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I need to find a picture of my dad's 54. I've spent the last 30 years trying to explain why a 53 is twice the 54 and he doesn't get it. He loves the wheel cutouts.

I want the AACA to create a amusement park car & gokart class. This would do well. It is not the more famous Turbonique powered unit (google that if you don't know what it is). https://barnfinds.com/krazy-kart-1960s-rocket-powered-go-kart/ Seller’s Description: The day of the rocket-powered karts has been over for decades, altho at one time in the ’60s NHRA did allow them. Most of them were powered by twin Turbonique motors, of which there is a long and sad story and history too, some details of which are on the internet by searching under “Classic Rocket Karts”, “Rocket Karts” or similar wording, and in listings for a rocket kart posted on this website in 2015, pictures and comments of my kart can be found by scrolling way down in the link at the end of this listing under the name of Stephen Thor. The movie make or build is “ACME” and this is the only one in existence. One big difference is that the Turbonique engines were connected to the driveshaft, while this kart, named “Peroxide Baby”, is a free-air kart, which is to say the combustion chamber and exhaust nozzel provides it’s thrust, similar to that of all conventional missiles or rockets in the past and present. This is the only known example of this kart in all ways… rocket motor, body, etc. The kart was built around a classic Rupp fiberglass corvette-style kart body but the insides and engineering is all strictly professional and 1/4 mile intended, altho salt-flats all-out speed runs can also be made. The estimated top speed of this kart should be well over 200+ mph if not timing or running on a 1/4 track (as if running on a salt flat), estimated 1/4 mile speed should be around 180+ mph. It has an estimated thrust of approximately 1,000 lbs, altho I am not sure because no other rocket motor of this type has ever been located, however, it is guaranteed to be fully functional if and when you or a friend becomes or is both knowledgeable and competent enough to properly fuel the kart.. Most of the Turbonique-powered karts were of a lay-down, open body style while this one has a mostly enclosed body except for a roof, windshield, and rollbar for a very good reason. It has a single drilled disk brake which will be of little use to you at high speed and is for low speed, non-thrust use. The NHRA accepted these karts back in the ’60s, but silly things like frontal air dams, downdraft rear spoilers, parachutes and wings, meant to keep vehicle or kart on the ground in a straight line and stop it in a timely manner were not always a part of the builds in some cases, stopping it usually consisted of shutting it off via switches or turning off the fuel. Therefore, they had a tendency to go airborne at approx. 160 mph, causing all kinds of problems when they veered off into the stands or to the sides, thankfully by this time at that farther end of the track there were usually few spectators and stands. However, the driver’s injuries, once the aerial honors were over and the kart came down to earth, usually were serious or fatal. I have updated the kart since the pictures you see here with a magnesium steering yoke from a classic fighter plane and a track real carbon fiber seat that alone was $950, Hoosier rear tires and conventional front tires as well, all new.. The kart has, as that tired old saying goes, it is obvious that no expense was spared in the building of this kart and it had been run in the past. It has chrome-moly tubing or frame, professional design, build and engineering, 3 fuel tanks inside, one of which is peroxide, the other two are unknown. There are slots in the racing seat for seatbelts, however, this is highly discouraged as you do not want to be tied to a flaming flying or rolling object with a cocktail of explosive and corrosive fluids aboard… you WANT to be thrown clear. The peroxide level would have to be an estimated 85%. NHRA got tired of injured or dead spectators and drivers from either the flying bombs they became while airborne and the ensuing lawsuits. Some of the explosions while zooming down the track were due to driver error… the driver would get on it at the starting line, the rocket’s combustion chamber would fill and light off and off she goes. However, several inexperienced rocket kart drivers would see that they were not headed perfectly straight from the start, which is somewhat common with conventional drag cars, back off the fuel, straighten out and then get back on it. The rocket’s combustion chamber was not designed to handle or had the space for the additional fuel being forced in and a spectacular explosion would usually be the result, thrilling one and all except anybody associated with the kart. The smart rocket kart driver would just lift his or her foot off of the pedal, keep it off and coast down the track or to the side and prepare it for another run. In any case, the NHRA then limited the runs to 1/8th mile where the possibly airborne take-off speeds could usually not be obtained in the much shorter run. However, there were still too many incidents of these karts “exploding on the pad”, which was usually unhealthy to anybody in range of flying parts moving at high speed interacting with flesh… somewhat the power or lethality of a very large hand grenade. So then these karts were banned altogether, altho some unofficial recent runs can be seen on youtube, usually void of public spectators in the area with only the driver, the crew, and track employees present. Any buyers will be required to sign a notarized statement absolving me of any damages, injuries or deaths should you decide to run it so I will not be harassed by some cheap lawyer on your behalf. . The smart play would to put it in a museum, or an “attention-getter” for openings of new stores, or sold to a movie studio as a working prop. WHAT THIS KART NEEDS: since i have never run it and am no expert on these, it looks like a brake master cylinder, a battery, and a good clean-up is needed. I need to find 2 nuts for the front wheels. I would put a coat of clear over the paint job that is already on it, if you want it better you can use some touch-up paint with a careful mixing of the paint. I do have some lettering paint which you can have for touch-up purposes if you choose to do this, and then put a clear coat over it if you choose to. I can take care of these things for you at an additional cost but it will not be cheap, better to do it yourself or have your body-shop man do it for you. I can also deliver/ship it to your location personally for $1.00 a mile, one-way, in advance. I will require a 50% cash down payment at the time of purchase and upon delivery the other 50%. If you change your mind in the meantime or upon delivery, 100% of the purchase price will be refunded with no hard feelings, however, the shipping or delivery cost will not be refunded, also, once you hand over the cash and the bill of sale and a notarized statement is signed, the sale is then final and no refunds or returns will be allowed. The price may seem high for this kart, and i understand that, but it is very unlikely you will ever see another one for sale or in person except in a museum… ever. It is an original, authentic classic racing legend vehicle from the past which is estimated to have been built in the early 60’s.. Plus I really don’t care if i sell it or not and i will likely just use it for the reasons I already put down.. No offers, lowballers, tire-kickers, bullshitters, craigslist-type shuckters, and hustlers or meth-heads, please. I will provide more recent pictures with the new steering yoke, seat, tires, etc. once I get some new batteries for my camera, please do not consider buying it until you have seen the updated pictures, but it does still look very nice and with the clean-up or whatever as described above it should be in as in the clean shape shown again, even at present it retains about 90% of its looks as the pictures shown altho in several places some paint touch-up and a clear coat would serve it well if you want the paint to look as-new, or it can be left alone to keep that slghtly-worn look. It does not need extensive repairs or restoration. An airbrush on the hood of the lovely young lady is typical for the period on some vehicles, track or street. Feel free to ask questions. Consult your wife before considering it. And if you are not experienced and competent with liquid-fueled rocket motors of this type, do not expect your experience to be accident-free, you may likely seriously injure or kill yourself or others. Buy and use as a drag strip vehicle is at your own risk. If you want any additional photos please ask. No trades. Please do not waste either of our time, altho comments and questions are welcome. Visitors and pick-it-up yourselves are welcome as well with no obligations and I will even buy the coffee. There are some things that a price cannot be put on however, there is no “bluebook” for “vintage or classic rocket karts”. The original intended use for this kart was to be for a working prop for a movie which was never made, However, this is a real, authentic classic racing machine and was used as such and is not just some prop unless that is your intended purpose. And if you change your mind you will receive 100% of your money back, minus traveling expenses if I deliver it. Ask if you want to see the original screenplay for free or you can view it on Amazon books for free under the title of “The Last Friends of Willie Coyote (a slight name change was required to avoid trademark issues)”. You can make a reasonable offer once I am convinced that you are not just some dreaming, drug-fueled, or drunk ya-hoo meth-head.. This listing and kart is no joke, it has been ran, altho it was decades ago and is the real deal and it is very doubtful you will see another one like it for sale. Movie prop studios, museums, racers, store-opening attention-getter exhibit/display seekers are encouraged to give this kart a look. Thank you.. Mike

I have always thought T-Birds were for old guys and Suzanne Sommers. Now that I'm getting older I like them. Imagine that! Other than the white, I can't think of a better one: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1957-ford-thunderbird-99/ This 1957 Ford Thunderbird is reported to be one of approximately 200 F-code examples featuring a 312ci V8 equipped from the factory with a Paxton/McCulloch supercharger. It was first delivered to T. Lyell Puckett Ford in Alhambra, California, in August 1957, and the previous owner is said to have commissioned a mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment by Frank Stubbs in Washington that was completed in 1989 and said to have included a frame refinish, repaint, engine rebuild, and replacement of the interior upholstery and carpet. The car is finished in Colonial White over a two-tone blue interior, and additional equipment includes a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, a blue convertible top, a power-adjustable seat, electric windows, and a Town and Country radio. The car has reportedly been awarded nine Gold Medallion awards from the Classic Thunderbird Club International (CTCI). Acquired by the current owner in 1998, this ‘F-bird’ is now offered by the seller on behalf of its current owner with its factory gate release form, brand literature, scoring sheets, service records, spare wheels and wheel covers, and a clean Washington title.

My car only let me down once. RT290 in Worcester going to my 8:30 AM class. Ignition issue, I think the coil died. We put about 25k miles on it between three brothers and my dad sold it for a 1300 dollar profit.

My natural disposition is surly, but when I see advertisements like this I try to go easy for just this reason. The sellers usually don't know any better and they got something dumped in their laps. Even among us "experts" we having varying ideas of the value of things so imagine being a complete neophyte in that situation.

Gatsby Rolls is back on ebay with a 1,000,000 dollar buy it now. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1928-Rolls-Royce-Phantom-I-/144011272998

Here is the updated ebay link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/333964256781

They are like Corvettes and Graham blowers - nobody ever sent them to the junk yard. In the case of the graham, they sent the car but kept the blower.

A 53 and a 54 are really two different animals.

Tim, It is chassis # 408355 with body by Frejat.

Life gets in the way of a lot of stuff.

I think I'm going to do one of each of the 53 Halo cars as the Caribbean got some good comments from posters. What is the saying? "The most expensive 53 Skylark is the cheapest". Interesting car that I might have fallen for 20 years ago and ended up with 250k in to it when 100-150 buys the nicest ones around. Although, if it just needs fluids, ignition, rubbing compound and new gas.... https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/buick/skylark/2475407.html Location: Selkirk, New York, 12158 Transmission: Auto Condition: Good Exterior: Red Interior: red and white Seller’s Description: 1953 Buick Skylark convertible, Many years stored, 100% complete, drive as is or restore as needed, perfect floors - rockers- trunk. One tennis ball size hole in front of each rear wheel, ran without issues when parked. Asking $49,500 Price: $49,500

The cars are all practically free relative to the money spent on the restoration, so I too would like to know why they didn't start with a convertible or business coupe instead of the 2 door sedan.

The correct interior is mohair which is horrible.

Steve, I'm going to politely disagree. I drove my Plymouth almost exclusively through junior and senior year of HS. First car I ever drove to a drive in, cruising on Friday/Sat night, first car I drove on date, etc. GREAT memories. Zero interest in owning another.

An "opera coupe" is an earlier version of the "victoria coupe" which is basically a 2 door 4 passenger body. Interesting car that is probably overpriced by 2.5x. There is a buyer for that car in the 25-35k range. To prove my point, remember how the 745 Packard 3 window was not finding a buyer in the 60 range, which is 3 times the car as this one.

I think if you were you going to over pay for a 49 Plymouth this might be a good candidate. However, I think I would surprised by anyone stepping up this high.

Hopefully not the usual locusts from Mass coming to ruin everything.

Relive some of my childhood trauma with me. As a 14 year old, I was trying to figure out how to save enough money for my next snowmobile. My dad comes home one night with a HUGE smile on his face: "I bought you a car!". I said: "Awesome!, Is it a GTO? Camaro? Mustang?". He says "Better!, a 49 Plymouth 2 door special deluxe with 9k original miles, and I only paid 500 bucks for it". I said: "Does this 49 Plymouth thing have a V8 in it with a four barrel?". He says "Nope! Unless you drop this car out of an airplane you won't get going fast enough to hurt yourself". I said: "Super". I'm not lying to say the car my dad bought home was a nice as this one. He couldn't help himself, so instead just blocking out the perfect original gray paint he had a buddy spray it in blue enamel, threw white walls on it and vinyl seat covers. It was nice and obviously I appreciated the gesture being a kid with about 150 dollars to my name. Advertisement: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1949-Plymouth-Special-Deluxe-Club-Coupe/193996493466 Have you been searching for a classic car that will separate you from the countless others out there? Are you sick & tired of seeing the same old Fords & Chevys everywhere that you look? Well, I have the perfect classic car for you! ‘Red Hills Rods & Classics’ is very happy to offer you this absolutely gorgeous 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe Club Coupe! How many of these beauties have you seem around lately? This vintage Plymouth is an absolute show-stopper folks! Plymouth had a banner year in 1949, increasing their sales nearly 50% over the previous year, and found themselves w/ a firm hold on third place in the overall sales race, right behind Chevy and Ford. Why was the '49 Plymouth such a big hit? A fresh & beautiful new design on the eve of a bright new decade, along with plenty of engineering advances that they touted in all the sales ads. Being from California for the majority of its life, this gorgeous example made its way here to Southern Utah a couple of years ago and has been restored to its factory original glory. Countless man-hours were spent making sure that all of the sheet metal is super-straight all the way around, and Dynamat sound-deadening materials were added to the entire body, including the roof and the trunk. It was then finished in its factory correct Bolivia Green paint, which looks outstanding on this car, and the paint has been polished to a lustrous shine. All of the chrome & stainless steel trim has been completely restored and is in show-quality condition throughout. Many of these chrome pieces, ornaments, lenses, etc., are extremely hard to acquire, and lots of time & effort were spent to make sure everything was correct on this car. She sits just right, on the original 15” black steel wheels w/ full chrome Plymouth hubcaps, wrapped w/ P215/75/R15 white-wall tires. You can walk around this car a hundred times and it simply looks outstanding from every angle. Open the driver’s door and you will find an absolutely gorgeous original-style interior that will take your breath away. Interior features include: the correct multi-color cloth upholstery w/ matching door panels, beautiful woodgrain dash w/ chrome trim, chrome dash insert & chrome control knobs, original AM radio, original steering wheel (beautifully restored), and green loop carpeting throughout. Extremely simple, yet very elegant, this beautiful interior is simply a wonderful contrast to the Bolivia Green exterior. The color combination is out of this world! All of the gauges, lights, blinkers, etc., are in working order, and even the original AM radio sounds great. Heck, even the lighter gets hots! Absolutely nothing was overlooked during the restoration process. The trunk area is fully restored as well, including the matching spare wheel & tire, jack assembly, and original service manuals. Pop open the hood, and nestled inside the beautifully detailed engine bay resides the rebuilt 218ci Flathead-Six motor, lathered in silver paint w/ all of the correct MOPAR components throughout. Again, lots of time & effort were spent on the motor, making sure that all engine components are as correct as possible. An upgraded stainless-steel radiator was installed to keep her running as cool as possible, as well as a new Interstate 6-volt battery, but other than that everything appears to be factory correct under the hood. The 218ci Flathead-Six is linked to the original 3-speed manual transmission (on-the-tree of course), which feeds power to the original rear end. She fires up instantly, settling into a nice smooth idle, and she runs & drives beautifully in every way. This is a wonderful driving classic car that gets more attention than you can ever imagine. People are just not used to seeing a beautifully restored ’49 Plymouth Coupe cruising the streets, and every time that I drive it, folks are snapping photos w/ their smartphones. Again, if you are sick of the same old classic cars, and want something unique to park in your home garage, then you will want to take a very close look at this gorgeous 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe Club Coupe!

Having spent the winter crawling around underneath one of these, I can attest to the fact that someone spent some money on this car. But I want you to compare the text from this dealer with some of the dealers we know that are good at what they do. There is not a single sentence specific to this car. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1936-Cord-810-4-seat-Phaeton-/363362831442 The all-time classic 1936 810 Cord-Phaeton, with a Lycoming 125HP engine, with three main bearings, and white walls has graced our lot. Cord cars are among the most influential American cars ever built, and while not common or found for sale often, the 810 Cord-Phaeton offered an alternative to the more traditional classics built by the Big Three and the other independent manufacturers. Of the four models offered by Cord the Phaeton was the premier model. The 1936 Cord-Phaeton 810 has a four-speed electrically-selected, semi-automatic transmission among other innovative features, and is by far the eye candy for car enthusiast. The brand name for the upscale American Car, Cord-Phaeton Model 810/812 are probably the best-known of the company's products. Styled by Gordon M. Buehrig, of the Auburn Automobile Company, is a must for any collector. The Cord 810 was America's First front wheel drive car. Cord managed to sell only 1,174 of the 1936 810’s in its first year. The car is well known for its flat front nose with a louvered grille design that resembled a coffin, earning it the nickname “Coffin Nose” It has been written that “Somehow the Cord looked like a beautiful thing that had been born and just grew up on the highway." The new Cord overshadowed everything else on the show floors with its breathtaking lines, hidden headlamps and door hinges, lack of an upright radiator grille, low stance, and futuristic dashboard. For additional information please visit us at or contact us at; ~ 866-723-9619 RPM Motor Cars, offer financing, extended warranties and service provided by our trained staff. For more pictures and details checkout out website Or email us at We are passionate car enthusiasts who care about you and your car. We offer great financing, extended warranties, accept quality trades, and we are a full service facility with factory trained technicians. Inspections are welcome and encouraged. Drive your passion.

I have a weird fascination with 70s full size cars with four speeds. My biggest problem (besides it being a Mass delivery car originally) is that spot light.

I would take one of these but it needs to be 100% done. I can't imagine the restoration costs. Didn't some of them have a blower?

Here is the clutch switch out of the Cord. I'm very lucky that I live near Mike Lavalle of KES who restored the switch for me in 24 hours. According to him there were a number of issues: 1. The rivet on the hot input was loose and would flex losing contact. 2. The plate was cracked and also flexing. 3. The nubs that make contact were not even and were making uneven contact. I put it in and all my starting problems were gone. Also my shift harness is now energized with the clutch down. I was thrilled and jumped right in to testing the shifting with the new harness. It was not doing what it is supposed to do so more testing is in order. Sigh...

I see you posted a 54 Skylark. My dad and I have had some great battles as he had a 54 but doesn’t understand why the 53 is much better.

Congrats.