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Maybe kinda off topic for the purist Forward Lookers ... but IMHO, Clif Inman's '57 Chrysler Custom is a thing of pure beauty ... simple, understated, classy, tasteful ... just perfect! ... I might go as far as saying that it was an improvement on Virgil & the boys original design ... let the beatings commence! ...
photo by Andy Southard Jr. (from the cover of his book: "CUSTOM CARS of the 1950s")
In the late '50s, Clif Inman (a recent graduate of Willow Glen High School in San Jose California) used to hang-out at Tut’s Auto Supply on Lincoln Avenue (in SJ's Willow Glen district). There he caught the "Hot Rod bug" and rodded a '50s Oldsmobile. It was around the same time that Clif saw a sleek, slinky ’57 Chrysler cruising John’s Drive-In (in downtown San Jose) ... and he was instantly hooked by its "forward good looks" . In 1960, Clif sold his Olds, purchased a '57 Chrysler, and took it directly to (Joe) Wilhelm Customs (also in SJ) for installation of quad headlamps, a tube grille, custom hub caps & lowering. In 1962, the car was in an accident and Inman was back at Wilhelm's shop ... “fix the quarter panel, and while you’re at it, chop the top.” To retain the long, low smooth lines, Wilhelm not only took three and one-half inches out of the top, but installed a ’58 Dodge front window and a ’61 Comet rear window and frenched in the taillights. side by side comparision with a stocker
In 1963-64, the car was the "Custom Champion" at the Grand National (Oakland) Roadster Show ... and the "Custom Sweepstakes winner at the Sacramento Autorama. Clif's entry in the 1964 GNRS Program
Clif's ride @ an indoor show (circa 1963 or 64)
The March 1964 issue of Rod&Custom magazine included this Andy Southard Jr. feature article on Clif's "Lean Long Luxurious" '57 Chrysler: In 1965, Clif sold the coupe to a party in Fresno, California.
Edited by FIN-ATIC 2009-04-28 8:44 PM
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Location: Bay Area, California | In 1977, my father and his friend Gary "Goodguy" Meadors (with the help of Fresno area Hot Rod builders Ronnie White & Pepper Snow) found the long lost "Inman '57 Chrysler": The owner didn't want to sell this "milestone custom" to the "uninformed" ... but since my father knew exactly what the car was and it's historical significance (the "Inman '57 Chrysler" had been his favorite custom since he first laid eyes on it in 1964) ... he offered it to my father (for a hefty sum) ... but Dad had to decline (he was already building two '32 Fords Hot Rods and restoring a '57 300 C & '58 300 D Coupe).
My Dad later learned that Salinas, California customizer Rod Powell had a "secret customer" that really wanted wanted to own a significant Custom of the '60s ... This "secret customer" was film and record producer William E. McEuen. At that time, McEuen was (stand-up comedian, star of SNL, & soon-to-be film star) Steve Martin's producer ... as well as the producer of other successful acts like "The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band" ... and later Paul "Pee Wee Herman" Ruebens ... in a nutshell, money wasn't an issue for Mr. McEuen ... and arrangements were made for my father to purchase the car and deliver it to Rod Powell's shop ... McEuen brought a "Stack of Benjamins" to our house ... and the rest as they say is history!
Here's some pics from the day we picked up the car in Fresno and trailered it to Rod Powell's shop in Salinas: Brian Burnett's (Los Gatos, CA) shop freshened up all of the mechanicals, Street West Upholstery (Campbell, CA) handled new threads for the interior, and Rod Powell resprayed the car with RM 400 Black Nitrocellulose Lacquer: images courtesy Rod Powell
I believe the car was shown at the 1982 or 83 Grand National (Oakland) Roadster Show ... and then parked in one of Mr. McEuen's warehouses. |
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Location: Bay Area, California |
In 1990, McEuen allowed Rod to show the car at his annual "Rod Powell Picnic" in Salinas. Automotive photo-journalist, Pat Ganahl was in attendance at the picnic ... and wrote an article entitled "THE DARK SECRET: Clif Inman's famous chopped Chrysler Lives - but we don't know where".
Pat's article appeared in the December 1991 issue of Rod&Custom magazine: In 1996, McEuen loaned the "Inman '57 Chrysler" to the Oakland Museum of California for their "Hot Rods and Customs: The Men and Machines of California's Car Culture" exhibition (which ran from September 21st 1996 thru January 5th 1997) ... Here's the photos used in the museum's exhibit book: Flash photography wasn't allowed in the museum, but someone did manage to snap this pic: The car hasn't been seen in public for several years ... here's the most recent picture I have of it: image from McEuen's Aspen Film Society website
Edited by FIN-ATIC 2009-04-28 8:26 PM
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Location: Netherlands | That last pic of the car is the most stunning ever!
I've got all of these pics you posted saved on my computer and in my Photobucket.
I sometimes just keep staring at this last pic for minutes every time I see it, checking out the lines of the car and such.
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | Just awesome ...but, I'm surprised that Wilhelm didn't shave (remove, and replace with hidden
solenoid-releases) the door handles.
And, BTW, the negative camber settings on the front wheels, that you see, are the unavoidable result of having to 'slam' the front
suspension, as low as possible--not good for tire wear.
Edited by d500neil 2009-04-28 7:39 PM
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Location: Big pimpin' | Thanks for posting this, as many like myself love to read an automobiles history...That black Chrysler is just stunning...Whoever came up with that rear window treatment was pure brilliance...I've always liked the '57-'58 Chryslers and thought nobody could really "Improve" on them, but this car has done it in spades.....Excellent work... |
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Location: Williams California | That is truly a beautiful custom, IMHO. ---John |
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Location: Bay Area, California | d500neil - 2009-04-28 7:04 PM
...but, I'm surprised that Wilhelm didn't shave (remove, and replace with hidden
solenoid-releases) the door handles.
Agreed ... the door handles and the use of '58-esque taillights are the only things I would have done differently ... IMO, shaved door handles and keeping the stock '57 taillights would have made for an even cleaner look!
That said, McEuen made the right choice ... making any body modifications to this "milestone" Wilhelm Custom would be sacrilege!
We were a bit disappointed that McEuen didn't opt to swap out the 440 in favor of a '57 Poly or Hemi powerplant ... if my father would have been able to keep the car, he certainly would have installed a dressed-up 392 HEMI !!!
Edited by FIN-ATIC 2009-04-28 7:57 PM
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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Orlando | The '57-58 Chryslers were always my favorite FL cars (especially the 300s with their clean sides), and this car only reinforces that. |
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Location: Bama | Very nice. Where is the car now? |
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Location: Bay Area, California | lawrence - 2009-04-28 8:38 PM
Very nice. Where is the car now?
I presume it is still in one of Bill McEuen's warehouses ... most likely in SoCal ... but maybe in Aspen, CO ... or (God forbid) the salty air of Honolulu, HI. |
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Location: Lemoore CA | Do you remember who in Fresno had the car? |
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Location: Bay Area, California | 5859 - 2009-04-28 9:44 PM
Do you remember who in Fresno had the car?
Don't remember his name ... but he's the shirtless guy in the first set of "Fresno pics" ... and the guy in the white T-shirt in the second set. |
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Location: Belgium, 40 miles south of Brussels | Truly a beautiful car ... |
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Location: A proud Canadian | Very cool story, of a very cool car. Like many of us here have found, there are many FL cars that are in the woodwork, and very rarely seen outside the confines of where they're stored! One could argue that this is a bad thing. But, a good surprise every once in a while is a good thing... Keeps the hobby alive! |
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Location: Under the X in Texas | Todd, I'm presuming this car will henceforth remain a show-only display piece and it deserves that preservation. Should the current owner desire to truly return it to its original appearance with a set of '60 era US Royal Master external radial-ribbed narrow whitewalls that have excellent tread and are not dry rotted like this car and so many customs of that time had, I have had a set in storage for a long time. PM me if interested. |
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Location: DFW, TX | Hello there Todd aka Hemi32. I knew it was you as soon as I started reading the post... the first clue was the subject matter itself! hahaa
Take care bud-
Danny
aka Gotgas |
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Location: Bay Area, California | StillOutThere - 2009-04-29 11:36 AM
Todd, I'm presuming this car will henceforth remain a show-only display piece and it deserves that preservation. Should the current owner desire to truly return it to its original appearance with a set of '60 era US Royal Master external radial-ribbed narrow whitewalls that have excellent tread and are not dry rotted like this car and so many customs of that time had, I have had a set in storage for a long time. PM me if interested.
Wayne ... funny you should post this ... I was just looking at the pictures in this thread again (although photos don't really do the car justice, I never tire looking at them) ... and thought to myself: "It's sure a shame that the car was 'restored' using the wide-whitewalls vice the narrow-whitewalls in the 1962-82 photos of the car".I haven't seen or talked to Mr. McEuen in over 27 years ... but next time I talk to Rod Powell (who I believe keeps in touch with Mr. McEuen, I'll mention that you have a set of US Royal Masters for sale. On a personal note, I'm glad you found this thread ... you are one of the reasons I have been lurking on this site for several years (and finally joined 2 days ago) ... you're posts (on the forum & e-mail lists) are always a great source of information & entertainment. This is only my 2nd thread on the FWDLK Forum ... be sure to checkout my introductory thread "Pics of our old '55-'59 Mopars") ... it's under the Member Rides category ... and includes photos of 3 of the 5 Chrysler 300s (including the 300C we sold to John & Christie) ... just click HERE. Todd |
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Location: Big pimpin' | Todd, any truth to the Screen name "Hemi32"? I'd love to see that one too..... |
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Location: DFW, TX | dukeboy - 2009-04-29 11:31 AM
Todd, any truth to the Screen name "Hemi32"? I'd love to see that one too.....
I'll let him tell his story... but I will just confirm that he has an old hand-me-down '32 coupe. |
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Location: Big pimpin' | Reminds me of a certain Springsteen song....."It's a hot steppin' HEMI, with a four on the floor"...."It's a Roadrunner engine in a '32 ford" |
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Location: Middletown CT | WOW!--this is a vehicle that the Rodder's Journal (just retro rods, drag racing, salt flats etc from the beginning
to the 70s) should cover! BEAUTIFUL. Beth H. |
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Exner Expert 19,174 posts. Neil passed away 18 Sep 2015. You will be missed, Neil!
Posts: 19146
Location: bishop, ca | I wonder if the car is being stored with its chassis being supported, or whether it was put up standing on its tires and
suspension? |
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Location: Bay Area, California | 57burb - 2009-04-29 11:55 AM Hello there Todd aka Hemi32. I knew it was you as soon as I started reading the post... the first clue was the subject matter itself! hahaa Take care bud- Danny aka Gotgas :bleh:
Hey Danny ... yep, I finally joined you Forward Look-ers!
... and yes, I did "borrow" (cut 'n paste) from my posts in a similar "Inman '57 Chrysler" thread on a different automotive related forum ... when I joined this site, I never intended to post any Hot Rod or Custom material ... but in my introductory thread (click HERE), folks asked for more pics/info on the Clif Inman custom ... so I honored their requests with the thread.Regards - Todd (aka FIN-ATIC ... and HEMI32 on a "certain other forum") |
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Location: Bay Area, California | dukeboy - 2009-04-29 12:31 PM
Todd, any truth to the Screen name "HEMI32"? I'd love to see that one too.....
dukeboy ... Yep ... but with the exception of its powerplant (from a '58 Imperial) ... it is way too off topic for this forum! ... it's a chopped & channeled '32 "FixOrRepairDaily" 5-window Coupe. |
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Location: Magra, Sweden | This car is so COOL, I just love it Joe really enhanced the original design to absolute top level.
Todd, thank you very much for sharing the pictures and the story. |
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Location: northern germany | FIN-ATIC - 2009-04-28 6:04 PM
just perfect! ... I might go as far as saying that it was an improvement on Virgil & the boys original design ... let the beatings commence! .
as i posted in another thread about that car or a similar one, this custom reveals the builders lack of understanding/sense for exners forwardlook (50s) design. they ruined a perfect car, a 57/58 chrysler coupe.
the roof is totaly ANTI 50s ANTI forwardlook. the ultra fat C pillar looks like from a new car or from a 70s car gone is the light airy gracefull forwardlook roof with thin roof posts and wraparound window.
and you can clearly see that rear window was not designed for that car, that makes it look cheap too just like the tailights.
but the grille and dual headlights are nice.
Edited by 1960fury 2009-05-01 6:21 PM
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Location: Big pimpin' | 55CRL - 2009-04-30 11:20 AM
This car is so COOL, I just love it Joe really enhanced the original design to absolute top level.
Todd, thank you very much for sharing the pictures and the story.
AGREED.......Thanks Todd... |
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1960fury - 2009-05-01 3:02 PM as i posted in another thread about that car or a similar one, Sid ... you posted about a "similar one" ... a '57 New Yorker Custom built in the late '90s by Petri Hälvä (of Finland) ... it was created as somewhat of a tribute to (or replica/clone of) the "Inman '57 Chrysler" [built in the early '60s by Wilhelm Customs (in San Jose, California)] ... NOTE: the "Hälvä '57 Chrysler" is currently owned by Søren Jensen (of Denmark).
1960fury - 2009-05-01 3:02 PM ... this custom reveals the builders lack of understanding/sense for exners forwardlook (50s) design. they ruined a perfect car, a 57/58 chrysler coupe I never stated that Mr. Wilhelm had any "understanding" or "sense" of (our beloved) Mr. Exner's "Forward Look" design ... the late Joe Wilhelm was a famous Car Customizer (i.e., Car Re-styler) in the '50s & '60s ... I personally don't care for many of his other designs (click HERE) ... but Clif Inman's Custom (based on a two-door '57 Chrysler) is definitely the exception! ... the photographs I have posted here don't do justice to the car's overall look and styling ... one really needs to see this car in person to fully appreciate it.
1960fury - 2009-05-01 3:02 PM ...the roof is totaly ANTI 50s ANTI forwardlook I would agree that the "Inman '57 Chrysler" Custom is "ANTI ForwardLook" ... but I would beg to differ that it is "ANTI 50s": 1960fury - 2009-05-01 3:02 PM ...the ultra fat C pillar looks like from a new car or from a 70s car So ... since Mr. Wilhelm chopped the car in 1962, are you saying that he was a visionary?
1960fury - 2009-05-01 3:02 PM ...gone is the light airy gracefull forwardlook roof with thin roof posts and wraparound window. and you can clearly see that rear window was not designed for that car, that makes it look cheap too just like the tailights. 1960fury - 2009-05-01 3:02 PM ...but the grille and dual headlights are nice. Are you sure it doesn't need some ill-fitting fender skirts to make it a "Real '50s Custom"? ... perhaps the owner could grease his hair back, wear '50s American vintage clothing, hang "fuzzy dice" from the rear-view mirror, and play some Rockabilly on the accessory record player ... then it would be "Just like the '50's" Todd
Edited by FIN-ATIC 2009-05-02 5:44 PM
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Location: Lemoore CA | 1960fury - 2009-05-01 6:02 PM
FIN-ATIC - 2009-04-28 6:04 PM
just perfect! ... I might go as far as saying that it was an improvement on Virgil & the boys original design ... let the beatings commence! .
as i posted in another thread about that car or a similar one, this custom reveals the builders lack of understanding/sense for exners forwardlook (50s ) design. they ruined a perfect car, a 57/58 chrysler coupe.
the roof is totaly ANTI 50s ANTI forwardlook. the ultra fat C pillar looks like from a new car or from a 70s car gone is the light airy gracefull forwardlook roof with thin roof posts and wraparound window.
and you can clearly see that rear window was not designed for that car, that makes it look cheap too just like the tailights.
but the grille and dual headlights are nice.
It is too bad that they could not have sunk the top instead of choping it, and retained the rear glass and original looking c pillar. I don't guess that techn ique was available at that time. |
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Location: northern germany | FIN-ATIC - 2009-05-02 4:45 PM
Are you sure it doesn't need some ill-fitting fender skirts to make it a "Real '50s Custom"? ... perhaps the owner could grease his hair back, wear '50s American vintage clothing, hang "fuzzy dice" from the rear-view mirror, and play some Rockabilly on the accessory record player ... then it would be " Just like the '50's" Todd
correct. ill fitting skirts, greased back hair... lol you described my car and me!
Edited by 1960fury 2009-05-03 1:15 PM
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Location: Under the X in Texas | Each custom car is the individual expression of the owner with the assistance of the builder who interprets the owner's wishes. This was true whenever the first cars were customized in the teens and trwenties. A lot more cars were done in "the custom body era" of the 1930s. That whole scene dropped off during the '40s due to the war. Then it became the field of the "customizers" in the fifties and sixties. It is an INDIVIDUAL thing. My taste isn't the next guy's taste. His taste isn't my taste. That is ALL okay. Somewhere in this discussion it becomes all about everybody else being wrong unless we all think alike and hey folks, that would be plain crazy. It is in our variety and in our differences that we have great strength. It is in our commonality that we are weak. All hail the customizers and the customs. In my "book" the Inman '57 Chrysler is the outstanding forwardllook custom of all time. But that is ONLY my opinion. And everyone else is welcome to theirs. Fortunately our web master, Dave Stragand, has given us a forum to continue to express ourselves and we don't have to be politically correct. |
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Location: northern germany | StillOutThere - 2009-05-03 9:07 AM
Each custom car is the individual expression of the owner with the assistance of the builder who interprets the owner's wishes. This was true whenever the first cars were customized in the teens and trwenties. A lot more cars were done in "the custom body era" of the 1930s. That whole scene dropped off during the '40s due to the war. Then it became the field of the "customizers" in the fifties and sixties. It is an INDIVIDUAL thing. My taste isn't the next guy's taste. His taste isn't my taste. That is ALL okay. Somewhere in this discussion it becomes all about everybody else being wrong unless we all think alike and hey folks, that would be plain crazy. It is in our variety and in our differences that we have great strength. It is in our commonality that we are weak. All hail the customizers and the customs. In my "book" the Inman '57 Chrysler is the outstanding forwardllook custom of all time. But that is ONLY my opinion. And everyone else is welcome to theirs. Fortunately our web master, Dave Stragand, has given us a forum to continue to express ourselves and we don't have to be politically correct.
this is not about opinions. some cars are just done wrong. preriod. don't we all agree, for instance, that fins, fender skirts, widewhitewalltires and spinner caps look wrong on a 2009 honda? yes? fine. mixing new and old does not, or rarely, work. 57 chrysler coupes SCREAM 50s. a perfect clean design. typical for a 50s car are light appearing airy roofs with lots of (curved) glass and thin roofposts. this was a vital styling element in a late 50s car, not just mopars. thats one of the reasons these cars are so special and unique, not just the fins. its a 50s thing. putting a fat plump looking roof ala 70s on a car that otherwise screams 50s is just bad taste. no arguing, that ultra fat C pillars with (ill fitting) almost flat rear window could be from a new or a 70s car. also the dechromed tailights do not look right on a 50s car. lots of chrome and glass is typical 50s not just in car design. the question is if you love forwardlook design or 1950s design in general, if you do, you have to dislike that car.
Edited by 1960fury 2009-05-03 1:20 PM
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Location: Under the X in Texas | Dear 1960 Fury, I beg to differ. I think I am entitled to an opinion here. I love ForwardLook design enough to own a 1960 300F hardtop, 1957 300C hardtop and convertible and yet I STILL love the Inman /Wilhelm custom '57 Chrysler. Don't deny me my opinion and I won't deny you your opinion. Is that a fair enough deal or not? |
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Location: northern germany | StillOutThere - 2009-05-03 3:03 PM
Dear 1960 Fury, I beg to differ. I think I am entitled to an opinion here. I love ForwardLook design enough to own a 1960 300F hardtop, 1957 300C hardtop and convertible and yet I STILL love the Inman /Wilhelm custom '57 Chrysler. Don't deny me my opinion and I won't deny you your opinion. Is that a fair enough deal or not?
dear stilloutthere,
i did not deny your opinion. *insert message 172663 (above) here* owning lots of $$$$ fl cars means nothing. for some reason you failed to mention your 57 firedome coupe you customized with center console floor shifter and fake wood veneer,etc. picture below. i have nothing more to say.
(argh.JPG)
Attachments ---------------- argh.JPG (67KB - 398 downloads)
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| Beautiful car, he did well, although I'm not a fan of customizing.
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Location: Loughborough, UK | Has anybody any more pics of chopped forward lookers, |
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Location: Bay Area, California | Johnnie - 2009-05-08 3:11 PM
Has anybody any more pics of chopped forward lookers,
Johnnie ... I'd rather keep this thread focused on the Inman '57 Chrysler ... BUT ...Rik Hoving (in the Netherlands) maintains a wonderful photo archive of Customs ... with pics of a several chopped Forward Look cars ... including: * John D'Agostino's "Imperial Royale" '57 Imperial ... click HERE. * the Gene Winfield built "Golden Sunrise" '58 Chrysler ... click HERE and HERE. * Richard Zocchi's '56 Chrysler Windsor, '56 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer D500, '57 Dodge Coronet, '59 Plymouth Fury, '60 Dodge Pioneer, and '61 Dodge Polara ... click HERE (and browse through the 4 page album).
* Johan Norlin's '57 Chrysler New Yorker ... click HERE. ... and just click HERE for some pics of the Petri Hälvä built '57 Chrysler New Yorker.
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Location: Bay Area, California |
Here's one more Andy Southard Jr. photo of Clif Inman and his Wilhelm built '57 Chrysler Custom: This pic was framed and hung on the wall of our garage all throughout the '60s & '70s ... brings back good memories for me! |
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Location: Scottsdale, AZ | 1960fury - 2009-05-04 10:33 AM i have nothing more to say. Thanks!
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Location: Loughborough, UK | Sorry Todd did'nt mean to steal your thread ,many thanks for the pics . |
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Location: Bay Area, California | Johnnie - 2009-05-10 12:43 PM
Sorry Todd didn't mean to steal your thread ,many thanks for the pics .
Johnnie ... no worries bloke ... you weren't "stealing" it ... I just wanted to try to keep the "drama" in this thread to a minimum ... and thought that posting pics of the chopped FL cars in those albums would only serve as fodder for more "non-constructive criticism" from some on this forum. |
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Location: Hollister Ca | For you Rod Powell fans, After many years passing the Rod Powell Picnic is back. Rod is having a birthday and to celebrate his life, art and custom creations, Edie Powell has put together what should be a great day. It will be held at Royal Oaks park on Oct. 10, 2010. |
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Location: Central NJ | I love that car. Its amazing how 3 inches off the top will make a car look longer and sleeker.
I have often thought how nice the 55-56's would look with 3 inches taken off the top.
That is beyond my abilities and pocket book.
Scott
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Location: Scottsdale, AZ | Finadk - 2010-09-30 8:21 PM I love that car. Its amazing how 3 inches off the top will make a car look longer and sleeker. I have often thought how nice the 55-56's would look with 3 inches taken off the top. That is beyond my abilities and pocket book. Scott I would agree with you. Someone did a photoshop of our '56 Dodge project with a chop and it does make the car look longer and sleeker too. But as you said, its out of our pocketbook as well. Hell, I'm just trying to finish it!
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Location: somerville mass | stuning smooth ultimate in 50's cool and a fwd look at that!
almost brought tears to my eyes.. what virgil did is even
cooler... it'll never be for sale... it's in hiding... even if it
were for sale. we'd never be able to afford it!!! |
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Location: Las Vegas, NV | It's a beautiful car that deserves more than just being a trailer queen. |
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Location: Central Kentucky | Gorgeous custom, these Forward Look cars are great platforms for it... it's a shame there aren't more. My only gripe is with investors who warehouse beautiful cars like this one. She deserves to be out prowling the streets. Great post, and a great story as well. Thanks for sharing it. I did find a copy of Southard's book and it's on it's way.
Edited by djMikulec 2010-10-02 12:36 PM
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Location: Melbourne, Australia | Thanks for joining and posting, Fin-atic. That's the BEST cohesive story I've read on that car. Much better than the snippets of information I've had to rely on for 20 years. Truly, a landmark car....
Colin |
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| Wicked custom, and your photos are an incredible document in themselves.
Thanks for bringing them (and part of the car's history) to light.
TG |
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Location: Bay Area, California | I recently stumbled across some Kodachrome slides taken the day my father found the "Inman '57 Chrysler" (in 1977 ... not "Circa 1980-81" as I stated in post #172157).
Here it is still covered in dust:
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Washing it off:
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Location: Bay Area, California |
A couple close-ups:
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| Wow! That car is absolutely stunning. Love how the customization didn't overshadow the car's eternally good looking lines. What's the status of the car today? |
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Location: Under the X in Texas | It remains secreted away in the same private collection it has been in since its restoration a number of years ago. There was rumor it would be shown among the historic customs at the 2011 Grand National Roadster Show but it did not happen. |
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Expert
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Location: NY & VT | Although I too feel a lighter/thinner C pillar and more rear glass might better complement the car's design and lines, it's a beautiful and tastefully done car and wonderful that it still exists as originally done by Mr Inman. He was ahead of his time, I don't recall seeing any other customs done on FLs in 1962, though I was still in Jr. high school reading Hot Rod under the desk at the time. |
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Expert 5K+
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Location: northern germany | firedome - 2012-02-22 4:44 PM
He was ahead of his time,
yup exactly and this is NOT a good thing.... if you love the fifties that is |
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Member
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| 1960fury - 2012-02-22 6:04 PM
firedome - 2012-02-22 4:44 PM
He was ahead of his time,
yup exactly and this is NOT a good thing.... if you love the fifties that is
First, this car was rebuilt in the early sixties. Second, this car is very 50's! Also The roofline is! Put down u'r pink lollypop glasses, and get real! Check out the Chrysler Norseman for example, and see what Virgil really had in mind! Check out also the 56 Continetal Mark II or other "european" styled american cars. And third, this is in no case 70's! Check one of the best looking cars ever: 65 Buick Wildcat. Nuff said!
The only letdown is those fugly 58 Taillights. I always wonder why they came out in 58 with that. Why touch a perfect thing...
Otherwise, for me, The best Kustom ever made! Thanks for the pictures! I like the guy with the bootcut Jeans and long hair! That's 70's cool! Why do most guys look like idiots today?
Edited by THREE HUNDRED 2012-12-09 4:09 AM
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 7401
Location: northern germany | THREE HUNDRED - 2012-12-09 4:05 AM
1960fury - 2012-02-22 6:04 PM
firedome - 2012-02-22 4:44 PM
He was ahead of his time,
yup exactly and this is NOT a good thing.... if you love the fifties that is
First, this car was rebuilt in the early sixties. Second, this car is very 50's! Also The roofline is! Put down u'r pink lollypop glasses, and get real!
lol no. very, VERY anti late fifties/forwardlook plump roofline with a huge fat clumsy C post like on any new car just like the rear glass that looks just like a flat piece. gone is the typical fifties curved wrap around glass, as i said before.
just because other cars existed at that time with similar clumsy roofposts does not mean this is a typical fifties design.
and the norseman for example you mentioned was a prototype not a real production car. and forwadlook design is NOT (quote) "european" it is as pure mid century america as it gets so if you bring up "european" to suggest something is good it shows you have no clue what you are talking about.
its obvious in your post that 1950s design is not your thing. 58 chrysler taillights are a great design, the smaller lense creates a very googie looking boomerang. of course inman managed to uglify this too by de-chroming.
and as for exner... the only car he (allegedly) designed ALL by himself was the 60/61 valiant..... enough said
typical (and unique) fifties are thin graceful almost fragile looking roof posts and lots of chrome and glass (thats why car magazines in the 50s reffered to car roofs as greenhouses) like contemporary architectur, which gives these roofs a light airy look which is no longer present in that "ahead of its time" inman afterbirth.
johnny porsche from germany? greetings from flo
sid
Edited by 1960fury 2012-12-09 10:21 AM
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 7401
Location: northern germany | THREE HUNDRED - 2012-12-09 4:05 AM
I like the guy with the bootcut Jeans and long hair! That's 70's cool!
oh i just read that.... now your post makes sense |
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Expert
Posts: 2788
Location: USA - KY |
Thanks for the great pic's, Todd!
Interesting documentation about a very sharp custom.
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| Yes the norseman was a prototype---So it most likely inspired other designers and Custom Car builders. And as in the first post was written, that maybe Virgil wanted it that way. U said no way. I say it might be possible. Check this car here. The roof, the window. All in the fifties. Which not means that the thin pillars of the other cars don't look better. It is just not right what u pretended, that it looks 70's.... No way! This was also done before. And typical for some luxury cars were roofs and rear windows like that. Even more square. 56 Continental 58 T Bird. not better then those bubbletops in my opinion also, but again, it was there. I also think that Joe Wilhelm wanted to duplicate that exclusive closed convertible look, which it is. Nuff said.
http://www.carstyling.ru/resources/concept/56ghia_chrysler_norseman...
Of course was the forward look european inspired, as Virgil worked a lot with italian designers, and many of those early prototypes were built there.
I don't like 50's Design? Because I don't like those too short 58 lights? Ya right... I collect 50's stuff since 25 years, and I think I know a lot about it, even if I'm not a "Hosenkrempler" anymore.
Hmm, got 5 50's cars at the moment, and I hate them Check my Chrysler 300. Maybe the best designed, timeless forward look car. If u can't see european influences, I can't help
http://up.picr.de/12740111mw.jpg
I wonder what a price for the Inman Chrysler would be...?
Edited by THREE HUNDRED 2012-12-10 3:46 AM
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Location: Parts Unknown | I don't know, Sid .... he's got a point there.
Says he's got 5 fifties cars and hates them.
I don't know what to make of that.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 314
| The top and rear window reminds me of an Imperials. Love that car! |
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Location: Parts Unknown | Where is Clif Inman today ?
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Location: Under the X in Texas | Doctor DeSoto - 2012-12-10 9:26 AM Where is Clif Inman today ? Can't recall where I read it but I'm quite sure Clif Inman has been deceased for a number of years. What about the "almost clone" custom done in Scandinavia in recent years that was for sale? and where is it today?
Edited by StillOutThere 2012-12-10 4:05 PM
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Attachments ---------------- custom4.jpg (26KB - 416 downloads) custom5.jpg (17KB - 370 downloads)
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Location: Parts Unknown | He looks like a young kid in those 1962-ish pictures. That would make him younger than my parents.
Clif must have died young (?).
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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Finland | StillOutThere - 2012-12-10 10:52 PM What about the "almost clone" custom done in Scandinavia in recent years that was for sale? and where is it today?
Do you mean the one that was built in Finland by Petri Hälvä?? If so then current location is in Sweden. It was sold 1st to Denmark and then later to Sweden... |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 322
Location: Finland | Here is the recent photo of "Petri Hälvä Chrysler".. As you can see she already has the Swedish license plate. |
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Member
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| Also great! I like that bubble 58 windshield and grille better on the Inman.
I have seen another chopped one in the current issue of "Rod and Kulture". Some purple color. Just a small picture. Similar roof.
And another one from sweden that looks fantastic in white. Has not the convertible style roof, but the more standard which is great also! Very great! And perfect taillilghts!
Love also the rounded hood, but I can't be comfortable with that side trim, or was it not finished in the pics? Anyone knows more of this?
http://www.mopar55-61.se/Chrysler%20bilar/57/chrysler57_90.htm
Edited by THREE HUNDRED 2012-12-12 3:57 AM
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Extreme Veteran
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Location: Finland | THREE HUNDRED - 2012-12-12 10:43 AM I have seen another chopped one in the current issue of "Rod and Kulture". Some purple color. Just a small picture. Similar roof. Do you mean this one built by Alex Gambino (Gambino Kustoms) ? |
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Expert
Posts: 2524
Location: Houston | I am fairly sure, not positive, that Clif Inman is still alive. He would be in his mid-70's by now so that means he could very well be alive. |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 322
Location: Finland |
THREE HUNDRED - 2012-12-12 10:43 AM And another one from sweden that looks fantastic in white. Has not the convertible style roof, but the more standard which is great also! Very great! And perfect taillilghts! Love also the rounded hood, but I can't be comfortable with that side trim, or was it not finished in the pics? Anyone knows more of this? http://www.mopar55-61.se/Chrysler%20bilar/57/chrysler57_90.htm Rik Hoving`s Custom Car Photo Archive is endless source what comes to custom cars. There you`ll found it under the name "Johan Norlin 1957 Chrysler New Yorker". --> http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/customcars_i_like/custom_cars_from/johan-norlin-1957-c/
Edited by Fireflite60 2012-12-12 11:50 AM
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Expert
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Location: Houston | Please to report Clif Inman is still alive and well. |
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| Good to hear. Say cheers from us
@Fireflite: Yes I think is is the one. Roof doesn't look like the black one though, like I thought. The white one is just unbelieveable! Roof is perfect. I like both roof versions. Either has it's own flair to it. A chopped FL car is sth. very very hot. The sidetrim makes sense now.
Probably not very easy to do, I guess.
Edited by THREE HUNDRED 2012-12-13 1:52 AM
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Location: Under the X in Texas | GregCon - 2012-12-12 1:02 PM Please to report Clif Inman is still alive and well. Thanks, glad to hear this. Sorry for my incorrect post.
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 322
Location: Finland |
Hopefully I´m not too much off topic but as there are already good collection of chopped `57 Chryslers I assume that we should not forget the "Golden Sunrise" by John D `Agostino .... Can anyone recall more chopped `57`s? One unfinished was for sale in eBay ~ year ago, I need to check if I´ll find a photo of it... |
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Expert
Posts: 2524
Location: Houston | That white car I like a good bit except the gold paint accents are a negative.
That tangerine one above is too over-the-top for me, especially in the grille.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - the Inman car is one-of-a-kind original in a class by itself.
Edited by GregCon 2012-12-14 7:51 AM
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Expert 5K+
Posts: 5006
| Just ran into this picture here is what is done late 57-58 dual headlights from Chrysler 60-61 Comet rear windshield rounded door edges dropped suspension trim removed inset rear license plate custom grill bars Some interior from a 60 plymouth 58 tail lights frenched chop roof 3 inches and put in a bubble top. other little stuff(antenna) It's pretty much replicating the true advertised pics if you ask me. They were drawn lower and sleeker.
Edited by mikes2nd 2016-05-14 8:28 AM
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Attachments ---------------- thebal10.jpg (46KB - 341 downloads) d1a8383a2fa03b06920e78b94981c8e2.jpg (66KB - 320 downloads)
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Regular
Posts: 53
Location: Bay Area, California | Here's another (circa 1990) pic of the Inman Chrysler at Rod Powell's shop in Salinas, CA:
Edited by FIN-ATIC 2017-06-03 2:05 AM
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