f.f.jones

The garage length/continental kit thread got me to thinking. There is a lot of discussion about the trim levels and accessory selection on collector cars. I'd like to pose a question: What is your honest preference: Top of the line, fully accessorized cars, Plain-Jane bottom of the line strippers, or somewhere in the middle? What do you own, where did you grow up and what's popular in the region you now live in? Might be interesting to find out....

I grew up in the SF Bay Area in the '50's and was quite aware of the then current trends in both new and older (hot rod and custom) cars. As I recall, continental kits were quite popular. Maybe it was a regional thing, but when the T-bird and the Continental were new in '56, I recall seeing mostly Chevrolet Bel Aire hardtops with that accessory. I also recall Buicks that had the factory/dealer kits, but I don't remember seeing Chrysler products. A couple of my grade school teachers owned Chevys with continental kits and a friend's family had a '60 convertible. Many '49 thru '51 fords were severely lowered in the rear and then added the kit with rollers under the bumper to keep from scraping over dips in the road. I spent some time in New England in the early '60's and was surprised to see the majority of cars were of the "plain-Jane" family sedan variety in contrast to the more premium models common in California. Practical New Englanders didn't spend unnecessary dollars for a car that might rust away in a few years. That might help to explain to some extent why continental kits aren't as popular with eastern members.

Text of listing reads: "60 Flxible swb combination, supposedly used by volunteer first aid or civil defense in eastern washington,was originally a gray or green color. anyone know where it was used?recent 2 stage finish in 60 buick red. rebuilt 401 V8$17,50056 coronet, factory stick convertible. needs top cover and seat covers, very solid all around$17,500 with good running 315 poly V8$23,500 with rebuilt correct D500 V8if ad is up, vehicles are still available56 chrysler resto-rod project. body work done, mostly in primer ready for a modern drivetrain, as original hemi is not included has nice orig chrome wire wheels $9500 all these have been in long term storage" No phone #, just cl email: 57bc45707b7838499944f0717a8016ca@sale.craigslist.org Located somewhere northwest of Sacramento, CA !! https://spokane.craigslist.org/cto/d/woodland-1960-buick-ambulance-1956/7420081732.html IMHO, too many zeros in the prices!! Note the '50 Buick woody in the garage behind the Chrysler

The cost of a new Cord from 1936 to 1937 ranged from $2k to $3k. Counting inflation through the years, today's purchase dollars would be $40k to $60k. That's less than most full size 4 x 4 pickups cost now. I would venture to think most of the people who bought Cords were not among the wealthy, domestic help employing folks. There were certainly exceptions, but the one-percenters back then had their custom bodied luxury vehicles and didn't necessarily purchase production line cars while they remained in the chips. To many rich people of that era driving your own car was quite plebeian.

I'm not familiar at all with 1936-1937 Cords, but these pictures got me interested and curious. I thought they all were "flat backs" with no "bustle". But here are two examples that have unusual trunk designs. Can someone explain these? Were they customs or options?

https://seattle.craigslist.org/kit/cto/d/hansville-1956-dodge-d100/7413070807.html 1956 dodge pickup D 1006 cylinder not running3 speed on the treeRust in floor and doorsGood for restoring or rat rodClean title$2150 or Make offer

Sellers comments: "I have a 1957 Buick, The interior is in pretty rough shape. The ran before I messed with the brake master cylinder. I’m pretty sure it something like The neutral safety switch wire. I had this car listed for $5000 and that is what I paid. I’m am selling for $3000 firm I will not respond to anything less then $3000. THE CAR DOES NOT RUN AT THIS TIME. I do not know what it is going to take to get it running. You will need to bring a trailer" https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/cto/d/puyallup-57-buick/7411870972.html

Seller's listing comments: "Not many of these left out of the 5,449 production. Very little rust being from the high desert in Oregon. I took pictures of the worst rust, underneath is clean. The interior needs work, car has a great color combination. I had it running and driving well with video a little over four years ago when purchased, currently not running. Unable to open drivers side rear door and tailgate although haven't tried too hard car is pretty much how I bought it. The body is really straight, installed NOS tail light lenses. Additional pictures upon request. I also can help assist with transport. Thanks for looking." https://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/d/auburn-1971-dodge-monaco-station-wagon/7418599858.html

Here are two possibilities, both from France. Nwbie's picture probably dates from around WWII, but the truck might be some years earlier. The first four photos are various Renault trucks, none matching exactly, but close, none with the extended cab. The last two are Berliet (rhymes with Chevrolet), a prolific vehicle manufacturer. Interesting information and history on the web.

NO PUN INTENDED ?

Aaahhhh! The '40 thru '48 Mopar styling that was influenced by the southwest environment... desert turtles and armadillos.

Thank you, Craig. My folks had a '59 Invicta back when I was in high school. No fancy options other than PS & PB, a pretty basic sedan.

I'm waiting to see the third picture...

I found this in a thrift store. Do you know the year/model this was available? There is an end plate that screws on over the four AA cells it requires. Is there any value or interest in it?

I found this in a thrift store. It's obviously from or for a Buick, but does anyone know what year/model? ...or was it an option across many models? There's an end plate which covers the batteries (4 x AA). Thanks. l'll post it in the Buick forum, too

Squatters and Poopers in NC - BEWARE. SEMA missed this one! https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/news/i-made-fun-of-the-carolina-squat-but-i-didn-t-want-it-to-be-made-illegal/ar-AAKQk20?ocid=mailsignout

I just read the AACA mission statement (copied below). Unless I missed something, I did not find anything that encourages or discourages modified vehicles. There have been a number of administrative and member posts discouraging modifications, but unless the "official" rules have changed and are written elsewhere, I really can't find where modifications are prohibited. (show judging,and other competitions excepted) I am not advocating modifications to collectible cars, Just seeking clarification. Maybe this can be explained without the emotion that this and other threads have evoked. Home / About Us ANTIQUE AUTOMOBILE CLUB OF AMERICA Our mission statement: America's premiere resource for the collectible vehicle community! Since its inception there has been something about the sight, sound, and feel of the automobile that stirs the imagination and the desire to experience the freedom of the open road. Whether it’s the clatter of the single cylinder brass era car or the heavy thumping of big block Detroit musclecars that fuels the addiction, we are all kindred spirits. Vintage cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles are our bond. Since 1935, AACA has had one goal: The preservation and enjoyment of automotive history of all types. From National Meets and Tours to Regional events, AACA is here to bring enthusiasts together through exciting National activities, friendship, and Antique Automobile… an award winning 100-page full color magazine. We have something for everyone. You don’t have to own a vehicle or know how to turn a wrench. You can be involved at any level you wish. Whether it’s joining our judging teams, doing research in our vast library, or taking the family through the excitement of a National Meet or Tour, the possibilities are endless. Also make sure you visit the world class AACA Museum here in Hershey, PA the “sweetest city on earth.” So, spend time with us and others sharing your passion. Join up. It's less than the price of a tank of gas and lasts all year. Then check out our Regions and Chapters to find one near you. Get behind the wheel of AACA. We know you’re going to love the ride. Antique Automobile Club of America 800 W. Hersheypark Drive Hershey, PA 17033 store@aaca.org 717-534-1910

Color code "U" for Cordovan was an unusual choice. The two-tone brown tan interior was not common either. The center consoles were usually a single color, being the darker of the two (if two colors were ordered) or a bright metal trim plate sometimes filled the horizontal area. Other than adding a stock air cleaner and cleaning the stains off the trunk mat, it looks ready for the local car show. I don't know how an aftermarket air conditioner would fit the divided instrument panel, but the original had vents through it above the radio. Pricewise, NADA tops out at $30k for a 352-V8 car without factory air. West coast prices are usually around $20k for nice drivers.

He grew up in near poverty, suffered the loss of his father at an early age, survived the depression, supported his widowed mother for nearly 30 years, too old for the draft, he worked in the defense industry through WWII, married a wonderful, loving woman, raised two sons through college and never uttered a discouraging word. He was born in the horse and buggy age and lived to see man walk on the moon.

There has been a long running classified ad in the Eastern Washington/North Idaho "Exchange", a weekly supermarket throw-away tabloid, advertising Washington license plates for sale. You might want to contact them. The email is dlee40@comcast.com. Phone numbers are (509)926-9266 and (509)999-9855 in Spokane. Also, I see old license plates occasionally for sale in antique and thrift shops locally, as well as swap meets and antique/collectible shows, which is probably where you have been looking. Good Luck