Photodan

I don't believe this had an ignition lock, just off, acc, and on. Oh yes, I remember pushing the throttle all the way down to activate a switch that got the starter turning. If that failed, I was taught a trick to remove air cleaner, and use a screwdriver to bridge two contacts on the side of the carb which got the starter going. Hey, this was 40 years ago! I never worried about anyone stealing it but when I had a night shift at the restaurant where I worked, my day shift colleagues would party in it while I was working.

Sounds like those wing window gears in same category as Hirschmann antennas in old M-Bs. Every model has a story to tell! I remember how my 59 Electra needed no key to start and how the 66 Lincoln needed the Chesapeake Bay to do a U turn (and forget about cornering).

To address the latest replies: I am in Montgomery County, MD. Ft. Washington is over in PG County to the east, I don't know the driving distance. Maybe 20-25 miles? Thanks for the Cincinnati dealer info. I hadn't heard of them but will check them out. Yes, looking at all those cars is great, even just knowing there are still so many out there. One reason I was waiting to get a second car was to get a house with an enclosed garage, which I now have. Someone measured the length at 20' 4" so a Fleetwood should fit. If it comes to that! I've seen those bad boys; I love seeing all those switches in the driver's door panel! I'm in an HOA so I couldn't modify the garage if I wanted.

To respond to several replies that came up as I was writing the last message. My new home has an enclosed 2 car, 2 door garage, something that I have wanted all my adult life! The last house was the old family house of almost 50 years, the 'garage' that was there was full of junk and dilapidated and the county eventually made me deal with it (tore it down). I had an old M-B which then had to sit on the pad and got the afternoon sun, doing it no favor. However...in moving process I intended to donate excess furniture to charity but this pandemic thing came up and they were not accepting or picking up things. So, I had to bring them with me and now they take up half the garage until I can find someone to take them.

Wow, thanks all for the fantastic advice! Especially regarding upholstery v. mechanical repair, very useful to keep in mind. I have seen individual ads from the dealers mentioned above on the aggregate sites. I guess I should check out their own sites to see everything they have to offer. I moved last summer after looking at countless houses over 8-9 months, so I can appreciate your connecting the idea that what you see in photos may not necessarily represent what you see in person also applies in the context of cars. Don't worry, I do not intend to spend that much, it's just that the figure I mentioned seemed to be the upper bracket advertised price of cars in the category I'm searching. And I might as well join aaca now. I was going to wait until I had something but I realize now, no time like the present. I do like some of the "fuselage body" Chrysler products but there seem to be so few out there compared to 1968 and earlier. Thought I heard somewhere that they rusted out quickly. For me, 1966 was a wonderful year for big American cabin cruisers. I am kinda finicky with Cadillacs, what appeals one moment doesn't the next. I do appreciate the presence of the local club at the annual new car show at the Convention Ctr. Other US oldies I've had in the past are 1967 Caddy Sedan de Ville, 1959 Electra flat roof, 1967 Bonneville 4ht, 1965 Cutlass (inherited). Last classic I had was 1966 Lincoln suicide doors in early 90s. Again, I appreciate everyone's input and hard-earned experience. I hope to be riding large soon! Dan

Thanks to everyone for the responses so far. I'm not (yet, at least) a paying member, I was just told I need to create a login to be able to make a post. I don't have an exact vehicle in mind, but am looking for a large American car, i.e. Chrysler/Imperial, full size Dodge, Plymouth, Bonneville/GP, Electra, 98, Park Lane, that ilk. Model years, generally early to mid-60s to 1973, would depend on the particular car. Body style not that important, but prefer hardtop. Convertible or wagon not ruled out. It need not be a showstopper, concourse vehicle. I would putter around on nice days or to a show. My first car was a 1968 Chrysler Newport 2dr purchased in 1979 for $600. Cars like that were dime a dozen at the time. From what I've seen by trolling Hemmings & Auto Trader, I would now expect to shell out upwards of $30k. I understand dealers charge more (I used to work at a couple of them), thus I would expect the car to be more turn-key and for them to provide more services such as arranging shipping as necessary. I'm wondering if, say, obtaining parts is more difficult for one manufacturer compared to others? If I find a car that I'm really interested in, but say it's 1000 miles away, is there a network or way to find a mechanic to check it out? Is it necessary or recommended to find an insurance co that specializes in classics? In the past I have attempted to be hands-on, but that usually leads to more expensive repairs! Thus I would leave maintenance & repairs to the pros. I'd need to find one in my area. I appreciate all the help! Dan

Hello, I'm not a member at this time but am very interested in getting a classic vehicle this year. I've not bought a car like this in many years, from when the only option was to hit the newspaper classified ads. Now there appear to be classic car dealers, some quite large, along with private sellers, all scattered across the country. Auctions, too. Is there a way to talk with someone about buying a classic these days: what to expect with and where to go for maintenance & repairs; are the dealers reputable and is it customary to buy sight unseen, going by photos only? I am in the DC area. Your collective wisdom would be greatly appreciated.