Viewing a thread - 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

You are logged in as a guest. ( logon | register )

1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana Moderators: ronbo97 Jump to page : 1 Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]	View previous thread :: View next thread
Forward Look Swap Meet -> For Sale - EBAY, CRAIGSLIST & OTHER FINDS	Message format

Rebels-59

Posted 2011-09-10 9:01 PM (#288397)
Subject: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

5000

Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK

On US EBAY in metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky, just across the river in Southern Indiana

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1956-DeSoto-Pace-Car-/170694892212?p...

This is your once in a lifetime opportunity to own an unrestored American legend. One of the rarest modern-era vehicles made, this 1956 DeSoto Pace Car has 85,000 miles, a working pushbutton automatic, and a real Chrysler hemi under the hood. In storage for over 35 years, this classic starts, runs and drives like a dream with many of the options first available in 1956 including a Wonderbar radio (now called "seek"), an electronic clock in the steering wheel, special gold-threaded upholstery, special gold-plated real wire wheels, working convertible top and provenance back to the mid-1960's. Original production of this vehicle was estimated at less than 100, and this magnificent model is 1 of an estimated 25 remaining Pace Cars, possibly the only unrestored, blemish-free original Pace Car left. The car has some very minor mechanical issues and a few paint bubbles, but after 55 years it is in remarkably pristine condition. On a scale of 1-10 the vehicle would probably be about an 8 as it sits today. I am selling the vehicle for the owner who is my retired next door neighbor and all information provided is as he remembers. I have driven the car 3 weeks ago and can attest to the accurate mechanical condition.

Equipment includes a push button control Powerflite automatic, power steering, power seat, power windows, power brakes, windshield washers and electric clock. On top of these, the Adventurer delivered a custom interior with padded dash, dual rear view mirrors and dual radio antennas atop the fins

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Sep-10-11 at 17:47:01 PDT, seller added the following information:

In answer to the many, many, many questions on the car:

1. Car is in metropolitan Louisville, Kentucky, just across the river in Southern Indiana and can be viewed or inspected at any time. The owner is elderly and will need some advance notice for us to get the car out. He bought the car at an estate auction many years ago.

2. To the owner's knowledge dating back to the mid-60's the car has never been painted, modified or touched up. As mentioned there are a few paint bubbles, blemishes, etc as expected for a 55 year old un-restored vehicle.

3. Mechanical issues, as mentioned, are very minor-right rear wheel cylinder appears to be leaking, car starts very easily but must be primed 2 or 3 times at first, then runs like a dream. Power windows and convertible top are in perfect working condition.

4. Provenance includes a driver's pin for the 1956 Indy 500, a belt badge for entry to the pits, paperwork and trophies dating back 30 years, copy of cancelled check where it was bought for $650 in 1965 along with 4 other cars, and tracing to original owner.

5. Reserve will not be disclosed but we believe it is quite reasonable.

Rebels-59

Posted 2011-09-10 9:01 PM (#288398 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

5000

Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK

PICs

(439.jpg)

(440.jpg)

(441.jpg)

(442.jpg)

Attachments
----------------

439.jpg (30KB - 223 downloads)
Attachments

440.jpg (45KB - 159 downloads)
Attachments

441.jpg (41KB - 155 downloads)
Attachments

442.jpg (38KB - 162 downloads)

Rebels-59

Posted 2011-09-10 9:02 PM (#288399 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

5000

Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK

(443.jpg)

(444.jpg)

(445.jpg)

(446.jpg)

Attachments
----------------

443.jpg (50KB - 155 downloads)
Attachments

444.jpg (41KB - 152 downloads)
Attachments

445.jpg (38KB - 145 downloads)
Attachments

446.jpg (39KB - 156 downloads)

Rebels-59

Posted 2011-09-10 9:03 PM (#288400 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

5000

Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK

(447.jpg)

(448.jpg)

Attachments
----------------

447.jpg (41KB - 175 downloads)
Attachments

448.jpg (31KB - 140 downloads)

parat11

Posted 2011-09-11 7:57 AM (#288433 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Veteran

Posts: 254
100

Location: Austria, Vienna

This is a high dollar car. Kind of convertible adventurer for 56 and one of my favorite!

safetymike77

Posted 2011-09-11 8:30 AM (#288440 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 4533
2000

Location: Ripon, WI

Neat....

ttotired

Posted 2011-09-11 9:47 AM (#288445 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert 5K+

Posts: 8443
5000

Location: Perth Australia

Are we going to take guesses at the sell price?

I'll take 85000.00 with my limited knowledge of these cars

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2011-09-11 11:21 AM (#288461 - in reply to #288445)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: Parts Unknown

These old cars are bringing pretty good money these days. I say at least $50 !

ronbo97

Posted 2011-09-11 3:56 PM (#288487 - in reply to #288445)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 4042
2000

Location: Connecticut

ttotired - 2011-09-11 9:47 AM Are we going to take guesses at the sell price? I'll take 85000.00 with my limited knowledge of these cars

Someone with lots of $$$ will offer the seller big bucks and the auction will suddenly be over.

Ron

hemidave

Posted 2011-09-11 4:23 PM (#288494 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 4654
2000

I asked if there was a buy it now price, and the seller responded " Auction pricing"

FIN ME

Posted 2011-09-12 12:10 PM (#288564 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 2788
2000

Location: USA - KY

Hmmm...

We were at a car show on Labour Day here in Kentucky and a gentleman noticed our DeSoto and asked if we knew what a '56 DeSoto Pace Car convertible would sell for. He was "helping a friend" sell one. I said, "A lot!", and gave him the website address of an expert who I thought could help him.

Wonder if it was the same car?

Wish I had the means, or I would have just said "SOLD!" to the guy at the car show.

Edited by FIN ME 2011-09-12 12:11 PM

Lancer Mike

Posted 2011-09-12 2:51 PM (#288580 - in reply to #288564)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: The Mile High City

Geez! The fella buys it for $650 and now expects a fortune for it - the nerve of these "flippers"!

What a great car! To see a vehicle that is this nice in original condition makes it worth significantly more than a fully restored example, in my opinion.

It looks like this one was at the track in 1956! I would love to learn more about these.

Edited by Lancer Mike 2011-09-12 2:57 PM

60 dart

Posted 2011-09-12 4:34 PM (#288585 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert 5K+

Posts: 8947
5000

Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA

i'll say 115 ---and after the research below , i'll revise to 55 ---but i'll bet the reserve isn't met -------------------------------------------------------------------- later

Edited by 60 dart 2011-09-12 4:47 PM

60 dart

Posted 2011-09-12 4:38 PM (#288587 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert 5K+

Posts: 8947
5000

Location: WHEELING,WV.>>>HOME OF WWVA

a little more info , 25 still exist -----------------------------------------------------------------------later

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z10085/DeSoto-Fireflite.aspx

no fender decal on this one http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z10085/DeSoto-Fireflite.aspx

Notes about the 1956 DeSoto:

Leslie Howard tells us this was a DeSoto Fireflite Convertible, and said the Pacesetter was only available as a hardtop. Sparky added that "The Fireflite Pacesetter convertible was the pace car, with an estimated 'few hundred' replicas built. Had the standard Fireflite engine, but HD suspension. No Pacesettter hardtops were built--all convertibles. This info was cross-referenced from many sources, including The Plymouth-DeSoto Story.

Doug Dressler wrote about the DeSoto Pace Car Convertible in the November-December 2008 issue of the NCPC Journal. He noted that 1956 was the only year in which DeSoto outsold Chrysler; and confirmed that the Fireflite Pace Car was produced as a commemoration of the Indy 500 pace car, with between 300 and 500 made. Around 35 still exist; all had a gold color sweep, gold anodized wheel, and turbine wheel covers. The interior had gold vinyl with brown and black metallic seat inserts, a gold and white steering wheel, and gold threads woven into the black carpeting. Dual exhausts and a stiffer suspension came with the package.

The actual 1956 DeSoto pace car, which ran over 100 mph when entering the pits, had a 341 cubic inch Adventurer engine (replicas got a 330 cubic inch Fireflite engine) and the Adventurer’s transmission (again, Replicas made do with the Powerflite two-speed automatic); the original was driven by Irving Woolson, DeSoto president, and presented after the race to Pat Flaherty, the Indy 500 winning driver. Jared Kratz wrote that it is currently owned by the W.T. Gerard car collection, and was displayed in 2009 at the Ocean Reef Vintage weekend in Key Largo Florida.

Edited by 60 dart 2011-09-12 4:46 PM

Lancer Mike

Posted 2011-09-12 5:15 PM (#288589 - in reply to #288587)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: The Mile High City

Thanks, Chuck. It sounds like there are some discrepancies about production of the "replicas" and how many exist today, but the original seems to have survived and its whereabouts are known. The pace setter in the link looks like it has magnetic decals.

d500neil

Posted 2011-09-12 6:02 PM (#288593 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

Back in '91, when I was a "Viper Prospect" and was a semi-guest of Dodge (along with 109 other prospects) at the Indy 500 race (we all stayed at the Downtown Holiday Inn, a 'converted train station, along with Lee I. and C. Shelby and the Corp Honchos--- got lotsa photos to prove it) and got grandstand seating, and a personal presentation of the car to us by Tom & Roy & Marty & Carroll---

....Anyway....I was able to talk/smile/look my way into the basement of the Indy Museum on the day before the race, and before the annual Driver's Parade started.

The basement area was full of former Chrysler Pace cars (Viper was pacing the Race) and their owners/families, including the 1954 Dodge and the 1956 DeSoto, and a 1958 Ghia limo---which was/is a permanent fixture in the Museum's collection.

It was presumed that the cars were all actual Pace Cars, and not mere Replicas (except for the 71 Challenger, which had crashed-out at the start of the race and which was not ever rebuilt, IIRC).

I can probably dig out the pics of that car, if anyone wants to see it.

Edited by d500neil 2011-09-12 6:05 PM

d500neil

Posted 2011-09-14 4:14 PM (#288777 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

As promised(?), here's a few pics from the 1991 Indianapolis 500 festivities.

The first few show the 56 DeSoto Pace car....(whether it was THE 56 Pace car, I dunno,
but, its "liverage" (signage), is considerably different from the Pace car that is being
advertised, 'here').....in the basement of the Indy Museum, which is off-limits to the
general public.

The basement is where various/many of the race winners are stored when they are not
on 1st-floor public display.

I was able to 'smile' my way into the basement, on the SAT before the race, because I
happened to be a Viper Prospect and was suitably fitted-out like a Proving Grounds
Honcho (had the P.G. hat from an earlier WPC Club national meet visitation to the 'Grounds'),
a never-before-available Viper Polo shirt, wrist band, commemorative Viper pin-button, and
even a Corp business card (I never said that it was MY card), that a honcho had given to me the
night before, on the roof of the Holiday Inn, where the many factory parade/courtesy convertibles
were being stored.

He'd said that he thought that he'd seen a "D501/D500" in the Museum's basement, earlier that day
(Friday), and that I might want to check it out...SURE!!...on SAT.

Well, there was/were no 501/500 there, but, there were a 1954 Royal 500 Pace car, the 56 Soto, a '71 Challenger
"Pace car"---probably not the original crashed-out one--which were forming-up to begin the downtown drivers' parade,
plus a 1958 Ghia Limo and a 1941 Thunderbolt (the Ghia is stored in the basement; the T-Bolt went into the parade).

I was able to get over to the Viper Prospects reserved parade seating in time to photo the Soto as it passed by,
and to photo it on its parade lap, with former-winning driver Emil Andres as its passenger.

This-all should be posted on another thread, with the other cars' photographs....

Edited by d500neil 2011-09-14 6:24 PM

(PICT3236.JPG)

(PICT3237.JPG)

(PICT3238.JPG)

(PICT3239.JPG)

(PICT3240.JPG)

(PICT3241.JPG)

(PICT3242.JPG)

(PICT3243.JPG)

(PICT3244.JPG)

Attachments
----------------

PICT3236.JPG (113KB - 176 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3237.JPG (113KB - 133 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3238.JPG (105KB - 153 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3239.JPG (103KB - 132 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3240.JPG (98KB - 138 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3241.JPG (109KB - 141 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3242.JPG (102KB - 138 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3243.JPG (107KB - 153 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3244.JPG (110KB - 158 downloads)

d500neil

Posted 2011-09-14 4:34 PM (#288779 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

And, after all the parade cars had left, for downtown, my Viper roomie (whom I'd been able to get into the basement;
"He's with me") and I found ourselves ALONE there, free to walk around the place at our leisure---where I was able
to inspect and photograph the Ghia Limo, and the other-many race cars and collector-cars that were parked in there.

We eventually found ourselves in front of an elevator, and thought that it might be nice to take a ride in it.

There are two upper floors (IIRC), but with only (unoccupied) business offices in the middle---neat race photos
on the walls, though.

Hoping that the elevator would open up inside the public viewing/museum area, we were disappointed to discover that
it dropped us off immediately in front of the museum-entry doorway, in front of a long line of public-type people, who were staring at us, and who had paid to stand there in line waiting for the museum to open.

"Oh, well, let's get over to the parade"....we said, and the rest, is history.

Edited by d500neil 2011-09-14 6:29 PM

Rebels-59

Posted 2011-09-14 4:46 PM (#288780 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+

5000

Location: .Norfolk..Mafia.. ,England UK

Just under 6 Days to Go on Auction and the Reserve is MET at $40000

Lancer Mike

Posted 2011-09-14 4:47 PM (#288781 - in reply to #288779)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: The Mile High City

Wow! thanks for sharing those Neil! The two cars are considerably different in many small ways.

taxspeaker

Posted 2011-09-17 12:26 PM (#289032 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

New User

Posts: 1

I am the fellow that has the 56 PaceCar for sale. We went this morning and spent nearly 2 hours under, over and through the car. One thread says I am a flipper-get your facts right-the car has been owned by my elderly neighbor for approximately 15 years and as a friend I am listing it in an auction that will not end early.

The car is a magnificent example of the fine DeSoto quality of the mid 50's. When they released these PaceCar replicas this one was shipped with a 330 cid Hemi, single 4 barrel, with a 2-speed push button automatic transmission. It is started and driven monthly in his long farm driveway until reaching operating temperatures. It runs fine, shifts great and appears to be very, very sound mechanically. There is an exhaust leak in the right muffler, the right brake sticks, the driver's window is cracked and there is some very old putty work in the driver's door that is cracking. There are minor paint bubbles in the rocker panels, but frankly I think the car is in excellent condition and I have restored 3 old Mopars. All electronic items work properly except the clock-we tested convertible top, radio, foot pedal radio controls, all switches, gauges and turn signals and (3) horns and all work fine. The dual radio antennas are 60"-1 sticks. The carpet has the correct gold thread and is in decent, but not great shape. The seats are excellent except for the driver's seat which has evident wear. All lenses, rubber and other glass is in excellent condition. The DeSotomatic clock is correct but does not appear to work.

I posted 14 more pictures this morning on the EBay listing and will be happy to email pictures to anyone who contacts me. We also recorded a short video clip of the car driving this morning and I will try to upload it here when complete.

Thanks to everyone who has contacted us-without exception the interested parties have been polite and pretty knowledgable. The car is generating interest from all over the world and I wish I could be the owner! Never having been familiar with DeSoto's I now am a fan.

Bob J.

Attachments
----------------

100_0870.MOV (24KB - 133 downloads)

ThomasD500

Posted 2011-09-17 1:57 PM (#289043 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 508
500

Location: Orlando

I think the flipper comment was in jest. There is a certain type of humor here that might not be totally obvious to people not familiar with this particular forum. Same goes for MOST forums. Best not to take all things too literally.

d500neil

Posted 2011-09-17 4:38 PM (#289061 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

Well, just did a little bit of research on the 56 Indy 500 Pace Car, and came up with these
images.

The real pace car appears not to have had any USAC decal, at least, on its driver's side fender.

More importantly, it had a floor shifter(!), specially made interior trim panels, grab-handles on
the rear trim panels, and OEM full wheel covers .

(PICT3236.JPG)

(PICT3237.JPG)

(PICT3239.JPG)

(PICT3240.JPG)

(PICT3241.JPG)

(PICT3242.JPG)

(PICT3243.JPG)

(PICT3244.JPG)

(PICT3245.JPG)

(PICT3246.JPG)

(PICT3247.JPG)

(PICT3248.JPG)

Attachments
----------------

PICT3236.JPG (111KB - 163 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3237.JPG (58KB - 138 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3239.JPG (108KB - 145 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3240.JPG (109KB - 164 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3241.JPG (106KB - 130 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3242.JPG (104KB - 155 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3243.JPG (109KB - 127 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3244.JPG (110KB - 144 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3245.JPG (110KB - 124 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3246.JPG (108KB - 135 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3247.JPG (114KB - 183 downloads)
Attachments

PICT3248.JPG (106KB - 158 downloads)

GregCon

Posted 2011-09-17 4:40 PM (#289062 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 2524
2000

Location: Houston

So it's not a real one?

d500neil

Posted 2011-09-17 4:47 PM (#289064 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

There were typically two real pace cars available (back-up) for service in the race, but I dunno what year that protocol began.

If the photo of Tony Hulman (prez of the I.M.S.) is to be believed, the real pace car was a custom-built car.

BHWINC

Posted 2011-09-18 12:07 AM (#289105 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Elite Veteran

Posts: 852
500

Location: Etters Pa

I'm no Desoto expert but those interior picts sure look GM or Ford. Take note of the dip in the body line in image 3246 looks more like the 57 Merc or 58 Pontiac. The shifter, armrest and headrests also look more GM/Ford than Mopar to me..

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2011-09-18 1:48 AM (#289118 - in reply to #288398)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: Parts Unknown

This whole thing is a fake. Who cares about DeSoto convertibles anyway ?

soiouz

Posted 2011-09-18 7:28 AM (#289149 - in reply to #289105)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 3480
2000

Location: Montreal, Canada

BHWINC - 2011-09-18 12:07 AM

I'm no Desoto expert but those interior picts sure look GM or Ford. Take note of the dip in the body line in image 3246 looks more like the 57 Merc or 58 Pontiac. The shifter, armrest and headrests also look more GM/Ford than Mopar to me..

I agree, plus, there doesn't seem to be any vent windows on the doors.

GregCon

Posted 2011-09-18 7:41 AM (#289150 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 2524
2000

Location: Houston

It also looks like the hood has two small chrome pieces, one on either side, that the DeSoto does not.

CustomRoyal

Posted 2011-09-18 7:51 AM (#289153 - in reply to #289150)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 322
100

The car the guy is standing in is not a 56 Desoto. Look at the door panel and armrest. 56 Desoto's didn't have ashtrays behind the front seat.

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2011-09-18 10:26 AM (#289167 - in reply to #289153)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: Parts Unknown

Does anyone else find it hard to believe that in 1956 DeSoto outsold Chrysler, was riding this high,
and 5 years later was washed up and GONE ?

FIN ME

Posted 2011-09-18 12:56 PM (#289185 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 2788
2000

Location: USA - KY

I agree...photos 7 through 10 above are not pictures of a DeSoto.

I saw the Ebay Pace Car in real life. I'm no expert, but IMHO, the sellers are doing a good job of providing an honest representation of the condition of the car.

Wish I could take it home.

d500neil

Posted 2011-09-18 9:24 PM (#289226 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

Sheeit....nobody's mentioned the HEAD RESTS on the seats----that IS a Fart-looking-shifter, too.

So much for the "Indianapolis Star...1956 Indianapolis Race" photo(s) , as you can see, in the top of that screen-shot!

OK...so, the actual 1956 DeSoto Pace car was not wearing a USAC decal, at least, on its driver's side fender.

Edited by d500neil 2011-09-18 9:26 PM

BHWINC

Posted 2011-09-19 2:34 AM (#289253 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Elite Veteran

Posts: 852
500

Location: Etters Pa

yes neil, this nobody pointed out the head rests

Doctor DeSoto

Posted 2011-09-19 10:48 AM (#289273 - in reply to #289253)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: Parts Unknown

My dad was always looking for Mr. Nobody.

He'd find some mess around the house and we kids would be asked who made it. My sister always denied
her messes, and of course, we brothers weren't going to own her mess. So, Dad would say "I guess nobody
made it." Then he'd get on a rant about "Mr. Nobody strikes again! I gotta meet this Mr. Nobody!"

Dear ol' Dad.

Lancer Mike

Posted 2011-09-19 5:49 PM (#289317 - in reply to #289032)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: The Mile High City

taxspeaker - 2011-09-17 10:26 AM

One thread says I am a flipper-get your facts right-the car has been owned by my elderly neighbor for approximately 15 years and as a friend I am listing it in an auction that will not end early.

Bob J.

Sorry Bob! Poor joke on my part. I had read that it was purchased in 1965 for $650 along with four other cars and made a lousy attempt at humor by saying the owner was trying to flip it these 46 long years later. Turns out, I didn't even get that right!

I like the car. Looks like the serious bidding will start at $47K with 20 hours to go! Should be interesting.

Edited by Lancer Mike 2011-09-19 5:53 PM

FIN ME

Posted 2011-09-20 4:03 PM (#289456 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 2788
2000

Location: USA - KY

SOLD...$56,600.00...

Anybody here fessing up that they were the buyer?

d500neil

Posted 2011-09-20 4:51 PM (#289470 - in reply to #289456)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

Very decent selling price on the car.

Lancer Mike

Posted 2011-09-20 4:52 PM (#289471 - in reply to #289456)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: The Mile High City

That seems like a pretty good price to me - it certainly is unusual.

FIN ME

Posted 2011-09-20 8:18 PM (#289510 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 2788
2000

Location: USA - KY

The seller has confirmed that the car is on its way to Norway. He would have liked to have seen it stay in North America, but it is going to a good home. I'm happy for the seller as he is a nice, older fella who has taken great care of the Pace Car for many years, and saved it from an uncertain fate.

d500neil

Posted 2011-09-20 8:28 PM (#289511 - in reply to #289510)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

Do Norway & Sweden want to become our 51st and 52nd states?

tnlowrider

Posted 2011-09-20 8:49 PM (#289513 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 500
500

Location: Upper East Tennessee

Great Price! I wish it was mine.

tnlowrider

Posted 2011-09-20 8:49 PM (#289514 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Extreme Veteran

Posts: 500
500

Location: Upper East Tennessee

Great Price! I wish it was mine.

GregCon

Posted 2011-09-20 8:58 PM (#289516 - in reply to #289514)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 2524
2000

Location: Houston

you guys do realize that with the exchange rate the Europeans are able to buy US stuff for cheap...

NorwegianPace

Posted 2011-09-21 4:53 AM (#289535 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

New User

Posts: 2

Hi guys

I submitted the winning bid for the lucky new owner. It is correct that the car is going to Norway, the new owner is a dedicated DeSoto enthusiast and already owns a 59 Firesweep Sportsman. We will be traveling to Louisville to get the car next week.

I can also add that the car will be coming back to the U.S during the summer of 2013 for a 4 week Centennial Motor Tour on the Lincoln Highway. I am a co-organizer of this event and our goal is to bring 100 antiques from Scandinavia to do a 4 week tour of the Lincoln Highway. So far we have 60 confirmed participants, now also including the 56 Pace! Check out http://www.lh2013.com !

Edited by NorwegianPace 2011-09-21 4:58 AM

Lancer Mike

Posted 2011-09-21 11:14 AM (#289585 - in reply to #289535)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: The Mile High City

This car sold for $56,600 or approximately 320,423 NOK. If anything on the internet can be believed, the 2010 average per capita income of full-time employees in Norway was 457,200 NOK or about $80,760. Compare that to the 2010 average per capita income for a full-time employee in the U.S. at $39,509.

If my logic isn't totally whacked, this $56,600 car selling in Norway is the equivalent of a U.S. worker buying it for $27,689.56. Now, you have to add some shipping/importing costs on there, but put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Oh, and congrats, Norwegian Pace! That was a steal!

Edited by Lancer Mike 2011-09-21 11:30 AM

FIN ME

Posted 2011-09-21 11:37 AM (#289587 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Expert

Posts: 2788
2000

Location: USA - KY

Congratulations on the winning bid, NorwegianPace! I looked at the car as I mentioned above, and your buyer has obtained a really nice car.

NorwegianPace

Posted 2011-09-21 2:34 PM (#289614 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

New User

Posts: 2

The average income sounds a little high, but is probably not too far off. The exchange rate versus the $ is indeed at a historic low which enables many working class Norwegians to aquire their dream cars in the U.S. On the other hand we also have a ridiculously high cost of living. Sales tax is 25% nationwide and will also hit the DeSoto when it arrives. Gas is around $11 a gallon and a pint of beer at a bar is about the same. So the high wages are definetly needed in order to stay afloat!

Lancer Mike

Posted 2011-09-21 2:53 PM (#289620 - in reply to #289614)
Subject: Re: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Location: The Mile High City

My in-laws just visited Oslo and they were shocked by the prices. They confirmed the price of a pint of beer - I think they said even a bit more at $12 - $16 - outrageous! But, if the average per capita income is that much higher, the pinch is about the same we feel here.

Edited by Lancer Mike 2011-09-21 3:01 PM

d500neil

Posted 2011-10-10 3:22 PM (#292109 - in reply to #288397)
Subject: RE: 1956 DeSoto Convertible Pace Car in Kentucky/Indiana

Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!

Posts: 19146
5000

Location: bishop, ca

Well, in the vein of its truly being a small MoPar World, etc, I happened to be re-watching a couple
few MoPar videos, over this past weekend, and discovered that this 1997 production :"The MoPar
Collectors, Vol. 1" is not only of excellent quality, but it features a 'story' on the 1956 Pacecar replica (it
is now confirmed) that I happened to see at the 1991 Indy 500 race (as above seen, in this thread).

This video features well done, serious, owner interviews and ride-alongs of cars---the opposite of
the grandstanding that is highlighted on the "My Classic Car" TV show.

The video reveals that the 1991 race Pacecar-replica was owned by Mr. E.R. Dorsett, of Terre Haute, IN,
who bought it from its second owner in July 1974.

Its original owner bought it on 6/5/56.

The car was built with a single-4 carb, and E.R. installed a dual-carb set up in it in 1995.

E.R. freely acknowledges that his car is not "the" 1956 Pacecar, and that the latter had a 'hot' engine
and (may have had/did have) dual carburetion.

"The" Pacecar also had a HOLE cut into its trunk so that a movie camera could be installed there.

So, if anyone has this video in his library, go get it out and re-watch it!

(PICT3453.JPG)

Attachments
----------------

PICT3453.JPG (55KB - 139 downloads)

Jump to page : 1
Now viewing page 1 [50 messages per page]

Jump to forum :

Search this forum
Printer friendly version
E-mail a link to this thread

* * * This site contains affiliate links for which we may be compensated * * *

(Delete all cookies set by this site)