Gunsmoke

edinmass, there are about 50 replies from 10,000 members, so a lot of dreams still out there. There are so many great cars to choose from depending on one's primary "interest", you can go for style, speed and handling (my preference), or luxury touring, or snob appeal, or rarity, or big money, or nostalgia, or vintage, or flash, or technical innovation, or all of the above. Not yet mentioned are cars like the Mercedes 300 SL Gullwings, the Bugatti Atlantic/Royale, the 31 V-16 Cadillac convertible Coupe, the Delages, Talbot Lagos, Porsche 356, Jaguar XKE, Mid Fifties T-Birds, Lambos, Veyrons, Isottos, Cord, Auburn Speedster (another of my favorites), and so many others. I think I could have a different dream car every night for a year and not repeat!

I'm astonished this one is still available, have considered this the finest thing on 4 wheels since I first saw one nearly 60 years ago. While this example sold for circa $50M last year (about 3 zeros too much for me) it's not the high price tag that attracts me, it is the sheer brute strength of it's look, the red paint, and that prancing horse underneath. If I had to choose pre-war, a Bugatti Type 35 or 37, a Mercedes SSKL or an Alfa 2.8L would do just fine. As someone said, so much candy to choose from. BTW, shoulda said it's a 1962 Ferrari GTO, but I would take any of the Ferrari GTO's of that period 1958-1964!

I had a local paint supply company color-match this shade of blue/grey based on top cover of transmission, which having been protected from the elements for 90 years was the only true representation of my 1931 Chrysler CD8 engine's color. They could not make a custom "engine enamel", so made a pint of this color in an automotive paint for $15Can. I first sprayed the engine with an off-the-shelf light grey rattle can engine enamel, and then brushed on this finish. Let it cure for 2 weeks. Looks great, have since started and run engine a couple of times with no peeling. If you are able to take a copy of my pics, you may be able to get a supplier to match. I looked at some similar engine enamels available from Hirsch (Ford enamels etc) but no one would ship to Canada.

jeff_a, the Peach side of my family came to Nova Scotia, Canada from the Eastern USA shortly after the War of Independence, about 1790-1800, as British Empire Loyalists. While I've traced their descendants since here in Canada, I have not researched their ancestors before 1800. I do understand it is a somewhat common British last name. Thanks for asking.

OP of edinmass seems to have smaller rear window, smaller rear door dogleg, suggesting perhaps a smaller model Buick? 31-50 Sedan for example or it could just be distortion of one photo or the other. My guess is one is longer wheelbase than the other. Buick offerings had 114" (model 50), 118" (model 60), 124" (model 80) and 132" (model 90) Wheelbases. or Marquette perhaps?

These interesting photos were taken at a Baptist Church Picnic in about 1935/36, and include my Mom who would have been about 14/15 at the time (born in 1921), she is sitting 2nd from left at passenger side, perhaps sitting on a side-mount? Car is I believe 1934 Pontiac. Can anyone imagine today letting 6 or 7 people climb on top of your 2 year old car! i believe the man shown in 2nd photo (a 2nd cousin of my Mom) is the proud owner, and it is his sister on the radiator in 1st picture.

Mercer, I don't think the rhetoric "China is suffering greatly due to the US tariffs" holds any water, and is an unsubstantiated statement often made by the administration without any real evidence being provided. As well, there is no evidence any businesses of substance have changed their buying habits due to the tariffs. They will not change since the perception is that the tariff war is likely short term, and then it will be back to business as usual. As for average incomes, my research indicates that average annual income for Chinese citizens is currently US$3000 ($9000 per family) in urban areas, and US$1000 ($3000 per family) in Rural areas, so I'm not sure where you arrive at $10K per capita per year (that would put household income at $US30K+). It is hard to find solid verifiable income data for all countries due to different currencies, methods of calculating tax and subsidy implications etc. However, a 2013 survey of the top 35 countries in the world had US average income at $43,600, Canada at $41,300, EU countries at typically $30K-$40K, and for comparison, Russia at $11.8K, and Mexico at $11,700 (35th in the world). The same report had China's average at US$6000, and India's at US$3000. In the big picture, most reports show US average incomes growing, but when discounted for inflation, not much movement. I only provide this data to demonstrate that other than Canada and Europe (and perhaps some oil power houses like the Arab countries), the USA's trading partners are relatively poor, and not in much of a position to purchase US goods. I'm wrapping up my role in this subject, too many old car tasks await.

Wiki says the USA with about 340M people has 275M vehicles, 0.85 vehicles per person, more by sheer # and ratio than any country in the world. China with 1.8B people has 250M vehicles, or 0.18 vehicle per person, or about 20% of the ratio in USA. The vast majority of Chinese families cannot afford a vehicle at all, of any type. As stated previously, trying to make any kind of comparison between the lifestyle average Chinese citizens have versus average citizens of Western industrialized countries is fraught with pitfalls. Similarly, India, with 1.3B people has only 22M vehicles, a ratio of about .02 vehicles per capita, and less than 2% of the ratio for USA. The 2 countries combined have over 3B people and not as many cars as the USA. So I don't anticipate Ford/GM/Chrysler are doing much sales or promotion in those markets.

China , like the USA and most countries has a wide gap in incomes between the wealthy and the poor. 1% of Chinese population owns over 2/3 of all private wealth. While cities like Shanghai are relatively prosperous, they do not reflect the reality of China as a whole. Per-capita annual income in cities is about US$3000, or $9000 per family of 3, and in rural areas it is $1000 per capita or $3000 per family of 3. Having said that, their governance/economic model is so different from ours, that comparing incomes is not of much value. Their economy is not based on consumption, but rather is based on production. Yes, easier do do in an authoritarian country. While this overall topic has endless paths to follow, and a few rabbit holes to go down, the reality is that China is so vastly different from western countries in its model of governance and life style, that little is gained by superficial ponderings.

Sometimes we cannot see the forest for the trees. Facts: The US Economy is today the strongest in the world, and appears to be well positioned to stay there. The unemployment rate is at an historic low. As a very wealthy country, it's citizens have more discretionary money to spend than any other country on the planet (the old car hobby for example?). As a result of it's great wealth, it is a "consumption" country, and it's population buys more goods and services from other countries than other countries can afford to buy from the USA. This imbalance of wealth between countries is the primary reason for several things: It causes the USA to run a large trade deficit world-wide (not China's fault, not France's fault, not Mexico's fault). Because the standard of living is so high, wages are high generally compared to the rest of the world, and so over the past 50-60 years, companies have sought ways to manufacture goods off-shore in order to keep American consumers satisfied with prices. But the resulting economic model is still a very strong one. A company buys a well made dress shirt in China/Vietnam/Bangladesh for $5, and it eventually retails for $100. The company and it's wholesalers employ warehousers, stockers, shippers, truckers, retail sales people and managers to sell the shirt, never mind the property and buildings they develop with the profit. In a nutshell that is the nature of the modern economy in North America. The "what some may call" menial tasks are out-sourced, and the rest of the margins are on-shore. It is a clear solid global economic model, being used in all western industrialized countries. Anyone advocating returning all these menial jobs to the USA is blowing wind. No one would want a return to sweat shops. The trade war begun with China is senseless, as the economic model running the USA is not one China is creating. It is created by American business interests, and it is a good one. The biggest problems faced in the USA are not of China's making. There is a huge wealth gap, the top 1% of population control 90% of the wealth. China has not caused that. Health care costs 3x the cost of health care in any other industrialized country and some people have no coverage. China has not caused that. Deaths by gun is 50-100 times higher than most industrialized countries, China has not caused that. More citizens reside in jails than any other developed country. Not China's fault. My point is that China has become an easy target because they do have some unacceptable trade practices. However, solving those matters (intellectual property, currency manipulation) requires a global partnership approach, and not unilateral action. America is a great country, the envy of the world in many respects, but it needs to begin respecting other countries and their rights and challenges, and return to being a full partner in the world affairs.

Throughout my driving life I have always preferred 2 doors, 2 seats, top down, and that includes my '59 Karmann Ghia bought in 1966, a 1970Triumph TR6 bought new, 3 late 80's Merkur XR4TI's, and a 1990 Nissan 300ZX (sold 2 yrs ago). So Sports Car covers it for me. However when I decided to get into the old car restoration hobby, my interest was largely pre 1935, the end of the era of exposed fenders, mostly plain mechanical stuff, cars you can work on yourself. I'm not a high volume owner, just a 1931 Chevrolet (because it was available locally at a good price to restore), and my current project, a 1931 Chrysler CD8 Roadster (because it was found in a barn after a long search). I find this site is a great source of wonderful cars, their proud owners and technical expertise. I like 'em all, high end, low end, show, driver, rod, common or rare, you name it.

The thread did identify a challenge for those of us in the Canadian market place trying to afford to restore an old car. Ignoring the issue of tariffs (which would add another burden), if I buy a part in Illinois for $100 and ship it for $20 to a friend's place in Maine for pick-up, my cost is US$120 or $160Can (current exchange rate about 33%)(allowing no cost for pick-up, I have a friend who passes thru there regularly). If I ship the part direct from Illinois to me, cost is $100+$40 shipping or $140. Exchange adds $47 bringing total to $187Can, and then a further 15% Fed/Prov sales tax is added at this end, ($28Can), so landed cost is close to $215Can. So when I shop eBay for example (who between them and paypal add another 10% or so ) I always double the price listed to reflect all the associated costs. Stops me from being shocked when I get my invoice from Paypal. The overall result - restoring an old car is becoming outrageously expensive, and due to artificial cost burdens. Our exchange rate with the US$ has bounced between par and -35% over the past 10+ years due to currency exchange manipulation by big investors, and has most recently dropped due to the low price of oil, one of Canada's major resource exports. But I'm still having fun, can't take it with you.

That would make a great "barn-find" survivor look. Restore the mechanicals/electricals and enjoy the drive.

Nice car indeed, not sure what you could get nicer or rarer for the money.

Auburnseeker, I'm not sure your thought of only trading with "equally strong countries" makes sense. As a hypothetical example (with lots of peripheral issues), suppose a Cuban company exports $100 worth of sugar cane to the USA and an American company exports $100 worth of Soy beans to Cuba. In a free/fair trade arrangement, neither country would slap a duty on the other countries product. The trade agreement between the 2 countries would not be based on the wealth of either country, their governance model, their leader's current predilections, or the weather for the day! Companies in both countries (importers and exporters) would know the trade rules and act and make long term investments accordingly. The problem with introducing tariffs unilaterally is that they are signalling some desire by one country to (1) gain an advantage, (2) punish a past deed, (3) collect tax revenue, (4) set an example for other possible partners, (5) score political points, etc. Other countries pay close attention and are not fooled by such tactics. They know if it is a poker game (all-in bluff) or a power play. As someone above said, wise countries look at the long term, big picture, and avoid short term gain with long term pain.

Most likely a European Gran Prix car of circa 1905-1908 era, perhaps Fiat, Benz, Itala, Isotta, photo taken much later perhaps during a vintage car event.

I think Matt Harwood's well reasoned summary covers most of what needs saying. A tariff war solves absolutely nothing, and has all kinds of unintended consequences, such as the lot the poor farmers find themselves in and the OP's gripe about "surcharges". The North American Economy should be the focus of current efforts, and the NAFTA and potentially NAFTA II were aimed at creating a stronger 3 country economy among its partners, with a combined population of about 500M. A strong Canadian economy, and a strong Mexican Economy are both good for the USA in the long run. The second flank of trade positioning was the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) a trade undertaking aimed at setting up a strong trading regime between North America and it's Pacific Rim trading partners, exclusive of China. The proposed TPP pact (while not perfect) would have established a strong buttress among nations against China's perceived manipulation of trade practices (currency manipulation, theft of intellectual property,etc) let alone its huge population advantage. However, the incoming President cancelled this pending deal with no valid reason given, leaving the remaining countries with the task of forging a new agreement. While the current USA administration may believe they are a trading powerhouse who can go it alone, the reality is there is strength in numbers and Global Trade is a fact we all have to live with for the foreseeable future. With a world-wide population of 7B people, all of whom in this decade are trying to rise in the world vis-a-vis their standard of living, the USA can no longer rely on brute strength or financial leverage to have it's way. The other countries do have a say, and at some point this reality will strike home.

OP was not real clear, and did not mention eBay so lets assume they are not involved. Prior to the Prez slapping duty on Chinese imports, a seller who bought a product from China and is re-selling it, adds his overhead and profit (say 100% markup), and any state taxes (say 10%), and that's your price (plus shipping if applicable). So previously, an imported $100 item is marked up to $200, plus $20 state tax for end price of $220 + shipping. Now with the new duty slapped on, the $100 item is subject to 25% duty entering the country, so, the import cost to the seller is now $125. The seller adds his 100% O&P bringing his selling price to $250, and state tax of $25 makes your price $275, + shipping, a $55 increase. While the administration bellows that "China is paying the tariffs", we all know who is paying. Sellers have been put in a very tough spot with this "tariff war". While they want to serve their customers fairly, the whole tariff thing has been haphazardly applied, in jumps with little or no notice, and any who have online or paper catalogues have a hard time adjusting their price matrix.

30 Dodge Panel wrote The one question that the pioneers answered that Musk in his ideology hasn't is: Is there a need...? All climate and political discussions aside, the obvious answer is no Seriously 30DP! Climate Change Concern is the primary, some might argue the only factor in the decisions by governments and entrepreneurs in creating these prototypes. It's like saying Preservation of Food aside, who in their right mind would want to buy a Fridge! Within 10 years, like it or not, EV Trucks are going to command the market, you heard it here first folks, and you can quote me! BTW, I can't remember the last time I saw a $60,000 Crew cab pickup go by with more than one person in it, and with anything in the bed except a tonneau cover!! My personal observation is that 90% of pickups trucks are grocery haulers 90% of the time, except perhaps in ranch country.

Selling these rare 1931 Chrysler CD8 rear bumperettes, the 4 bars as shown only, these have been sandblasted, ready for refinishing. I've shown an internet photo of a nice coupe wearing similar ones. Asking only $125 plus shipping OBO.

It would not be unusual for car chassis' in that era to have stiffening at key stress points on chassis rails, such as where cross members meet, near spring mounts, engine mounts etc. My 1931 Chrysler CD8 chassis has some.

By the way Peter, while Mrs Roosevelt has been quoted often as first using the phrase attached to your profile, it appears Henry Thomas Buckle said it first in a published work in 1901. Mrs Roosevelt was likely book smart, and paraphrased his thoughts. The origins of this tripartite division of conversations is apparently in early theology. Buckle wrote dogmatically in 1901: “Men and women range themselves into three classes or orders of intelligence; you can tell the lowest class by their habit of always talking about persons; the next by the fact that their habit is always to converse about things; the highest by their preference for the discussion of ideas.”

A very good original plate (but not rare) is perhaps typically worth $30-$50 locally (and perhaps $80 if a pair) if pre WWII, and $15-$25 post WWII. A rough plate like the top 2, maybe $5-$10 regardless of year. A restored repainted plate pre WWII sells for perhaps $25-$40. So the answer is not much $ is to be gained by spending 2-3 hours restoring them, but I have a friend who routinely does this, enjoys the pass time and never has a problem selling the finished product. So I suggest restore top 2, leave 3rd alone (perhaps minor touch up of lettering only), and hang on a wall. Before you blink, someone will offer to buy the 2 restored ones, guaranteed!

I'm sure Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler, Ransom Eli Olds, Henry Ford and most other early automotive pioneers were laughed at and bore the brunt of jokes from many sceptics (and horse owners/dealers) who would not/could not foresee the future role of automotive transportation in changing the world around them. As this site/forum in many ways pays homage to these now revered pioneers, I find it peculiar that some AACA members (especially in this thread and some similarly focused ones), gleefully celebrate hiccups by modern day "pioneers", or so openly dump on their attempts to advance transportation technology. I'm not at all opposed to fair comment, even hostile resistance to change, but ask all readers to consider one fact: If entrepreneurs/"pioneers" in North America do not succeed in this endeavor, some one else will. Will that make you happier? I think not. BTW, they say any publicity is good publicity. Had it not been for the broken glass hiccup, most Americans would likely not have even heard of the Tesla Cyber Truck. So perhaps a hiccup can be good news. I often find a spoonful of sugar helps.

Selling 2 very good 20's era Stewart vacuum tanks, a Stewart model 215-G (shown sandblasted and painted black) and a Stewart Model 189-A shown in original patina. Both of these have excellent (but not meddled with) internals and no signs of any issue. Don't know what they may have been used on, but I suspect will suit many applications. Asking $250 for the pair plus shipping, or $150 each plus shipping, or best offer. Send a PM if interested. Hard to find in this condition.