Charlie Petty

The '66 Toronado has to be one of the most extreme departures from the norm in U.S. automotive history, and one that I think was near universally well-received. Too bad it didn't take long before it got dumbed-down styling wise to fit in with the rest of the industry. One thing I could never figure out is the rear passenger door handle on the doors, on this and the Eldorado and maybe some other GM personal luxury models. How many times would that ever be needed?? Where there a lot of rude front passengers back then? Quite the gimmick.

The juice can, I would think, is for vacuum wiper reserve, which is a real good idea. Can't believe how long Cadillac used vacuum wipers- til '59 or '60, I think.

Hard to figure the wheel situation. Someone threw whatever they could find on it. Possibly the original wheels and caps were pirated for a preferred car. It has some real positive attributes. Mid to late '50s GM fabrics did not hold up well, as most of you probably know. No way it was "rode hard" and the interior survived like that. Bumpers and grill look nice. Body appears straight. I think that is an original color, not a putrid pink re-spray. I think there are a few different levels one could take this car to, depending on how time and dollars you want to put in it, but final judgement to be based on how the areas not shown look.

So where is the "added feature" air conditioning?

The color scheme is likely hurting the sale, but the quality of work looks great and the body looks to be super solid. How many of these in this shape are out there? I can't imagine this truck is only worth $8,250, as is suggested.

If anyone would be willing to look at a '59 Buick in Shertz, TX, near San Antonio, please let me know. It was restored, and I am primarily interested in the quality of body work and paint. Also want to confirm the drivetrain is sound. I live in NJ. Thanks much, Charlie

This car is also currently on the website of West Coat Classics in Torrance, CA., but with the continental kit installed. I've had my eye on it for a while, but a bit more than I would want to pay, plus 3,000 miles shipping.

I've read that "hardtop" came into use because, with the lack of a B-pillar, hard top signified the presumably stronger roof panel present in the absence of the center support. I hadn't heard the term "hardtop convertible", but I'm familiar with the term "convertible coupe", signifying a coupe that could be converted to a no-top configuration.

I really don't think that equation holds for this car, from what I can see. The asking price is not crazy for a '59 GM coupe with A/C in what appears to be fine condition. A '59 Bonneville in like condition could well be north of $50K.

For some reason, passing eye mirrors have been coming up on Ebay fairly often last few months, and are getting bid up pretty high. They show up on some non-related searches I do. You might want to search specifically for them there. Charlie

The car sold quickly, so I won't need anyone to look at it. Thanks for the couple of responses I did get. Might be asking about another going forward.

I'm interested in a car in Placentia CA. I live in NJ and would like to have someone take a preliminary look before I would make that trip. It's a '59 Pontiac, but you don't have to be a Pontiac expert. I would be on the phone as you checked it out per my guidance; it would really be about condition, not correctness. So if anyone is willing, please email me at pettycharlesj@gmail.com or call/text 201-274-5842. Thanks much, Charlie

What is the best way to go about getting information on a past award winning car/owner? I am looking at a car that won a National First Senior in late '90s. I have the badge number. Thanks, Charlie

Thanks Bill. I'll check it out. I haven't gotten to reaching out to parts vendors to any extent. Charlie

Not sure I follow what you are saying. 🤔 The part numbers I show are from the 1951 Chrysler parts book. I believe the '52 uses the same parts.