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FAQJudged show winning car 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS Convertible 4sp,p.w,p.s,a/c,p.b
| Make: | Chevrolet |
| Model: | Impala |
| Type: | Convertible |
| Trim: | SS |
| Year: | 1962 |
| Mileage: | 7,644 |
| VIN: | 21867s251141 |
| Color: | Red |
| Fuel: | Gasoline |
| Transmission: | Manual |
| Drive type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Interior color: | Red |
| Vehicle Title: | Clear |
| Item location: | Lakeland, Florida, United States |
| Extras |
| Listed by |
| Private seller |
 Enquire |
Description of 1962 Chevrolet Impala |
| 1962 Chevrolet SS Convertible 4-Spd- 327/300hp This is a 976 out of 1000 judged show car. this car has every available option that was offeredin 1962 even cruise control. Build sheet. Gold award. power windows . Ice cold a/c. This car must be seen. and driven. Truly like a brand new car maybe better. Fly in to Florida today. We are 30 min from Disney and 40 min from airport . Please call for appointment. We will be glad to pick you up at airport. Folks this is one car you do not want to miss. There is not a better one to be found. FEEL FREE TO CALLMarv954-873-6495or Dan863-370-6712AC-Frame Off Rest. " Loaded with options. Multi-award winner with professional high $ Restoration" Exterior: Red Interior: Red Convertible Top: Black Convertible boot: Red Engine: Original 327CID V-8/300hp Transmission: 4/speed synchromesh Rear: 3:70 posi-traction This incredible Chevy convertible has been the subject of a 13 year labor of love PROFESSIONAL frame off restoration which is photo documented. All parts used were NOS (NEW ORIGINAL STOCK) This was a meticulous restoration with no expense spared. they just don't come any better than this! This is a "JUDGED" car that scored over 950 out of a possible 1000 points. It has been the featured car in magazines and the subject of several articles. The magazines and articles will be included with the car as well as photo documentation of the restoration. It is the MOST heavily optioned 1962 Chevy SS Convertible I have personally EVER seen with OVERtwenty options. I have been a car collector since 1958 and have seen and owned 1000's of collectable cars. In 1962 I factory ordered from my close friend Jim Rathmann in Melbourne. L. a 404/409 4/speed Black with anniversary gold bucket seats hardtop SS Coupe. Jim won the Indy 500 in 1960 and his dealership furnished all the Corvettes to the astronauts in the 60's. 70's and 80's. When Jim passed away last year he was the oldest living Indy 500 winner. we all miss him! I had lots of fun racing the car at various 1/4 mile tracks throughout the U. S. but the 409 was not an engine that was built to last. derived from the 348 Chevy truck block. and turning it up over 6200-6500 rpms caused the failure of 5 engines. I ran out of money and patience after 10 months I gave up and sold my car. This Red/Red Chevy Impala SS Convertible is the car I wish I had bought back in 1962 instead of the 409! It has everything in the way of options and best of all it's a convertible!!! This engine combination (327/300HP) with the 4 speed and 3:70 ratio rear end is the very best for a gorgeous Chevy Convertible from this era. It has plenty of power yet has all the creature comforts as well. and it's a real pleasure to drive. even on a long trip. A 409 with 340hp was offered but the 409 engine weighs almost 400 pounds more than this 327/300hpand the 409 engine makes this car "nose heavy" and therefore doesn't deliver near the ease of handling and driving pleasure as this 327/300hp. If you have ANY questions or wish to discuss the reserve or minimum acceptable price please call me at 954-873-6495. Also if you have a car or cars you might wish to offer in trade please send me photos to luvdg@aol. com and then call me to discuss the condition and perceived value of your car or cars. 1962 was the 1st year Chevy offered the Super Sport with bucket seats and a center sports console. The very 1st SS models appeared in the late Spring of 1961 on the 61 Models but only approx. 450 were built and these all had bench seats. not bucket seats. FACTS AND FIGURES ON 1962 CHEVROLET 1962 Chevrolet Impala Production NumbersModel NumberBody/Style NumberBody Type & SeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightTotal ProductionImpala Series 1700 - Six-Cyl17694 dr Sedan - 6P$2. 623. 10 lbsNote 117394 dr Hardtop Sport Sedan - 6P$2. 343. 40 lbs17472 dr Hardtop Sport Coupe - 5P$2. 693. 55 lbs17672 dr Convertible - 5P$2. 193. 65 lbs17454 dr Station Wagon - 9P$2. 643. 35 lbs17354 dr Station Wagon - 6P$2. 613. 70 lbsImpala Series 1800 - V-818694 dr Sedan - 6P$2. 693. 05 lbsNote 118394 dr Hardtop Sport Sedan - 6P$2. 413. 35 lbs18472 dr Hardtop Sport Coupe - 5P$2. 763. 50 lbs18672 dr Convertible - 5P$3. 263. 60 lbs18454 dr Station Wagon - 9P$3. 713. 30 lbs18354 dr Station Wagon - 6P$3. 683. 65 lbs NOTES:704. 00 Total (excluding station wagons) 99. 11 had the Super Sport Option Chassis DataModelWheelbaseOverall LengthFront TreadRear TreadTiresChevrolet119 in209. 6 in60. 3 in59. 3 in7. 50 x 14Chevrolet Station Wagon119 in209. 6 in60. 3 in59. 3 in8. 00 x 141962 Chevrolet Impala Options & Accessories DescriptionDescriptionDeluxe Air Conditioning w/ HeaterDeluxe Steering Wheel (Biscayne)Cool Pack Air ConditioningTachometerGroup A Body EquipmentVinyl Trim (Biscayne)Heavy-Duty Metal Faced BrakesWheel DiscsComfort & Convenience GroupElectric Two-Speed Wipers w/ WashersAir Foam Front Seat Cushions (Biscayne)Super Sport PackageTinted Glass (all windows)Turbo-Fire 327-cid/250-hp V-8Tinted WindshieldTurbo-Fire 327-cid/300-hp V-8Shaded Sport Coupe BacklightTurbo-Fire 409-cid/380-hp V-8Padded DashTurbo-Fire 409-cid/409-hp V-8Lockable Station Wagon Rear CompartmentEconomy CarburetorTwo-Tone PaintHeavy-Duty ClutchPower BrakesPositive Crankcase Ventilation SystemSix-Way Power SeatHeavy-Duty BatteryPower SteeringOil Bath Air CleanerPower Tailgate WindowTemperature Controlled Radiator FanPower Windows35-Amp GeneratorManual RadioDelcotron 45-Amp GeneratorPush-Button RadioDelcotron 52-Amp GeneratorStation Wagon Divided Second Seat327-cid/250-hpImpala Sport Coupe & Convertible Bucket Seats327-cid/300-hpHeavy-Duty Front & Rear Shock Absorbers409-cid/380-hpHeavy-Duty Front Coil Springs409-cid/409-hpHeavy-Duty Rear Coil Springs 1962 Chevrolet Impala Engine DataLetter CodeEngineHorsepowerTorqueTransmissionCarburetorA6-2301352203-Speed Manual1 BCAE6-2301352203-Speed Manual1 BCAF6-2301352203-Speed Manual1 BCAG6-2301352203-Speed Manual1 BCAJ6-2301352203-Speed Manual1 BCAK6-2301352203-Speed Manual1 BCAM6-2301352203-Speed Manual1 BCAZ6-2301352203-Speed Manual1 BCB6-230135220Powerglide1 BCBE6-230135220Powerglide1 BCBG6-230135220Powerglide1 BCBH6-230135220Powerglide1 BCC8-2831702753-Speed Manual2 BCCD8-283170275Overdrive2 BCCL8-2831702753-Speed Manual2 BCD8-283170275Powerglide2 BCDK8-283170275Powerglide2 BCQA8-4093804203 & 4-Speed Manual4 BCQB8-4094094203 & 4-Speed Manual2 - 4 BCR8-3272503503 & 4-Speed Manual4 BCRA8-3272503503 & 4-Speed Manual4 BCRB8-327300 +3603 & 4-Speed Manual4 BCS8-327250350Powerglide4 BCSA8-327250350Powerglide4 BCSB8-327300 +360Powerglide4 BCLocation Of Engine Code: 6-Cyl - stamped on a pad behind the distributor on right side of block. V-8 - stamped on the block in front of the right hand cylinder head. 1962 Chevrolet VIN Decoding First Symbol - Year2 = 1962 Second & Third Symbol - Series01 = Chevy II (4-cyl)14 = Impala SS (V-8)02 = Chevy II 15 = Bel Air 1500 Series (6-cyl)04 = Chevy II Nova 16 = Bel Air 1600 Series (V-8)05 = Corvair 500 Series (6-cyl)17 = Impala 1700 Series (6-cyl)06 = Corvair 600 Monza Spyder (6-cyl)18 = Impala 1800 Series (V-8)07 = Corvair Deluxe 700 Series (6-cyl)53 = Chevelle & Std. El Camino (6-cyl)08 = Corvette54 = Chevelle & Std. El Camino (V-8)09 = Corvair Monza/Spyder 900 Series (6-cyl)55 = Chevelle Malibu & Custom El Camino (6-cyl)11 = Biscayne 1100 Series (6-cyl)56 = Chevelle Malibu & Custom El Camino (V-8)12 = Biscayne 1200 Series (V-8)57 = Chevelle Malibu SS (6-cyl)13 = Impala SS (6-cyl) Fourth & Fifth Symbol - Body Style11 = 2dr Sedan41 = 2dr Sedan15 = 2 dr Station Wagon (6P)45 = 4dr Station Wagon (9P)19 = 4dr Sedan47 = 2dr Sport Coupe27 = 2dr Sedan49 = 4dr Sedan35 = 4dr Station Wagon (6P)67 = 2dr Convertible37 = 2dr Hardtop or Sport Coupe69 = 4dr Sedan39 = 4dr Hardtop or Sport Sedan70 = Sedan Delivery Sixth Symbol - Assembly Plant(A) Atlanta. Georgia(L) Los Angeles. California(B) Baltimore. Maryland(N) Norwood. Ohio(F) Flint. Michigan(O) Oakland. California(G) Framingham. Massachusetts(S) St. Louis. Missouri(J) Janesville. Wisconsin(T) Tarrytown. New York(K) Kansas City. Missouri(W) Willow Run. Michigan Last Six Symbols - Production SequenceStarted at 100001 1962 Chevrolet Impala Transmission CodesTransmissionLocation3-Speed Manual Stamped on rear face of upper right corner4-Speed Stamped on boss on lower left side of case just below side cover. Powerglide (Corvair)On top of the case in the rear at 11 o'clock. PowerglideStamped on the bottom of oil pan Plant and Type Designation PrefixPlantTransmission TypeWWarner Gear4-SpeedSSaginaw3-Speed. Overdrive*CClevelandPowerglideBToledoPowerglide (Corvair)*Overdrive distinguished from 3-Speed by physical appearance only. The above transmissions will carry a production code number such as: S304 (S = Saginaw 3-Speed. 3 = March. 04 = 4th. )1962 Chevrolet Impala Axle CodesCodes - Non-LockingCodes - LockingRatioInspection CoverAA. BAAK. BK3. 55 (std. lining)12 BoltAB. BBAM. BM3. 36 (std. lining)10 BoltAC. BCAH3. 70 (std. lining)-AEAN3. 55 (metal lining)12 BoltAFAP3. 70 (metal lining)-AGAQ3. 36 (metal lining)10 BoltAJAR3. 08 (metal lining)10 Bolt AL4. 11 (std. lining)- AS4. 56 (std. lining12 Bolt AT4. 11 (metal lining)- AU4. 56 (metal lining)12 BoltAW. BWAX. BX3. 08 (std. lining)10 Bolt1962 Chevrolet Impala Paint Codes Exterior923 - Roman RedLucite® Code - 2931LHDulux® Code - 93-93037H900 - Tuxedo BlackLucite® Code - 88LDulux® Code - 93-005936 - Ermine WhiteLucite® Code - 4024LDulux® Code - 93-93774918 - Twilight Blue MetallicLucite® Code - 4253LHDulux® Code - 181-95183H948 - Honduras Maroon MetallicLucite® Code - 4034LHDulux® Code - 181-17182H903 - Surf GreenLucite® Code - 4254LDulux® Code - 93-95184925 - Coronna CreamLucite® Code - 4151LDulux® Code - 93-94079905 - Laurel Green MetallicLucite® Code - 4255LDulux® Code - 181-95185940 - Satin Silver MetallicLucite® Code - 4247LDulux® Code - 181-95176938 - Adobe BeigeLucite® Code - 4256LDulux® Code - 93-95186912 - Silver Blue MetallicLucite® Code - 4250LHDulux® Code - 181-95180H920 - Autumn Gold MetallicLucite® Code - 4257LDulux® Code - 181-95187914 - Nassau Blue MetallicLucite® Code - 4251LHDulux® Code - 181-95181H927 - Anniversary Gold MetallicLucite® Code - 4344LDulux® Code - 181-95742917 - Twilight TurquoiseLucite® Code - 4252LHDulux® Code - 181-95182H NOTES: General Motors paint code plate for all models except Corvair and Corvette is located under the hood at the top of the firewall on the left or right of the upper shroud. Corvair paint code plate is on the left rear wheel housing. Corvette paint code plate is not shown on car TERMS OF SALE: Please note that all sales are binding and FINAL. All vehicles are being sold AS-IS. WHERE-IS with NO warranty expressed. written or implied. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle and to have satisfied himselfherself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgment. We try to represent it as accurately as possible to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs. We do not warranty anything that may or could happen after sale. Please carefully read the terms & conditions of the sale before bidding. Any inspections are to be completed before the end of sale. not afterward. Please. NO EXCEPTIONS. Winning this auction does not entitle you to come inspect the car and decide if you want to buy it. but OBLIGATES you to complete the purchase! Thanks so much for your bids. good luck. We reserve the right to end this listing at any time. should the vehicle no longer be available for sale. PAYMENT TERMS:Please. if you do not intend to pay. please do not bid. All bidders with less than 5 feedback's need to call us or their bid might be canceled. The successful high bidder will submit a $1000. 00 NON-REFUNDABLE payment deposit with PAYPAL within 24 hours of the close of the auction to secure the vehicle. Buyer agrees to pay remaining balance due (plus applicable fees and taxes) within 7 days of the close of the auction. All financial transactions must be completed before delivery of the vehicle. PAYMENT METHODS:PayPal for depsosit only. Bank wire transfer or cash in personbut deposits are due at end of no exceptions please. SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. /p>FEEL FREE TO CALLMarv954-873-6495We have ended other auctions due to local sales. so don't miss out. Call us. or for more information: Why not have fun with your money? . enjoy your life and know that when you wake up in the morning your dollars are still safe in your garage or warehouse and haven't evaporated into thin air I was privileged to be close friends with the late Jerry J. Moore from Houston. Texas. Jerry was a Real Estate Mogul and one of the largest owners of shopping centers in the world. Jerry was also an avid car collector and amassed one of the largest and best vintage car collections on the Planet. If Jerry told me once. he probably told me over 100 times. "In case you forgot. remember. "You will never see a Brinks truck at a funeral service or a Hearse with a luggage rack at a cemetery!" Car collecting is a family thing. everyone around the world admires and loves these great vintage and collectible cars. We have sold cars from Australia to Alaska. From China to Saudi Arabia. From Manhattan to Moscow. and the hobby keeps growing & expanding all the time. Collector car insurance is dirt cheap. about $250-$300 a year for a $75. 00-$1000. 00 car. full coverage! You do have to keep it in a garage and limit your miles to 2500 a year. other wise you might have to pay a little more. I always try and look for major flaws and mention them and try to point them out when I see something. Your welcome to come in person to inspect this car for yourself. hire anyone you like to come on your behalf. bring your magnets and magnifying glasses. see if you can find anything negative worth mentioning. We tried and couldn't find anything other than we stated in the description. maybe you can? We have tried diligently to find any MAJOR flaws in the paint. body. interior. nbsp;chrome. glass. etc. and have not been able to locate anything that we could list as a MAJOR problem in the description. I truly believe there is no such thing as a "PERFECT" old car and we ARE NOT making such a claim. but this car comes very. very close to perfection! We are urging you to PLEASE come and inspect the car in person. drive it or to hire an expert inspector to do this for you. AGAIN. Please do not ask us to recommend anyone. we want you to select & hire your own inspector. If you wish to schedule an appointment to see this car. please call me at 954-873-6495. We would appreciate at least a one day notice. This car is owned free and clear by the dealership and all payments will be made directly to the dealership. After you speak with us on the phone. it is possible to have a scanned or faxed copy sent directly to you. We know this is a Platinum investment collectable car. it is foolish to invest your hard earned dollars in clones and fakes. this is a car that you can still drive & enjoy and will increase in value. not decrease in value. and if you chose to. you could drive it every day. Please don't buy a Museum quality car like this unless you have a garage to store it inside. We do not think this car has ever been left outside. You can look at this car in bright outdoor sunlight or indoors under halogen or florescent light. it still looks flawless. but don't take our word. PLEASE. come and check it out yourself. We don't "play games" We love when a car is inspected prior to meeting the reserve. We have no secrets and are proud of our 100% feedback rating. we have been selling great cars like this for many. many years on Ebaymotors. com. Please. do not e-mail us and ask "What is your reserve" just call us and we can discuss money. the car. a trade. or whatever is on your mind. Instead call me at 954-873-6495 . even if your calling from Australia. urope or Japan. We will not e-mail you the reserve but will discuss it with you on the phone!We are all car guys that are very easy to speak with. no Prima Donnas at this end. just car lovers that do this for the fun and passion of loving our hobby. for the past 50 years! We really do love the cars. a lot more than the $. Once you speak with us. you'll agree. we are sincere and dedicated to this eternal love affair with the automobileE-MAIL the photos of your trade or trades to luvdg@aol. com The reserve is set at a very. very fair number. if you wish to discuss the amount. please don't write and ask "What is the reserve price" Instead. please call us at 954-873-6495 . Anytime between 10:00 am EST and 7:00pm Eastern Standard Time would be great. I will not e-mail you what the lowest acceptable price is so PLEASE don't write and ask this question. In the past we would e-mail reserve prices but after this confidential information began to appear on blogs and in chat rooms. we decided to refrain from this practice. We will gladly give you this information on the phone! As with all of our fine cars. we invite your and urge your personal inspection. If you see it. and drive it. you will buy it! For financing. try www. jjbest. com or www. woodsidecredit. comIf you have a trade. please e-mail us at luvdg@aol. com a complete set of photos. details and a phone number. Also. we have contact with shippers throughout the U. S. and WORLDWIDE. We will be happy to assist you. We accept most anything in trade but please. NO Motorcycles. Hot Rods. Street Rods. Rest-o-rods. Kit Cars. Replicas. Clones. Boats. Airplanes. Jewelry. Motor homes. Real Estate. elicopters. Submarines. Stamps. oins or unregistered stock. ect. We will only accept cars of the quality. correctness and authenticity that we sell. We will consider any nice vintage or antique car or late model Luxury car with a clean carfax report. Please call us first and discuss this with us. and if we have an interest. we would then have you e-mail a complete set of photos and details. E-MAIL the photos of your trade or trades to luvdg@aol. com Thanks and best of luck!Please write or call for more details. If you are interested in this vehicle. please call us at (954) 873-6495 and we will stand next to the car and go over everything with you in great detail. there will be NO surprises. or better yet. come and inspect it yourself. (appointment a day or two in advance is required) eBay recommended services· History Report - get a vehicle history report and protect yourself from hidden problems· Shipping - get free shipping quotes and information on options to pick up this vehicle· Financing - learn about lending choices· Buyer Checklist - review steps to take to make a safe. successful purchaseAS IS - NO WARRANTY This vehicle is being sold as is. where is with no warranty. expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description. authenticity. genuineness. or defects herein. and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness. imperfection. defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle. and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. There is no such thing as a "PERFECT" car. especially when dealing with vintage cars that are 25. 5 and even 50 years old. Arranging for an independent third-party inspection is a great way to validate a seller's claims about a vehicle's condition. There are many companies and individuals who offer such a service. Of course your personal inspection and scrutiny are suggested and most welcomed. The seller has made a diligent effort to accurately describe this vehicle but does not expressly or implicitly guarantee the accuracy of the above description. Bidders and prospective purchasers are urged and cautioned to conduct their own due diligence. including a physical inspection in person or through a qualified third party inspector or appraiser. before contemplating a purchase or making a bid on this vehicle. In fact. we would welcome and encourage such an inspection. and will make every effort to make the above described vehicle available at a time convenient to the perspective purchaser or their agentsWe charge NO fees of any type. NONE!We will help arrange to have your vehicle picked up on a bonded. licensed and insured carrier. There are no dealer fees or other charges and you are responsible to pay all sales taxes in your home state . Required payment is 20% within 72 hours and the balance in full within 7 days thereafter. If you buy a car from us and are not happy with something that is major in nature. please call us and let us know. If we feel it's our fault. we are only too happy to discuss making a possible adjustment on the final agreed price paid. price. even though the vehicle has already been paid for. For Nostalgia Buffs. just for fun You've found the place for car buffs. car lovers. car aficionados. for guys and girls. from 8 to 88 and even beyond. If your among the nearly 200 million Americans who still have an ongoing love affair with the automobile. WELCOME. and should you happen to be from a country other than the U. S. your equally welcome! Little did Daimler realize just how much his tiny one cylinder motorized bike was going to change the world when invented in the mid 1890's. This motorized bicycle was refined and eventually became the 1st automobile. (one cylinder) and his company became known as Daimler/Benz. (Mercedes Benz) (DaimlerChrysler today) James DeanStep back with us for a return to the middle of the twentieth century. The late. great fabulous 1950's. It was a wonderful time. offering so many new beginnings. as the terrible memories of World War II began to gradually fade and the dreams of our returning heroes and soldiers. as well as their families. could now be fully realized. With the promise of a lasting world peace. came the hope of prosperity and tranquility. all of which was soon to become a reality. Elvis "An Age of Innocence"The Fabulous Fifties was an "age of innocence" and as a young man growing up during this period. a guy would consider himself to be "lucky" if he was able to hold a girl's hand on their first date. If he got a peck on the cheek by their third date. well. he knew they were made for each other!It was an age of integrity and trust. One could actually leave your front and rear door unlocked and your car keys in your ignition. and when you returned. nothing would be missing. "The Rock n' Roll Era and the The Drive-In Craze"Book by Michael Karl WitzelBook by Don and Susan Sanders In the 1950's life was less complex and perhaps a little slower. People actually took time to wave from their convertibles to friends and to even smile to a stranger and even give a friendly "Hello" to a passerby. Remember those great nights at the local drive-in restaurant or those "make-out" sessions at the local drive-in movie theater. And the term "Parking" took on a whole new meaning. By the mid 1950's Rock n' Roll had burst onto the scene. Both new cars and souped-up hot rods had become part of the youth culture. The entertainment industry. not to be left out. brought out countless low-budget movies that brought teens to the drive-in movies by the thousands. By the early 1960's songs such as the Beach Boy's "409" and "Little Duece Coupe". The Ripchords "Hey Little Cobra" Jan & Dean's "Drag City" and Ronny and the Daytona's " GTO" were riding high on the charts. Our love affair with the Automobile was in "full bloom. " A few days prior to the new model cars being shown to the public. most new car dealerships would cover their showroom windows with brown paper. Many times I recall try to catch a peek or a glimpse of the new models. The American Public could hardly wait to see what new and exciting creations were about to be offered by Detroit. It is these very cars. the Cars of our Dreams. that we will feature and reminisce about. and every month we will offer stories and memories of these great "Cars of our Dreams. ". as well as offering the very best examples for sale. The cars of the 50's and 60's for the most part had "personality!" The great Chevys. Pontiacs. Cadillacs. Buicks and Oldsmobiles helped make GM a world leader and giant of the auto world. Ford produced fabulous cars including Ford Thunderbirds. Lincolns and Mercurys. Chrysler offered all those incredible Mopars. Plymouths. Desoto. Dodges. and Chrysler. 1959 Cadillac Brochure Cover Competition was fierce. but other marquees like Studebaker. AMC. Nash. Kaiser. Hudson. Muntz. Tucker. Avanti. etc. tried to capture a piece of this huge exploding marketplace. Unfortunately. they didn't have the dollar and staying power to compete with the "Big Three. " As the 1960's drew to a close. cars began to change. New EPA requirements and increasing prices for gasoline hasten the demise of the "Muscle" car. The horsepower race came to an end by the early 1970's. at least for a while. In 1976 Cadillac crushed the molds to build their last Convertible. the Cadillac Eldorado. They theorized that the American buying public didn't really want convertibles anymore and that production numbers were too small to bother with manufacturing "open air" cars. Boy were they wrong! Heinz Prechter seized the opportunity to custom make convertibles for most manufacturers and ASC (American Sunroof Corporation) exploded with orders and sales. It was a much smaller version of the 71-76 models which seated 4 adults. not 6 as were the 71-76 modelsSo what exactly is it that makes us lust after those "Cars From Our Dreams?" Simple. it's the memories. the happy times. those great times from our youth and the freedom to go where we wanted. when we wanted. with whom we wanted. and in a car that was a ball to drive. It's where Johnny took Mary on their 1st date! It's so easy to spot a "Car From Our Dreams" on our highways today. just look for someone motoring down the street with a huge grin on their face. Today our hobby is pursued by guys and girls alike. it's just not a "guy" thing anymore and I think that's great. There are enough great memories to go around for everyone. How big is the car-collecting hobby? No one really knows for sure. However. there are several million cars that have been preserved or restored and our hobby is expanding. not shrinking. and with sixty million "Baby Boomers" with disposal income and spendable dollars out there. the prices will continue to escalate. The nice thing about our hobby today. as opposed to the wild speculation on vintage cars that occurred throughout the 1980's is that these cars are being driven and enjoyed. not just been stored away in warehouses and garages. So celebrate with us as we embark on the next fifty years and if you feel compelled to exclaim "Hubba Hubba" or a loud "Hooray" as we reminisce with these "Cars From Yesterday and Cars Of Our Dreams". it's perfectly acceptable! SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS. /p>FEEL FREE TO CALLMarv954-873-6495or Dan863-370-6712 |
