Gunsmoke

A good friend fully restored his own Chevy starting with a car found in a farmers field 35 years ago, took him about 15 years. He did his own body work and paint. Car is perfect, runs like a top, and note the front bumper guard appears same as yours, he told me a while back it was an authentic period accessory, he picked up in Mexico. He is getting up there and listed this for sale 2 years ago for $25K Canadian (about $20K USD).

I'd be guessing something like this 1938 Dodge, top tends to taper towards rear causing the illusion you likely see in old photo. Many MOPARS and other makes in this era had very similar look, so pinning it down might be unrealistic based on the fuzzy photo.

Brakes may be seized, can sometimes be freed up by pulling the car, or jacking one wheel at a time and doing some work on them, but sometimes a real challenge to free up. This can be checked by trying to move the car forward or backward with tires pumped up and transmission in neutral. If those are free, really nothing else to worry about, these cars have very heavy sheet metal, so you can push just about anywhere. If brakes are seized and it needs to be "dragged" onto a flat bed, not a big deal, just hard on the tires! They probably need replacing anyway!

I don't think you could go wrong at that price (likely marketable at twice the price), as long as you understand you are buying a 40 yr old car. From what I see, and based on your note that it runs normal/fine, I would buy it and take it to a good reliable shop for a full checkup. They can give you an honest assessment of it mechanically (or you could do this before a purchase)(brakes, tires, exhaust, suspension, fluids, leaks, rust, timing belt, etc), typically takes about 1 hour of their time and you know what it will cost to have it a reliable "driver". Then you know how reliable it will be and what little things need to be kept an eye on. Were it me, I'd drive it just the way it looks (as a survivor car) for a couple of years, cars last better if they are driven regularly. Then if it serves you well, you still enjoy it, then you can contemplate getting it refreshed (paint etc). At any point, you should be able to get your investment back, and have not had too much disappointment. I had a 300ZX for 15 years, great car, very high quality car, and that helps keep these cars popular.

So much for ASAP! Tried to send a PM, nothing!

Is your car similar to this one, 1923 Buick type 54? The rearmost bow it appears should land in saddle close to anchor bolt, subsequent bows remain above the mentioned bolt. None of the bows should land on rear deck. I note this car has deck cleats, does yours need then? Check for old holes in rear deck from underside. Over time the curvature of some old bows might distort, narrowing (or widening) them at sharp curves, causing imperfect fit.

Additional superb photos from the same 1912 Olds Defender sold at auction a while back. Restoration appears outstanding. Intake manifold shape appears to be only significant difference from OP where the carb is higher by a few inches. Note Oldsmobile Defender cast in blocks, suggesting this is different engine (perhaps smaller) than other Olds in 1912. Also OP appears to have a magneto? I've also posted a 1911 Olds Autocrat/Special motor. Looks closer to the OP.

While it is a bitza (mix of Triumph and aftermarket), looks like it was built carefully from a good kit, will be a fun car to own and enjoy. i owned 1970 Triumph TR6 from new (straight 6), would love to still have it. Is this car a 6cyl or a 4cyl.

Neither is 1931 Chevrolet.

If same as the 1931 Chrysler CD8's it was a blue/grey like this. When I restored mine, I removed the cover off the transmission tunnel and the top cover of the transmission (that had been protected by a thick insulating pad) was in perfect condition, all original paint. I took it to a paint store and they made a perfect match. They could not color match "engine enamel" so I first sprayed the engine with black engine enamel, followed by the proper color in the "color matched' automobile paint. There is a supplier in the USA who sells many colors of "engine paint", but we cannot import it to Canada.

Citroen appears to be about 1924 Town Coupe, high cab, suicide doors etc, and based on rad shape and eyebrows on front fenders. So K31 is on mark, likely mid 20's DB.

1912 Olds Defender looks about right, but OP front wheel has 12 spokes/bolt on lock rings? Google images show 1912 Autocrat and Limited had 12 spokes with bolt on lock rings while Defender had 10 spokes? So still a bit of sleuthing needed, intake manifold and general engine configuration should be a clue. Also the bi-folded down windshield suggest Olds.

Looks like circa 1917-1920 REO Hubcap?

For what it's worth, I bought this 1931 Chevrolet Coach in 2008 and it had last been licensed for the road in 1967. At that time the owner bought 6 new Goodyear 4.75x19 tires, one still had the manufacturer's sticker, and all 6 still had the original molding "hairs". The tires had never been on the road. After I spent 4 years restoring the car to the point of ready for paint, in 2012 I licensed it and then drove it for 9 years with those tires (and their tubes), never removed a tire, and never had an issue over perhaps 3000 miles. Have since sold car to a guy who has completed the painting and he is still driving on same tires. Now this is no speedster, hums along nicely at 35-45 MPH, but even today, the now 55 year old tires look like the day they were bought. So my advice, keep an eye on your tires and unless they start to show signs (cracking in sidewalls, losing chunks of tread, getting hard etc), you are likely fine at low to moderate speed. I know a friend with a lovely 1940 Chevrolet coupe who bought a new set of tires and tubes 5 years ago and on his first 50 mile trip had a blow-out at 50MPH. So go figure.

Hmmm.. 2 rare Stutz engines, many Stutz parts, looks like rare wire wheels nd other gear, lets see if poster comes back with some further details!

Thanks, never noticed. The passenger is a friend of my son's, and is overseas somewhere. I see this is a RHD car.

Thanks to Greg for loading the picture. I think after a search of Google it is circa 1929 Buick?

K31 said "Some folks just need to vent. Sometimes it's helpful at least to the one who is venting.". I suppose K31, but this is a public site for thousands of viewers so venting gets old very quickly, and even older as fellow venters chime in. I try to follow an MO - I wait 10 seconds after typing a post or reply to a post and reflect if my posting will be something that helps the hobby. Many times after 10 seconds I delete the post and move on. Some members should try a bit of such discipline.

Can never understand why people start these posts that lead to rants and nothing helpful! JMHO.

Do you know for sure it is a fire vehicle. A 2 seat roadster would be an unusual choice, don't see any significant FD identification. Perhaps the gent's own car. Not sure shape of hood works for Packard.

2 of my favorite posters, may enlarge this and put on garage wall! NOT! enjoy your talks guys.

It's a universal long pry bar, obviously can be used for a thousand purposes. Doubt they were ever singled out as being for only one specific job (railway, machinery, construction, shipping, old car restoration). But I think Ed and his friend could have used a couple last month on those White tires!

My son's neighbor bought a similar sized traditional motor home brand new about 5 years ago in early June for a long holiday trip. Backing it into his driveway on the first day of ownership, he clipped a power pole with passenger rear corner causing $5000-$10,000 damage and the unit spent the rest of the summer back at factory being repaired. He soon realized shortly driving these was not for amateurs. I have envy for those brave enough and clever enough to drive one.

So you have 2 pair of these? one in black, one in blue/green? I'm going to have to do some looking, they are in great shape, must have come off something not very old at the time.

Most likely shows up in some old '50's/60's funeral photos if you knew where it operated. The rear curved portion flips up on hinges and tailgate appears to drop down for casket etc. Some Funeral business spent a lot of money to make this 65+ years ago! Think about 1953 Hudson (had split windshield) body with plenty of alterations front and rear, likely stretched as well. Cannot imagine anyone would want to bring it back as anything!