I spotted an (insert obscure car name here) classic car today! (Archived)

stickguy · March 2019

got behind an old bug today with historic plates. I would guess a 68-70 vintage. Beige. Looked brand new.

fintail · March 2019

49 Hudson? Has to be a rare bird as a convertible.

explorerx4 · March 2019

That's a great color for that car.

ab348 · March 2019

I always liked those step-down Hudsons. One of the few cars from that era that interests me.

berri · March 2019

There were several Hudson's in the neighborhood I grew up in. They were all owned by engineers. That may say something...

tjc78 · March 2019

Gorgeous late 60s El Camino yesterday. SS badging, sounded amazing.

Mr_Shiftright · March 2019

fintail said:
49 Hudson? Has to be a rare bird as a convertible.

I don't have a breakdown of convertible production, but yeah, one very rare bird and probably worth a fair sum.

andre1969 · April 2019

Mr_Shiftright said:

fintail said:
49 Hudson? Has to be a rare bird as a convertible.
I don't have a breakdown of convertible production, but yeah, one very rare bird and probably worth a fair sum.

Per my Consumer Guide old car encyclopedia...

3,119 Hudson convertibles were built in total, for 1949. They estimated the breakdown to be:
Super Six Brougham Convertible: 1,870
Commodore Six Brougham Convertible: 655
Commodore Eight Brougham Convertible: 595

fintail · April 2019

Had the fintail out early on a sunny morning yesterday, saw only one old car - an unrestored early Model A sedan, the "leatherback" type with no rear quarter window. It was running and driving in traffic, looked like it had been in a barn since 1940.

stickguy · April 2019

Would scare me to drive one of those on public roads around here. Maybe out in the boondocks.

fintail · April 2019

This was in a less densely populated area, but still mixing in with other cars, road speeds 40 mph tops. I suspect this guy didn't approach that. It was moving along though, so maybe it was a case of rebuilt mechanical parts with untouched cosmetics.

Mr_Shiftright · April 2019

andre1969 said:

Mr_Shiftright said:

fintail said:
49 Hudson? Has to be a rare bird as a convertible.
I don't have a breakdown of convertible production, but yeah, one very rare bird and probably worth a fair sum.
Per my Consumer Guide old car encyclopedia...

3,119 Hudson convertibles were built in total, for 1949. They estimated the breakdown to be:
Super Six Brougham Convertible: 1,870
Commodore Six Brougham Convertible: 655
Commodore Eight Brougham Convertible: 595

Oh I have that book...shoulda looked. So yeah, if we presume a 5-10% survival rate, and then eliminate the ones that have survived but are beached, then it's a rare bird indeed.

ab348 · April 2019

A week or two back I mentioned that the Volvo assembly plant here resulted in a number of cars being dumped on the floor of Halifax Harbour. Tonight the local news did a feature on that very thing:

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1650951&binId=1.1145463&playlistPageNum=1

Some good footage of Volvo’s being assembled here in the ‘80s too.

xwesx · April 2019

Big Brother is watching you, @ab348 .... ALWAYS WATCHING!!!

ab348 · April 2019

While a decent looking example (aside from the several non-original parts and the overly noisy exhaust) this strikes me as a good example of a rare but not particularly sought-after car where the owner is trying to recoup spending way too much money on it.

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/dodge/mirada/2240266.html

stickguy · April 2019

hood on that Mirada is just nasty.

I passed a house with an early 70's 'Cuda parked out front. Looked real clean. Bright lime green. I only got a quick glance, but it almost looked like AAR striping, but I think the rear fender said 340 (not sure if the AARs were like that) also possible it isn't even a real one, but I loved it anyway. A 340 4 speed car with the tuff wheel would make me happy.

roadburner · April 2019

The rear fenders had an AAR crest instead of the displacement or "Hemi."

fintail · April 2019

Fun pic from the fb fintail group: European delivery, October 1963:

The car exists today in the same family, highly preserved original car:

uplanderguy · April 2019

That sure is a ringer for your car. At first glance at the first pic, it looked like '1963 lady' was photoshopped into the pic!

I love seeing color photos of the '50's and '60's. Seems to me that life itself was more colorful then. That's not a looking-backward statement, just what seems like reality to me.

andre1969 · April 2019

uplanderguy said:
I love seeing color photos of the '50's and '60's. Seems to me that life itself was more colorful then. That's not a looking-backward statement, just what seems like reality to me.

I think part of it might have been the film stock they used in those days, which was often more vibrant than what they have today. In contrast, it seemed like in the later 60's, and some of the 70's, they often went for a more "washed out" look.

But, I think part of it was also that those were simply more optimistic times. We had more to look forward to. Even if, in absolute terms, things are better nowadays than they were back then, there just doesn't seem to be that feeling of advancement, improvement, and a bright future to look forward to.

And, another part of it may simply be age-related. The 50's and 60's seem kind of magical to me, because I hadn't been born yet. I have fond memories of the 70's, mainly because I was a kid, and didn't have any real responsibilities yet. In the 80's, as I was a teenager and became more aware of "real world" problems, that's when suddenly the glamour seemed to get stripped away. By the time the 90's came around, I was thrown out into the real world, into a sketchy job market (I swear, it seems like EVERY market is a sketchy job market, when you're first thrown into it!), and dealing with real-world problems, such as divorce, mortgages, health insurance, and other grown-up stuff, having to pay for EVERYTHING yourself, etc. By the time the '00's came out, I had gotten into a groove, I guess, but since then, everything has just seemed more of the same, nothing earth-shatteringly different, but then suddenly, it hits me that I'm less than a year away from turning 50!

And, on that note, I can remember when it used to be fun, buying a car. I might be in that market again, soon, but not by choice. The '03 Regal I inherited from my Dad just got sort of a death sentence, from the mechanic. There's a slow coolant leak in the intake manifold, and the mechanic said it would probably be about $1200 to fix it right. However, he also said that if I just keep checking the coolant level I should be okay...it'll slowly get worse over time, but shouldn't just fail catastrophically. And, on top of that, the transmission is starting to shift roughly. I don't know that I want to sink another $1200 into this car, especially given that the transmission is a toss of the dice! Anyway, back in the day, when one car wore out, I'd get sort of excited about looking around, for another. But, now I kind of dread it.

fintail · April 2019

I think the old film does a lot, like Andre mentions. Popular color palettes were also more varied ( Here are some fintail color choices ), even something like the pastel grey of that fintail would be considered an exotic color today, in the sea of beigegrey, black, and white. People are less daring in terms of cars, and over-wrought styling may have replaced color as a way to add dynamism.

Good luck with the car, Andre. As you aren't itching to make a move, maybe nurse it along until something goes bad, and send it to the parking lot in the sky. Recently I've had to decide what to do with an expiring lease, and it seems less exciting than in the past to me, too. It was really hard finding a car in a spec I want, and something I could even be mildly excited about. I eventually found something, but it was a splurge.

ab348 · April 2019

andre1969 said:

But, I think part of it was also that those were simply more optimistic times. We had more to look forward to. Even if, in absolute terms, things are better nowadays than they were back then, there just doesn't seem to be that feeling of advancement, improvement, and a bright future to look forward to.

Really? In the '50s and '60s the Cold war made people feel the world could end overnight. In the '60s and '70s society went through an upheaval with the advent of the hippies, drugs, all kinds of changes to societal norms, and the "establishment" was of the view that it was very destructive. Then you had the Vietnam quagmire in the '60s and '70s which created deep divisions in the USA. I don't dispute that the USA had reason to feel confident and optimistic in the 1950s especially, but there was always a black cloud somewhere.

Today there is an avalanche of information available, some of it credible and much of it not, but we are simply bombarded with it every day. So it gets confusing, especially when most everything is spun as negative at best or a dire threat at worst.

uplanderguy · April 2019

For me, the positive memories are largely based on in my small town, there being almost full employment and I've heard many a time that if someone walked out of one of the town's factories, they could walk across town and immediately get another good-paying job.

I think generally that there was more pride in local product and just more pride in general, but that's based on my small town.

kyfdx · April 2019

1956 Corvette

Friend went with another friend to pick it up in St Louis. The other friend's father bought it new in August 1956. The only modifications were by the original owner, before stashing the car in 1985. Didn't even unhook the battery cable, so it's been sitting for 34 years.

No window sticker, but had the original bill of sale. Around $4400 total. Bought in Chicago.

kyfdx · April 2019

Crappy picture

ab348 · April 2019

Wow.

All white?

kyfdx · April 2019

ab348 said:
Wow.

All white?

It has some crappy red trim. I think the dealer actually painted it, before the owner bought it, as they have pictures from November of 1956, and it already has the paint.

The coves are only partially painted in, and there is a wide piece of red above the grill, that tapers down to a narrow stripe towards the windshield, then picks up again on the trunk lid.

The color is fine, but it isn't very artistic.

There are some modifications, but the engine is original V-8 (265?) with dual quads.

Three of the tires still hold air! lol

kyfdx · April 2019

Original red interior, as well.. and, power top!

kyfdx · April 2019

Click on the picture to enlarge it. You can see part of the red paint in the coves, and two "arrows" of red paint, peeking out from under the top on the rear deck.

kyfdx · April 2019

Dad must have got a wild hair in the '70s.

Thrush side pipes, and 15" American Racing wheels. (the wheels actually look good on it)

Swapped in a 4-speed for the stock 3-speed.

Modified/cut down the grill, so he could install driving lights on either side of it, inside the grill opening.

Mr_Shiftright · April 2019

Yep, looks like it has some mods. The '56 with the 2X4 carbs is a valuable option--worth another $20K. Regrettably, the '56 still has only two transmission options--the Powerglide or the 3-speed manual. As for color, there are no color codes on these early cars, so hopefully it's on the bill of sale.

kyfdx · April 2019

Mr_Shiftright said:
Yep, looks like it has some mods. The '56 with the 2X4 carbs is a valuable option--worth another $20K. Regrettably, the '56 still has only two transmission options--the Powerglide or the 3-speed manual. As for color, there are no color codes on these early cars, so hopefully it's on the bill of sale.

The white paint is definitely original. But, I can't imagine the trim color came from the factory in that configuration. But, it seems to have definitely been painted with that trim, before it left the dealer.

uplanderguy · April 2019

The '56 and '57 are barely indistiguishable in looks but for some reason I'd rather have a '56 just because it isn't an overhyped...'57 whatever! LOL

Mr_Shiftright · April 2019

Lots of folks also tried to turn their 56s into '57s, so you see that a lot.

It would be good if all the trim and top pieces and grille parts are intact and not missing. That will be a mighty task, to find replacements. Also mounting the fenders on the fiberglass fenders wasn't a great idea for '56.

ab348 · April 2019

kyfdx said:
Click on the picture to enlarge it. You can see part of the red paint in the coves, and two "arrows" of red paint, peeking out from under the top on the rear deck.

Wow again. That blows up real good!

I don't know much about '56 Vettes so it looks to me like the taillights and rear bumpers are altered? I do see the red coves now along with those bizarre arrowheads poking out from under the top. I don't see any trim around the coves. Side pipes and wheels would need to go. Hopefully the owner didn't hack on it too bad way back when.

kyfdx · April 2019

Imagine removing the grill, and lopping off two vertical pieces at each end, then installing sealed beam lights in the empty space, and that is what he did to the grill.

The modification was done well, so, the ends looked the same, but still...

Mr_Shiftright · April 2019

'56s always seem to be hacked. Yes, there are bumper parts missing, and emblems. Paint looks dodgy. I don't think white w/ red cove was a possible combo back then. Should be silver. Wheels and side pipes are wrong.

All fixable of course. Hope he got in at the right price.

kyfdx · April 2019

Mr_Shiftright said:

'56s always seem to be hacked. Yes, there are bumper parts missing, and emblems. Paint looks dodgy. I don't think white w/ red cove was a possible combo back then. Should be silver. Wheels and side pipes are wrong.

All fixable of course. Hope he got in at the right price.

It is his Dad's car... bought new in 1956. So, hook up the trailer, and drive from VA to St Louis, and back. No price.. lol

Mr_Shiftright · April 2019

Well, good for him! Finally, a chance for a human being to break even on a restoration!

texases · April 2019

Is this what a stock rear of the '56 should look like?

kyfdx · April 2019

ab348 said:

kyfdx said:
Click on the picture to enlarge it. You can see part of the red paint in the coves, and two "arrows" of red paint, peeking out from under the top on the rear deck.
Wow again. That blows up real good!

I don't know much about '56 Vettes so it looks to me like the taillights and rear bumpers are altered? I do see the red coves now along with those bizarre arrowheads poking out from under the top. I don't see any trim around the coves. Side pipes and wheels would need to go. Hopefully the owner didn't hack on it too bad way back when.

I think you are right. Customized the rear, when he installed the side pipes.

Those seem like big mistakes, but if you bought the car new in 1956, and decided to "update" it in 1973 to how you always wanted it, that seems like a perfectly fine thing to do. He evidently didn't buy the car to "collect" it.

omarman · April 2019

60s and 70s were better. Seat belts were a choice. Doctor's office had ashtrays for cigarette smokers - no RX for weed, sorry. Never heard of SUV or HIV. And car shopping could be fun. Good times.

Mr_Shiftright · April 2019

Yep, that looks right to me--it has the fender "bows" and the flag emblem on the trunk, the correct wheel covers and correct paint scheme. Gonna be tough finding those missing bumper pieces!

PF_Flyer · April 2019

Movie for a rainy day

omarman · April 2019

Maybe Keen. They advertise body, trim and grill parts for the C1 but I don't know anything about their price/quality. Nice '56 Corvette though. Maybe a good survivor project for some updates to have a fun weekend car instead of the full wedding cake resto.

Mr_Shiftright · April 2019

They have some bumper parts but not the rear crescents I don't think. Nothing beats the originals, though.

omarman · April 2019

Ok you mean the front bumper crescent right? I've seen re-chromed original on ebay. But the rear tail pipe set with all upper/lower chrome and mounting hardware. Yikes. I suppose somebody makes repop but it can't be cheap!

Mr_Shiftright · April 2019

No the rear bumper/tailpipe set-up. That could be hard to find. It's always nice to find originals and re-chrome them. I can usually spot repop chrome right away. It has a different color and weight.

omarman · April 2019

I never really liked the exhaust pipe thru the bumper thing but I'd take that over the side pipes.

explorerx4 · April 2019

I was wondering why there were so many new posts here since last night.
Now I know why, and it was worth it to go through them.

I spotted an (insert obscure car name here) classic car today! (Archived)

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