FWL cars... appear non existent...
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-10 9:18 PM (#585848)
Subject: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000

So i attended the Mopar nats today...

3000 mopars...   Obviously i didnt see them all but this is a large "drag racing event", huge Mopar event.

There was even like 10 Neons... handful of 50-54 cars...  and 4 Forward look cars...  Do "mopar" people hate FWL cars or FWL guys hate "other mopars"? 

Are we the black sheep of mopars?     I recently went to the pontiac nationals and there was at least 1-2 of each 50's cars representing.  i saw probably 5+ of each 57,58,59,60(probably 10 at least).

I went quickly through the car show side...More 64-65 Imperials show up than FWL cars... its nuts

1 pretty haggard 59 Plymouth coupe

1 57 4 dr sedan for sale in the car corrall(15k)

1 61 300(white)

1 56 300B(red)...

I dont think i saw a single Desoto...

 

 



Edited by mikes2nd 2019-08-10 9:20 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-08-10 9:33 PM (#585849 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
Finned cars are for abject losers. Everybody know that !
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Finsinthemirror
Posted 2019-08-10 9:34 PM (#585850 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Elite Veteran

Posts: 1115
1000100
Location: CA
Probably should be looking overseas if you want to find finned mopars..
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-10 10:19 PM (#585851 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
yeah i know swedes stole them all
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-10 10:49 PM (#585853 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
some oics



(59Ply.jpg)



(62chr.jpg)



(imp.jpg)



(imp2.jpg)



(62-300.jpg)



(69Town.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 59Ply.jpg (249KB - 171 downloads)
Attachments 62chr.jpg (240KB - 178 downloads)
Attachments imp.jpg (181KB - 171 downloads)
Attachments imp2.jpg (222KB - 180 downloads)
Attachments 62-300.jpg (243KB - 179 downloads)
Attachments 69Town.jpg (220KB - 199 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-10 10:55 PM (#585854 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
got to admit i love a Charger





(Charger.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Charger.jpg (241KB - 166 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
big m
Posted 2019-08-12 11:26 AM (#585902 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert 5K+

Posts: 7805
50002000500100100100
Location: Williams California
Sacramento's Mopars in the park has become similar, generally about 400 cars entered.

about ten-fifteen years ago, there were as many as 30 FL cars at the show, there was even a specific class for the ForwardLook years. I went a couple years ago, there was no longer a ForwardLook class, and only four or five FL cars entered. Meanwhile, a sea of new Chargers, Darts, Challengers appeared.

I can go to most any parking lot at a supermarket, and see many of the same cars. Decided to go to the Reno Rodeo over the Sacramento show this year.

---John
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Powerflite
Posted 2019-08-12 8:47 PM (#585928 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9604
500020002000500100
Location: So. Cal
I think the problem is that the demand & value of forwardlook cars have gone up overseas, but hasn't gone up at home in the US. So every really nice car, fit for a car show, that eventually comes up for sale will never sell to someone within the US, but is sold off somewhere else. Ask car people (even Mopar people!) in the US what a '58 New Yorker project is worth, and the VERY likely answer is it makes a good parts car to part out. That's the way most US people think about these cars if they aren't specifically a Christine clone. Don't believe me? Put your car up for sale for a reasonable value on the facebook page and see how many comments from US car people you get about asking way too much money for your car. But our cars do sell at that price level, just not here in the US. So they are all slowly being shipped off overseas as the old owners eventually sell them off. Don't blame Sweden. They love our cars more than we do, but they aren't alone as many get sold to other countries too.

I marvel that most Mopar enthusiasts have never seen a '58 Dodge before let alone any of the DeSotos or Chryslers from these years. The vast majority of US car people won't even blink an eye at anything that isn't a GM product, and most of the rest only like Ford or maybe Mopar muscle. There are typically a lot more Studebakers & Packards at car shows, than mopars in the 1946-1962 range. We really are a minority of people in the car world and the foreigners have been very grateful for our lack of interest. And, unfortunately, that same lack of interest has caused a vast majority of these cars to get crushed well before their time, so the current supply of them is VERY low.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-13 12:20 AM (#585942 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
I find it hard to believe all these cars are going overseas? I don't have a problem with them buying them.

Its just i cant think they cleaned them all out?

I know we are down to bone picking for a 2dr hardtop, and even sedans that aren't total rust bombs are getting harder and harder to find but wow.

I am going to that show next year and bringing my 57 Regal Lancer... I'm sure they will be "durr you can't bring a Buick in here dumb dummy!"...

Its just crazy how many 57 Chevs are everywhere it seems. No one seems to like 57 Fords either but thats understandable... thats a fugly frog eyed car
Top of the page Bottom of the page
finsruskw
Posted 2019-08-13 3:13 AM (#585946 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert

Posts: 2289
2000100100252525
Location: Eastern Iowa
Yup, same round here.
Looks more like a late model used car lot.
Full of kiddie cars.
Sad...
My F has not seen the road or a show now for over a year.
Not even the local one here only 3 blocks away on the 4th
Loosing interest fast.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
60 Imp
Posted 2019-08-13 9:08 AM (#585952 - in reply to #585946)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


2000100050025
Location: North Australia
finsruskw - 2019-08-13 5:13 PM

Yup, same round here.
Looks more like a late model used car lot.
Full of kiddie cars.
Sad...
My F has not seen the road or a show now for over a year.
Not even the local one here only 3 blocks away on the 4th
Loosing interest fast.


Dave, why are you losing interest?

Where I live there are no other FL cars. I haven't lost interest in the car because of that, on the contrary. If you dont want that old F, let me know, I'll have it!

Steve.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
60 Imp
Posted 2019-08-13 9:09 AM (#585953 - in reply to #585946)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


2000100050025
Location: North Australia
finsruskw - 2019-08-13 5:13 PM

Yup, same round here.
Looks more like a late model used car lot.
Full of kiddie cars.
Sad...
My F has not seen the road or a show now for over a year.
Not even the local one here only 3 blocks away on the 4th
Loosing interest fast.


Dave, why are you losing interest?

Where I live there are no other FL cars. I haven't lost interest in the car because of that, on the contrary. If you dont want that old F, let me know, I'll have it!

Steve.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57burb
Posted 2019-08-13 11:19 AM (#585955 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 3966
200010005001001001001002525
Location: DFW, TX
Get those FLs out there and share them with your neighbors and the world!

How else are you supposed to build interest in them? Having your cool car tucked away in your garage does nothing to influence people, change their perceptions, and spread the word about how special and cool these cars are.

People are amazed when they are told this is a "Chrysler" and not a Cadillac or BelAir like all the other '50s cars are.






(58852848_10214079069510909_5843069106584027136_n.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 58852848_10214079069510909_5843069106584027136_n.jpg (73KB - 169 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-13 11:26 AM (#585956 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
hah im not losing interest... and i understand its not a cheap hobby to be into FWL cars... it gets real expensive real quick
the kids cant afford these.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57burb
Posted 2019-08-13 11:32 AM (#585957 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 3966
200010005001001001001002525
Location: DFW, TX
Restoring one is VERY expensive. You're in the middle of paint now - just wait til you get to chrome

Buying a very nice one that someone has already restored is far cheaper in the long run, but it is a stiff price of entry.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-08-13 11:43 AM (#585958 - in reply to #585953)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
When I began my fin car journey, there was no one but the 300 club doing any
organized fin car functions. I was an outcast at any car show, swap meet vendors
had nothing for fin era cars, the long shadow of how out of style fin cars became
in the 60's kept a deep-rooted disdain well watered, even in the old car scene.
Even then, the 300 guys treated you like dirt if you had anything besides a 300.

Things got better in the early 90's, but soon took the unfortunate turn down the
cliché rabbit hole of everyone trying to relive some contrived American Graffiti
experience of perpetual teenage angst, combining 70's mags with poodle skirts
and the same two dozen overplayed songs into a treadmill nightmare, every time
there was any sort of car function. The Barrett-Jackson mentality had taken root.
This is where the old car scene and I parted company, and I too have slowly lost
interest. I love the cars for the rolling art they are. But I hate the scene. And it
has only gotten worse.

Last weekend we had a big show here in town. The streets around the fairgrounds
were full of neat cars. All too many rode around on stupid wheels and wore all the
trappings of being owned by a stupid high school kid in 1978. Oceans of old fat dudes
walked around in shorts with the obligitory "hot rod" T-shirt and sandals, occasionally
accompanied by a fat old woman, inappropriately dressed up in a bulged-out bobby-
soxer outfit. And that $#! music ! I quickly scanned the rows for something
of interest, and escaped before the nausea overtook my ability to do so.

I am at a loss for how to ever be enthusiastic in my fin car hobby again. When the
cars just sit, for lack of fun things to do with them, ... the functions I hoped to enjoy
them in have been hijacked by a mentality I hate, ... what is there to do but lose
interest ?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57burb
Posted 2019-08-13 12:22 PM (#585961 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 3966
200010005001001001001002525
Location: DFW, TX
You guys are depressing!

I am really beginning to appreciate threads from 56D500boy and others like him, that are just catching the bug and enthusiastically working on their cars and digging through old documentation and threads.

Brent, to your point, there are get togethers for pre-'63 cars and I typically enjoy those better. The people are younger, more passionate, the cars are more diverse and interesting, and a lot of times they are held on grass or at some interesting locale.

They usually avoid the Wal-Mart parking lots and the too-loud PA blaring La Bamba to people 70+ years old and their Chevelles. I avoid those "shows" like the plague! There is a local promoter that is everything you describe, and more. This is their logo, if it gives you an idea of what they're all about.



(20031945_10154773897496547_8743909806594832450_n.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 20031945_10154773897496547_8743909806594832450_n.jpg (42KB - 166 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-13 1:29 PM (#585964 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
Hah Doc yeah your normal car show is pretty bad.

You guys have your own "ONLY DESOTOS!" car show now... racists You guys know your a "mopar" right? hah not one Desoto... out of 3000 mopar cars...

I do wonder at how much a blood pressure pill pusher would drool at a normal car show Everyone is riding around on golfcarts with super size cokes and eating hot dogs...

walking through the swap meet section, you have to walk between the line of golf carts to move across to the next vendor... I guess its good that they spew burning oil clouds to keep the bugs down and two stroke oil reminds me of riding dirt bikes

I like the retirement home car shows, those guys at least know what they are,

I think im becoming a "car show snob" as I like car shows now that limit "years", i used to hate this stuff but now I can kind of understand...

Here is one I attend a "pre 1970" show... I think you could make it 1980 and under though.

https://www.facebook.com/pg/Brimfield-Hotrod-Nationals-1762968870638...

Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-13 1:38 PM (#585966 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
its also pretty funny that these types of "old" car shows are drawing a younger crowd now. They are the ones buying ratted out 40's-50's cars(mostly sedans) and putting them together on a shoestring budget...

While in line I over heard a couple 20's somethings talking about going out and buying a starter at pull a part for his 40's chevy... Saying the gf hates when he spends more than 30$ on his car during the week.

I was like "where am i, and what year is this?"...

Top of the page Bottom of the page
Sonoramic60
Posted 2019-08-13 5:15 PM (#585977 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert

Posts: 1287
1000100100252525
Lads --
To a great extent, FLK cars at shows are rather like the illegitimate cousins showings up at a family reunion. Car shows generally attract performance cars and people who are interested in them, people who really have no real interest in Aunt Opal's '57 DeSoto Firedome 4-dr SEE-dan or Uncle Harry's '54 Olds 88. Even the guys with the "belly button" cars (i.e., triple nickle Chevys or shoebox Fords) are out of place unless they have done some big-time hot rod (read "engineering") work on them and the Lead Sleds that were the envy of my day have become mere curiosities. At the other end of the spectrum, the MOPAR guys believe that the only engines before the 426 Hemi were flat-head 6's and /-6's. And as far as they are concerned, among the post-FLK cars, only Road Runners, Challengers, R/T's, GTX's, and Cuda's need be saved from the crushers, but only those with 383s, 426s, and 440s, although they may condescend to recognize the importance of a '62 Max-Wedge. The American public drives grocery-getters and commuter vans daily -- why should they go out of their way to look at a dinosaur when it's next to thoroughbreds?
I must say that I've been most fortunate in that my love affair with the automobile began in the FLK era and remember what cars caught people's eyes then. I am even more fortunate in that I drove a '60 SonoRamic Commando equipped Big-Tailed Beast that showed its fins to quite a few cars on street and strip. In view of my own experiences back in "The Day," I have a pretty good idea of what interested people back then and what interests them now, so I love taking my three old MOPARs to any venue. For example:
- Once the BTB was parked between a red '71 Chevelle SS LS-1 454 and a '64 Goat. I overheard the SS owner tell the Goat's, "I don't understand why the old piece of MOPAR crap gets all the attention and people ignore our cars?"
- Just last Sunday, I parked my "C" between a Lamborghini Miura and a Porsche 956 while the owners poked their noses in the sky. Same result, plus the car was judged "Best MOPAR" much to the chagrin of a '65 Savoy Hemi clone, a Cuda, and a Challenger. I can't tell you how many people told me what a beautiful car it is.
Since those are my FLK cars, I'm only addressing them here, but I can assure you that my '65 Sport Fury and '65 Vette get attention as well, but I tend more to flog them than show them. Let's face it, ordinary cars get ordinary interest. A green '55 flat head six Savoy 4-dr sedan in No. 1 concours condition will standout at a Plymouth Owners Club meet, but it won't merit a glance next to a yellow '55 Chevy 210 with an injected 350 and Turbo 350. As to the folks at car shows, I'll talk to any, from the scruffy, tattooed refugee just off a passing freight to the babe in the bikini who want to pose on my car (if my wife isn't there). What the heck, people are people; if the devil himself wanted to chat about his Gremlin in relation my Fury, I think I could find a kind word for American Motors. I'm too old to be so impressed with myself.
Joe Godec
'57 Chrysler 300C, '60 Fury SonoRamic, '65 Fuelie Vette, '65 Sport Fury (426-S/4-speed)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-13 9:11 PM (#585985 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
no people want to see these cars big time. I went to the mopar show at summit and people were all over the 56 300 and the 61 300...
Holy s**t when a Christine shows up... They do get confused when a Desoto shows up.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Sonoramic60
Posted 2019-08-13 10:32 PM (#585993 - in reply to #585985)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert

Posts: 1287
1000100100252525
Lads --
As far as FLK cars are concerned, the best thing is to find one (or more) that YOU like and do whatever YOU want to it (them) so that YOU enjoy it (them).
Let the devil take the hindmost, but make sure you have fun with your car and let the other guy have fun with his.
Joe
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Randy Schultz
Posted 2019-08-14 12:47 AM (#585997 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Regular

Posts: 84
252525
I also have noticed this. I go to a couple of shows put on by the Chicago land connection. 5 years ago they would have 5 or 6 really terrific rare fin cars at their shows. Now none come. My thinking is that the first round of restorers are guys in their 80's now and they have quit going to shows for age or health reasons, but they still store their car. I think there will be some nice rare cars on the market before long. I have done several muscle cars and now I am restoring my first fin car, a 57 Dodge Royal. I have always admired the styling so I decided to try one. They are harder to restore than a muscle car for parts availability and information, but I like the challenge. Most car people don't know much about these cars. Impressions I get from people are - all those fin cars had a 392 hemi in them and whatever a poly motor was, it was junk. I am painting my car now and it will be out there next car show season for all to see my super red ram poly isn't junk.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-08-14 1:50 AM (#585998 - in reply to #585997)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
The comments about DeSotos are pretty spot on, and funny .... the very reason/s
I was attracted to the DeSoto name in the first place. Tell someone you drive any of
the other makes and people just nod and smile. Tell them you drive a DeSoto and you
instantly get the 1000 yard stare, as the wheels spin inside their head, trying to imagine
what a DeSoto might look like. I think most people think of something that looks like
the Loch Ness Monster, but with a spine of jagged spikes sticking skyward !



DeSoto kinda ranks up there with Studebaker and Packard as names vaguely remembered
by the general public. They don't seem to know why, but they often know the name, even
if they could not identify one if they saw it.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-14 2:22 AM (#585999 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
I always hear the Desoto was a "rich guy's car." from old folks.. flashy and expensive back in the day... Never met anyone who owned one.




Top of the page Bottom of the page
Darryl T
Posted 2019-08-14 2:03 PM (#586009 - in reply to #585955)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 425
10010010010025
Location: McCleary WA
57burb - 2019-08-13 8:19 AM

Get those FLs out there and share them with your neighbors and the world!

How else are you supposed to build interest in them? Having your cool car tucked away in your garage does nothing to influence people, change their perceptions, and spread the word about how special and cool these cars are.

People are amazed when they are told this is a "Chrysler" and not a Cadillac or BelAir like all the other '50s cars are.


I couldn't agree more. When I take the '57 Coronet convert to a local show I know it will be the only one there. I enjoy exposing people to the styling and color of it, and judging by the 18 trophies it has gotten they must like it too. I've even gotten awards and magazine write-ups at huge Goodguys street rod shows which I seldom did with my hot rods. People love the fact that it's not another '57 Chevy. But all the signage and discussion with bystanders still won't prevent a caption like this in the local paper: http://www.thevidette.com/news/heat-on-the-street-show-returns-to-e... You just have to chuckle at that.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
56D500boy
Posted 2019-08-14 3:18 PM (#586013 - in reply to #586009)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9855
5000200020005001001001002525
Location: Lower Mainland BC
Nice 57 Chev man. Coronet - does that mean that it has a Corvette motor?





LOL
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-14 7:38 PM (#586024 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
Chevy wished their 57 looked like that

Top of the page Bottom of the page
chipplake1
Posted 2019-08-14 10:40 PM (#586030 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Veteran

Posts: 143
10025
Location: Chippewa Lake, OH
I took my '59 Sport Fury this past weekend to a show right near me and I got A LOT of attention, my car was the hit of the show. Of course it started with someone directing my car to my spot and yelling "OMG CHRISTINE DON'T KILL ME" it makes me laugh and smile. I then thanked him and said you know, this is a '59 and Christine is a '58... The best part was the son of the original owner of the local C.P.D.D. dealership that was open from the 1920's through 2000 was there and saw my car. He lamented on that 59 was his favorite and that he had a new one and it was his favorite car ever and how happy he was to see mine. RARE we are, but let's keep it going...
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jboymechanic
Posted 2019-08-14 10:45 PM (#586031 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 2196
2000100252525
Location: Muskego, WI
I get a lot of "what the hell is that" comments when I drive my ratty 1960 Plymouth around, it's almost always followed up with "that's really cool" or something similar. The other day I got a free lunch at Chipotle because the college age manager thought my car was "wild". The interest is out there, we just need to keep showing up.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-08-15 12:33 AM (#586034 - in reply to #585999)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
mikes2nd - 2019-08-14 11:22 PM

I always hear the Desoto was a "rich guy's car." from old folks.. flashy and expensive back
in the day... Never met anyone who owned one.


=======================================

When I got into cars, fin cars were the worst of the worst for eyesore
"beaters" in the public's mind. Still, there were Depression era people
still driving them, too frugal intheir mindset to get rid of the perfectly
functional car just because it was "out of style". But most that were
still on the road were in the hands of 2nd and 3rd owners, and often
just that .... beaters.

Funny that people would think they were a "rich man's car", given that
they were Chrysler's underling. Some times elegant, DeSoto tended to
have a little "edgier" styling, where the Chrysler equivilents were a little
more "formal". But all-in-all, they were basically the same car, with Chrysler
getting bigger engines and a few other items to make them the more "up
market" of the two. The Firesweep was certainly no "rich man's car", ...
priced and equipped right down there at the Dodge/Plymouth market
level. As a result, more Sweeps were built and survive than the other
models combined, or close to it.

Interesting how things played out.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
60 Imp
Posted 2019-08-15 9:06 AM (#586044 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...


2000100050025
Location: North Australia
We are digressing from the OP, but this is interesting. I find it hard to believe my 60 Imp would be considered a 'beater' at any time in its 60 years, but it could be so?
My car didn't cost a lot of money (bought in 2009). My car is unusual though, as it is in fine almost original condition, so doesn't fit the norm.
What makes the topic interesting is to know (we know!) that the Chrysler fin car era had so many levels, all the way from a 55 Plymouth 2 door sedan, all the way up to a 61 Ghia Limousine.
I find them all interesting.
Doc (and others), I do have a question, how were the Imperial cars viewed by the people, especially the guys reading this?
Steve.

ps, I should quantify my question, Imperial weren't exported to Aus, most Car guys here don't know what an Imperial is, (including me until I decided I wanted one 17 years ago).

Edited by 60 Imp 2019-08-15 9:15 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Fireflite56
Posted 2019-08-15 10:08 AM (#586046 - in reply to #586013)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Extreme Veteran

Posts: 339
10010010025
Location: Wisconsin
We weren't there this year, but have been to the Mopar Nationals for about the last 5 consecutive years and scattered years before that. I think since the event is older, it was created in that era when muscle cars were cool and fin cars weren't and just never evolved much past that point, especially with drag racing and burnouts/cruising that the '50's cars don't typically do as much of (remember how big Brice Road was for a lot of years). We obviously enjoy going but it's because we also like muscle cars and usually take my dad's '71 Roadrunner if we take a car at all, leaving the fin cars at home. I happen to know there are at least a few other FL-owners there that don't bring their cars either, such as a fellow from the 300 club in Michigan that has a '61 300G convertible.

My friend was talking of getting a driving group together from Wisconsin next year. I may bring my '59 Fireflite and represent the DeSoto marquee and I'd love to see your Dodge.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
1960fury
Posted 2019-08-15 10:59 AM (#586050 - in reply to #585958)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert 5K+

Posts: 7385
50002000100100100252525
Location: northern germany
Doctor DeSoto - 2019-08-13 11:43 AM

Oceans of old fat dudes
walked around in shorts with the obligitory "hot rod" T-shirt and sandals,


I thought this was only a German thing! What happened to western civilization?
Guys in shorts and sandals everywhere and the bearded, tattoed to the max "Hipsters"
with ear-discs and nose-rings like straight out of the jungle with tattoos on there calfs proudly
presented in shorts with flipflops. A bum in the 40s and 50s looked more civilized.

Edited by 1960fury 2019-08-15 11:00 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
longram60
Posted 2019-08-15 1:45 PM (#586053 - in reply to #585942)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Veteran

Posts: 255
1001002525
Location: Dunnellon, FL
mikes2nd - 2019-08-12 11:20 PM

I find it hard to believe all these cars are going overseas? I don't have a problem with them buying them.

Its just i cant think they cleaned them all out?

I know we are down to bone picking for a 2dr hardtop, and even sedans that aren't total rust bombs are getting harder and harder to find but wow.



My '60 Belvedere just went to England. I had some stateside interest from someone putting together a museum, but were too far apart on price.

I attended the Mopar Nationals several years with it in the early 2000's. I got much more attention from all brands races that I have more recently been active in.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
plymouth
Posted 2019-08-16 9:03 AM (#586087 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 2264
20001001002525
Location: McComb, Mississippi
I went to a cruise-in at the beginning of the summer and my imperial looked so out of place. There were tons of Camaros, mustangs, 55-57 chevs, and new Challengers. It gets old after awhile when everyone asks if it's a Chevy or a Cadillac. A lots of people seem to think that I'm too young or dumb to know any history about my car. Lots of people assume that the power windows and cruise control must have been added much later on because "cars back then didn't have that because power windows and cruise control weren't invented yet." Just a side observation, as the show was winding down and everyone was getting in their cars to leave, a good portion of these cars had trouble starting or failed to start altogether. one of the late 60s Camaros backfired so loud that I thought it was a gunshot. Many of these cars took several attempts to start and a 55 Chevrolets starter would not disengage after starting. I think it's quite comical that these people spent a fortune on the paint and chrome, but wouldn't invest the time/money on getting these cars mechanically sound.

Edited by plymouth 2019-08-16 9:13 AM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
jboymechanic
Posted 2019-08-16 9:19 AM (#586088 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 2196
2000100252525
Location: Muskego, WI
To me, there is NOTHING WORSE than going to a CLASSIC CAR show than the guys that show up in new (or close to new) Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs and Challengers. The general public is pretty dumb when it comes to old cars, it does seem like people think that only Chevys and Caddys were built in the 50s.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
57burb
Posted 2019-08-16 9:38 AM (#586090 - in reply to #586088)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 3966
200010005001001001001002525
Location: DFW, TX
I drove my car around some last night, and pulled up to a pump for gas. A nice lady in her '50s (probably) walked up and said how much she loved my car. Thanks!

Then she asked if those are "whitewall tires" … uh … She had heard of them before, but didn't remember ever actually seeing them.

A buddy of mine has a '60 Starliner. Really nice car. One guy walked up to him and asked, "What kind of Impala is this?"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Powerflite
Posted 2019-08-16 10:33 AM (#586094 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9604
500020002000500100
Location: So. Cal
On my recent camping trip, I was lying in my tent and could hear people walking by, talking about my '58 Coronet. Since they didn't know anyone was around, I could hear unfiltered conversations. Most of the time it was centered around figuring out what the thermador air conditioner was, but one group of kids had a conversation that went like this:
1. What kind of car is that?
2. It says Dodge on the front of it.
1. I don't like Dodge. I like Chevys.
2. Dodge Hellcat?
1. eh.

I'm sure neither one of these kids had ever seen a '58 Dodge before, but the Chevy bias seems to be ingrained at an early age. I was just impressed that they would even talk about it and knew what a Hellcat is. Most kids today don't seem to care about cars at all.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Viper Guy
Posted 2019-08-16 3:49 PM (#586109 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 2002
2000
Location: Branson, MO
Finned cars do draw attention and it doesn't matter what the body style is - 4 door, two door, convertible, and probably even a station wagon (although I haven't seen one at a car show or on the street). They are soooo different one can't help but notice. I get horn honks, thumbs up, hoots and hollers, and even got chased down a couple of times and was asked to pull over so they could look at my car. Hell, it even caused an accident once when a guy driving a pickup rear ended the car in front of him while he was gawking at my car.
Probably the best reward/award I received was when my car beat out about 150 cars at a cruise for the show car of the week award.



(1959 DeSoto Longbranch Award.jpg)



(1959 DeSoto at the Longbranch.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments 1959 DeSoto Longbranch Award.jpg (156KB - 198 downloads)
Attachments 1959 DeSoto at the Longbranch.jpg (172KB - 167 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Sonoramic60
Posted 2019-08-16 11:20 PM (#586122 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert

Posts: 1287
1000100100252525
Viper --
By some standards, I'm an ace! I got two confirmed kills in my '65 Vette with two separate rear end collisions, plus a double in my '60 Fury when one guy rear ended the car in front of him and that car hit a third. Perhaps I shouldn't count the fifth because that's when a spectator was gawking at it as he walked by, stumbled, and cracked a couple of ribs on the right fin.
Joe
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-08-17 1:05 PM (#586138 - in reply to #586090)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
57burb - 2019-08-17 6:38 AM

A buddy of mine has a '60 Starliner. Really nice car. One guy walked up to him and asked, "What kind of Impala is this?" :stressed:


==========================

One of the best lines from the movie Borat:

"What kind of dog is this ?"
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-08-17 1:50 PM (#586140 - in reply to #586044)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
60 Imp - 2019-08-16 6:06 AM

We are digressing from the OP, but this is interesting. I find it hard to believe my 60 Imp would be considered a 'beater' at any time in its 60 years, but it could be so?
My car didn't cost a lot of money (bought in 2009). My car is unusual though, as it is in fine almost original condition, so doesn't fit the norm.
What makes the topic interesting is to know (we know!) that the Chrysler fin car era had so many levels, all the way from a 55 Plymouth 2 door sedan, all the way up to a 61 Ghia Limousine.
I find them all interesting.
Doc (and others), I do have a question, how were the Imperial cars viewed by the people, especially the guys reading this?
Steve.

ps, I should quantify my question, Imperial weren't exported to Aus, most Car guys here don't know what an Imperial is, (including me until I decided I wanted one 17 years ago).


========================================

In the late 60's, the "ecology" movement began to get traction against a general culture
of litterbugs, air pollution, and dumping of toxic yuck, expecting the environment to "take
care of it". Television ads showed LA standstill traffic jams through a withering grey-brown
cloud of heat waves coming off the earth. Lots of other media cast negative light on sprawl
and blight, and one of those targets was big, old American made cars. The term "gas guzzler"
was coined just for this purpose. Other terms like "barge", "land yacht", and "garbage scow"
also came into the common vernacular, often promoted by companies like Volkswagen, trying
to sway public opinion toward their products by suggesting to the masses that post-war American
culture was bad, old, and passé.

Your Imperial was the epitome of the land yacht to anyone I knew. A pointlessly enormous
barge, worsened further by it's ridiculous body styling. At best, it was some "old person's"
personal statement of being wealthy, but stuck in an out-of-fashion time and place. At worst,
it was just a garish example of a bad time in American history, when shameless consumption
was sadly seen as good, ... a statement of success.

Most of the finned cars were scrapped during this period, and these campaigns were a big
reason why.

I always liked old cars. Heck, ... until 1970, I liked new cars too. But they same campaign
to smear all things old and cool as bad only offered up plastic crap as their idea of "so much
better", my attitude soured badly on the "latest and greatest". My focus turned to old stuff
like cars more than evern before. To be honest, Imperials never turned my crank. Even to
this fin lover, they are too large and formal to get that excited about. But I ALWAYS found them
interesting. I just liked something more dashing, more slippery looking. Like the 58 Plymouth
or DeSoto. But some people like the heavier, more "luxury" type statement, and Imperials are
right up their alley.

So, to answer your question, I think, in the main, ALL big finned American cars were held in
deep disdain by MOST of the American public after about 1965. They represented an "innocence"
or niavety that the 1960's counterculture held a DEEP contempt for. The whole backswing ran
much deeper than cars and products. It had to do with changing social rules and acceptance.
And of course, it was exploited to the hilt by business, looking to make a buck off any change
coming their way, by selling whatever they could to a society looking to throw out what they
were currently using.


Top of the page Bottom of the page
ABloch
Posted 2019-08-17 4:59 PM (#586143 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 1476
1000100100100100252525
Location: Pacific Northwest
Swung by an all make/weekend car show today. There was one Nash, one Studebaker, two Austin mini's, three VW's, and two E body Challengers.
Everything else, thirty some odd cars, was either a Ford or GM.
I walked through in less than five minuets and was back on the road. Boring....

Edited by ABloch 2019-08-17 5:00 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-08-17 7:10 PM (#586149 - in reply to #586143)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
In your estimation, what percentage of the attendees were fat old white guys,
wearing "hot rod" T-shirts, shorts, and sandals/socks ?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-17 10:07 PM (#586152 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
hah 90%
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Sonoramic60
Posted 2019-08-17 10:17 PM (#586154 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert

Posts: 1287
1000100100252525
Gee, Doc --
I've always suspected you have regarded yourself as the epitome of sartorial splendor, but could you let us feeble-minded members of the great unwashed know when and how you made the GQ"Ten Best" list?
Joe
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-08-18 2:02 AM (#586165 - in reply to #586154)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
Joe,

I live and dress like a farmer. I bang nails and dig ditches for a living.
No GQ here. But my eyes and brain still function pretty good and I know
clowns when I see them. And I see a lot of them at car shows. And I
know that you know what I am talking about !
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Sonoramic60
Posted 2019-08-18 2:41 PM (#586194 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert

Posts: 1287
1000100100252525
Doc --
Some 60 years ago as a H/S junior, I started pumping gas, greasing cars, and changing oil to help my widower dad get me through school. After graduation, I dug ditches myself (and not with a bobcat, but with a pick and shovel and a jackhammer) for five years to get through college. After college, I went to work for the Federal Government performing various security related functions as investigations, Federal law enforcement, court appearances, program administration, etc. Thus in these 60 years I have personally encountered a wide gamut of people, from the lowest scum and vermin to popes and presidents and everything in between. I have found snobbery rampant in every social association, every income level, and every national, racial, and ethnic group. In contrast, I have also found the most interesting, considerate, and knowledgeable individuals among all of those very same groups.
To relate to our current thread, in the 35 or more years that I've been going to car shows, I've found that the macho tattooed guys in muscle shirts can be as full of it (and themselves) as the dudes in Gucci loafers or the chubs in hot rod shirts -- there will always be at least one to swear up and down that he, his dad, or his grandpa had a '57 or '58 Plymouth with the SonoRamic Commando engine. But there are many more of all types that stop to tell me they've never seen such an engine, or heard about them but never seen one in person, or had a buddy that had one. I've even reunited with a guy that I often engaged in friendly competition on the main street of my old home town who not only had a '60 Plymouth but also a '61 Dart (he traded the 361 Plymmer for the 383 Dart). A lot of those old fat guys you like to disparage were dinking around with cars before your folks even thought you might be a good idea. If you don't like car shows, don't go; I like car shows because I like cars (ALL cars) and I like people (most people, anyway). Being a westerner, there's an old cowboy saying that addresses the appearance of men: "It's not the size of the man that's in the fight, but the size of the fight that's in the man."
Joe
PS. Personally, I prefer khaki slacks, loafers (Bass, not Gucci), and pullover shirts (ones with my car brand names and emblems embroidered in small letters on them).
Top of the page Bottom of the page
mikes2nd
Posted 2019-08-18 6:09 PM (#586202 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert 5K+

Posts: 5006
5000
i think Doc is just stating the fact that a lot of guys are fat old white guys that don't have college degrees.

That's just fact man, he didnt say they were bad or good.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
56D500boy
Posted 2019-08-18 7:10 PM (#586204 - in reply to #586202)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9855
5000200020005001001001002525
Location: Lower Mainland BC
Went to a pretty big (for my area) car show today (in Port Coquitlam BC). Lots of cars (over 500 (but I heard 900 so who know)). Range of ages and races in the crowd. All car lovers so who cares.

One 55-61 Forward Look car, a 1956 Canadian Custom Royal sedan (with the 303 Plymouth engine)).

A couple of older (1938/39 Dodges and Plymouths).

Many GM and Fords some Mopars.





(PocoAug201956Dodge_0.jpg)



(PocoAug201956Dodge_1.jpg)



(PocoAug201956Dodge_2.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments PocoAug201956Dodge_0.jpg (217KB - 193 downloads)
Attachments PocoAug201956Dodge_1.jpg (214KB - 201 downloads)
Attachments PocoAug201956Dodge_2.jpg (186KB - 198 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Powerflite
Posted 2019-08-18 8:40 PM (#586207 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9604
500020002000500100
Location: So. Cal
Just when I thought I had seen all the variations of air cleaners for the '55-'56 cars, here comes another. I've never seen a lid that was rounded up like that one. Was that a Canadian thing?
Top of the page Bottom of the page
ABloch
Posted 2019-08-18 9:38 PM (#586209 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 1476
1000100100100100252525
Location: Pacific Northwest
Much better!



(furys.jpg)



(fury's.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments furys.jpg (190KB - 223 downloads)
Attachments fury's.jpg (246KB - 202 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chrys 68
Posted 2019-08-19 4:43 AM (#586225 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Elite Veteran

Posts: 673
5001002525
Location: Malung, SWEDEN

We have a delicious mix over here. Here´s a pic from our local little show in Malung.

Top of the page Bottom of the page
60 Imp
Posted 2019-08-19 8:59 AM (#586236 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...


2000100050025
Location: North Australia
Magnus, the pic above has convinced me. I am coming to Sweden. Which show do I need to come to, to meet you? Steve.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
58 DESOTOS RULE
Posted 2019-08-19 12:16 PM (#586239 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert

Posts: 2308
2000100100100
Location: The Bat Cave, Fairborn, OH

That's a very nice Orange and White 1959 De Soto. That would be the car for me. No doubt there is a fascinating story of how the Swede had a rust bucket (a diamond in the rough) shipped over to Sweden and, with his old world skills, turned it back into a diamond again. It's amazing what the Swedes can do with a FWL car.





(Detail of Swedish Show Doubled.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments Detail of Swedish Show Doubled.jpg (144KB - 203 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Doctor DeSoto
Posted 2019-08-20 12:44 AM (#586260 - in reply to #586239)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



5000500050005000200050025
Location: Parts Unknown
When visiting years ago, I asked Arne, "Why finned American cars ?". He seemed to
not understand the question, so I asked "Why not Volvos ?". His response was priceless
and totally changed the way I see old cars ....

First, he wrinkled up his face and made some disparaging comment like "Why don't YOU
restore old Volvos ?", implying "We do finned American cars for the same reason you do,
because Volvos suck !"

But the real eye opener was the reason behind "Why do it at all ?" .... which (and I para-
phrase here), "We have 8 months of winter in Sweden and 4 months of nice weather ... what
better way to spend your time during those cold, snowed-in winter months than holed up in
a nice shop, welding and painting and making an old car nice, so that when summer rolls
around again, you can go driving around and enjoy it ? !!!"

I found that answer to be quite profound, and immediately reset my thinking to build a
really nice shop to hole up in during our all-too-long and cold winters.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
Chrys 68
Posted 2019-08-28 9:00 AM (#586692 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Elite Veteran

Posts: 673
5001002525
Location: Malung, SWEDEN


Posted 2019-08-19 2:59 PM (#586236 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: RE: FWL cars... appear non existent... Quote Reply Alert

Magnus, the pic above has convinced me. I am coming to Sweden. Which show do I need to come to, to meet you? Steve.

 

Welcome Steven!

Just pick one! There are plenty of meets all over the country during summertime!

Top of the page Bottom of the page
wizard
Posted 2019-08-28 11:46 AM (#586703 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

Posts: 13042
500050002000100025
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island
The Classic Car Week is the largest one since it's a full week of events and uncountable fantastic cars.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
56D500boy
Posted 2019-09-08 11:39 PM (#587282 - in reply to #586703)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Expert 5K+

Posts: 9855
5000200020005001001001002525
Location: Lower Mainland BC
Went to the Langley BC Goodtimes Cruise In (and Show) yesterday. Huge for this area. Probably 2 miles of street/highway blocked off. Took 2 hours to stroll the show. I put over 10,000 steps on my Fitbit. Lots of very nice cars out of the 1000+?? there.

http://www.langleycruise-in.com/

Two Forward Looks (I drove my 56 Dodge there but did not show it).

Here they are:



Edited by 56D500boy 2019-09-08 11:41 PM




(LangleyCarShow2019_59Dodge_1.jpg)



(LangleyCarShow2019_59Dodge_2.jpg)



(LangleyCarShow2019_56Plymouth.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments LangleyCarShow2019_59Dodge_1.jpg (193KB - 194 downloads)
Attachments LangleyCarShow2019_59Dodge_2.jpg (216KB - 184 downloads)
Attachments LangleyCarShow2019_56Plymouth.jpg (169KB - 198 downloads)
Top of the page Bottom of the page
58Jackie
Posted 2019-09-09 1:07 AM (#587284 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...



Veteran

Posts: 123
100
Location: Southern Idaho, USA
I see a few folks looking at that beautiful 59 Dodge there. One of the many things I love about FL cars, they attract folks mainly because you just don't see them everyday. Now compare that to say 57 Chevys, I see at least 1 at every car show.
For example, to prove that people are attracted to rare cars, I keep my Belvedere at a public garage so I get a lot of passerbys. The ones that drive by that at least have an appreciation for cars stop to look and ask about it. I've had a few ask what it is and think its cool cause they've never seen the type of car before. Most just say cool car, etc. I think its funny as my car isn't a showpiece, and the first thing one sees as I have my car facing outward is the funky green fenders on a brown car, but people still think its cool because you just don't see them a whole lot.
Top of the page Bottom of the page
finsruskw
Posted 2019-09-09 5:22 PM (#587307 - in reply to #585848)
Subject: Re: FWL cars... appear non existent...


Expert

Posts: 2289
2000100100252525
Location: Eastern Iowa
MoPars on The Mississippi two weeks ago with 295+ cars (all Chrysler or related) on display.
I could count the finned cars on one hand and one of them was my F.

Edited by finsruskw 2019-09-09 5:25 PM
Top of the page Bottom of the page