Just fishing for discussion here. What is your favorite classic U.S. made automobile, design-wise?
My favorite for an affordable classic is the 1968 full-sized Chevrolets. I lust for a 1968 Chevy Caprice. Such sensuous curves. The '68 models were a refinement of the '67 models, with different front ends/grills and tail treatments. GM really got it right with the '68 Chevrolets, IMO. My family had a '68 four-door Impala Sport Sedan in light blue (pillarless four-door hardtop) and also a '68 pillared sedan in classic 1960's "ash gold" color.
If money were no object, my dream car would be the 1957-1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. A true American marvel with air suspension, memory seats, stainless steel roof, restrained 1950's tail-fin styling, tons of technical innovations, albeit with 1950's technology. Cost $13,000 back in 1957, $5,000 more than a Rolls Royce, and Cadillac lost money on every one sold! I see a 1957-1958 Eldorado Brougham pop up on Ebay sometimes, but the bidding usually tops $100,000.00 for mint cars, especially for the cars that have the original "vanity" items that came with the cars in 1957. True hand-built American classics, never to be seen again.
Always loved the 1953 Corvette. Polo white with red leather interior. Very few were produced, being the first model year and all.
the Chrysler K car....ok just kidding.
Styling: Studebaker Avanti (the originals)
Performance: Plymouth GTX 440 or Dodge Charger 426
Luxury: 1962-63 Thunderbirds & Lincoln's
Fun: Any convertible but specifically Corvettes thru 1973
Scary Performance: Dodge big block hemi's
Personal Fav: 56 Chevy BelAir
But it would all change after the next classic car show.
"Style"
59 Cadillac Coupe
62 Cadillac Coupe Convertible
59 Chevrolet Impala Coupe
56 Buick Century Coupe
53 Cadillac Coupe
63 Buick Riviera
"Speed"
64 Ford Galaxie 390 Interceptor
[}:)]
I saw this one at the Tulsa Car Show and found it to be my all time favorite.
(http://www.applepics.com/11/blandbridenstine/lumix/c7.jpg)
quote:
Originally posted by waterboy
Styling: Studebaker Avanti (the originals)
Performance: Plymouth GTX 440 or Dodge Charger 426
Luxury: 1962-63 Thunderbirds & Lincoln's
Fun: Any convertible but specifically Corvettes thru 1973
Scary Performance: Dodge big block hemi's
Personal Fav: 56 Chevy BelAir
But it would all change after the next classic car show.
Here is a GTX for you.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/bj24.jpg)
And for those that remember Adam 12
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/bj7.jpg)
Thanks, Dback. The GTX was largely overlooked in favor of its little brother the Roadrunner which was not as comfortable, not as powerful but cost less and had a good ad campaign. Patrol cars at the time were hard to outrun.
I was able to wrangle my brother's 1968 GTX to visit graduation parties in 1969. Though only listed at 375 hp it was in actuality much greater. Stomach hurting acceleration with the torqueflite high stall transmission. Of course you had to have the redline wide ovals to finish the car off right.
quote:
Originally posted by waterboy
Thanks, Dback. The GTX was largely overlooked in favor of its little brother the Roadrunner which was not as comfortable, not as powerful but cost less and had a good ad campaign. Patrol cars at the time were hard to outrun.
I was able to wrangle my brother's 1968 GTX to visit graduation parties in 1969. Though only listed at 375 hp it was in actuality much greater. Stomach hurting acceleration with the torqueflite high stall transmission. Of course you had to have the redline wide ovals to finish the car off right.
I will look through my pics on my computer when I get home tonight and see what others I can come up with. I grew up in Tulsa but live in Phoenix now. Those are from the 2005 Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale that a freind of mine that also moved here from Tulsa have gone to almost every year since 2004. We go just to look at the cars and watch some of the insanity.
I have so many favorites, but whenever I think of my "ideal" muscle car I'd like to have some day, it would be a '69 Camaro Indy Pace Car edition. Style, colors, performance, and it's a rag top.
(http://www.camaro.nu/fact/1gen-filer/image008.jpg)
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
quote:
Originally posted by waterboy
Thanks, Dback. The GTX was largely overlooked in favor of its little brother the Roadrunner which was not as comfortable, not as powerful but cost less and had a good ad campaign. Patrol cars at the time were hard to outrun.
I was able to wrangle my brother's 1968 GTX to visit graduation parties in 1969. Though only listed at 375 hp it was in actuality much greater. Stomach hurting acceleration with the torqueflite high stall transmission. Of course you had to have the redline wide ovals to finish the car off right.
I will look through my pics on my computer when I get home tonight and see what others I can come up with. I grew up in Tulsa but live in Phoenix now. Those are from the 2005 Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale that a freind of mine that also moved here from Tulsa have gone to almost every year since 2004. We go just to look at the cars and watch some of the insanity.
Dback, my wife's father lives in Scottsdale. We went out to visit in November, went to the sprint car races at Manzanita and went to the NASCAR race at PIR. While we were there, her dad took us to Penske's museum, then to the car show over at the Pavillion in Scottsdale. Do you ever go to that? I saw plenty of original paint cars and very nice restorations. Her dad was saying it's a weekly event. Sort of reminded me of Backyard Burgers cruise night, only larger.
Okay, not cars, but still American classics:
1965 Harley Electra-Glide
(http://www.hdctheoldtimers.nl/history/images/foto910.jpg)
1957 Harley FLH:
(http://www.carlscyclesupply.com/photos/1957PANH_Rside.jpg)
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
quote:
Originally posted by waterboy
Thanks, Dback. The GTX was largely overlooked in favor of its little brother the Roadrunner which was not as comfortable, not as powerful but cost less and had a good ad campaign. Patrol cars at the time were hard to outrun.
I was able to wrangle my brother's 1968 GTX to visit graduation parties in 1969. Though only listed at 375 hp it was in actuality much greater. Stomach hurting acceleration with the torqueflite high stall transmission. Of course you had to have the redline wide ovals to finish the car off right.
I will look through my pics on my computer when I get home tonight and see what others I can come up with. I grew up in Tulsa but live in Phoenix now. Those are from the 2005 Barrett Jackson Auction in Scottsdale that a freind of mine that also moved here from Tulsa have gone to almost every year since 2004. We go just to look at the cars and watch some of the insanity.
Dback, my wife's father lives in Scottsdale. We went out to visit in November, went to the sprint car races at Manzanita and went to the NASCAR race at PIR. While we were there, her dad took us to Penske's museum, then to the car show over at the Pavillion in Scottsdale. Do you ever go to that? I saw plenty of original paint cars and very nice restorations. Her dad was saying it's a weekly event. Sort of reminded me of Backyard Burgers cruise night, only larger.
Yes I have done the show and shine at the Pavillions, it's an every Saturday night event, and you never know what you will see. I have been to two races at PIR, 1999 and 2000. Have yet to get to the races at Manzanita, or out to see the NHRA at Firebird. The number of original cars out here is amazing. There is another place in the Scottsdale Airpark area that is owned by Harley Cluxton. He has an amazing collection race cars from a Birdcage Maserati to Formula 1 cars. It's worth a shot if you come out again.
quote:
Originally posted by AVERAGE JOE
Always loved the 1953 Corvette. Polo white with red leather interior. Very few were produced, being the first model year and all.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0459.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0385.jpg)[img]
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0386.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0387.jpg)
One of my personal favorites in racing form
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0374.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0380.jpg)
Who is lucky enough to own their favorite[}:)]
I'll be hanging on to this forever
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y125/wesley58_do/215571_9_full.jpg)
Anyone like Goats? [:D]
(http://www.applepics.com/11/blandbridenstine/lumix/c3.jpg)
quote:
Originally posted by Porky
Anyone like Goats? [:D]
(http://www.applepics.com/11/blandbridenstine/lumix/c3.jpg)
Oh, yeah. The Judge was everything 1969 was about. Garish, fast, gimmicky. However, I most appreciate the 1966/67 goats which were upgrades of the Tempest/LeMans series (that's it in the background of your pic). My neighbor had the 389 with 3deuces set up. Neatly designed and I swear, it had so much power he could not keep the car operating in a straight line when he punched it at most any speed!
Do you remember why it was called The Judge?
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
quote:
Originally posted by AVERAGE JOE
Always loved the 1953 Corvette. Polo white with red leather interior. Very few were produced, being the first model year and all.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0459.jpg)
drool... [:P]
Thanks for posting!!!
My parents bought a 1973 Buick Apollo new. I got it when I turned 16. There are better looking cars out there, but heart is with my '73 Buick Apollo. It's in storage now and when I find a pic of it I'll post it on this thread. For now, here's a Buick Ad photo of it.
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/444343802_98466a193b.jpg?v=0)
You're welcome Joe. Will try to see what others I have now that I am home.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0401.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0407.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/MyPictures0007.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/bj16-1.jpg)
Although not an American Classic, this is my favorite race car. It's a replica of a 1970's Porsche 917.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0363.jpg)
(http://www.strokerengine.citymaker.com/i/swamp_rat_sm.jpg)
SWAMP RAT
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/bj16-1.jpg)
Thanks dbacks, I had always heard about this model but I had never seen one. Wonder if it had the straight 6 in it or a V8?
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0407.jpg)
I was the proud owner of one of these in Nassau Blue. Loved the car. 300hp 350 v-8 that would burn rubber in all three gears.
Can't post a picture right now but mine is a 1971 hemi cuda.
IF any one would like to have the file for my pics send me a PM with an email address and I can send it to you. The files are mostly 1meg in size.
My all favorite would have to be the 70 LS6 Chevelle... Here is my El Camino, owned since 1981 in various incarnations:
(http://members.cox.net/gswood64/elcamino.jpg)
quote:
Originally posted by waterboy
quote:
Originally posted by Porky
Anyone like Goats? [:D]
(http://www.applepics.com/11/blandbridenstine/lumix/c3.jpg)
Oh, yeah. The Judge was everything 1969 was about. Garish, fast, gimmicky. However, I most appreciate the 1966/67 goats which were upgrades of the Tempest/LeMans series (that's it in the background of your pic). My neighbor had the 389 with 3deuces set up. Neatly designed and I swear, it had so much power he could not keep the car operating in a straight line when he punched it at most any speed!
Do you remember why it was called The Judge?
Wasn't it called the "Judge" because of the popular "Here comes the Judge" skit on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In? I always assumed so. I fondly remember me and my dad laughing our asses off to Sammy Davis Jr. and the "judge" skits on Laugh-In!
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/bj16-1.jpg)
Wow, isn't that the Olds F-85, the Oldsmobile version of the Corvette that came out as a show car in the early 1950s at the GM Motoramas? I think maybe Buick or Pontiac had a version too. Just produced as a show car or prototype, never a production model. I understand that GM used to scrap or sell off its "dream car" prototypes back then; its amazing that this car still survives today.
Whatever happened to the "hardtop convertible" styling that was so popular in American cars from the mid 1950s through mid 1970s? By that I mean truly pillarless hardtops, no "B" pillar and frameless side window glass. The cars had a traditional steel roof, but with the windows down (in both coupes & sedans), they looked sort of like a convertible with the top up.
I have read that federal roll-over standards (or the threat of such) lead to the demise of the true hardtop convertible. It was always a favorite design of mine, I wish U.S. car makers would revive this style. Sporty and practical at the same time.
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
quote:
Originally posted by waterboy
quote:
Originally posted by Porky
Anyone like Goats? [:D]
(http://www.applepics.com/11/blandbridenstine/lumix/c3.jpg)
Oh, yeah. The Judge was everything 1969 was about. Garish, fast, gimmicky. However, I most appreciate the 1966/67 goats which were upgrades of the Tempest/LeMans series (that's it in the background of your pic). My neighbor had the 389 with 3deuces set up. Neatly designed and I swear, it had so much power he could not keep the car operating in a straight line when he punched it at most any speed!
Do you remember why it was called The Judge?
Wasn't it called the "Judge" because of the popular "Here comes the Judge" skit on Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In? I always assumed so. I fondly remember me and my dad laughing our asses off to Sammy Davis Jr. and the "judge" skits on Laugh-In!
They knew that every time one went by, someone would snicker, Here come da Judge! Here come da Judge!
BTW I don't why they discontinued the hardtop convertible. It was cool. My 56 BelAir was that design and when it rolled several times the top held up pretty well but did trap my hand between it and the steering wheel. Four of us came out ok with minor cuts & a few stitches. The lack of safety locks however was more dangerous. The doors popped open and accordioned nearly flat. No seatbelts. These old cars were beautiful but not as well designed for safety as todays cars.
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
Whatever happened to the "hardtop convertible" styling that was so popular in American cars from the mid 1950s through mid 1970s? By that I mean truly pillarless hardtops, no "B" pillar and frameless side window glass. The cars had a traditional steel roof, but with the windows down (in both coupes & sedans), they looked sort of like a convertible with the top up.
I have read that federal roll-over standards (or the threat of such) lead to the demise of the true hardtop convertible. It was always a favorite design of mine, I wish U.S. car makers would revive this style. Sporty and practical at the same time.
It was the Rocket 88, and there were three that were built for Motor Rama back in the 50's. This one sold for $3.5 million in 2005 and is now in a museum in Colorado. I have a picture of the Pontiac version. And at home I have a couple of photos of one of the buses they built for that tour, that sold for $4.5 million and is now in Chandler Arizona.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/bonneville.jpg)
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/bonneville2.jpg)
quote:
Originally posted by waterboy
They knew that every time one went by, someone would snicker, Here come da Judge! Here come da Judge!
BTW I don't why they discontinued the hardtop convertible. It was cool. My 56 BelAir was that design and when it rolled several times the top held up pretty well but did trap my hand between it and the steering wheel. Four of us came out ok with minor cuts & a few stitches. The lack of safety locks however was more dangerous. The doors popped open and accordioned nearly flat. No seatbelts. These old cars were beautiful but not as well designed for safety as todays cars.
I love the fixed roof, hardtop convertible styling; I wish automakers would bring it back.
As for Mopars, in the late 1970s I owned a 1973 Plymouth Satellite Sebring Plus in lime green. It was a "Roadrunner clone" type with the fake scoop hood and twin tailpipe chrome exhaust extensions. Had a 400 CI motor, bucket seats with console shift automatic, dark green vinyl interior with lots of fake wood grain, and A/C. It wasn't a Hemi or 440-six pack, but the 400 motor was plenty strong. Would throw you back in the seat when you floored the gas. I got it up to about 115 one day on the Crosstown Expressway, just glad I didn't kill myself or someone else!
On the downside, I remember the beast got about "eight gallons to the mile!" I don't miss that aspect one bit!
This place I drive by at least three times a day while I'm going to various sites around town and never know what to expect that he has out by the street. Alot of the cars are original cars. Check out the Studebaker Commander in the 50's section.http://www.steeldreamz.com/ (//%22http://%22)
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
It was the Rocket 88, and there were three that were built for Motor Rama back in the 50's. This one sold for $3.5 million in 2005 and is now in a museum in Colorado. I have a picture of the Pontiac version. And at home I have a couple of photos of one of the buses they built for that tour, that sold for $4.5 million and is now in Chandler Arizona.
Thanks dbacks fan. I think the Olds version was called the F-85 or F-88, at least that is what I have read in classic car books. They say the Olds version could have been a good seller if it had been a production model. Rocket 88 referred to the Old's OHV V-8 engine I believe, but whatever. Your pictures are great. I have never seen a pic of the Pontiac version before. Thanks so much!
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
This place I drive by at least three times a day while I'm going to various sites around town and never know what to expect that he has out by the street. Alot of the cars are original cars. Check out the Studebaker Commander in the 50's section.http://www.steeldreamz.com/ (//%22http://%22)
The Raymond Loewy designed Studebakers of the early 1950s were truly gorgeous cars, years ahead of their time. Too bad Studebaker did not have the financial resources to continue their company and styling innovations. Seems the really trendsetting auto designs of the past came from the smaller companies, the Studebakers, Hudsons, Packards, etc. Of course Cadillac and Harley Earl gave us the tail fin, and they kept that relatively tastefull until 1958 when tail fins became an over-the-top example of bad taste.
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
It was the Rocket 88, and there were three that were built for Motor Rama back in the 50's. This one sold for $3.5 million in 2005 and is now in a museum in Colorado. I have a picture of the Pontiac version. And at home I have a couple of photos of one of the buses they built for that tour, that sold for $4.5 million and is now in Chandler Arizona.
You're welcome Steve. Here is a link to the Barrett-Jackson website that will give you more info:
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/auctionresults/common/cardetail.asp?id=178112 (//%22http://%22)
Thanks dbacks fan. I think the Olds version was called the F-85 or F-88, at least that is what I have read in classic car books. They say the Olds version could have been a good seller if it had been a production model. Rocket 88 referred to the Old's OHV V-8 engine I believe, but whatever. Your pictures are great. I have never seen a pic of the Pontiac version before. Thanks so much!
quote:
Originally posted by Steve
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
This place I drive by at least three times a day while I'm going to various sites around town and never know what to expect that he has out by the street. Alot of the cars are original cars. Check out the Studebaker Commander in the 50's section.http://www.steeldreamz.com/ (//%22http://%22)
The Raymond Loewy designed Studebakers of the early 1950s were truly gorgeous cars, years ahead of their time. Too bad Studebaker did not have the financial resources to continue their company and styling innovations. Seems the really trendsetting auto designs of the past came from the smaller companies, the Studebakers, Hudsons, Packards, etc. Of course Cadillac and Harley Earl gave us the tail fin, and they kept that relatively tastefull until 1958 when tail fins became an over-the-top example of bad taste.
That place puts a smile on my face driving by it. Have yet to go in figuring I would be asked to leave do to excessive drooling.
I found the link to the museum in Colorado and it's open now. They have bought several cars at the Barrett Jackson here in Scottsdale and the one they have in Palm Beach Fla.
A funny story about Studebaker. I worked at Bill White Chevy as a salesman in early 1984, one of the salesman that I worked with was Dick Studebaker, and I cant remeber exactly how but he was related to the car company.
http://www.gatewayautomuseum.com/index.php
This was one of the tour buses/vans that traveled with the Olds F-88 and the Pontiac Bonneville in the 50's.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/bus2.jpg)
Here is a shot from the front. It was so heavy they could not drive it on to the auction block. It sold for about $4million to someone that lives in Chandler Arizona just out side of Tempe.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0377.jpg)
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
Here is a shot from the front. It was so heavy they could not drive it on to the auction block. It sold for about $4million to someone that lives in Chandler Arizona just out side of Tempe.
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/DSCN0377.jpg)
What a neat piece of history!
More history on the "Futureliner"
http://www.sportscarmarket.com/profiles/2006/April/American/index.html (//%22http://%22)
Way too many to have a single favorite. I do have a soft spot for my 1962 Ford Galaxie 500, however. 2 door hardtop, 390 big block. I just need to come up with the cash to restore it.
quote:
Originally posted by Porky
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/bj16-1.jpg)
Thanks dbacks, I had always heard about this model but I had never seen one. Wonder if it had the straight 6 in it or a V8?
It had a V8, as did all Oldsmobile models in the mid 50s.
quote:
Originally posted by bugo
quote:
Originally posted by Porky
quote:
Originally posted by dbacks fan
(http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p309/kallsop2/bj16-1.jpg)
Thanks dbacks, I had always heard about this model but I had never seen one. Wonder if it had the straight 6 in it or a V8?
It had a V8, as did all Oldsmobile models in the mid 50s.
From what I have read about the Corvette and this, its "sister" Oldsmobile, historians generally concur that had both the Chevy and Olds gone into production in 1953, the Olds would have survived and the Corvette would have quickly died. The Vette nearly did die anyway, until the introduction of the Chevy V8 in 1955 saved it.
The Olds version was more "American Luxury" and the Chevy was more "European Sports Car" oriented. The Olds had the Rocket V8 in the prototype and some other neat gadgets for the time like center console mounted radio/window controls, power top, power glass side windows, and was built to a higher luxury level than the Corvette, which had the anemic Chevy "Blue Flame" 6 cylinder engine and I think side curtains instead of glass windows, more in the European sports car fashion.
If money were no object, my personal top 5 list would have to be:
1. 1957-1958 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham. My technological favorite, and a darn handsome car to look at too.
2. 1956-1957 Continental Mark II. My esthetic favorite. I think there is a Continental Mark II in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. A gorgeous sculptural masterpiece.
3. 1968 full-sized Chevys (highly optioned Caprice, Impala, Impala SS.) Georgeous curving lines and proportions, the ultimate in 1960s styling, IMO. I think the 1963 Buick Rivera deserves honorable mention too, for Bill Mitchell's wonderful styling and influence on future autos.
4. 1938-1940 Cadillac Sixty Special. Predicted the future styling of post-war cars. A real trend setter.
5. Any 1928-1932 Cadillac or LaSalle for their classic styling, especially the dual-cowl Phaetons. Magnificent pre-war classic styling.
Why did GM kill off the Oldsmobile division? Olds was GM's oldest division, rich in history. Did they feel given sales figures, it was too redundant with Buick & Cadillac? Personally, I wished they had killed off Buick or Pontiac, and kept Oldsmobile. Oldsmobile was traditionally the GM division to introduce new technology to the public. Hydramatic in 1938, front wheel drive in 1966, etc. I drive an Olds so I guess I am just partial, but I sure hated to see that brand die.
1970 Plymouth Superbird. LOVE the Fin!