DE LIGHTFUL, DE LOVELY

'59 DESOTO FIREFLITE

'71 CHEVELLE SS

BEAUT IFU L
BOAT TAIL

Dry Lake RaciDnagys ????

????
Glory
L ONCE
RIGINA
ONLY O
CONTINENTAL
SOPHISTICATION
PLUS ■ 1951 MERCURY CUSTOM '65 MUSTANG
 Ben Klemenzson

Viewpoint

25 NOT OUT!
T
his month’s magazine represents quite a landmark for me rather than days. Faxes
personally, as it was 25 years ago – or 300 issues – that were the norm, as were
I first became involved with the title: January 2, 1996 to letters or the post and the
be precise. Fresh out of university and with an MA in Middle internet and email were
Eastern Politics (that was useful!) my initial role on Classic still considered faintly
American was news editor and I was to work on two other exotic and mysterious. Of
motoring titles in the portfolio owned by Myatt Macfarlane, course the American car
the publishers of Classic American at the time. The other two scene has changed as well; whereas once buyers were
magazines folded and I was promoted to deputy editor of limited to what they could find here in the UK, sites like eBay
Classic American, a role I held for almost three years, before have turned the world into a salesroom for British car buyers.
Photography: Jonathan Fleetwood.

becoming editor when Auto Trader bought it in 1999. If you’ve been on this quarter-century journey (and even if
It’s been an interesting journey; the magazine’s time with you haven’t!) with me, I’d like to thank you for your support
Auto Trader meant it benefited from the wealth and largesse for Classic American and hope that we can continue to bring
of that company, yet it was also a time of tremendous change, you all that’s great about American cars and trucks for yet
as publishing moved from print and paper to online. It’s a another 25 years. In the meantime, I hope all our readers,
challenge that every magazine and newspaper has faced all subscribers and advertisers have had a merry Christmas and I
around the world and one that is still ongoing. Every aspect of wish you all a safe and prosperous
the magazine’s production has changed as well.
It’s funny to think how when I started we used rolls of
film, that then had to be sent off, developed and returned
as transparencies, which were then scanned… now it’s all Ben Klemenzson, editor
digital and can go from shoot to layout in a matter of minutes [email protected]

classic-american.com 3
27
on page 20

36 44

53

70
EDI T O R GR OU P A DVERTI SI NG M AN AG ER COM M ER CI A L DI R E CT OR A R CHI VE E N QU I R I E S
Ben Klemenzson Sue Keily Nigel Hole Jane Skayman
[email protected] [email protected]
A D VERT IS IN G T E A M L E A D E R E DI T ORIA L A DDR E S S Tel: 01507 529423
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 76
FEBRUARY 2021

REGULARS

06 News
14 Muscle Car Files
16 Here to Obscurity y
18 Across the Pond
20 Subscribe! 36 1959 DeSoto
Fireflite
22 Letters Sportsman
50 Ad Gallery 44 1965 Ford
80 Discoveries Mustang
84 Reviews 53 1971 Chevrolet
85 Back Issues Chevelle SS
86 Scale Autos 62 The Lincoln
91 Private Classifieds Continental story,
Part 2
97 CA Shop
70 Classic American
People: Bob
F E AT U R E S
and Curt
Giovanine
27 1972 Buick 76 1951 Mercury
Riviera Custom

62

W W W. C L A S S I C - A M E R I C A N . C O M

Independent publisher since 1885

Having trouble
finding a copy of
this magazine?
Why not just ask your local
newsagent to reserve you a
copy each month

O N S AL E D AT E N EX T IS S U E FEB RU A RY 18
© Mortons Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval
system without prior permission in writing from the publisher.
 Classic
American
News
Sports swivel seat.

DESOTO IS STAR OF
383cu in Wedge V8.

BARRETT-JACKSON
DeSoto’s premier flagship Adventurer model classic boulevard cruiser was affectionately
was introduced in 1956, but the Adventurer named Alan as a nod to founding member of
was not just adventurous in terms of where it the International DeSoto Club, Alan Ralston.
would take you, but also in its design. Penned Meticulously restored, the Adventurer’s interior
by the great Virgil Exner, Chrysler Corporation’s is lavish with accessories, including Chrysler’s
head stylist at the time, the Adventurer would patented Sports Swivel Seats, a tri-tone interior suspension for supreme handling and comfort.
go on to highlight American car styling to the with gold sparkle trim, Trinidad black and gold DeSoto described the Adventurer’s suspension as
extreme. The 1959 model year would be the flaked carpet and multi-coloured speedometer. “engineered to handle like a thoroughbred and
apex of Exner’s Forward Look design language. Additional accessories include a padded dash, built to ride as softly as passing summer clouds”.
It was a rolling sculpture, a daring assortment signal-seeking radio with foot control, rear view The DeSoto Adventurers were distinguished
of swooping lines and big fins. It was perfect for MirrorMatic dimmer, power windows, power in the line-up with special colour schemes
the Fifties and perfect for the jet age and was convertible top and tinted glass. only available in black or white. This example
built for the ‘super-highway’, it was a flagship car The car offers as much go as show, for is painted in a rich black finish, beautifully
for – as Chrysler put it – “kings, potentates and beneath that beautiful hood is a 350bhp V8 accentuated by the gold-stamped aluminium
maharajas” and one of these very special vehicles motor, topped with dual-quad carbs, the 383cu side sweep, anodised gold radiator grilles and
will be going under the hammer at the 2021 in V8 Wedge engine features a dual-point rear quarter-panel emblems. The car rides on
Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. distributor and dual exhausts. The transmission is chromed and golden turbine-style wheel covers
Offered with no reserve at the auction, now a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic ’box which wrapped in whitewall tyres.
rescheduled to March, this DeSoto Adventurer is operated by push-button controls on the dash. For more information or to bid, go to www.
convertible is one of just 97 built in 1959. This Additionally, the Adventurer features Torsion-Aire Barrett-Jackson.com

Adventurer – the epitome

of Mopar Fifties fins.

6 classic-american.com
 First Mustang Mach-Es
arrive in Europe

From Mexico...

The first deliveries of the Mustang deliveries in Norway, as the country

Mach-E have arrived in Europe, is currently leading the rest of the
Norway to be precise, as these world in EV adoption, as all-electric
picture of still-wrapped Mach- vehicles represented 40% of new
Es rolling across a snow-filled car sales in 2019. Compare this
landscape proves. This delivery figure with the US, where just
arrived in Antwerp, Belgium at around 2% of buyers opted for an
the beginning of December as electric vehicle last year.
part of a large shipment
that came from Veracruz,
Mexico, a few hours away
from where the Mach-E
is produced at the Ford
Cuautitlán Assembly Plant.
It makes a lot of sense for
Ford to prioritise Mach-E

... to Norway...

... via Antwerp!

Bond beauty sets record

A beautifully restored 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 convertible,
which had a starring role in the classic Bond film On Her
Majesty’s Secret Service, stirred the Bonhams Bond Street Sale
of motor cars on December 16, selling for £356,500 – more than
twice its pre-sale estimate and setting a new auction world
record for the model.

classic-american.com 7
 News
Classic
American JAPANESE
JIMMY
Japanese styling house Mitsuoka has taken
a Suzuki Rav4, restyled it as the ‘Buddy’ and
come up with something that looks like… well,
an Eighties Chevrolet K5 Blazer, complete with
big thick chrome bumper, stacked headlamps
and chunky tyres with poverty-spec dog dish
hub caps. You can forget a V8 – only a 2.0-litre,
four-cylinder turbo petrol motor or a 2.5-litre,
four-wheel-drive hybrid motor are available.
Mitsuoka are probably best known in the UK for
their restyled Nissan Micras which were known
as the Figaro and were a big grey import hit a
decade ago. Don’t expect to see any on sale new
here, although their allocation for sales to the US
Retro Chevy styling. for 2021 sold out within weeks!

Steeda Bullitt – due to be a worldwide hit!

More than 50 years since it was aired, the Bullitt Mustangs feature substantially badging inside and out and the convenience
film Bullitt has now become an all-time revised suspension upgrades, derived of gas bonnet struts. Owners also receive
favourite of motorheads, starring as it does from more than 30 years of developing a letter of vehicle authenticity, an exclusive
Steve McQueen and one very iconic Ford Ford Mustangs. Its ‘Stop the Hop’ package Steve McQueen Edition baseball cap and
– the Mustang Fastback – in probably one comprises the Steeda IRS alignment and key fob as well as a signed and numbered
of the most famous car chase scenes on subframe bushing system, IRS subframe Steve McQueen Edition Bullitt print by
the silver screen. Paying homage to such a braces, vertical links and rear adjustable Camilo Pardo. For those seeking more,
well-known film star car, the world’s largest toe links. By stiffening and aligning the rear Steeda has created a list of desirable
aftermarket Ford tuner Steeda has partnered subframe, the set-up minimises IRS frame options that can be fitted at any time. These
with Chad McQueen, Steve McQueen’s son, movement and wheel hop that impacts this include a Stage Two 800bhp supercharger
to reinterpret the Bullitt Mustang for the generation of Ford Mustang. With billet steel kit, green Alcantara wheel, 3.1kg lighter
modern era, creating the snappily named bushing sleeves and spacers, deflection is and free-flowing H-pipe exhaust designed
Steeda Steve McQueen Limited Edition reduced crucially without compromising to specifically accentuate the classic V8
Bullitt Mustang. And now, the first British NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). The rumble, plus the option to delete the rear
customer has taken delivery from Steeda’s overall result is increased traction to the rear seats and add a colour-coded half roll cage
latest and preferred dealer, Sandicliffe Ford. wheels, straighter launches off the line and a with embroidered harness belts. Fancy a
Produced to celebrate the eponymous noticeable gain in overall vehicle handling. Steeda Steve McQueen Limited Edition
film, its star, Steve McQueen, and the Making the most of the Ford MagneRide Bullitt Mustang of your own?
iconic Ford Mustang, just 300 Steeda Steve dampers, Steeda has opted for its Visit: www.steeda.co.uk
McQueen Limited Edition Bullitt Mustangs latest, track-proven, Dual Rate Ultimate
will be built globally, with fewer than 100 still Performance springs that offer comfort on
available. Based on the MY2018+ S550 Ford the road while still providing increased roll
Mustang Bullitt Edition, and built with the control and reduced nosedive on circuit.
sole intention to match the original formula All cars also receive Steeda’s Tri-Ax shifter,
of being understated, yet performance- which is machined from billet and delivers a
focused, Steeda has substantially revised 30% shorter throw and more precise
the Mustang to stay true to the ethos of gear-shifting action.
the original car. The first UK customer While the main focus has been on the
order, the sixth car sold in Europe, and engine, drivability and performance upgrades
the second fitted with a supercharger, has to transform the driving experience, Steeda
just been delivered to its owner, complete has introduced a number of restrained and
with a range of Steeda-packaged power, subtle visual upgrades that enhance the
suspension and driver-centric performance understated, cool stance. These include a
upgrades. Under the bonnet, the first UK car new aggressive front bumper, Steeda’s 10in-
features a supercharged 720bhp Stage One and 11in-wide 20in wheel design in gunmetal
Bullitt upgrade; adding a 3.0-litre custom and a polished finish – exclusive to the Steve
and coloured-coded Whipple twin screw McQueen Edition Bullitt. These are fitted with
supercharger, and 10-rib belt pulley system 275/35/20 and 305/35/20 Michelin Pilot Sport
to the original 5.0-litre naturally aspirated 4S tyres, providing a larger contact patch
V8 engine. It is also fitted with Ford than the 255 and 275 OEM fitment to cope
Performance 1500bhp-rated half shaft axles, with the extra power and handling prowess,
which are standard fit for all cars fitted with as well as adding to the aggressive stance Only 300 Steeda Steve
a supercharger kit. and muscular look. McQueen Limited Edition
All Steeda Steve McQueen Limited Edition Finishing touches include subtle McQueen Bullitt Mustangs are to be built.

8 classic-american.com
 A vast improvement on a Rav4!

Blink and you’d think

it was a Blazer or a Jimmy!

classic-american.com 9
 MEET THE CONTRIBUTOR
Classic
American
News
– Mike Renaut –
In the first of a new regular section, Classic American reveals the writers
and photographers creating the features you enjoy…
When I became a freelance the enormous back seat. Years later – and I was exposed to a massive
writer in 2010 following a another neighbour had a gold amount of American car culture.
background in journalism, 1978 Seville and a white 1960 Most Classic American readers can
radio presentation and local Sedan deVille his wife drove daily. likely relate…
TV it was Classic American I’d walk the long way home just to My interest heightened when
magazine I was especially see them. A kid at school somehow I realised older American cars
keen to write for. My first had access to the new Matchbox were often styled for one year
ever memory involves cars pre-release and, naturally, the only, making precise identification
American cars – an uncle American ones such as the ’83 between, say, a ’56 and a ’57
visiting in his circa 1973 Corvette, Lincoln Continental Dodge extremely easy. I couldn’t
LTD Country Squire and and ’57 Thunderbird were do that with a Morris Minor. The
me running my tiny hand my favourites. American cars just looked and
along the wood side trim. I had a large collection of models sounded better than anything else
Apparently I was about 10 – and still do. Add to that Seventies around and my passion for them
months old. car chase movies such as Dirty has never left me. I’m lucky to have
A neighbour owned two Mary, Crazy Larry, Gumball Rally built an enjoyable career involving
Back in 2015 I danced
through a Matt Richardson
late Sixties Cadillac limousines. and Carquake that I taped on our classic cars. It’s impossible to pick
photoshoot as a joke, the They took up four spaces outside new VHS recorder – along with all a favourite, but I’d certainly find
photo somehow ended up on her house and her son and I would those car-related TV shows like Fall space for a 1961 Coupe deVille or
the contents page… play with our Hot Wheels cars on Guy, CHiPs, Dukes and Knight Rider ’59 Electra!

Win a Shelby Cobra 427 Handsome Shelby

Cobra...

S/C identical to the ones

in Le Mans ’66 Christian Bale.

Charity platform Omaze has partnered with

Superformance to gift one of the iconic cars from
the same stable as those featured in Le Mans ’66,
a Shelby Cobra 427 S/C. One lucky winner will
be awarded this legendary driving machine in
addition to being gifted $20,000. All proceeds of
the sweepstakes will go towards Team IMPACT, Matt
an American non-profit organisation that aims to Damon.
connect children with chronic or life-threatening
illnesses with a safe and supportive environment.
The Shelby Cobra 427 S/C built by
Superformance has been designed and created
to the exact specifications of the 1965 Shelby
Cobra 427 Roadster. This iconic vehicle features
a Shelby 468 cubic inch V8 engine mated to a
Tremec five-speed manual transmission. With a ...whupped those
maximum of 550 horsepower and 580ft-lb of Italian boys!
torque, the Shelby Cobra is outfitted with supple
black leather racing bucket seats, offering the
driver an authentic Shelby driving experience.
Team IMPACT works to create a way
to promote healthy social and emotional
development in children who have been
diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness. The
sweepstakes close January 28, 2021 with the
winner being announced on February 17, 2021.
For more information regarding Omaze and the
chance to win a Superformance Shelby Cobra
427 S/C and $20,000 from just $10, visit:
www.omaze.com/products/shelby-cobra

10 classic-american.com
 Gene’s last Goodwood Festival
Classic of Speed in 2009 in ex-Dale
American
News
Earnhardt Chevy Nova.

GENE FELTON
1936-2020
Steve Havelock looks back on the life of
American racing driver Gene Felton…

We are sad to report the passing with the US Marines in Okinawa,

of gifted American racing driver Japan. Once home he started car
and race car restorer Gene Felton racing in hill climbs and on short
at the age of 84. Gene was a track ovals before finding his forte Camaro won the 1972 IMSA Am race he ever entered. In ’84,
regular at the Goodwood Festival on road courses although he did Camel GT series Presidential 250 at prior to his life-changing crash, he
of Speed between 2003 and work his way through the school Daytona International Speedway, won the GTO class in the Daytona
2009, thundering up the hill in his of hard knocks. His favoured beating the factory teams. The 24 Hours, the Sebring 12 Hours, the
NASCARs, which included his ex- weapon of choice was Chevrolet following year, in the same car first Miami Grand Prix and more.
Dale Earnhardt 1977 ‘Goodwrench’ Camaros and Novas which he he won Daytona’s Paul Revere He finished runner-up in the IMSA
Chevy Nova and David Pearson’s mostly built and ran himself. He 250. He was making his mark and championship in spite of missing
1975 ‘Purolator’ Ford Torino. Gene had a successful amateur career many more wins in various series, the latter part of the season.
spoke with a quiet, gravelly voice and in ’67 was crowned a Sports including NASCAR, followed. From At this time, Gene was declared
which was due to his vocal cords Car Club of America regional class 1977 to 1980 he dominated IMSA’s IMSA’s most successful driver with
being damaged, along with life champion. Between ’64 and ’69 he Kelly American Challenge Series 46 wins and 73 pole positions from
threatening neck and spine injuries notched up 42 wins. He won two and was champion four times on 132 starts.
in an accident during the 1984 more class championships in ’71 the trot in his Nova. In 1982 Gene Gene largely recovered from his
Trans Am race at Riverside. and competed in NASCAR’s Grand came over to the Le Mans 24 Hours injuries and raced professionally
Gene hailed from Atlanta, American series, claiming three top with his Camaro and against all the for a couple more years. He also
Georgia and started racing five finishes. Turning professional, odds, finished second in the GTO started buying, selling and restoring
motorcycles in 1959 while serving in only his third race he and his class. In ’83 he won the first Trans stock cars. In 1992 he founded the
Historic Stock Car Race series and
Gene’s first GWFOS in 2003 in his was the Historic Sportscar Racing
ex-David Pearson Ford Torino.
Sprint Challenge champion. He
subsequently won scores of historic
races. In 2005 he was inducted into
the Georgia Automobile Racing
Hall of Fame having amassed
12 championships and 63 track
records. Gene was self taught,
worked hard, built his own race
cars on a relative shoestring and
regularly beat the high roller factory
teams, all without a big song and
dance. Quite a guy.

12 classic-american.com
 Period ad.

Muscle
car files

1968 GS350 hardtop coupe. 1968 GS400.

Posh muscle – Buick GS

Just about everyone wanted a piece of the muscle car action in 1968, including
GM’s marque Buick, the renowned manufacturer of executive ‘boats’ for lawyers
and doctors. Classic American looks at Flint’s hairy-chested offering…

B
ack in the Sixties and early Seventies it speed manual, but buyers could jazz it up with were relatively heavy compared to stripped-
wasn’t uncommon for teenage boys (and a few ticks on the option sheet for things like out bare bones racers such as the Road Runner
possibly some girls!) to go hang out at a two-speed Super Turbine auto ’box or heavy and the motoring press of the time struggled
their local car dealerships and groove on the far duty three- or four-speed manual transmissions to get them to perform as well on track as had
out and totally awesome muscle cars. They’d with Hurst shifter, or a console and of course been hoped. Motor Trend clocked a quarter-
steal brochures, sit in the cars on the forecourt, bucket seats. Other options included a high mile ET of 16.3 seconds at 88mph in a 4300lb
annoy the salesmen … and dream of owning performance rear axle and suspension system, convertible, while Hot Rod squeezed 14.78 at
and driving these incredible machines. Typically plus ‘rallye kits’. The GS350s were a sales success 94mph in a 3820lb hardtop on the quarter-
they might go and hang out at the Dodge or and sold 8317 cars, more than double the mile. Buick paid attention to the observations
Plymouth dealership, Chevy or Pontiac or even previous year’s 1967 GS40 model, which had and offered from January 1968 ‘Stage 1’ and
Ford… but Buick? “No way man, that’s way too only sold 3692 models. ‘Stage 2’ performance packages that offered
square, that’s where my granpops gets his Electra If the GS350 was Buick’s muscle car offering factory cold air induction set-ups, along with
every three years, or Ma her station wagon… !” for novices, then the GS400 was for the buyer grooved main bearings, headers, special intake
That all changed with the introduction of who wanted to get serious. This GS offered manifolds, forged aluminium pistons and valve
GM’s handsome new A-bodies which were buyers the 340bhp version of the 400cu in V8 train upgrades.
rolled out in 1968. Built on 112-inch wheelbase motor that had been introduced the previous The GS series was a hit which Buick was able
chassis, Buick’s version, the Skylark, like all year. Looking similar to its sibling GS350, it also to build on in future years and proved that Buick
the other divisions, had a ‘hot’ version in the offered similar transmission options. Two body was capable of building more than solid, reliable
shape of the GS (Olds had the 442 version of its styles were available, a hardtop ($3127) and a and discreetly luxurious offerings like the Electra,
Cutlass, Pontiac the GTO version of its Le Mans convertible ($3271) and the GS400 proved more Riviera or Le Sabre. And it wasn’t a flash in the
etc.). Buick wasn’t the obvious destination for popular in terms of sales than its sibling, selling pan; Buick’s T-Type offering of the Eighties and,
someone seeking out a fire-breathing muscle a total of 13,197 cars (10,743 hardtops/2454 most famously, its Grand National and GNX
car, but Buick stepped up to the plate with some convertibles). actually made it the purveyor of one of the most
pretty hot, exciting interpretations of its Skylark. The only trouble with these cars was that they outstanding performance cars 20 years later.
The 1968 GS350 Sport Coupe offered a
budget entry into the muscle car world, starting
at $2926 and came equipped with a four-barrel
350cu in V8, which in Gran Sport mode offered
280bhp and 375ft-lb of torque. Exterior-wise,
muscle car cues included a subtle hood scoop
at the rear of the bonnet, simulated air scoops
behind the front wheels, GS badges and rear
fender-skirt delete (of course!). Not bad for a
car that was more associated with suburban
Moms’ weekly shopping trips… The GS350
came standard with a column-shifted three-
1968 GS400 convertible.
 Richard Heseltine

From
here to
obscurity

Chevrolet Astro III

America’s answer to the Reliant Robin... or futuristic ‘moonshot’ of the
automotive world using turbine technology that was never to be? Either way,
Richard Heseltine thinks Chevy’s Astro III was truly out of this world…

T
he Sixties saw a raft of starry-eyed futurists 250-C18 gas turbine that purportedly A business jet without wings?
insist that gas turbines were destined to produced 317bhp and was intended for
usurp the internal combustion engine. use in helicopters (Allison was a subsidiary
Chrysler in particular was evangelical about of GM). Power was transmitted to the rear
this method of propulsion. General Motors also wheels via a Hydra-Matic transmission.
experimented, not least with turbine-equipped The styling was apparently inspired
commercial vehicles which it promised would be by contemporary business jets, and
hitting the highways by 1971. And then there incorporated a lift-up canopy for means
was this: a turbine-powered trike which, GM of access. This design element was almost
reasoned, is what the future was crying out for. obligatory for concept cars in period, as
Except, strictly speaking, the Chevrolet Astro III was the use of joystick controls. With the
wasn’t a three-wheeler. Sort of. Ish. It all rather powered canopy raised, the pilot and co-pilot sense. The front wheels were mounted so close
depends on your level of pedantry. were then obliged to get their bums into the together as to be almost rubbing against each
Reputedly the brainchild of John DeLorean, ‘elevator seats’ which then lowered them into other. Apparently, for reasons we don’t even
this bizarre contraption followed on from two position with the touch of a button. The angle begin to comprehend, when two wheels are a
prior Astro concept queens, the first of which of the seats could be described as ‘semi-repose’ certain distance apart they qualify as one… This
was a Corvair-based machine, the other a in true fighter-aircraft style. Rear visibility was wasn’t a drivable prototype, mind. In concept car
gorgeous mid-engined would-be Corvette. The at something of a premium given the lack of parlance, it was a ‘pusher’.
last show-stopper in the trilogy was something a rear screen, but fortunately Astro III came Oddly, Astro III made few show appearances in
else entirely. Unveiled at the 1969 Chicago equipped with a rear camera and a TV monitor. period. It didn’t signal the end of GM’s interest in
Auto Show, Astro III employed an Allison Type The rectangular headlights, meanwhile, were three-wheelers, though. The GM 511 Commuter
concealed in the flanks and popped was released that same year, complete with a
out when needed. lift-up canopy but a rather more conventional
Weighing in at 892kg (1966lb), 1.1-litre Opel four-banger in place of a turbine.
and barely 0.9m (3ft) off the deck, Scroll forward to 1983, and the unofficially
this was a radical-looking device dubbed ‘Lean Machine’ was unleashed. Powered
for sure, but performance figures by a two-cylinder engine (of Honda origins), the
were conspicuously absent from PR whole body learned into corners. It subsequently
bumf of the period. It is also worth appeared in sci-fi action movie Demolition Man.
mentioning that, contrary to reports As for Astro III, it survived the scrapman’s
from the time, Astro III wasn’t torch and is currently in the keep of the GM
Credit: GM Heritage a three-wheeler in the strictest Heritage collection.

Richard Heseltine’s weird and wonderful American cars from the past.
 1981 Dodge Aries K.
Huw Evans

Across
the pond

Images: FCA
Iacocca with Dodg
e 400.

Remembering
the K-Car
Evans looks back to the
humble compacts that
saved Chrysler…

F
orty years ago, Chrysler’s future as an
automaker was far from certain. The mid-
to-late Seventies had seen Detroit’s number
three stumble from one disaster to the next.
Its new line of full-size cars introduced for the
Plymouth Reliant.
1974 model year (just as OPEC shut off the gas
taps) could not have been more poorly timed
and ageing intermediates did not help either. Despite their compact dimensions, these 400/600, Chrysler E-Class, New Yorker and
The introduction of the 1976 Dodge Aspen and humble coupes, sedans and wagons boasted Plymouth Caravelle.
Plymouth Volare, which quickly became the roomy interiors thanks to front-wheel drive Additionally, Iacocca’s old friend Carroll Shelby
most recalled cars in America, further added and supremely comfortable seats. Power decided to get in on the action, offering souped-
to the woes, while dealers were becoming came initially from a 2.2-litre Chrysler four- up versions of the Daytona and Lancer models,
more and more disenfranchised, often finding cylinder or a 2.6-litre Mitsubishi-sourced four as well as the smaller Dodge Shadow (introduced
themselves having to provide customers with with a hemispherical combustion chamber for ’87). By 1988, the original Dodge Aries and
rebates in order to dispose of cars that neither (something Chrysler was quick to capitalise on). Plymouth Reliant were starting to show their age
the automaker nor its customers really wanted. Transmissions comprised three- and four-speed and quietly bowed out in 1989, replaced by the
No question, Chrysler was on the verge of manuals as well as a TorqueFlite three-speed larger, more contemporary and better-equipped
bankruptcy. And then something happened. automatic. More powerful turbocharged engines Dodge Spirit and Plymouth Acclaim (which were
Henry Ford II fired Lee Iacocca, who saw an followed, as did an ever-growing list of new also K-Car derivatives).
opportunity to turn ailing Chrysler around. With models spun off this incredibly versatile platform. Today, four decades after they first debuted,
federal government secured loans, Iacocca, By 1984, the K-Car models represented half the unassuming K-Cars are becoming
installed as the new chairman, began a massive of all Chrysler Corporation profits. The following increasingly recognised for the important role
restructuring of the company – centred around year, when the two original models were given they played in saving Chrysler Corporation
an entirely new product portfolio. Truth be a facelift, almost the entire range of Chrysler, and the survivors cherished by a loyal (and
told, the K-Car programme was already under Dodge and Plymouth vehicles contained models growing) band of followers who understand their
development when Iacocca joined Chrysler, and derived from the original K-Cars. These included significance. So, if you fancy an affordable entry
when the humble Dodge Aries and Plymouth the sporty Chrysler Laser and Dodge Daytona into the world of classic American motoring that
Reliant debuted as ’81 models, sales were coupes, the brand new five-door Chrysler is distinctive, practical and fuel-efficient, you
actually fairly slow. Yet, Iacocca’s knack for savvy LeBaron GTS and Dodge Lancer; the uptown could do a lot worse than snap up a surviving
marketing and a series of commercials that put Chrysler LeBaron and Town & Country sedans, K-Car. Plus, if you want to add a bit of sportiness
him in the spotlight, with slogans like: “If you coupes, convertibles and wagons; the ground- or luxury, there are still a whole host of variations
can find a better car, buy it!” resonated with breaking Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager from the basic theme to choose from – cars that
consumers. And ultimately, so did the cars. minivans, as well as others such as the Dodge really do suit just about any taste and budget.

Huw Evans – news & views from North America

classic-american.com 19
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Classic
Classic American magazine, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ
STAR
Camaro as Ian bought it... Letter
American

Mail TONY’S
FINALE
Dear Classic American, of its return to the road, but with
Earlier this year I had the pleasure of perseverance and lots of tea, piece by
meeting Classic American’s very own piece the car came back together.
Tony Oksien while on a run to Hayling The drama, doubt, empty pockets,
Island. We chewed the fat for an hour blood, sweat and cursing was all
or so, talking all things classic, while forgotten the day I held the MoT ... and following a ...
I scoffed my bacon sarnie and Tony certificate in my hands, and the sense
took a good look at my car. Imagine my of achievement when the window is
surprise then, when I turned to Muscle wound down and the V8 soundtrack is
Car Files in your December issue to playing brings a smile to my face every
find my 1970 Camaro in Tony’s feature – time. So my message to those who are
having always wanted to bless the pages still fighting with their project cars is:
of your fine publication! stick with them, drink tea and carry on,
The car was first registered in the you won’t regret it! If any readers know
UK in 1972 and from the fragments of anything of my car before 2009 I’d love to
information I have I believe it spent time hear from you (email ian.cowan@hotmail.
in Kent, South Wales, South Yorkshire, co.uk). Keep firing on all eight!
Dorset, London and Leicestershire before Ian Cowan
coming to rest in the North East where I Newbury, Berkshire
bought the car in 2009.
Boldly stepping into the unknown Congratulations on such a lovely car that’s
(having bought with my heart and not my turned out so well, you are justifiably
head), I quickly realised that the car was proud and it’s a credit to your efforts.
rotten and needed everything. With welder Unfortunately Tony passed away recently,
in hand and no previous experience, I set so that piece he wrote on your car was
about a seven-year restoration, finally the last thing he did for Classic American
returning the Camaro to the road in and was a great testament to his skill and
2017. The learning curve was steep, as expertise in the field of American muscle ... long restoration.
Anyone know its history?
was the very real doubt of the possibility cars and Mopars in particular.

Where is DLN 232J

Fond farewell
now?

Dear Classic American, Today, Tony was laid to rest. Due to

I met Tony Oksien more than 40 years Covid restrictions, only 30 people could
ago, we became firm friends who attend his funeral. I, along with Nipper
weaved in and out of each other’s lives. (who is recovering from a terrible bike
Although our contact wasn’t always accident he had in the summer) were
regular, whenever we got together both proud and privileged to be a part
or chatted, it was like we had only of Tony’s day. Although it poured down
spoken the day before. A kind and soft all day, there was no way we weren’t
gentleman, with a passion for Mopar going in my Charger. So after picking
that matched my own, we came up with Nipper up, we headed to the church.
the idea of starting a Mopar show run
by the MMA (Mopar Muscle Association)
Tony’s family really did him proud
considering how difficult the day was.
‘Where are they now?’ dept.
which he’d founded. Tony and I put our Joe, Tony’s son, spoke with pride for his Dear Classic American,
heads together and after a lot of time dad and I know Tony would have been I am trying to locate my late father-in-law’s car, which he
and hard work, we had organised what proud of him. brought into the UK from the US back in 1971, and had until
is now known as the annual Chryslers Keep it Mopar my friend… and save the early Nineties. It was a white 1965 Rambler station wagon
at Brooklands event, which was set up me a parking space. DLN 232J. The DVLA says the car is now red and the last
around 16 years ago. Derek Carter logbook was issued in 2014.
The show was a success and went MMA public relations officer I was hoping your readers might be able to help with the
from strength to strength, there is no MMA South London and Surrey Area car’s whereabouts.
doubt that without Tony’s help and Rep Andy Perhar
support, it wouldn’t have got off to Via email
such a successful start. I have so many Unfortunately Derek’s tribute arrived after
memories and tales of times with Tony our January issue containing our tribute to Well Andy, we’ll put it out there and hopefully some reader will
but they are in my head and heart, I Tony had gone to press, but we still wanted know the whereabouts of your late father-in-law’s car and tell us
couldn’t begin to put them into words. to include it in this month’s magazine. so we can pass the information on to you.

22 classic-american.com
classic-american.com 23
 Email us at: [email protected] or write to:
Classic American magazine, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ
Classic
American

Mail ONE MAN’S SORROW,

Toyota Sequoia...
ANOTHER’S JOY
Dear Classic American,
I have been an avid reader of
Classic American since its inception
and have owned many American
vehicles over the years, including
the GMC truck in last December’s
issue. I thought that you and the
current owner would like to know
how he came to buy the truck
from the paint shop and not me
as the former owner. He mentions
this in the article, that I purchased
... born the truck on eBay around 10 years
in the USA! ago. It was a wonderful old beast
with an originality many could
Japanese only dream of; it had that genuine
tired surface rust and sun-bleached John and his

American patina you only ever get once –

there is never ever a substitute.
Caddy, patina’d
of course.
Dear Classic American, I used the pick-up to travel
I enjoyed your pick-up special back and forth to my scrap metal and where not to paint, with strict original – they may as well have
in the December issue, but business in Shildon, County (and when I say strict, I mean painted it sky blue with yellow
was a little perplexed by Mike Durham during the good weather. categorically instructing them) not dots! To say my heart sank is an
McCrindle’s letter asking why I loved it as it was and then I made to touch the interior, which was understatement; I felt as if I were
the Toyota Tundra wasn’t the worst decision I could ever have to remain as when it had been drowning. Then I opened the
included in that feature. I guess made, by getting some paintwork parked up in a barn. When I left driver’s door, they had repaired and
like most people, I only consider carried out. I drove the truck to the it with them, I even asked them painted the step, as I requested,
the big three (Ford, GM & FCA/ paint shop and on delivery walked not let any of the apprentices even but had also painted the dash. But
Chrysler) to be ‘American’… but around the truck and explained touch it. they hadn’t stopped there, they
he has a point, those Toyotas exactly what I wanted – for the As I was busy at work then, had even painted the steering
are manufactured in the US and colour to match as near as possible I would ring occasionally for wheel, yes the steering wheel, and
are only for that market. Still, I the original and where to paint updates, but had been unable to gear knob. I felt physically sick and
suppose, by that measure you visit to check on the progress being was devastated.
could soon be including Toyota made. Weeks went by and then I went totally ballistic and how
Camrys and Honda Accords, the phone rang and I was told the blows weren’t dealt, I will never
which are also manufactured pick-up was ready. To say I was know, my blood still boils now just
in the US for that market, or excited was an understatement. I thinking about it.
BMWs and Volkswagens, who’ve thought: “At last, let it be as good I told the flatbed driver to take
had factories there for decades. as promised!” OMG, I remember it away and I got my money from
Probably won’t go down too it like yesterday – it was a lovely them and the rest is in the Classic
well with the readership though! fine day and the recovery truck American feature. I’m so pleased
Funnily enough I spotted this pulled into my yard… with my that Adrian and Denise love the
Toyota Sequoia parked up unrecognisable truck on the back. truck and I hope they keep it for
around the corner from my “Unrecognisable?” I hear you many years to come and leave their
house the other day; it’s the say. It was unrecognisable; to own loving patina on it. They are
SUV version of the Tundra and start off with, it was a completely lucky, because if the body shop
dwarfs everything else on the different colour green from the hadn’t messed up, it would never
road nearby! Adrian and have been for sale!
Kevin McAfee Denise Backhouse. John Cumberland
via email Rushyford, County Durham

Hmmm, Toyota Camrys and We’re sure that Adrian and Denise
Honda Accords in Classic will be interested in hearing this back
American… even 40-year-old story to their pick-up, which probably
ones would undoubtedly go down they would never have known unless
like a sack of sick! Many of these John had got in touch. Patina and
American Japanese imports have originality are easily painted over
ended up here just as their classic and it may be difficult for some body
American predecessors did in the shops to understand that owners
Fifties and Sixties – imported by would prefer their cars left looking
US servicemen and left behind Shiny green as original as possible, rather than
when they return to the US! 1957 GMC. covered in shiny new paint!

24 classic-american.com
 Riviera
1972 Buick

Bu ic k R iv ie ra was
a u t if u l b o a tt ailed 1972 , Adam
This be n c a r ro o kie
ir ed la s t y e a r by America p y waters
acqu ing o r c h o p
r ce . W a s it a ll plain sail Editor Ben
Pea ca r o w ne r ?
t h is fir s t -t im e American
for son finds out…
K le m en z

lemenzson
Words: Ben K ood
nathan Fleetw
Photography: Jo

classic-american
 Adam Pearce behind
the wheel.

S
ometimes, as a motoring journalist, when
Mechanical cruise control. you’re writing about a particular car it can
be quite difficult to know what to write
about if the owner doesn’t know a lot about their
car, or if they just don’t have much to say about
the whole experience of owning an American
car… Luckily, in this case, not only has this car
been on my radar since it appeared at Historics
Auctions as part of an American car collection
going under the hammer in July 2019, but
coincidentally so has its owner, Adam Pearce. I
first met Adam on the Classic American stand at
the NEC Classic Motor Show in November 2019,
where he was admiring Nick Barnes’ Car of the
Year heat-winning ’67 Riviera …. How strange
then that these two parallels should align and
Four-barrel 454cu in V8. combine, as Adam had attended that Historics
auction and ended up buying that very 1972
Buick Riviera.
Meeting Nick Barnes at the NEC and talking to
him about his Riviera (Nick also owns a boattail
Riviera, as well as the ’67) was fortuitous for
Adam, as he’s kept in touch with him and Nick
has even set up a WhatsApp group for fellow
Riviera owners to share ideas, tips and technical
advice, as well as more social communications
about which shows they’re going to and so
on. It’s these sorts of platforms, as well as
the owners’ groups on Facebook and online
forums, that make owning an American car so
much easier now than, say, 20 years ago when
social media was all but non-existent – you can
communicate with large groups of fellow car
owners in real time and share information and
help each other.
Buying the car at auction was something that
Adam described as “transformational” and he
spent three-and-a-half hours going over the car

28 classic-american.com
 Work undertaken
Since acquiring the car, Adam has undertaken a lot of work on it and has kept a
meticulous record of all the work he’s tackled. It probably seems like a lot, but when
you consider the car would appear to have spent a lot of its life immobile as part of a
collection, it’s easy to understand these are all jobs required.

■ Front springs replaced. ■ Air cleaner filter replaced

■ Rear springs replaced. (with K&N.)
■ Front shocks replaced. ■ Air cleaner refurbished.
■ Rear shocks replaced. ■ Rear speakers replaced.
■ Oil replaced. ■ Window winders replaced.
■ Transmission oil replaced. ■ Clock upgraded to Quartz movement.
■ Differential oil replaced. ■ Wiper blades changed.
■ Oil filter changed. ■ Oil pressure gauge hose replaced.
■ Spark plugs changed. ■ Engine bay repainted.
Chrome sport wheels. ■ All belts replaced. ■ Underside of hood stripped and
■ Full bespoke stainless steel exhaust repainted.
fitted. ■ Door strikers replaced.
■ Full beam headlights upgraded to H4 ■ Hood bumpers replaced.
bulbs. ■ Coolant system super flushed and
■ Electronic ignition fitted. coolant replaced.
■ Thermostatic bypass hose replaced. ■ New floor mats from Auto Custom
■ Pre-heat hose replaced. Carpets.
■ Fuel sending unit replaced. ■ New console from Classic Consoles.
■ Fuel cap replaced. ■ Hidden Bluetooth module fitted.
■ Trunk seal replaced. ■ All hoses and clips replaced (coolant,
■ Hood seal replaced. heater, air cleaner and EVAP).
■ Underseal applied. ■ Master brake cylinder replaced.
■ Valve cover gaskets replaced. ■ Rear brakes completely replaced.
■ Valve covers refurbished. ■ Front brake rotors and calipers
■ Valve cover clamps fitted. replaced.

before the auction, to make sure it was as good Adam’s Riviera has quite a few desirable An interesting history
as it looked and sounded on paper. So what did options, though perhaps not all the ones you’d Interestingly, Adam, who works in IT, has been
Adam get his hands on? Well, this Riviera is a big expect. The original buyer chose the Burnished able to do some online research on the history of
boat of a car (no pun intended) – 218 inches Bronze colour, as well as air conditioning ($431), his car and was able to find quite a lot out about
long from stem to stern, sitting on a 122in power seats ($205), cruise control and AM/FM it, especially its first owner, Wayne Walters, who
wheelbase. Weighing in at 4554lb, these were stereo, but no power windows. Those handsome was a teacher in Flint, Michigan. Wayne’s father
pretty heavy cars that required the big-block five-spoke chrome sport wheels were a $70 had worked for GM’s Fisher Bodies Division in
455cu in V8s they were fitted with to drag them option and Rivieras came standard with tilt Flint and on discovering that the operations
around and things like power steering and power steering wheels and the problematic ‘Full-Flo’ were to be discontinued, he decided to buy a
brakes were standard as quite frankly it would ventilation system of the previous year – which Riviera. In a way, the purchase was an homage
be impossible to steer or stop a car this size and had caused water leaks in the boot – was to his father and was part of a small collection
weight without some sort of power assistance. dropped. At $200 the Gran Sport option looks of cars he owned until he passed away and the
The engine is rated at 250bhp, in accordance amazing value, offering as it did an extra 10bhp car was sold. Adam was able to speak to Wayne’s
to the new ‘net horsepower’ ratings that were and positive traction diff. With only 97,000 miles brother-in-law, who was also the executor of his
introduced from 1972. The only transmission on the clock, the big Riv’ looks to have led a estate and hence familiar with the car and its
available was GM’s sturdy TH400 auto ’box fairly pampered life (especially if it spent most history and even sent him an original stock bond
and there were plenty of options available as of it in Michigan), having had a respray, or the certificate for Fisher Bodies which had belonged
you’d expect for upmarket buyers of a car like paint relacquered at the very least… to Wayne’s father.
this. With a starting price of $5149 (bearing in
mind an Electra Custom Limited Hardtop sedan
could be had for only $90 less, or an entry-level
Cadillac Calais for $622 more) these Rivs were
the top of Buick’s pecking order.

Springs and shocks have

been replaced recently.
classic-american.com 29
 1966 Buick Riviera.
1965 Buick Riviera.

Four seasons of Riviera

The Riviera nameplate as a model made its widely looked upon (even in the usually even beefier offering. The third version of
debut in 1963 as Buick’s personal luxury snooty mainstream classic car arena) as Riviera arrived in 1968 and continued the
offering. These cars were created for being handsome cars, well built and good styling changes of the ’66/’67, growing
wealthy buyers looking for a luxury two- value for many when compared with their chunkier and more muscular, but by 1970,
door coupe in the grand touring tradition. European contemporaries. The second- the Riviera had begun to appear bloated
By the mid-to-late Sixties it was becoming generation Rivieras arrived in 1966 and saw and decadent to many people’s eyes, a bit
a crowded market with Ford offering the the car grow in size, although it still retained like a water bed on wheels, with rear wheel
Thunderbird, Oldsmobile the Toronado and its handsome if somewhat menacing spats and softer styling. Its replacement
Pontiac the Grand Prix, while at the top appearance with its hideaway headlights. in 1971 with the fourth series of Riviera,
end you had the Cadillac Eldorado and the The Gran Sport package which was first with its crisp lines and boattail styling,
Lincoln Mark III. offered on the previous-generation car marked a welcome return to good taste
The first-generation Rivieras are now in ’65 was carried over and made for an and distinctive looks.

1970 Buick Riviera.

1969 Buick Riviera.

1972 was the penultimate year

of the Riviera’s boattail styling.
 Original share certificate
sent to Adam.

After Mr Walters passed away, the car went

to a local consignment dealer who very quickly
moved it on. The third keeper was a British buyer
who used a friend local to the dealer in the US
to facilitate the transaction and shipping, and, Riviera fan: Adam Pearce.
as these things sometimes do, it all became a bit
fractious and problematic. Unbeknown to the status of being part of a collection while in the
dealer or the new owner or the friend facilitating US, would account for some of the work Adam
the purchase the Buick’s fuel gauge didn’t work has had to do on the car in the 18 months he’s
(something that still wasn’t working when had it (you can see a list of all the jobs he’s
Adam acquired the car) so when it conked out tackled in the sidebar on page 29).
on the way to being shipped the assumption Adam explains that although he’s always been
wasn’t that it had run out of fuel, but that it into cars, when he was growing up there was
had broken down… the garage that the car was always a stigma about American cars, usually
taken to then proceeded to replace many parts about their handling. In spite of this, he’s come
of the fuel system, before the actual cause was round to them and realises that handling wasn’t
determined and the Buick’s tank was filled with necessarily what they were built for and reckons
fuel. Unfortunately this drama very early on in they’re pretty good value for money and even
the ownership of the car soured it for the British represent a canny investment that can also be
buyer, who immediately sold it on in 2012 via enjoyed (can’t say that about your ISA, eh?!).
eBay when it arrived in the UK. Because of Covid, Adam has spent more time
The second UK owner was a collector from working on the car (or having it worked on)
Northampton, who eventually put the car up than actually driving it (he’s managed to put
for sale with Historics in July 2019. Cars from a thousand miles on the clock in the past 12
collections may have relatively low mileages months, although he made it along to the
and may appear to be in excellent appearance Horsham Americana in 2019). According to
cosmetically, but if they’re not driven regularly, Adam, one of the nice things about joining the
that in itself can be a problem. The second UK American car community has been meeting
owner only put 900 miles on it in the six years lots of great people, who’ve really made him
he’d owned it, so this, along with its previous feel welcome. Optinal air con.

Auxiliary gauges.

classic-american.com 31
 Adam hopes to put a few more
miles on the Riv’ in 2021.

Buick Riviera Silver Arrow

III concept car.

As a newcomer to American cars Adam interface with other devices, or switching

realised that finding some experienced and the clock to a Quartz movement. Even the
professional businesses to undertake the aftermarket floormats from American Custom
mechanical jobs he couldn’t do Carpets (www.accmats.com) are in the
himself would be a priority. original style and look as if they
This has brought him into were factory fitted.
contact with NAMCO It’s amazing to think
(North American Motor the Riviera is Adam’s
Co. www.namcoamerican.
com) and RPM (www.
first American car – he’s
really jumped in feet first
Boattail beauty
rareperformancemotors. and luckily for him, the There’s no missing a 1972 Buick Riviera,
com), who’ve helped out experience has turned out wearing as it does that distinctive
with various jobs, including to be a happy one. Adam’s boattail styling at the back and that very
the springs and shocks and story proves that if you’ve distinctive V-shaped side-spear that
hence why it may look like it’s ever wondered what it takes to echoes those worn by 1956/1957 Buicks.
sitting a bit high in the pictures get into the American car scene, Penned by Ned Nickles as one of Bill
at the moment, something that then wonder no more: buying, Mitchell’s last hurrah designs at GM, it
will settle down with time. They also owning and running an American car was a controversial design from the
confirmed that his purchase is as nice as he has never been easier, especially now there are get-go. Originally it had been envisioned
thought it was and the goal has been to keep online forums and WhatsApp groups, as well as on a smaller platform, but divisional
the car as original as possible, with occasional plenty of American specialist garages and parts cost savings meant it utilising Buick’s
concessions to modernity, such as the Bluetooth suppliers, all of whom advertise in this magazine. full-size platform.
interface fitted to the original radio so it can What are you waiting for?! Whether it would have been a more
attractive vehicle on a smaller scale is
debatable – the ’63 Corvette, which also
wore a ‘boattail-esque’ back-end and
was another Mitchell-inspired creation, is
almost universally acclaimed as a styling
triumph. Nevertheless, Mitchell’s design
persevered, with 1971 being the purest
form of the design. In 1973 Federal 5mph
bumpers were introduced, which added
almost six inches to either end of the car
and destroyed its painfully crafted profile.
The following year, the boattail styling
was toned down, with it disappearing
entirely by 1974.
Pictured here is the Buick Riviera Silver
Arrow III concept car which foretold
the ’71-’73 Riviera. Lower than the
production car, it sported a cut-down
roof, a B-pillar and triple headlamps to
further enhance the ‘lower, wider’ look.
The Buick side-spear made it on to the
production models, but wasn’t
The original line-up of cars from as exaggerated.
the collection at Historics July
2019 auction. Image: Historics.

32 classic-american.com
classic-american.com 33
34 classic-american.com
1959 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman

This absolute dream of a drive that’s travelled three times across the Atlantic
proved to Mark Spaulding that his DeSoto is definitely a ‘keeper’…
Mark on the road with the
DeSoto and a friend in the
US.
 DeSoto actually offered
an engine called the
Spitfire.

Swing-out seats allowed

ladylike exits.

Words and photography: Zack Stiling

T
his 1959 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman round journey when the convention was held at
represents the pinnacle of Mark Spaulding’s Lake Elmo in Minnesota, which included a stop
car-owning life, and his taste in cars is by en route at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa,
no means narrow. Mark ended up with it after where Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie
a kind of process of elimination, during which Valens played their final concert on February 2,
many other cars were bought, but eventually 1959. “The trip killed the tyres,” Mark recalls,
sold on again. “I’d had examples of all the “and it was something to be doing motorway
British classic makes and worked my way up to a speeds in a car of that age. It was a black car
Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Mk IV.” in the middle of a heatwave and we were all
Having exhausted all the British marques, he literally dripping and trying not to sweat on
decided he’d give American cars a go. “When the upholstery!”
Christine came out, it ignited my passion for a On that occasion, Mark was probably cursing
finned car. Once I’d sold the Rolls, that’s when the original owner who didn’t tick the box for
I could afford to buy one.” Mark bought the air conditioning. This leads Mark to speculate
DeSoto in Missouri in 2008 and has held on to it that it was a Midwest car all its life, since the
ever since. Other Yanks have come and gone in temperatures experienced there tend not to the side. Other options offered on ’59 DeSotos
the meantime, including a Ford F-150 Econoline, reach quite such extreme heights as in many of included a Mirror-Matic self-adjusting rear-view
a GMC Suburban and a 1959 Plymouth Savoy, the Southern States. In other respects, it wasn’t mirror, automatic headlight dimmer and rear air
but the DeSoto was ‘the one’. “I shipped it over under-specified at all, with power-operated suspension, a unique-for-’59 offering. Discreet
to the UK and it stayed here until 2012 when swivel seats, power windows, power steering, rubber-tipped bumper guards were standard on
I shipped it to Florida because I’d bought a power brakes, Solex tinted sun shade, multi-tone Fireflites, but optional on other lines. Thirteen
house there. I eventually sold the house, but I ‘tri-horn’, self-seeking radio, and the eye- accessories which had been optional in 1958
thought there was no way I could sell the car, catching silver-anodised aluminium strip along became standard for 1959.
so I brought it back to the UK in September
2019. There can’t be many cars that have made Mid-century modern and DeSoto.
the crossing three times. Hill Shipping (www.
hillshipping.com) was a pleasure to deal with.”
Sadly, there wasn’t any history with the car
when Mark bought it, although build details
reveal that it left Chrysler’s Jefferson Plant in
Detroit on April 24, 1959. It was in an estate
auction, having belonged to a deceased collector
with an inventory of 28 cars, in which it was
the only DeSoto. Mark tried to look into the
background of the collection, but sadly to
no avail.
Whatever its early life was like, it probably
never had quite such a big adventure as those
it went on when the Spaulding family took it to
the various National DeSoto Club Conventions.
The longest of these road trips was a 3600-mile

38 classic-american.com
 Smart silver-grey vinyl upholstery is Space-age speedo.
mirrored in the dash.

AM-only radio.

Swing out sister!

The car has almost certainly been repainted wheelbase with the Dodge line. DeSoto now
and reupholstered at some point, but it’s never offered three main models, the Firesweep,
had any major sheet-metalwork done and Firedome and top-of-the-range Fireflite, although
the floors are all original, which is impressive there was also the exclusive Adventurer which
considering the terrible reputation late-Fifties sold in extremely limited numbers. Many critics
Mopars had for poor build quality and rust- hailed the ’57s as the best-looking DeSotos yet,
proofing. Mark has still been busy keeping on but the facelift for ’59 improved it even more.
top of it all, though, and in his care it’s had new The interior is beautifully styled, too. The
brakes with a non-original dual-circuit master instrument panel was all-new across the range,
cylinder, a new exhaust and fuel tank and a and the full-width aluminium insert distinguished
transmission rebuild, while the steering box was the Fireflites from the cheaper models. The new
rebuilt by the Lares Corporation, the company horizontal speedometer was a brilliant space-age
who made it originally. touch, as the reading would begin at green up
Out on the road, the DeSoto is a dream, to 30mph, change to yellow up to 50mph, and
delivering a soft, absorbent ride courtesy of the then turn red after that. The padded dash top
Torsion-Aire Ride suspension, with torsion bars at was standard fitment for the first time, except
the front. The V8 burble just permeates through on Firesweeps. However, the dash-mounted
the soundproofing, but is quiet enough to be rear-view mirror remained contentious, with
civilised. “These cars were the predecessors to some drivers complaining it created a blind spot
the muscle cars,” Mark explains. “This has the to the right.
383, which uses the same block as the 440 of
Chargers and Road Runners 10 years later. These
things were monsters of the road. Imagine a car, Interior is still original.
at that time, that could pull away like this and
get you up to 120mph.” The lighter Fireflites
could reach 60mph in only seven seconds.
Chances are, you won’t come across another
’59 Fireflite hardtop coupe in this country.
Production for the year only reached 1393. As
a member of the National DeSoto Club, Mark
says there are only 14 registered with the club,
and it estimates there are no more than 50
survivors worldwide.
The 1959 DeSotos were really the last
great effort from the 30-year-old marque.
The cars were very good-looking, especially in
sinister black hardtop coupe guise, being the
culmination of Virgil Exner’s ‘Forward Look’
styling. The ’59 platform had been introduced
for 1957, retaining its 126in wheelbase, except
for the Firesweep, which shared a 122in

classic-american.com 39
 Stylish ’50s ad aimed
at
Two years later women.
DeSoto was
gone.

The Fireflite range consisted of six body styles, 383cu in V8 motor.

in order of ascending price: four-door sedan,
Sportsman hardtop coupe, Sportsman hardtop
sedan, convertible, Shopper six-passenger
wagon and Explorer nine-passenger wagon. A
coupe like Mark’s would have cost $3831 before
options. In addition to the great styling, ’59s
were further enhanced by the debut of the 383
RB V8 which was standard fitment on all DeSotos
except the Firesweep, which still benefited from
an upgrade to the 361. Fireflites enjoyed a four-
barrel carburettor and optional dual-exhaust
pipes. Coupled with the TorqueFlite push-button
three-speed automatic, standard fitment on the
Fireflite, the result was an outstandingly powerful
and smooth-driving car.
Motor Life’s road test of the 1959 Fireflite
was very positive, championing its “excellent
roadability”, “high degree of riding comfort”
and “increased responsiveness offered by larger
engines”. Addressing the matter of poor build
quality, Motor Life wrote: “Steps to correct this
situation were taken during 1958 and efforts
have been intensified for the new model year.
If the Fireflite tested is any criterion, the quality
upgrading program has been successful in
several important areas.
“One of these is improved sealing against
water leaks… the test car went through a
veritable cloudburst without a drop of water
leaking into the passenger compartment or
trunk.” Sadly, Motor Life’s conclusion was Recessed door handles.
nothing like prophecy when it said: “If quality
can be kept to the same standards as the Fireflite also had an effect on sales, and the rumours
tested, there should be no reason this Chrysler transpired to be true. DeSoto couldn’t
division can’t improve sales substantially over the justify itself with such low sales figures, and
dismal 1958 showing.” the recession-stricken market was no longer
However, the writing was on the wall for in the mood for great befinned behemoths.
DeSoto and praise for its styling and performance Chrysler needed a compact and, as
wasn’t enough to save it. Owing to a recession, their low-budget brand, that would be
1958 was a bad year for the American motor Plymouth’s job, and of course the Valiant
industry generally, but especially for Chrysler, was the result. DeSoto had nowhere to
whose ’57 offerings had acquired a notoriety for go, and production ground to a halt
shoddy build quality, a fault which can be readily around Christmas 1960. So it is, the
appreciated today if you stumble across one of history books say, that there was no
the handful of unrestored cars. This meant that room for DeSoto in the 1960s. Still, in
DeSoto only sold 49,445 units in 1958, its lowest terms of styling and engineering if not
figure since 1938, and for 1959 it fell further to in sales, DeSotos just kept getting
45,724. better through the ’50s and with the
Whispers that DeSoto was for the chop, ’59 in very recent memory, at least it
although strongly denied by Chrysler, probably went out on a high.

40 classic-american.com
 1964½ Ford Mustang hardtop

Idaho Red!
This early 1965 Ford Mustang still looks to be wearing most of its original paint and
proves the point: it’s only original once!

44 classic-american.com
Words and photography: Keith Harman

W
e make no apologies for featuring plenty of cool Ford Mustangs Not only that, it might just be one of the earliest production Mustangs in
in Classic American. After all, they remain one of the most iconic the UK. The original handbook is present with the car, and shows its date of
American cars ever made and probably the most common classic sale to the lucky new owner was May 1964, almost one month to the day
American car on our roads. Some are restored, some mildly modified to from the Mustang official launch in April at the New York World’s Fair that
the owners’ tastes and, yes, some are historic racers, plus there are all-out year. Having said that, there is a rare (one of 200) ‘pre-production’ 05C
custom and hot-rodded examples too. It’s not often though we come date code Mustang somewhere in the UK, probably already known by UK
across one as original and unmolested as Chris Haynes’ 1964½ hardtop enthusiasts and maybe Classic American readers. However, the VIN code on
that you see here. It’s not just a nice early example of a hardtop either, it’s a the ‘Haynes’ Mustang is a 5F prefix, meaning it was assembled in Dearborn,
factory V8 and four-speed with the optional Rally-Pac too, adding much to whereas the pre-production and ‘pilot’ Mustangs were all assembled at
its appeal. Ford’s Allen Park facility.

classic-american.com 45
 The VIN and production code numbers also tell us that
it is an original 289cu in, 210bhp, V8 car, obviously rolling
off the assembly line in the first few days of full production. Left: Chris
Incidentally, the term ’64½ is an enthusiast-derived term, Haynes has
describing early coupes and convertibles only, produced decided to keep
between March and July 31, 1964. As far as Ford were the Mustang
concerned, there was no ’64 Mustang, they were all ’65s, as original
hence the ‘5’ at the beginning of the VIN code. as possible,
Once completed, this red coupe was then delivered to Delta including that
Ford Sales of Moscow, Idaho, a town on the Western Idaho- super patina'd
Washington border where it was bought by a young man paint.
called (Harold) Kent Hultner who, having graduated in the
Class of ’58 from the nearby IHM (Immaculate Heart of Mary) Top right: four-barrel didn’t take long to see the obvious appeal and originality
Academy in Cour D’Alene, Idaho, would have been in his 289cu in V8 was of the hardtop.
early 20s in 1964 and with his life ahead of him and a brand- the hi-po option on However, he could see that it was just too good to turn
new red Ford Mustang, he must have felt like he had the early ’65 Mustangs. into a stripped-out race car, so Henry had the car registered,
world at his feet. We don’t what profession Kent had chosen Generator rather than serviced, and fettled up to use as his personal car, which he
as his career, but we do know that it took him to Southern alternator is another did for a while. That was until it was spotted by the visiting
California, which is probably why the Mustang has survived so 641⁄2 feature. managing director of the Anglo American Oil Company, and
well. It seems it remained in his ownership and his family for ex-race driver, Anders Hildebrand. Anders was initially visiting
the rest of his life and until after his passing in 2011. Above right: original Alan Mann Racing looking for a car he could build into a race
Unfortunately, while researching the car, we couldn’t quite owner’s manual. car, and ended up buying both the Mustang and a 1960
ascertain by who or when, the car was purchased from the Falcon from Henry. Like Henry, however, it was a case of
Hultner family, but it was imported some time in 2018, and history repeating itself as, once the car was back at the AAOC
soon after it arrived it was sold by the importer to Henry workshop, Anders too realised that the car was too good to
Mann, who, like his famous father Alan, founder of the strip down. When we spoke to Henry, he confided that he
legendary Alan Mann Racing Team, has a strong affinity for wished he actually hadn’t sold it!
classic Fords. The company today is still very much involved in
race preparing cars, among other things, especially for historic
racing, and it was on this basis the car was offered to Henry. It

classic-american
 At this point Chris Haynes enters the story. As the son of
the late John Haynes, the founder of Haynes repair manuals
and the extensive motor museum in Somerset, he shares his
father’s love of all things automotive. Chris is now chairman of
Haynes, and has worked within all the various aspects
of the Haynes business, including a spell in California
where he got to drive many different American cars.
The Mustang, however, represents his first American
car in his own right, having bought it from Anders after
a trip down to Poole regarding some business matters.
Anders by now had decided that although he too had
been enjoying driving the car, it was time to move it on,
and a deal was done. Chris loves the fact that the car is
so original, including its imperfections, and since buying it
has been spurred on to also purchase a very cool early Sixties
Galaxie 500.
We first spotted the Mustang on the Haynes museum stand Above: Four-speed
at the Classic Car Restoration Show at Shepton Mallet late last manual transmission,
year, and we too were impressed with the car’s originality. bucket seats, console
As you can see, the paint is by no means perfect and, like and a compact size
us, I’m sure you’ll agree that ‘patina’ is a very overused term epitomised Ford’s
these days, but that’s what it is; the original Rangoon Red is European sports car
still in good shape in many places, but nevertheless showing ethos.
signs of wear and tear from 56 years of ownership. There are
mismatched panels, but probably only the late Mr Hultner Top left: Rally Pac
could have told us if the car had undergone the odd panel offered tach and
repair and, to be honest, it would be pretty incredible if it clock.
hadn’t done at some time, since he obviously kept the car
for personal and sentimental reasons rather than because he Top right: interior
was a Mustang enthusiast or car collector. If so, maybe it was has definitely been
purely because it was his first brand-new car. freshened up.

“THE PAINT IS BY NO MEANS PERFECT

AND, LIKE US, I’M SURE YOU’LL AGREE
THAT ‘PATINA’ IS A VERY OVERUSED
TERM THESE DAYS, BUT THAT’S
WHAT IT IS; THE ORIGINAL
RANGOON RED...”

classic-american
 When it came to Chris, the car was sporting a few patches
of red oxide paint here and there, but since then the team
at Haynes have removed these with a polishing mop, just to
check what was underneath. Fortunately, there was no rust at
all, so someone must have given it a quick touch-up with an
aerosol where the paint had worn thin. Otherwise, the car is
incredibly solid, with not a rust bubble to be seen anywhere.
We were able to give the Mustang a short drive during
our photo shoot, and the car fired up easily and drives very
smoothly in the lower gears, with the odometer showing
25,000 miles. The dash area of the car features a basic Ford
AM radio in the centre of the dash, with the optional and
desirable Rally Pac gauges atop the steering column, these Under the hood, it is also re emarkably original; the four-
being either factory or dealer fitted. Normal lap belts are Above: Original Ford barrel carbed 289 still with its original air filter housing,
fitted and we couldn’t help noticing that the red vinyl on warranty plan card though it has had a replacement fuel pump, and more
the front seats was a lot brighter than the darker rear seat reveals the car’s recently a new water pump. You might notice also that the
which appears to be wear free. This suggests the fronts were original buyer, who car has a generator/dynamo fitted, all ’64½ Mustangs left
victims of too much Southern Californian sunshine, and were owned the car until the factory equipped as such, though post-August ’65s were
re-covered at some time. The carpets show fair wear and fairly recently. upgraded to an alternator charging system. Another detail
tear on the driver’s side, as expected, but are like new in the difference is the size of the horns; earlier cars had large horns
back (again suggesting replacement) with only the cardboard mounted low down beside the fan shroud, while later cars had
parcel shelf having faded with age. The car sports a centre smaller units the other side of the radiator mounting panel
console, a $31 option in ’64, and also has back-up lamps, and behind the grille.
which listed as a $10 option. Unlike many classic cars that go through the Haynes
museum restoration centre, this ’Stang will not be included
in the static indoor display anytime soon, as Chris intends to
keep it as a personal car and use and enjoy it. After all, the car
has plenty of years left in it as a driver, so it’s only right it gets
to be enjoyed as such – we have to say, we do envy him just
a little bit!
At the time of writing the Haynes International Motor
Museum is still closed as per government guidelines, though
obviously this could change. In the meantime, the museum
has taken the opportunity to do some maintenance on the
premises, plus also increasing the paved car parking area
available for future events. The regular breakfast meets
held on Sunday mornings are cancelled for the time being.
Please keep an eye on the Haynes museum website at www.
haynesmotormuseum.com for further updates.
Our thanks to Chris Haynes (chairman) and Chris Marsh
(curator) for their help with this feature.
48 classic-american.com
 REDLINE
AMERICAN
MUSCLE

Mustang
Specialists

 SERVICING ON ALL AMERICAN &

EUROPEAN CARS, VANS & PICKUPS
 BRAKE & SUSPENSION UPGRADES
CARRIED OUT
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Unit 3 The Works
Kings North Ind Estate, Hoo,
Rochester, Kent ME3 9NZ
Telephone: 01634 250200
Email:
[email protected]
www.redlineamericanmuscle.co.uk

classic-american.com 49
 Ad
Gallery

50 classic-american.com
classic-american.com 51
 1971 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

Super Sonic
CHEVELLE

How the Williams brothers transformed Mark Evans’ 1971

Chevy Chevelle into a red hot, state-of-the-art street rod…
Words and photography: G
Geoff
ff C
Carverhill
i

A
s with several other mid-Sixties GM an intermediate series in its own right. By
intermediates, the Chevrolet Chevelle 1968, the Chevelle SS had established itself
was always destined to be classified as a true muscle car, alongside nameplates
in the category ‘legendary American like the Pontiac GTO, Olds 4-4-2, Dodge
muscle car’. Introduced in 1964 as a ‘senior Charger, Plymouth Road Runner and others,
compact’, the Chevelle Malibu Super Sport and it received another revision, which
became available with an SS396 engine many aficionados regard as being the iconic
option package in 1965, something which Chevelle SS look: the long hood/short rear
would mark its official entry into the deck treatment was now seen on other GM
muscle car arena. In 1966, the Chevelle brands, but the clean-looking, tapered front
SS396 was completely restyled, broke its and rear profile of the ’68 and ’69 Chevelles
ties with the Malibu nameplate and became was pure Chevrolet.
classic-american
 Proud owner: Mark Evans.

In 1970, the front and rear end of the

Chevelle SS received a flatter, squarer look, and
in 1971 large single headlamps, à la Monte
Carlo, replaced twin headlamps, which is why
Mark Evans’ Chevelle is a bit different from
the previous models, but no less iconic. The
penultimate year of the SS option, which offered
a 454 V8 as well as the 396 engine, was 1971.
Mark’s Chevelle, however, started life as a
very different car, and here he describes the
process of acquiring it, which started when he
was living and working in Germany: “I’ve been
into classic cars all my life, but when I was living
in Germany I had a Porsche, but I didn’t feel it.
It was modern, it was just a car, and I wanted to
get a classic. I always wanted a Mustang fastback
– a ’67 or ’68 – so I bought one and I think it was
the worst car I’ve ever owned! It was really bad –
the build quality was terrible. Handsome GM A-body styling.
“But a friend of mine, a guy who had a Chevy
Caprice, kept telling me about how fantastic Mark’s ’71 Chevelle was actually a Chevelle Mark lights ’em up!
Chevrolets were and singing their praises, finally Malibu with a standard 307cu in V8, and was
saying: ‘If you’re going to get an American imported into the UK in 1972. Despite our
car, you’ve got to get a Chevrolet.’ I went to a weather, the body had remained in almost
number of shows in Germany, where I saw a lot mint condition, but had been changed into
of Chevelles, and I loved the shape. Strangely, a rather badly executed SS clone. This was in
they don’t seem to be as popular a muscle car 2016. The car had, as Mark puts it: “A god-
here as they are in the States, and that kind of awful paint job – in red, so it was always my
appealed to me as well. So, when I got back to intention to get it repainted.” While at the
the UK I saw one on eBay, and at a pretty low Pistons and Props Show at Sywell Aerodrome,
price because the guy was moving abroad, so I Mark met another Chevelle owner who had
went down to see it and made him a ludicrous used Nic and Dan Williams, of OCS Group,
offer… and he accepted it!” to restore his Chevelle. So impressed was

B&M Pro ratchet shifter

takes pride of place.

classic-american
 With the rebuilt engine on OCS/
WBR stand at the NEC 2019.

“I WENT TO A NUMBER OF
SHOWS IN GERMANY, WHERE
I SAW A LOT OF CHEVELLES,
AND I LOVED THE SHAPE.”

Mark with the result that in no time at

all he was talking to Nic and Dan with
a view to getting his Chevelle restored.
What actually happened was more of a
transformation, which started in March
2017, as Nic Williams explains: “Mark
originally came in to have the underneath done
– chassis, upgrade the rear end, with the future
prospect of putting a bigger, more powerful
engine in. We took the body off, had that
blasted and powder-coated and rebuilt the front
and rear suspension, and fitted new Wilwood
disc brakes all round.”

classic-american.com 55
 What’s new at OCS Group and Williams Racing 383 stroker small block,
Williams Brothers Racing good for 507bhp/488ft-lb of torque.
Since Classic American profiled the OCS
Group Ltd in 2018, the Williams Brothers’
specialist American car restoration
business has gone from strength to
strength, with a rapidly expanding
customer base. The paint shop is now
booked up until March or April, but their
standard of work and the ethos behind
OCS remains the same – to be at the
very top end of the quality spectrum.
Some of the cars currently being worked
on include a ’63½ Galaxie hardtop,
a ’70 Chevelle and a ’67 Mustang
‘Eleanor’ replica.
As with all successful businesses
which are expanding, OCS has had to
enlarge its premises, so Dan Williams
has now moved into a larger engine shop
in adjacent premises to the offices and
paint shop. The new engine shop allows
Dan to be able to work on up to six
engines at a time without being cramped
for space. To the rear of the engine shop
is a completely fitted out parts store,
which will come into its own when new Mark paid a visit to check on the progress Magnesium Grey stripes
websites go live. of the car. When he saw a 383 engine being suit the Chevelle.
Their next move is to create separate dyno’d for one of their other customers, he
websites with online trading facilities for exclaimed: “I’ve got to have one… there’s no
each of the OCS divisions: one for OCS way that that car can go back together without
Paint, which will sell restoration paint it!” So, Dan Williams, who by now was achieving
and packages, as well as a range of somewhat of a reputation in his own right for
polishing products; WBR Race Engines, building some of the most competitive Chevy
which will have engine packages, race engines, built a Williams Racing 383 stroker
gaskets, oils and engine hardware small block, which made 507bhp on the dyno
and Williams Brothers Speed Shop, and 488ft-lb of torque. Dart heads were fitted
selling a range of branded American to a Dart block, with an Eagle crank and Mahle
suspension, chassis, transmission and pistons. At this point in the process, the car was
brakes products – in fact anything that put back together with the original 307 engine;
can bolt on or screw into an American Mark drove it once, and then it was returned to
car that isn’t paint or engine related. the Williams Brothers’ premises to have the next
he new website
h phase of the transformation carried out.
effectively
hree websites Two-year transformation
nked together,
n With the chassis and engine finished, the
which went live next job was paint. The red paint had
November been stripped off to reveal the original
020. In January,
0 colour, which was white. So Nic matched
021, they hope
0 the colour and set about meticulously
o have their repainting the Chevelle. While in red,
wn range of
w the car had been given a set of black
clothing and stripes, but Nic suggested putting
merchandise, so Magnesium Grey stripes on the car and
check out the respraying the Boss alloy wheels the same
website. colour – it really worked.

Dan Williams from OCS.

Outside Williams Brothers/OCS.

56 classic-american.com
 “IT HAD NEW
PANELS – TWO
DOORS, TWO WINGS,
WHEEL TUBS,
BACK PANEL AND
DECK LID AND
WE CUT REPAIR
SECTIONS INTO
THE FLOORS, BARE
METAL RESPRAYED,
PAINTED ALL THE
INNER WINGS,
PAINTED ORIGINAL
SPATTER PAINT
IN THE BOOT, PUT
THE STRIPE JOB ON
AND REBUILT IT.”

Dan and Nic Williams and Mark

Evans on the Classic American stand,
NEC Classic Motor Show, 2019.

classic-american
Wilwood disc brakes all round
stop the Chevelle.

During the paint process, it was decided to look, a stable ride, and perfect, predictable
replace some of the panels, as Nic confirms: “It handling. The steering/suspension department
had new panels – two doors, two wings, wheel has QA1 double adjustable upper control arms,
tubs, back panel and deck lid and we cut repair QA1 lower control arms and QA1 shocks on the
sections into the floors, bare metal resprayed, rear. A new Moser 12-bolt axle with 35-spline
painted all the inner wings, painted original shafts completes the final drive arrangements.
spatter paint in the boot, put the stripe job on With the Chevelle back together, all that was
and rebuilt it.” needed now was for Mark to get in and drive
It may sound straightforward, but this car was it. The Chevelle transformation which started in
completely rebuilt from the ground up, to create March 2018 was completed in September 2019.
a brand new ’71 Chevelle effectively. All new nuts For the past six months the car has been going
and bolts were used, new body mounts, new through the usual ‘shakedown’, and was also on
ball joints, new bushes, new glass, lights, lenses the Classic American stand at the most recent NEC
and new bumpers. The term ‘attention to detail’ Classic Car Show, but the Chevelle still has some
could be redefined with this restoration. The new other work to be done on it – the interior. As Nic
engine had to have a compatible transmission, says: “We’re going to put an SS-style dash in it, so
so a Turbo-Hydramatic TH350 automatic box it will have individual gauges, and a pair of original
was installed, with a B&M Pro ratchet shifter. The style bucket seats to replace the vinyl bench seat
suspension is all stock style, but lowered at the − a bit more SS and little less Malibu!” Meanwhile,
front and rear by a couple of inches, and this is lucky Mark Evans has got himself a brand-new,
what gives the car such a well-balanced, poised state-of-the-art, ’71 Chevelle hot rod to run-in!

Black vinyl interior.

Visit the new websites at:

Dart heads were fitted to a www.williams-bros-speed-shop.co.uk
Dart block, with an Eagle www.ocspaint.com
crank and Mahle pistons. www.wbr-race-engines.co.uk

58 classic-american.com
classic-american.com 59
classic-american.com 61
 After spinning off Continental as a separate division which crowned
Ford’s family of fine cars for two years, 1958 saw it return from whence
it came, with the introduction of a new, very ‘big’ model in every sense
of the word: the Lincoln Continental Mark III…
Words: Ben Klemenzson

PART
TWO Lincoln’s
1958 Continental Mark III.

Leviathan
A
fter the disappointment of the Continental
Mark II’s lacklustre sales success, it was
decided that the Continental nameplate
should be re-amalgamated with Lincoln in
1958, as the shining star on top of that division’s
tree. The Continental Mark II, while lauded by
the press for its restrained styling and almost
European-like appearance, was succeeded by a
more traditional-looking American luxury car,
the Continental Mark III. It shared its body,
dimensions and engine and drive train with
the other Lincoln models (Premiere and Capri)
but was anything but conventional. It was
in fact the largest unit-body car ever built and
shared a production line with the Thunderbird
in a new specially built plant in Wixom, just
outside Detroit.
Even by the standards of the time this new
generation Lincoln/Continental was considered
vast, built as it was on a 130in chassis; the car
measured a remarkable 229 inches (that’s more
than 19 feet) in length overall, yet was only
561⁄2in high. That’s only half an inch taller than
New model was a major... ... departure from the previous the Mark II of 1956/1957 it replaced. Dropping
Mark II.

62 classic-american.com
 La Tosca Show car hinted
at design elements.

the wheel size to 14 inches from 15 inches also to worry about gas mileage… Lincoln sought
helped, although it’s amazing to think such to address this issue by dropping compression
a large car sits on 14in wheels (the same as a by half a point in 1959 and changing the
Mustang’s!). carburettor, resulting in an uptick to 14mpg
Weighing in at almost two and a half tons, highway mileage and lowering of power to
these Lincolns were heavy beasts and required an 350bhp. Switching to a two-barrel carb (from
equally powerful engine to haul them along the the four-barrel of ’58 and ’59) resulted in a
highway. The 430cu in V8 series introduced for 16mpg highway mileage figure in 1960, as well
1958 fitted the bill perfectly and was shared with as a drop in power down to only 315bhp.
Mercury. With 10.5:1 compression ratio it offered Unibody construction of the big Continentals
a respectable 375bhp and a stump-pulling meant the floor of the car could be lower as
490ft-lb of torque. The only downside to all there was no chassis for it to sit on. This unibody
this power was truly abysmal fuel consumption construction technique was seen by Ford as
figures (even by 1950s standards) where being the future of car manufacturing, as it
Continentals struggled to even get into double- offered greater structural rigidity and fewer
digit fuel economy figures around town and squeaks and rattles, something Ford prided itself
13mpg on the highway was considered quite on – it even advertised its mid-Sixties Galaxies
an achievement. as being quieter than a Rolls-Royce, so focused
Of course, people who bought Continentals was it on reducing NVH (Noise, Vibration and
were not considered to be the type of people Harshness) as a selling point.

Lincoln Continental Mark III.

classic-american.com 63
 Convertible top lowering
and raising process.

1959 saw the introduction

of the Mark IV Continental.

Bridge of Weir leather interior.

Mark IV featured in
October 2006 issue
of Classic American.

Famously, Lincoln had decided to ‘out-

Cadillac’ Cadillac for 1958 and this Titanic-sized
car was the result. It was a beast then and even
today these Continentals, which were built from
1958 to 1960 (and known consecutively as
Mark III, Mark IV and Mark V), dwarf other Fifties
American cars on the show field. An effort was
made to differentiate the Continental from its
lower caste Lincoln siblings, with different trim
430cu in V8. and an anodised chrome front grille. Out back
were three bullet tail-lights and a vast chrome
beauty panel that echoed the front grille. Styling
of these Lincolns was said to have been inspired
by the La Tosca and it’s possible to see some of banger race tracks (or demolition derbies as they
that inspiration in details such as the pontoon- call them in the US) during the Seventies and
like front wings, with their very distinctive canted Eighties and which led many to ban them from
vertical headlamps. participating – they were so solid they just wiped
The Continental Mark III was available in four the other cars out.
body styles from 1958: sedan, coupe, landau Getting back to those doors, the armrests
(pillar-less hardtop) and convertible, with two housed the air con/heating channels that carried
additional body styles being offered from 1959: ventilation to rear passengers in an ingenious,
a formal sedan/town car and an executive yet complex system that in a way typifies this
limousine. The latter was converted by Hess and era of Continental, yet was pioneered on the
Eisenhardt and offered a powered glass partition Continental Mark II. These Lincolns were the
between driver and passenger and a rear first to house the air conditioning hardware in
compartment upholstered in grey broadcloth. the front of the car. Prior to this, much of the
With its bank vault-like doors, it’s just as well A/C unit was housed in the trunk of the car,
the Continentals were of unibody construction taking up valuable space. As a car it’s probably
for that extra rigidity, although today rotten unparalleled in terms of its complexity, especially
versions of these cars are a nightmare to restore the convertibles – the lowering and raising of
because of the complexity of the multi-layer the roof is facilitated by a plethora of relays
rocker panels and box sections. However, it and electrical switches in a complex, highly
was this rigidity that made them the scourge of orchestrated mechanical ballet.

64 classic-american.com
 Steve’s ’58 Mark III
rides on airbags.
Ask the man who owns one
We asked Steve Biddlecombe from Romsey lot of fun to drive with that powerful 430 V8
in Hampshire, who owns a 1958 Lincoln motor and air suspension (aftermarket, not
Continental Mark III convertible, what it was failed optional original) which makes it handlee
like owning such a car. Here’s what he said: far better than you would imagine possible.
“In 2003 I was the proud owner of my fourth Several years left in a desert at some time
’58 Buick, a ’58 Buick Limited coupe, for me in its life hadn’t been kind to it though and
one of the prettiest cars from my favourite while cosmetically it was in good shape, an
production year. While flicking through eBay engine rebuild was the first of a long line of
Motors one evening, I came across a ’58 fixes needed (along with the roof mechanism,
Lincoln Continental Mark III convertible and an exploding differential, starter motor and in their tracks and divides onlookers in their
was struck by its unique and somewhat on and on) but every post-mechanical repair opinions, with many even believing it to be
ugly lines. Having sold a ’58 Buick Limited outing always brought huge smiles to both a ‘Kustom’ due to its outrageous (factory)
convertible a few years previous, I was still me and a surprising amount of people that colour and insane styling.
very much missing drop-top motoring, so seem to find this ugly car quite attractive! “It really is quite amusing being parked up
as the days progressed the auction looked “I can’t say that the build quality matches at the Goodwood Revival and sitting away
more and more tempting. Some months later the Buick Limited’s very high quality, but from it and listening to people’s comments!
said car arrived at Southampton docks and the car possesses some kind of quality that The ’58 Lincoln Continental Mark III is a car
the journey home (a petrol leak at a petrol no matter how many times I swear at it and that for me will never match the beauty of
station!) became a sign of things to come for its mechanical nightmares, it still holds my the ’56 and ’57 Continental Mark II, nor will
the love/hate relationship with a car that has affections some 17 years later! It’s not a car it ever match the build quality of those cars
come to be known by me as ‘The Bitch’! for the faint-hearted – or the shy for that but it sure is one big ugly boat that creates
“The Continental is a gargantuan car even matter – but its unusual front headlights and an equal amount of smiles and grimaces
compared with my Buicks, but despite its crazy front fender treatment (for me the best wherever it goes and has an engine roar that
size and its hunger for petrol, it’s a whole of the ’58-’60 models) certainly stops people I will never ever tire of.”

1960 Continental Mark V.

New dash
The rear slanting window, which was the norm, a simple nudge of the button to lower for 1960.
unique to Continentals (although it was the rear windshield facilitated a fresh air breeze
pioneered on the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser), which would clear the passenger compartment
is electrically raised and lowered during the of cigarette smoke in a jiffy. Not only that, these
process. Meanwhile, a hard tonneau covers/ rear slanted back windows were never covered in
uncovers the top, all in synchronicity, utilising snow in the winter due to their angle…
technology that was adapted from developing Yet another complex system available on these
Ford’s famous mid-Fifties retractable Skyliners. Lincolns was air suspension, but it was to prove
This power-operated rear slanting rear window, unpopular with only 2% of cars ordered with it.
while sounding gimmicky, offered the cars a very Across the US car industry, air suspension had
unique and distinctive profile, while also offering been touted as the next big thing, but proved
a very useful feature for drivers at the end of problematic, unreliable and in many cases ended
the Fifties. Picture the scene: a driver and three up with cars being returned to solid coil springs
passengers, all puffing away on cigarettes, as was by dealers.

classic-american.com 65
What the critics said Lincoln aimed high for
“Despite their size, Lincolns the Continental series.
and Continentals are
amazingly nimble. The
Continental test car amazed all
with its excellent performance.
It was the first car weighing
more than 5000lb able to crack
nine seconds in 0-60mph tests!
Several of these runs were
clocked at 8.9 seconds and
the overall average was a
flat nine…” Motor Life,
March 1958.

“Lincoln learned the hard way

that luxury car buyers demand More complexity was found on the dash,
impressive size. The compact where 1958 Lincoln Continentals utilised a TV
1952-55 models never did win screen-like affair in front of the driver, from
the share of the market they which the heating and air conditioning (if
deserved. It was with this in ordered) could be controlled, along with all the
mind that 1958 models were usual instruments. This style of dash was used
born – and they have a lot to in 1958 and 1959, being replaced with a more
offer, not only in size, comfort conventional affair, with four dials in front of the
and performance, but also in driver. The control system for the ventilation/air
advanced and rather unique con system was another complicated vacuum-
engineering features.” Motor operated system known to cause modern car
Life, March 1958. Restoration can restorers to tear their hair out in frustration at its
be a real challenge. unfathomable complexity.
“The advent of the huge
1958 around the Road &
Track’s offices created more
controversy than we’ve
experienced for years. Most of
the staff opinions were slight
variations on “What could
anyone possibly want with that
thing?” Road & Track,
August 1958.

“The biggest improvement for Convertibles had

1960 is in the rear suspension leather interiors.
department. Gone are the
previous coils which led to
‘dipping’ and ‘diving’ and are
replaced with Hotchkiss-type
longitudinal leaf springs.”
Motor Life, December 1959.

“Folks who like their living

rooms on wheels and who
crave easy-chair, carpet-
slipper comfort in 80mph
cross-country travel could go
a long way before they found
the equal of the 1960 Lincoln
Continental, a true Leviathan
of the turnpike.” Car Life,
A il 1960
April 1960.
Lincoln and Continentals
being transported by train.

Regular Lincolns received

conventional rear windscreens.

classic-american
 Engineering from Skyliner
helped with complex top
mechanism.

One-piece flat dash.

“THERE’S NO DOUBTING
THAT THIS GENERATION
OF CONTINENTAL IS A
REAL MARMITE CAR...”

There’s no doubting that this generation

of Continental is a real Marmite car and even
when they were new, not all pundits were
complimentary, as evidenced by Road & Track’s
critical, somewhat acerbic assessment of it in
August 1958. They referred to it as a “modern
day Bugatti Royale”… and that wasn’t meant as
a compliment. They must have been one of the
last publications to test the car, as by then the
1959 models would have been on the horizon,
so it’s entirely believable that Lincoln must have
known they would bash the car, which of course
they did. Road & Track epitomised the American
motoring press of the time which praised small,
nimble European sports cars, most of which
were unaffordable or impractical to American
motorists of the day, while slamming home-built
American vehicles. Arguably one could view most
of the American motoring press of the time as
elitist and snobbish, but these sentiments very
much began to become more mainstream going
into the Sixties.

Having invested so much in the all-new car

in 1958, changes were few and far between in
1959 – styling wise, the ’58’s more outlandish
design features were toned down. The front
wheel scallop was extended into the door and
was toned down, while the front bumper was
made to look more regular and less trapezoid.
The 1960 model continued these refinements,
with an even more conventional-looking front
bumper and the aforementioned dash redesign,
although the biggest change was probably the
Power-operated switch from coil springs on the back to leaf
quarter-lights. springs. Love them or hate them, there’s no
missing these third-generation Continentals
Next month: 1961 and although Lincoln would go on to effectively
and it’s all change! disown them or ‘forget’ them when they
introduced the Continental Mark III of 1969, we
think they’re absolutely fabulous!

Next month
We celebrate the ‘Camelot-era’ Continentals.
Closely associated with the Kennedy era
and a total U-turn from the generation of
Continentals that preceded them, they still
have a strong following and admiration today.

classic-american.com 67
68 classic-american.com
 Rufi, Giovanine and Spurgin in 1948.

Like father, like son

What could be more of a winter warmer than spending some time in the desert of
El Mirage? Come back in time with us to the heady days of dry lake bed racing with
pioneering dad and son record-breaking racers, Bob and Curt Giovanine…
Words: Steve Havelock Photography: Curt Giovanine

70 classic-american.com
 1948, El Mirage. SG
Roadster at start.
Bob at speed in ’48 at El Mirage.

Rare 1948 colour shot of

Bob and SG Roadster.

Duke Hallock
with now blue
SG Roadster.
September 1948.

B
ack in the March 2010 issue, we told the flanks. On its first outing that year, it hit speeds have. He finished that in the mid-Eighties. I
fascinating story of the Spurgin-Giovanine of more than 135mph, but then the engine asked what he intended to do next. He said
‘dry lakes’ roadster that in 1948 won its broke and it was laid up in the garage. Bob, by he’d just relax and read magazines. I said: ‘No,
class on each of the six times it raced that year then 30 with two young children, four-year-old let’s build a race car.’
at El Mirage and set a new Southern California Curt and his newborn sister Teri, thought it was “As it turns out, Chuck Spurgin and Bob Rufi
Timing Association speed record on each an opportune time to hang up his crash hat. had been trying to track down the original car
occasion; a feat never before achieved. With a That was the end of Bob’s race career. Or was it? and had some possible leads. They said they
clean sweep, it scooped the SCTA Championship Bob’s son Curt, now 74, takes up the story: “In had decided not to pursue the project and
and at the season’s end set a new two-way 1952, Dad traded the broken engine, which was would be happy to turn over those leads to me
record of 123.655mph. Its fastest single run was his, to Duane Steele for a brand-new, top-of-the- and support the project if Dad and I decided
127.65mph. It was displayed at the 2nd Annual line, variable speed Craftsman drill press, which to go through with it. I looked for the old car
Hot Rod Exposition in Los Angeles and was I still have. The rest of the car, which belonged but wasn’t able to find it. I was, however, able
featured on the front cover of Hot Rod magazine, to Chuck, was sold to Carl Borgh (who fitted a to find Duane Steele, who had bought Dad’s
March 1949 edition. 292cu in motor and continued to race it).” original damaged engine, and was able to buy
This little black and polished aluminium 1925 Curt continues: “My dad worked as a quality that, a couple of blocks and some other early
Chevy 183cu in four-pot, sporting race number control inspector for North American Aviation, Chevy parts. I presented those parts to Dad for
15A, punched well above its weight and was working on the Navajo, Apollo and Space Shuttle his 71st birthday in September 1990. We had
built in a home garage and raced by Chuck projects. He always brought cars home from the a barbecue, and Chuck, Bob Rufi and Ralph
Spurgin and Bob Giovanine with help from their guys at work to do tune-ups, brake jobs Schenck came along to kick-start the project.
good friend and 1940 SCTA Champion, Bob and engine rebuilds. That’s how he made his “I told Dad that I couldn’t find the old car,
Rufi. Retired racers Ralph Schenck, who raced walking-around money. I was always hanging which was just as well because he said he’d
his Golden Submarine streamliner in the early over the fenders watching what he was doing prefer to build a Ford Model T, which he
Forties, and carburation expert Duke Hallock, and learning. In 1974 Dad, then 55, retired considered better aerodynamically than the
who owned his own speed shop, also played a early to look after my mom who’d had a brain ’25 Chevy. He bought a ’27 Track T Roadster
hand. All of these guys had been hot rodding aneurysm three years earlier and needed a lot from Speedway Motors. That was a kit car with
and dry lakes racing before the war and would of care. He looked after her for more than a fibreglass body for reasonable money. He
go on to be lifelong friends. 23 years. started to build a car around that. He had a
Spurgin was apparently urged by his wife “From home, Dad restored a couple of strong roll cage made, and Bob Rufi built the
to quit driving in ’48, so it was left to Bob Corvettes for other people, then he bought fibreglass tonneau and the belly pan, which
Giovanine to pilot the roadster. Having won the and restored a ’65 Corvette for himself, which fitted perfectly. Bob was just one heck of a
championship, it was repainted a smart pale my sister now has, and a ’67 Corvette big master craftsman. Meanwhile I got to work
blue, and for ’49, number 1 was applied to its block which was a basket case, that I now building the engine.”

classic-american.com 71
 Champion No. 1 SG Roadster.
Circa 1939, Bob (right) and friends
with his first race car.

Schenck’s Golden Submarine, circa 1940.

Bob’s first race car, circa 193

39.

Curt spent most of his working life in build good strong Chevy engines. Even though some engine issues, mainly with blowing head
electronics; the last 32 years being at the Owens he was a Ford mechanic, he liked those Chevys gaskets and keeping water in the engine. So Curt
Valley Radio Observatory in Northern California, and he came up with a lot of the modifications filled the water jackets solid with aluminium and
but along the way developed considerable to strengthen the bottom end and that sort of circulated water through drilled passages in the
engineering and machining skills. He says: “Back thing. We were on a limited budget so the car head. That did the trick. With the car fully on
in the mid-Sixties, I worked next to Clay Smith was built on a shoestring. Finally, Dad painted song, in September 1995, Bob and Curt headed
Engineering. I got friendly with some of the guys it pale blue, similar to the old roadster. He liked off to the salt flats at Bonneville. On one run,
and used to go over there. I hand-ground a few blue and it matched his 1990 Chevy pick-up Bob scorched down the salt at a record-breaking
camshafts and worked on some race engines which we used as the crew truck. He said the old 138mph, but on the return run, the car quit on
and used to go as a crew member to Lyons Drag Chevy roadster weighed about 1650lb and he him and he coasted across the line at a mere
Strip. So I was always interested in racing. When wanted to make this one lighter, but by the time 106mph, but the 122mph average was a new
we started this project, I bought myself a little he got it finished with all the roll cage and safety class record. Curt recalls: “Dad didn’t want to
Taiwan milling machine and some equipment to stuff and him in it, it came out at 2100lb. So he accept the record, but I said take it anyway as it
go with it, and started building parts for the car. was a little disappointed in that.” gives us something to shoot at.”
Dad still wanted to use a Chevy motor and run in The new car first ran in competition in 1994 at At Bonneville in ’96, they burnt a piston
the Vintage Four Cylinder Class. He also wanted El Mirage but it didn’t go well. On his first timed and came home early. At Muroc in May ’97,
to run alcohol and a little bit of nitro-methane, run, Bob had a hair-raising moment when he Curt, who had never raced before this little
so we built it to run in the fuel-modified roadster spun the car when he was flat out approaching adventure with his dad, set a new class record at
class. The original Chevy engine was too far the finish line. There was an issue with the 140.209mph. He says: “The Air Force took over
gone, but we were able to use one of the spare design of the rear suspension which included leaf Muroc prior to World War Two and kicked off
blocks that came with it. springs. Under power at high speed, it wanted the racers. In ’96, some clubs banded together
“I designed a new five-bearing crank which to rear steer. Curt says: “It was like driving a and got permission to run on part of the base. I
we got SCAT to make. We had the rods specially 100mph forklift truck. I made some new control ran in ’97 and got my record. The portion they
made by Cunningham. I wanted to build a new arms, did away with the leaf springs and went allowed us to run on was really bumpy and the
cylinder head for it that had four intakes and to coilover shocks. We never had a handling dust was like talcum powder. It’s so fine it gets
four exhaust ports, so I got hold of a chunk of problem after that.” into everything. My record will probably never
aluminium and machined that. Originally it was The car ran twice more in ’94 and at nearly be broken as it’s unlikely that the SCTA will run
Ralph Schenck who taught Rufi and my dad to all of the El Mirage meetings in 1995. It had there again.”

72 classic-american.com
 Rufi and his streamliner circa 1940.

19
990 barbecue, from left:
Bo
ob, Gary and Ralph Schenck,
Sp
purgin and Rufi.

Track T Roadster kit car.

T

1990. Curt machining parts.

1994. Finished new racer.

New car’s modified Shakedown at El Mirage 1994

Chevy four pot.

classic-american.com 73
 Bob fettling. El Mirage ’94.

Reliving old times: Chuck

and Bob, El Mirage ’94. Now numbered and ready
Dusty El Mirage in ’94.
to race. ’94, El Mirage.

Father and son were back at Bonneville that

August where Bob increased the record to
145.438mph. They returned to Bonneville in
1998 and Curt recalls: “We had a really good
time. Dad upped his record to 148mph early in
the week and then came back later in the week
to raise it to 152.203mph. In November, at El
Mirage, Dad ran the top speed for our class at
136.331mph. The speeds are slower at the dry Salt of the earth:
557 at Bonneville.
lakes because the runs are much shorter than at
Bonneville. El Mirage is only 1.3 miles, so it’s like
a 1.3-mile-long drag race. The high horsepower
cars tear the track surface so badly that by the
time we get a chance to run it’s like running in a
ploughed field. At Bonneville, depending on the
type of weather there has been over the year, the
surface can be good or terrible. The salt has been
mined and is so thin, it’s not like it was back in
the Fifties and Sixties, but it’s still better to run at The vast expanse of Bonneville.
Bonneville than El Mirage.”
It is quite a coincidence that Bob’s best, Bob’s Chevy truck and “WE HAD A REALLY
record-breaking season in the new car was 50 matching racer. GOOD TIME. DAD
years after setting all those records and winning Bonneville ’97.
UPPED HIS RECORD TO
the championship in the old car in ’48. Only this
time, Bob was 79 years old. Quite a swansong. 148MPH EARLY IN THE
Curt says: “Dad was having a good time. He WEEK AND THEN CAME
was in remission from cancer, diagnosed the BACK LATER IN THE
previous year. We ran the car again a couple of
WEEK TO RAISE IT TO
times in ’99, but by then the cancer had come
back with a vengeance. Dad was really rough 152.203MPH.”
and on his knees and he died in May 2000. My
Colourful Bonneville.
Mum had died in ’94 and never saw us run, but
Record-breaking ’98.
Spurgin, Rufi and Schenck all did. Everybody was
interested in talking to the old-timers. There was
a lot of camaraderie. It’s a social gathering as well
as a race meet.”
Chuck Spurgin died in ’96 aged 80, Rufi, we
believe, in 2002 aged 83 and Ralph Schenck
in 2003 aged 91. They all had a good innings.
The original SG Roadster came to light, and
in 2004 was bought by Ernie Nagamatsu who
subsequently restored it. He debuted the car in
July 2009 at the Ventura Motorsports Gathering
and Curt, Chuck’s daughter Karin and Rufi’s son
Craig all went along.
Curt says: “This new car was a project that Bob and Curt at
Curt with the 427
Bonneville in ’97.
Dad and his old friends all pretty much got ’Vette his dad
into. It was good for everyone and gave them restored.
a chance to relive the good old days at the dry
lakes and have some fun doing it. I would not
give up that experience for all the tea in China.
We had a lot of fun, met a lot of nice people
and Dad really enjoyed it. I have still got the
car, but haven’t run it since he died. I just didn’t
have the enthusiasm to run it on my own. It was
something we did together.”

74 classic-american.com
This 1951 Mercury Custom Coupe recently went up for auction on digital
auction platform Stratas and we definitely thought it was worth a look.
Winner of a Boyd Coddington Top Ten award, this iconic hot rod remains in
pristine condition and a credit to its creator…
Images: Stratas Auctions

T
hough there has been much debate over the years about styled with full fade-away fenders, moulded-in rear quarter panels, a
who first chopped the top on a 1949-51 Mercury (was it Sam heavy chop with straight B-pillars, a grille using parts of a 1951 Ford,
Barris, Buddy Alcorn or Lou Bettancourt?) there is no doubt sharp hood corners and handmade tail-lights.
that the chopped top Mercury is one of the most storied custom car It’s said that Sam Barris bought the car used and worked on it in
stylings in automotive history. For many years it was believed that his spare time after shop hours at Barris Kustoms. At the same time,
Sam Barris was the originator of the chopped top Merc’. His 1949 during shop hours, he was working on the Gaylord 1949 Mercury
Mercury was first shown at the Oakland Roadster Show in February Convertible Custom. While not a coupe, it is worth noting that this
of 1951. car is said to be the first 1949 Mercury ever chopped.
While shown painted, it had an incomplete interior, which could While no one may ever know absolutely who chopped the first
possibly explain why it only received second in the full custom class. 1949-51 Mercury Custom Coupe, Sam Barris’ car was certainly the
Its first appearance in a publication was in December 1951. It was first to be shown at a car show. 
 Inspiration came from the
'Hirohata' Mercury designed
by George and Sam Barris.
 This particular 1951 Mercury Custom Coupe, lead sled, was Roof was chopped
built for the original owner by Arizona Street Rods in Phoenix. three inches...
The owner, who lived in Southern California until moving to
Phoenix in the Fifties, grew up with Rod Palmer, owner of
Arizona Street Rods. After building a ’32 Roadster together,
the pair decided it was time to build the chopped top Mercury
of their youths.
The custom modifications to the car are numerous. They
include a three-inch chop, lowering springs, a nosed hood
with rounded corners, a decked trunk lid, shaved handles
and emblems. It has 1953 Buick side trim, a moulded grille
shell with a 1952 DeSoto grille and extra teeth, as well as
1954 Mercury tail-lights, restyled bumpers and flush fit skirts.
It retains its original flathead V8 engine with the
addition of Offenhauser aluminium heads, an Edelbrock
dual intake manifold, a pair of Stromberg two-barrel
carburettors, headers and Smithy’s steel pack mufflers.
The V8 is mated to a three-speed manual transmission.
The electrical system has been upgraded to 12-volt and an
extra-capacity stainless fuel tank has been added. Power
steering and a Vintage air conditioning system with
custom-made vents have also been installed.

... and the springs Headliner is Desert

lowered also. Camel Ultrasuede.

78 classic-american.com
 1953 Buick side trim makes for a
distinctive side profile.

Tan and black leather interior.

TECH SPEC The interior fitted by Vic Kitchens Custom Upholstery in

Lake Havasu, Arizona was designed to mimic the Hirohata
Mercury (one of the most famous George and Sam Barris
MILEAGE: custom cars ever built) and is fitted with tan and black
1860 miles since completion leather interior. The headliner is Desert Camel Ultrasuede
and the carpet is Mercedes Saffron fine tuft. The passenger
ENGINE: compartment has also been fitted with a modern cabin light,
255cu in flathead V8 with Offenhauser Pioneer sound system, Dakota Digital instrumentation and
aluminum heads, Edelbrock dual intake a cut-down (3in) stock steering wheel. Featured in the May
manifold, two Stromberg two-barrel 2010 issue of Rod & Custom Magazine and winner of a Boyd
carburettors, headers Coddington Top Ten Award, this iconic hot rod will surely be
treasured by its new owner for its style and history. ★ Lap belt.
TRANSMISSION:
Three-speed manual Stealth stereo.

SUSPENSION:
Independent front suspension, live rear
axle, lowering springs

BRAKES:
Four-wheel drum brakes

Interior mimics the legendary

‘Hirohata’ Mercury.

■ For more information on Stratas Auctions and some of the amazing cars they have on offer, visit www.stratas.auction or call 001 310 749 0174.
 Words and photography: Will Shiers

Our intrepid salvage yard explorer brings you junkyard jewels from across North America.

1. The late autumn sun

filters through the trees,
temporarily illuminating
this forlorn Ford. It’s
a 1971 LTD Brougham
two-door hardtop, which
has sat in a forest on the
outskirts of Texarkana,
Arkansas, for the past
27 years.

2. A Minnesota-registered
1955 Chevrolet 210 is one
of hundreds of similarly
aged classics awaiting its
fate at Oakleaf Old Cars
and Crushing in Hartford,
South Dakota. The car has
already been stripped of
its running gear, but still
has a few useful parts to
offer, including a straight
boot lid and passenger
door.

3. This 1964 Chrysler

300 two-door hardtop no
longer exists, having been
crushed in 2019. Although
it was well beyond an
economical restoration,
it still had plenty of great
rust-free parts to offer.
What a waste!
 . Sadly this
s Imperial
mper a Crown
rown Sedan
e an
uffered a similar fate to the
Chrysler. In 1959, when it sailed off
he line, Imperial was out-finned by
h
Cadillac. This had a negative effect
on Imperial sales, with only 17,269
nding buyers.

5. Judging by its bald-as-a-coot

ty
yres, this 1954 Ford Customline
must have been quite a handful
m
on Kentucky’s wet roads. Terminal
o
ru
ust has ensured that its highway
days are definitely behind it.

6. This 1953 Ford looks like it’s in

dire need of a visit to the opticians.
It was photographed in Georgia,
where it is very slowly returning
to nature.

7. Studebaker built the Land

Cruiser from 1934 to 1954. This one
hails from 1951 which, thanks to
the introduction of a new V8, was
one of the best-selling years for
the model. I photographed it near
Dallas, Texas, just a stone’s throw
from I35.

8. You’d think this 1957 Buick

Special would be worth saving, but
the yard that owns it thinks not,
and is parting-it-out instead.

9. Ford was playing second fiddle

to Chevrolet in 1956, when this
two-door station wagon rolled
off the line. It’s a Custom Ranch
Wagon, one of 42,317 built that
year.

10. 1973 was a year of celebrations

for Cadillac, which not only built
its five-millionth car, but set a new
annual sales record (304,839). But
things were about to take a turn
for the worse. The 1973 oil crisis
(October 1973 to March 1974)
would result in the price of a barrel
of oil more than trebling. All of a
sudden 7.7-litre V8s didn’t seem
like such a clever idea, and in 1974
Cadillac sales fell to 242,330. CTC
Auto Ranch of Denton, Texas, has
no less than three of these 1973
Cadillac Sedan DeVille parts cars –
this being the pick of the bunch.

classic-american.com 81
 Chevrolet 1⁄2-ton C/K-Series Pickup Trucks
Classic American - “Built to Stay Tough”
Reviews Author: Norm Mort
Published by: Veloce Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-787113-11-4

There are several reasons why the third-generation

Chevrolet 1⁄2-ton pick-up trucks have become so
popular in recent years. As older pick-ups have
become both harder to find and more expensive
Collecting Drag to buy, enthusiasts have looked at later models
Racing Model Kits to restore and cherish. The C/K Series from 1973
to 1987 were and still are handsome vehicles,
– A Showcase of both practical and relatively easy to work on. The
America’s Most long production run means that spares are readily
available and while the range was constantly
Popular Model Kits revised, updated and improved, there will be
much component compatibility. Their engineering
Author: Tim Boyd became more sophisticated, with improvements and options available as the years went by and a
Published by: Car Tech in engines, performance, reliability and economy, great selection of both contemporary and new
ISBN: 978-1-61325-565-0 the last ones receiving fuel injection, with all its photographs, what’s not to like? It is interesting to
benefits. Also, these were the first generation of see the progression from advertising bare bones
Since the light duty trucks to be relatively comfortable to farm and industrial application utility trucks,
earliest days drive and could be used as an alternative to a car in both two- and four-wheel-drive versions, to
of model car of the period, without compromising the creature the relatively sophisticated hobbyist vehicles for
kit production comforts. They were the first proper SUVs, when people who needed both practical transportation,
in the late ordered with the appropriate upgrades. but appreciated the contrasting two-tone paint
Fifties, drag Topics in Veloce’s ‘Those were the days...’ combinations and additional brightwork of the
racing has series are a particular favourite of mine and upmarket Silverado and Wrangler trim packages.
featured this new volume from Canadian author, Norm The book covers Fleetside and Stepside models,
prominently. Mort, maintains the standard we’ve come to both petrol and diesel powered. It’s a compact little
Several of expect. With a year-by-year analysis of these volume, but packed with facts, figures and glossy
the first attractive workhorses, accompanied by specs colour illustrations.
car kits
from Monogram were
of dragsters and a number of
AMT’s early offerings included
Hurst Equipped: Factory-Special Muscle
a dragster or gasser option. As
the sport developed and became
Cars, Speed Parts & Legendary Race Cars
more popular, so the model car
companies kept pace with a Author: Mark Fletcher & Richard Truesdell
dizzying variety of kits featuring Published by: Car Tech
both real cars campaigning at the ISBN: 978-1-61325-593-3
time and fictitious renderings from
the vivid imaginations of their kit The story of George Hurst and Hurst Performance
stylists. Modellers young and old first appeared in 2012. It’s been revised and
could not get enough, both then updated for 2020. Without the earlier book
and now, more than 60 years later. to compare with it, I cannot determine what
Computer games may have has changed but suffice to say, this is a hefty
tempted many youngsters away volume nearing 200 pages, with a detailed
from modelling, but they’ve come and comprehensive account of the products
back in droves, encouraged by developed by Hurst and his partner Bill Campbell.
parents and grandparents whose It covers the special relationships the company
enthusiasm for model car building established with the major car manufacturers
has continued unabated. Tim and the various race cars Hurst campaigned for
Boyd, of Street Rodder Magazine both the thrill of competition and to demonstrate
fame, has produced another utterly the quality of its wares. The company began
fascinating volume on the drag producing alternative motor mounts to aid
racing side of the hobby, with engine swaps, but most readers will recognise
masses of insider information, vast Hurst as the manufacturer of performance
numbers of photos and indications gear shifters, something at which the business
of both rarity and relative values excelled. How Hurst marketed and supported its
of these collectible models. It’s products is covered in detail as it was something
a great read, with obscure facts, Hurst was particularly adept at doing. given a chapter and the later history of how the
figures and general scuttlebutt on Given George Hurst’s passion for motorsports company changed hands is explained. Current
a facet of the hobby that continues it’s not surprising the company’s race and match owner B&M Automotive Group keeps the brand
to grow, with ever more accurate cars are described in detail. The company’s alive and still competitive today. A fascinating
and sophisticated kits on offer. relationships with AMC, Olds and Mopar are each history, it’s a must for drag racing fans.
Highly recommended!

84 classic-american.com
 Richard Coney
DON’T MISS
Scale OUT! PAGE 20
autos Ed ‘Big Daddy’ Roth’s ’57 Chevy Bel Air
I’vve been a fan of iconic California still perfecting his trade he Unfortunately, while the decals
cuustomiser Ed Roth for years and approached another painter look impressive, the kit is
Ih have bought many books and called Earl in a nearby workshop, apparently less so.
models about this interesting
m who apparently chalked out the I found an extensive review
annd innovative man. You’ll be outlines on the Chevy, but was online (https://web.ipmsusa3.
fa
amiliar with his many unique allegedly so unreliable that Roth org/content/ed-big-daddy-roth-
shhow cars, immortalised by Revell ended up painting them himself. 57-chevy-bel-air), which indicated
in
n 1:25 scale back in the early The car received additional that while dimensionally the kit
Sixties, but Roth had several
S advertising for his business in the was fine, the old tooling was
other less well-known cars as
o following months, including a clearly showing its age, with
general transportation. He was a
g striped roof using chromed tape. much flash, poor parts fit, heavily
businessman first and foremost
b Revell produced a model of this over-plated chromed parts and
and even his show cars were made
an car several years ago which could ill-fitting glass.
to advertise his custom T-shirt and be built stock, as a drag car, or as Admittedly the reviewer might
Hot Wheels pin-striping business, rather than
just competition entries.
Roth’s flame-emblazoned cruiser,
an example of which I found
have received a bad example.
If it’s typical, it’s a shame, as I
COPO Corvette He recognised the importance
of self-promotion and many of
last year. The kit appears to date
from 1962 and it was said to be
welcome any tri-Chevy kits and
if an Ed Roth kit can be built as
his conventional cars had some the first kit with opening doors, well, even better. However, I
reference to his custom painting bonnet and boot lid. It has been know many model car collectors
company on their bodywork. revamped a number of times over never even remove the kit’s
One such was a 1957 Chevrolet the years, occasionally updated shrink wrap, let alone build them,
Bel Air he had for a while. It’s with new parts, but it’s essentially preferring to display them factory
understood it had a 283cu in V8 the same kit. fresh. If it’s bought to add to an
and fuel injection. It stood out As a self-confessed Roth fan Ed Roth model collection, they’ll
with its outrageous flamed and I feature it purely as a nostalgia never experience the potential
striped paint job. Flames were piece and to demonstrate how frustration of building a less than
a relatively new phenomenon car kits introduced some 60 perfect kit. Shop around and you
at the time and as Roth was years ago are still being reissued. should find one for around £30.

This yellow and black 1969 Central

Pocket-sized Corvair
Office Production Order (COPO) Vilified by political activist and
Corvette in Hot Wheels’ 1:64 scale environmentalist Ralph Nader in his 1965
Circuit Legends series is the latest book Unsafe at Any Speed, the rear-
version of this impressive sports engined, six-cylinder, air-cooled Chevrolet
car, having first appeared in about Corvair, first introduced in 1959, was
2011. I believe that the model unconventional by American car standards
represents a real car, a 1969 L88 and designed to compete with the likes
Corvette Convertible 427cu in, of the Volkswagen Beetle and the Ford
which was one of only 216 L88s Falcon. Although its rear transaxle was
built specifically for racing. The car cited as the reason for Nader’s extreme
is unique, as it also had a specially criticism of the safety of the Corvair, later
ordered Muncie M22 Rock Crusher tests overturned that view, declaring the
four-speed transmission, transistor car was no more unsafe at cornering than
ignition, 4.56 Positraction rear end, its contemporaries. Nevertheless, sales of
side exhaust, F41 suspension and this pretty and practical little car suffered
a black vinyl-covered auxiliary as a result, though production continued
hard top. until 1969.
The car raced successfully at Oxford Diecast’s 1:87 scale 1963
Sebring and Daytona and was Corvair Coupe in Riverside Red is pocket-
restored in 2009, later being sized, even in its sturdy plastic case. With
displayed in the National Corvette unusual redwall tyres and silver trim on
Museum. Despite its size, the the windows, door handles, bumpers and
model has nice wheels with lettered lights, it’s a nice simple model, budget
tyres, well-applied racing numbers priced at under £7 and a worthy addition
and sponsor decals. A reasonable to Oxford’s ever-expanding HO scale
representation of the prototype, it American car range.
demonstrates the aggressive lines
of this unique Corvette. A cut above
the standard Hot Wheels, examples ★ A wide range of die-cast models and American-range plastic kits are available online at competitive prices.
can be found under £10. However, you should be able to source most models reviewed in Scale Autos from www.modelstore.co.uk or
see American Classic Diecast at www.american-classic-diecast.co.uk

86 classic-american.com
classic-american.com 87
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Terms and conditions for private advertisers the truthfulness of any statements made by a only accept one advert per coupon. advert free of charge in other Mortons Media
1. The advert provided by the customer must be customer in the advert copy. Accordingly, the 4. Whilst every effort is made to include your related publications.
legal, decent, honest and truthful and comply customer will be responsible for any losses, free advert correctly, we are unable to take DATA: Protection of your personal data
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 CLASSIC AMERICAN READER ADVERTS
ASC MCLAREN ASTRO VAN BUICK BUICK

1986, 3.8 ltr, V6, convertible, 2 seat 1995, MoT, vgc and runner, one UK owner Skylark Coupe, 1972, Special Edition 1958 Limited Riviera Coupe, super rare
Roadster, one of only 9 produced by 15 years, well looked after, reason for made for a few months only, in original car, only 1026 built, needs finishing,
ASC McLaren in 1986, mechanically selling not used much any more, £4995 condition less than 41,000 miles, brake/ easy winter project, lack of space forces
sound, many new body and engine parts Tel. 07853 915375. Wales petrol tank overhaul etc, £18,000 regrettable sale, £27,950
available, £18,950 ono; reasonable offers Tel. 02920 531998. Glamorgan Tel. Andy 07836 349356. Bucks
considered. Tel. 07856 855414. Herts [email protected]

BUICK ELECTRA BUICK INVICTA BUICK RIVIERA BUICK ROAD MASTER

225 Custom, 1966, 4 door pillarless 1958, good condition, new tyres, stainless 1963, 401 nail head, black plate Cali 96 V8 5.7, engine & gearbox has
hardtop, strong 401ci + 3 speed auto, exhaust, power steering, flutomatic drives car, full engine detailed, serviced, brake, completely been rebuilt, a new battery has
updated with pertronix ignition + superb, 6600cc, £15,000 ono overhaul, new shocks, exhaust, springs, been put in, the car drives excellently & has
flamethrower coil, recent starter motor & Tel. 01834 871042. Pembrokeshire replaced carpets & interior seat kit, sound clean interior, £12,500
battery, £13,000 body, £16,500 ono Tel. Wayne 07939 242048. Essex
Tel. 07775 704701. Kent Tel. 07737 174200. Solihull

BUICK SKYLARK CADILLAC CADILLAC CADILLAC COUPE

Special Edition 2dr, hardtop, striking coupe Convertible, 1951, Series 62, blue, 1960, Convertible Series 62, drives really 1958, rust free, low mileage, runs
350 V8 twin exhausts, under 41,000 miles, automatic, petrol, electric windows & well, very reliable car to take you on any and drives really well, a very nice car
original car with perfect white interior, car hood, grey leather interior, good condition journey, always garage kept, cheap throughout, £37,950
has been tuned runs perfect, £18,000 ono & runner, £44,950 convertible, £34,500 Tel. Andy 07836 349356.
Tel. 02920 531998. South Wales Tel. 07850 601309. Kent Tel. 07517 990245. Essex [email protected]

CHEVROLET CHEVROLET CHEVROLET CHEVROLET 3100

Corvair Lakewood Wagon, 1961, Bel Air Saloon, 1965, imported from Thrift Master, 1949, panel van, LWB, all Stepwise pick up, 1955, 283 auto, Camaro
powerglide auto drives as new air cooled sunny Ventura, California in 2010, in bodywork done & respray, winter project, front clip, American racing alloys, drives
2.4 flat six with twin carbs, everyday driver Artesian Turquoise, 283cu ins (4635cc) comes with all parts to finish inc Chevy V8 well, California truck, £22,750 located
fits in standard garage & parking spaces, V8, automatic, recent service with filters, 350 s/b rebuilt engine, also auto gearbox, Essex
£9995 £12,950 ono £9995 ono Tel. 07889 110056. Essex
Tel. 01707 268863. Hatfield Tel. 01359 251051. Suffolk Tel. Brian 07837 985973. Worcs

CHEVROLET BELAIR CHEVROLET C10 CHEVROLET CAMARO CHEVROLET CAMARO

Sport Sedan, 1957, Multi award show Silverado Jeep 6.2 Diesel Automatic LWB, 1991, 5.0lt, V8, LHD, unmolested matching 96LT1, 4L60E box, 1968, many new parts
winner inc 2017 Heat Winner Classic vehicle is an 1986 registered on a D plate, numbers, 51,500km, air con cruise, no over the last few years, a real head turner
American Magazine, owned 14 years, 283 1st reg in UK Dec, 1993, proper from rust, always garaged, vgc, owned 14 nice car to drive, owned for 10 years,
CU 4 barrel V8, power steering, power the ground up nuts & bolts restoration, years, all documentation, £9250 £25,000 ovno Tel. 02083 371200. Surrey
drum brakes. Tel. 07545 085288. £24,995 Tel. 07712 020000. Glasgow Tel. 07764 336851. Lincs [email protected]
Upload your advert at www.classic-american.com
Private ads appear for 3 months only. To cancel or renew call 01507 529322
CHEVROLET CAMARO CHEVROLET IMPALA CHEVY PANEL VAN CHEVY STYLEMASTER

1997, excellent condition, having covered 61, bubble top, 348 Tri power, 700R4 trans 1957, shipped over in 2005 from 1947, 235, twin carbs, dual exhaust,
4000 miles per annum from new, body and A/C frame off resto 4 wheel disc brakes, Oklahoma, stripped & full rebuild, Mustang owned 22 years, restored, excellent
interior are excellent with 3.8 engine £3850 excellent condition, £38,995 2 front end and coil overs all round, disc condition, ideal wedding car, £18,500
Tel. 07985 411584. Leeds Tel. 07875 093989. Hertfordshire brakes all round, Boyd Coddington Tel. 07941 571354. Southampton
wheels, £32,000
Tel. Terry 07765 164822. Norfolk

CHRYSLER 300C CORVETTE CORVETTE CORVETTE STINGRAY

2000, MoT till October 2021, 33,000 miles, stunning future classic, 1999, restored by 1999, one owner UK car, B pack with HUD, 1972 Convertible, owned since 2003, Auto,
new tyres, new battery, £10,500 ovno Custom Exotics, restoration inc: lowered active handling & Z51 pack, 43,856 miles 68,000 miles from new, black interior,
Tel. 01505 872082. Glasgow 19” wheels, full leather and colour coded & serviced every year with all receipts, recent respray & engine rebuild & stroked
details, 79,234 miles stunning & original, £19,995 to 383ci, new gearbox, good tyres, vgc
Tel. 07774 111011. Tel. 07935 874717. Dundee Tel. 07970 429667. Essex

DODGE CHALLENGER DODGE CHARGER DODGE D100 DODGE DART

1974, in Plum Crazy, with a black interior, R/T 5.7 litre Hemi, 2006, just over 42,000 truck one off Chevy engine & gear box 5.7 1960, 73,000 miles, push button auto V8,
big block 440 Chrysler (7.2L) engine with 4 miles, Hemi auto with top shift, imported Ford Grand Torino cab brand new back very strong engine, body work very good,
speed manual gearbox, front disc brakes new, comes with in dash 6 CD auto hanger tub (back), professionally built new tyres good chrome, MoT although not needed,
and what I think is a 8.75 diff & DVD in centre arm rest facing the rear, & wheels but cracked windscreen, £6500 original radio & handbooks, £11,000 poss
Tel. 07837 056612. Warwickshire MoT June 2021, £10,995 ono ono p/x why?
Tel. 07814 314950. Manchester Tel. 07851 765252. Tel. Alan 07712 657581. Hampshire

DODGE DIPLOMAT SE DODGE VIPER FORD

1988, 318-5.2 V8, great vinyl roof and RT/10, 1994, 8ltr, good condition, MoT till Model T, IVA tested, Jag suspension all
interior, good tyres, the body work is solid July 2021, owner last 21 years, £32,500 round, full roll cage, Chevy 305 engine
but does show age related marks, MoT Tel. 07522 544721. Leics recon th 350 autobox, tan leather
March 2021, £3200 ono upholstery electric power steering,
Tel. 07900 803012. Norfolk £12,000 or p/x Chevy Apatche
Tel. Chris 07981 761660.

FORD F1 FORD F100 FORD F-150 FORD FAIRLANE

1949, original Flat Head V8, 4 speed Explorer, 360 big block, auto, pas, original Harley-Davidson Limited Edition, Supercab 1964, excellent bodywork, new exhaust,
manual, original truck in very good survivor, never been messed with, original Pick-Up, 2006 5.4ltr EFI340 BHP, only excellent interior, straight six auto needs
condition, many new parts, repainted and paint, interior, even truck bed great 61,595 miles, Roush Performance Air to be seen £7500 ono
re-trimmed five years ago, £16,000 condition, £10,000 Induction Kit, £17,995 Tel. 02082 082409. London
Tel. Keith 07775 600270. Essex Tel. John 07773 184136. Kent Tel. 07786 725343. Hampshire

classic-american.com 93
 CLASSIC AMERICAN READER ADVERTS
FORD FAIRLANE FORD GALAXIE FORD GALAXIE FORD METEOR

500, 2 door coupe, 1963, 260cu in lovely 1963 1/2 Fastback Coupe, rare in UK, 1966, Country Sedan Wagon, good 1953, 350Cu. in Chevy small block engine
V8 rumble, 3 speed auto, owned 5 years, 390/6.4. 3 speed auto, power steering, condition, genuine 103K miles, 6 seater & auto box, recent new alternator, starter
zero rust, easy 70mph cruising, 25mpg front disc brake conversion, aluminium plus 4 small ones in the trunk, known motor, leaf springs & respray, flaked roof
average, any inspection welcome, £14,750 radiator, aluminium prop shaft, 17” Cragar history, imported 2014, great runner 289ci & pinstriped by Nefarious £15,000 ovno
Tel. 07946 494296. London rims Tel. 07557 881693. East Sussex auto, re-upholstered, music in the glove Tel. 07889 710189. Hampshire
box, Mustang 2 wheels, £10,750
Tel. 07850 227125. West Midlands

FORD MUSTANG FORD MUSTANG FORD THUNDERBIRD FORD THUNDERBIRD

New Edge GT, 2002, vgc, originally reg 1971, 302 V8 Coupe, just out of 10 years 1974, 2 door pillarless Coupe, only 50,758 1957, one of only 1500 E codes, 270 bhp,
in Canada, LHD, automatic 4.6 litre V8, storage in heated garage, now up and miles, two owners from new, fabulous power seat, windows, steering, brakes
recently replaced sway bars & front anti- running with new tyres, exhaust and as straight condition, been recommission Town and Country radio, soft top and
roll bar bushes & new rear brake pads, new interior £10,750 after a period of storage, new MoT, porthole hardtop, £32,995
85,127 miles, £7250 ono Tel. 01132 791471. Leeds £10,999 Tel. 01707 268863. Herts
Tel. Nick 07786 936941. Glos Tel. 01452 731289; 07595 218406. Gloucs

INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER 112 JEEP WRANGLER LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MERCURY

1955, very solid original pick-up straight 1994, 4 litre auto hard and soft tops plus 1972, Mk IV, 57,000 miles, 7.5 V8 auto, red 1988, Colony Park Station Wagon, four
six engine, runs and drives well, £14,500 Bimini cover, recent respray, drives well, leather interior, no MoT reqd but still have it owners from new, 86,000 miles only, been
Tel. 07764 786716. North Yorkshire will have new MoT, personal plate inc, done plus serviced twice yearly, all original in storage on or off, only done 400/500
£7950 car & road tax free, £11,000 ono miles in last four years, offers over £4000
Tel. 07767 614838. Brighton Tel. 07580 094615. North Yorks Tel. Lloyd 07870 483377. Kent

MERCURY MERCURY COUPE MUSTANG

Grand Marquis GS, 1999 automatic 4.6 1949, stock body with rebuilt 255cu in A code, 1965, fantastic condition, over
V8, fresh MoT plus £1000 bill of new parts flathead, manual 3 on the tree gearbox, £40,000 spent on the car, concours
added, comes with private plate & a van had new parts where needed, 12v engine bay, Edelbrock performer heads
full of new & used parts, £4650 conversion, sold as seen, £35,000 and intake manifold, 4 speed toploader
Tel. 07752 140283. West Sussex Tel. 07747 473488 . Essex gearbox £26,995
Tel. 07881 621980. Bedfordshire

MUSTANG MACH 1 OLDSMOBILE PLYMOUTH VALIANT PONTIAC

1970, Cleveland 351 2V, 5.7 litre, V8 dynamic Super 88, petrol saloon 5500cc, Convertible, 1964, project car, very Chieftain, 1951, straight eight, Hydramatic
engine, full restoration completed in 2008 year 1960, registered in UK 1988, OSU original, very solid but has been unused for gears, Indian mascot lights up, recently
in USA, vgc, £44,500 107, bodywork and interior in perfect some years, starts, drives & stops, needs serviced, good runner, reluctant sale, need
Tel. 07770 930777. Surrey condition, £14,250 ono poss p/x recommissioning for the road, £7000 space, £14,000
[email protected] Tel. Dave 07802 581519. Surrey Tel. 07540 095928. Swansea Tel. 07840 285994.
 CLASSIC AMERICAN READER ADVERTS
CHEVROLET CORVETTE 1954 CHEVROLET NOVA 1964/65/66 CLASSIC AMERICAN MAGAZINES
For Sale YH Carter carbs, original, two 6 cylinder looking for a rust free 2014 to date, 75 mags total, five
CHEVROLET CAMMARO with chokes, two without, £800. Nova. Tel. 00353 879214413. Eire. Classic American binders, few loose,
Berlinetta, 1982, 3 gen, 2.8 V6, dark Straight 8 Buick 320ci engine 80% [email protected] very heavy buyer collects Sheffield,
blue, light blue trim, auto, alloys, complete, frost crack on engine, CORVETTE WANTED prefer ring for information, £80. Tel. 01142
new tyres, recent service, new parts £450. Tel. 07971 478243. Yorks. project or requiring work, anything 665600. South Yorkshire. Email.
and starter motor, 151,967 miles, no CHEVROLET V8 1965, 283ci engine, considered, instant purchase and [email protected]
MoT, needs work, best offer, may standard crank, bigends +10 bore, collection. Tel. 07739 361927. CLASSIC AMERICAN MAGAZINES
split. Tel. 01932 259824. Surrey. no distributor came out of C10, £800. Lincs. approximately 310 Editions some are
OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88 Royale Wanted passenger side inner fender HUDSON 308 ENGINE WANTED missing and most are in very good
Convertible - 5.7 V8 350, 1973, for 1941 Buick Century. Tel. 07971 must be complete, I can collect condition, date ranging from 1990 to
owned vehicle for over 15 years, 478243. Yorks from anywhere cash on collection. present date, £100 ono. Tel. 07941
approx 10,000 miles in this time, FORD 289 1965, running engine Tel. Mick 07977 926589. 324989. Essex.
original mileage 80,000, very good, for sale, good compression & Leicestershire. CORVETTE C3 indoor/outdoor
clean, solid and original car, MoT leak down test good, comes with LINCOLN C O N T I N E N TA L car cover, strong material, fits a C3
& tax exempt, Classic Insurance, new carburettor, inlet manifold, DESIGNER or collector series Corvette really well, comes complete
electric power, windows/bench headman headers new starter wanted by collector, must be of with all straps and ties, also have
seat-hood/roof/AC V5 in owner/ motor, C5AE casting numbers, show quality, low mileage, I am original storage bag, hardly used so
registered keepers hand, looking can be heard running £3500. Also looking to increase my collection, in good condition, £45. Tel. 07956
for a Yank that can be driven daily, Tremec Borg Warner 5 speed immediate cash waiting for the right 263178. Bedfordshire.
if any genuine queries/offers/ gearbox complete from engine to car. Tel. 07860 419398. Suffolk. HAMILTON ALL WEATHER 2020
possibly swaps (WHY?) please propshaft, to fit small block Ford 6 [email protected] car cover, the best available, used for
contact me. Tel. 07399 803403. bolt bell housing, will fit 289-302- LOOKING FOR A black 1990 two weeks only with bag cost, £260,
Croydon/London area. 351 Windsors, £2000. Also Ford C4 Pontiac Trans Am, if you would suit Mustang, Camaro, Trans Am Bel
PONTIAC 455 HO Clone, 1972, auto transmission with bellhousing consider selling please contact me. Air Challenger, 4.5x2.5x1.5 metres,
WM code engine, 4 speed call for details. Tel. Brian 07837 Tel. Mark 07984 807088. Dorset. £150. Tel. 01932 786030.
Muncie Box M22, 4:10 axle, all 985973. Worcester. LOOKING FOR PARTS: I own a OLD GLORY AMERICAN
rust removed, bare metal respray, FORD F100 1955, front axle 1980 Pontiac Firebird Trans AM, MAGAZINES crammed into two
DBL pumper carb, 10k miles since complete with drum brakes, springs after parts for the interior also giant A3 size volumes, 460 pages
1990 engine rebuild, appliance 5 and steering linkage, steering column bonnet vents, window seals, get
and 520 pages in total, crammed
spoke wheels, MoT 09/21, new 3” and steering wheel, all original spec 5 in touch if you have any parts. Tel.
full of now Classic American articles,
exhaust system, £60,000 ovno. Tel. x 5 1/2 stud spacing, good condition 07946 221182. Manchester.
cars, lorries, buses and so much
07843 986050. Norfolk when removed, £250. Tel. 07969 MOTORS AUTO REPAIR
238377. South Staffs. MANUAL American covers, more, all black and white pages
THUNDERBIRD 1956, due to let and photos, snuggle down in your
down for sale again, lots of work FORD F250 1997, Powerstroke most makes 1952-59. Tel. 01509
brand new parts, also Chilton 239546. Leics. armchair this winter to hours of
done, but needs some one to finish
Workshop Manual, F150 1997 WANTED 1940S-1970S American reading, £90 for both books or £50
it off, many new spares, £20,000. Tel.
original Ford Workshop Manuals, two cars, all models and conditions for one, plus postage. Tel. 07979
Joe 01934 642383. North Somerset.
of. Tel. Jim 01674 850603 anytime. considered, willing to travel UK/ 012656. Hertfordshire.
TWO FOR THE price of one, best
America car, 1956 Thunderbird Scotland. Europe, funds waiting. Tel. 07903 TITAN TTB54 drill press machine,
needs some work to finish off IGNITION COIL Boot Set: these are 883411. Essex. 2018? as new, 3ft tall, £90 ono.
£20,000, also plenty of spares. Also brand new & never fitted, this was WANTED 1978 Trans Am roof Also Titan Band saw, 2018? £80
Morris Minor Traveller used ever day for a 2011 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi, either hard top or Fisher t/top. Tel. ono, both in very good condition,
plenty of spares, £4000. Tel. Joe may fit other years, brand new, 01245 763339. Essex. buyer collects. Tel. 07931 992678.
01934 642383. North Somerset. £25. Brand new ignition coil, fits for WANTED LOOKING FOR 50S/60S Lancashire.
Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup 5.7 2011, cars to add to our private collection, USA BOOKS mags, posters,
£20. Dodge Ram on car valve spring all makes and models considered, brochures, etc most rare, trucks,
Parts For Sale compressor, brand new, this is not a will consider projects, willing to cars, Mustang, GT40, Lincoln,
1984 T5 BORG WARNER Tremec cheap Chinese set, it is a very high travel and collect anywhere. Tel. Hearse/Limo, guns, wildlife sell/swap
5 speed gearbox with everything quality snap-on set, can not purchase 01702 527397 anytime. Essex. for Bronco 86 w/shop manual, set
you need from engine to propshaft, these in the UK, cost about £300 with 4x4 USA mags, anything Lambo any
removed from Mustang with 5ltr shipping, taxes etc, these are used language. Tel. 01277 200530.
302 V8 engine, gearbox code 13- whilst the engine is in the vehicle, Parts Wanted
52-065-921, located in Worcester otherwise the engine has to come out CADILLAC WANTED 1959/1960
approx 5 miles from junction 7, of the, truck/car, £150. Dodge Ram used/original Flat Top passenger
£2200. Tel. Brian 07837 985973. 5.7L Hemi exhaust manifold, condition front door window with E Z Eye
BULLITT WHEELS set of four in is used, these are original & not Bluey/Green Tint. Tel. 01502 568163.
anthracite with Pirelli P Zero Nero aftermarket, this auction is for both left Suffolk.
Tyres, P235/55 ZR17, 98W, 6mm and right side manifolds, these came CHEVY 3 on the tree gear box,
tread fits S197 Mustang, very good with my Ram when I purchased it but with overdrive, must be working,
condition, £500 buyer collects. Tel. it had an upgraded full Magnaflow to fit small block Chevy. Tel. 07483
01303 278715. Kent. system, £80. Tel. Steve 07463 345233. Bedfordshire.
CADILLAC COUPE DEVILLE 160260. Carmarthenshire. FORD F150 1994, full exhaust pipe,
1965, rebuilt Rochester carburettor, LINCOLN SALOON 1960s vent twin rear pipe if possible. Tel. 07977
new rear parcel shelf (black), windows n/side, o/side, also side 397346. Cheshire.
complete drivers side mirror, 65/66 windows n/side, o/side all in frames KAISER MANHATTON 1953 wanted
rebuilt clock (not tested), set of fan and all tinted, £375. Also rag top rear two rear light covers, red. Tel. 02086
belts, power steering etc, original window in frame, £95. Tel. 01274 694816. Surrey.
body service manual, original shop 879845. West Yorkshire. PONTIAC TRANS AM 1983, 3
manual, dash temp gauge, set of gen wanted o/side side/finished
rear tail light lenses and chrome lamp front, 15in 5 stud rim wheels,
bezels both sides, sales brochures, Wanted bonnet. Tel. 01932 259824. Surrey.
1965-1980s, glove box manual + BRONCO ‘86 E.Bauer prefer or LTD WANTED PAIR OF front wings for
more. Tel. 07870 483377. Kent. wagon ‘70s or ‘60s-70s Lincoln, 1976 Cadillac Eldorado. Tel. Graham
FORD Thunderbird V8, 1964 390cu. swap 4 Merc/Benz 230TE estate, 01279 864881; 07805 828586.
in parts: oil pump, fuel pump, £50 70,000 miles, many extras & new Hertfordshire.
each. Exhaust man left hand, £40. parts, &/or snap-on, tools most
Inlet man, £60. Pair rocker covers, unused, pro camera collection &
£40. Air cleaner housing, £40. items (ideal wildlife). Tel. 01277 Miscellaneous
Rebuilt starter, £225. Starter needs 200530. Essex. AMI JUKE BOX 1960s, plays
attention, £70. Rebuilt carb 4B, BRUSH GUARD/NUDGE BAR 200 side 45’s single vinyl, good
£250. Needs rebuilt carb, £100. needed for 1997-2003 Ford condition, bright and loud, £999 ono,
Distributor complete, £100. Left F150, new or used, can collect buyer collects. Also set of four car
hand chrome headlight trim, £80 anywhere in UK, any help would suspension springs as new Mustang
or sell as job lot, £750. Tel. 07967 be appreciated. Tel. 07415 968982. GT 2007, buyer collects. Tel. 07931
827526. Herefordshire. West Midlands. 992678. Lancashire.
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PETER PROCTOR
M U S TA N G R A C E R

1971 DODGE
SUPER BEE

T E L C A MINO
HEVROL E
1959 C

CLASSIC AMERICAN
DREAM COLLECTION

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on page 20
1962 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE