's as a typical post 1940 car. The longer stroke and more primitive connecting rod bearings mean your typical early car's motor WILL destroy itself in short order.

So - again, go to some auto shows, get some rides in the various cars that you think you might be interested in. AFTER you have aquired knowledge on what would meet YOUR personal definition of a "driver", you will be in a better positiion to decide what is best for YOUR needs ( and your wallet !).

Good luck !

Great advice, by driver I mean back roads at slow speeds. I suppose I would like to go 50mph max. Thanks

If I could give a biased opinion, look into a Franklin. In general, Franklins are drivers' cars. They are light weight, easy to maintain, durable and can go all day long. No water pumps to leak and you can make your own head gaskets.

My 1921 touring goes 40 mph, but is nimble and rides like a dream. The steering is very quick. I live near Austin, TX, and the car just loves the back roads. Passengers are shocked at how smoothly the car rides.

Any Franklin in the 20's will suit you fine. I'm looking for a 1929 so I can travel on the freeways.

Also, the Franklin club has the friendliest people I've met. You won't meet a nicer group of people around.

Try http://www.franklincar.org/

I love Franklin's, seen my first at Hershey last year. Hyman Ltd. has a beautiful blue one for 39.5K Too rich for my blood. I would buy one on your recomendation if one was available close to me for 15k or under---Maybe my next one will be a Franlkin. Thanks.

Scott (708) 516-5342 in IL near Chicago has a 6 cyl 1928 Model A Hupmobile 4 door in good shape. Original interior needs redo bu all complete.

Felix (402) 363-1895 near York NE has a 6 cyl 1936 Model 618G Hupmobile blue with complete engine overhaul. $12,000.

I have not seen either car.

The Hupmobile was built as a dependable car and many of the 28 & 29 cars were sold as Taxis.

LOOK AT 29 CHRYSLER IT HAS A 6 CYL WITH 4 WHEEL HYD. BRAKES CAN RUN 50 NO PROBLEM AND GREAT STOPPING. HAD A 28 CHEV. 4 CYL WITH MECH. BRAKES LIKE DRIVING A GO CART.

My friend has a 1940 Buick Super Coupe great driver in very good condition see picture in this months Hemmings or we will send e-mail photos. Car located in East Tn near Knoxville. Price has been reduced to $12,500 Thanks