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Regular
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | Take a look at this 59 Imperial that this company is building. It started life as a 4 -door. The body has been radically narrowed, shortened, sectioned, and channeled over a tube frame with Schwartz Performance front suspension and a narrowed Viper IRS setup at the rear. A late model Mopar Hemi crate engine is coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the wheelbase is just 90 inches - identical to the Shelby Cobra. Who would ever come up with this kind of idea!! John |
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Regular
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | Here is a drawing of the car. Forgot to click on attach file. Sorry John
 (hrdp_1005_39_+hot_rod_projects+imperial_drawing.jpg)
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 hrdp_1005_39_+hot_rod_projects+imperial_drawing.jpg (219KB - 278 downloads)
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Expert
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Location: Blythewood, SC | Murray Pfaff is quite the talented guy! That's a lot of cutting.
It was in Hot Rod last month under construction. It's pretty close to done. |
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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 | The wheelbase is too short, the nose dips way too much, and the windshield appears to reside too far rearward
and the wheels are too large for the size of the car, and it's sitting (slammed-) too-low on the suspension.
Otherwise, it looks great.....
Can somebody further photo-chop this design, to make its overall appearance be graceful?
Edited by d500neil 2010-04-13 8:18 PM
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Location: Scotland | Is it Pedal Powered?. |
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Location: Farnborough. Hampshire. England. | Shorties just don't do it for me.....Clever but arse ugly..  |
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Posts: 2932
Location: Lemoore CA | Kind of a neat idea, but I think it would have turned out better if it had been a Chrysler, Dodge, Desoto, or Plymouth. Imperials have a very heavy look to them, and although this one is shortned, sectioned ect, the "weight" is still there. |
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Expert 5K+
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Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada | They ruined the car IMHO, which was already, as Exner put it, the "Finest Expression of the Forward Look" and you can't improve on that ! As Neil said, the proportions are all Wrong. |
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Location: Blythewood, SC | It looks good. Just because it's different does not mean they ruined the lines. Pull your head out of your arse. |
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Expert 5K+
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Location: Victoria, BC, on Vancouver Island, Canada | Brian I only said it was my opinion. I don't like it, and nothing could persuade me right now to like it. If you like it I've got no problem with that . Each his own taste ! |
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Expert
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Location: DFW, TX | I think it's awesome. I don't like the wheel selection, but that is the kind of thing that is currently "hot." I think an OEM wheel cover would look great and really set off the fact that it is built from an Imperial. You guys are doing a great job on it! Please keep us posted.
As for the dissenters, I'd rather see hundreds of these built than one more forlorn, rusting old hulk crushed. I think there are enough original / restored Imperial sedans to go around for all the people that want one- |
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Posts: 3581
Location: Blythewood, SC |  |
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Location: Upplands Väsby, Sweden | Looks good at your fine art. But built at a 57-58 Imperial many 4 dr out Hemi engie (All hemi have going to Hot Rod) |
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
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Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | The car is ruined, but I really admire the craftsmanship and the creative thinking. It looks so narrow that only a 4-banger or a straigt 6 could fit. The toilet seat lid looks abnormally big in size. |
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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 | Whaddaya mean, Sven?
The Toilet Seat (never more-appropriate, in a Forwardlook hot rod) is the same size as its wheels!
(The "car's" builder probably always wanted a Fury JR, as a kid).
Check out the comparative sizes between the bumper-end, lying on the floor, and the
size of the car, next to it.
The front end ('clip') looks to be way-too-long, for the dimensions and proportions of the car,
in real-life....
Edited by d500neil 2010-04-14 5:00 PM
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Expert
Posts: 3967
Location: DFW, TX | Neil, that's a bumper end on a TABLE which is closer to the camera. You can tell because there is a bumper end mounted on the car. No need to be a jerk about someone else's project.
And since I was bored, I figured I'd see what some whitewalls would look like on that car.  I like it! 
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shortyimperial1.jpg (186KB - 205 downloads)
shortyimperial2.jpg (184KB - 202 downloads)
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Board Moderator & Exner Expert 10K+
Posts: 13066
Location: Southern Sweden - Sturkö island | Danny, the whitewalls sure "lifts" the car! Neil - I mean that the real lid looks strange, since the toilet seat takes up so much space in comparision with the lid. |
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Regular
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Location: Norway | I am guessing the builders garage was to short for a "uncut" 59 Imperial.. 
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Posts: 1357
Location: Iowa USA | I considered doing that to a 1956 Chrysler windsor 4-door hardtop that I picked up for free years ago.
(well it was free after I sold the 5 wire wheels on it)
But I did not consider the narrowing, just shortening and slamming to the ground.
Leaving the roofs on seems to mess up the look so I agree with the top removal that he did.
But I also considered grafting a fully operational top off a Chrsyler Le Baron of the 80s-90s including upper cowl and wipers recessed behind the hood.
But of course i like Fury Juniors and Firemites also.
Edited by roadkillontheweb 2010-04-15 8:28 AM
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210.jpg (33KB - 284 downloads)
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Location: Under the X in Texas | The more Forward Look cars that get cut up, the more the authentic originals are worth due to the attrition.
The more Forward Look cars appear in magazines, the more interest there is in saving any and all parts cars that are out there.
The more the human mind can exercise its creativity in freedom and liberty, the less likely we are to follow an oppressive social or political view. |
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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 | Sven, I know what you meant--lolol...
Danny, I'm not the only person to be not overjoyed with this car's appearance---you gotta admit,
its slamming looks not-good and the tires are over-sized, and the illustration shows the front end
to be nose-diving; the entry into the car will not be convenient and the seat-room somewhat limited
---check out the location of the OEM door hinge pillar with the location of the seat back, and bolsters.
BTW, the real car will have a lot longer frontal overhang than the illustration suggests.
If the builder wants to install a trick engine (instead of a 6-banger, or a turbo-4)---no IMP Hemi will fit
comfortably in that engine compartment, and, it would be a tad-nose-heavy, with one in it, for being a "Speedster"
---he could emulate the Chrysler Atlantique, and 'siamese-togther' two 4-bangers and make a slick (and short-) straight-8
out of them.
Forgot to mention that the severe slamming of the suspensions would mean that the car would have virtually no
suspension travel (read: buck-board) and that, if large LOW-profile tires are installed on it, there will be
even LESS air-cushioning provided by those tires, than if 'regular' height tires were to be installed on it.
Edited by d500neil 2010-04-15 7:38 PM
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Location: DFW, TX | So? |
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Location: Farnborough. Hampshire. England. | You can all argue as much as you like, but the salient factor is....Shorties are TOTALLY RIDICULOUS and look HIDEOUS. :wince
Send them ALL to the crusher. |
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Expert
Posts: 2612
Location: Parts Unknown | After the first post, I thought this was one of those toy cars . . . Obviously it's not  There is no need to
worry about the drivability of this car - other than going up on (in) a trailer, I don't think it is gonna rack up
many miles . . . I kinda wish there would be a roof on it - I think that is what no one has been able to do
(Photo-shop or in reality) -I'm not seeing the "beauty" of this car, however, it is an amazing transformation
that few people could do - What would you guys think if he painted a 69 on the doors and entered it in a derby ?
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Veteran
Posts: 210
Location: San Diego, CA | I liked the artwork version. The top off was a great idea. Don't like it low...love it with the wide whites. Seeing the real car...well...not liking it so much. I agree, the front fenders look way too big...the scale is all off. But hey, best of luck to him. I hope we can see the finished product. I really did like the artwork........
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 500
Location: Upper East Tennessee | LOVE that shorty Firesweep Wagon! |
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Location: Parts Unknown | tnlowrider - 2010-04-16 8:08 AM
LOVE that shorty Firesweep Wagon!
I agree ! I think (for me at least) it's because the roof line is still "normal" looking . . .
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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 | Notice how long the doors have to be, to make the photochopped images of the cars appear to be a balanced
design, as compared to the real(?)-world red PLY, and its entry-door. This car was seen in Tulsa, in 2007.
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Member
Posts: 37
Location: Ann Arbor, Mi | God forbid that anyone have an original idea and do something other than worry about the proper gloss the inside of the muffler should have on their concours restored FL.
Let the guy finish it and then judge. he's a pretty talented designer and has altered every dimension on this thing so it will not look like the rolling fecal matter posted above.
I'm off to build yet another Christine clone |
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Expert
Posts: 2309
Location: The Bat Cave, Fairborn, OH | Well, it's his car and he can do what he likes with it, but I think he chose the wrong model to chop up into a speedster. The big heavy front fenders with their big heavy chrome accents and headlamp bezels detract from the overall effect. It might have been more interesting if he had decided to use a 61 or 62 Imperial to work his "magic" (?) on. A 59 Imp just doesn't work at 90 inches wb.
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Location: Scottsdale, AZ | Finally something can be done with those butt-ugly Imps! Gotta be the worst designed headlights, rear fender treatments, Virgil must have gotten drunk that weekend. I happen to think it really looks good! Wheels are a bit big for me, but the stance and narrowing are near perfect.
But, having said that, that's what makes this hobby fun, different strokes for different folks! :-) |
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Location: DFW, TX | I thought you guys would enjoy seeing the finished product. Turned out very nice I think!
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Location: Montreal, Canada | Please don't tell me they really cut up that nice original out of the barn for that!!!?? Why not just graft some parts from a parts cars instead of ruining a restorable car like this!... It looks to me like they only really needed the front fender and the fins anyway... I'm sorry, that's just my opinion, but that's a real shame for me. |
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Location: Under the X in Texas | IMHO it is absolutely fabulous. There are plenty of sedans around. This car is inspiring and creative. |
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Expert
Posts: 1530
Location: ZH, Switzerland | Looks good - I think anybody can do as he want as long as he uses a custom tube chassis, a modern HEMI or Viper engine and a epoxy glass resin body. I would never convert a real FL car this way. Near nobody could decide if it's an real steel sheet car or just a epoxy glass resin copy until he knocks on the body shell.
Do you like this - one out of around 900 cars made in 1956?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDsY8Iy6D-I
or that?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG9YUpX03UI
Happy motoring!
Dieter |
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Walter passed away on Jul 29, 2014. We will miss you, Walt!
Posts: 5358
Location: Heaven Above (Formerly Oklahoma City,OK) | those butt-ugly wheels ruin the whole effect of the car for me . . . . . . . . .
but, i agree that the workmanship looks fantastic.
Edited by wbower3 2011-02-27 4:49 PM
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 520
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado | They had to use bigger wheels to clear those big ass rotors I like it. Still better than the green hornet movie raging 14 1964 imperials for a lackluster film. |
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Posts: 1444
Location: Oconomowoc Wi | It's very cool... Well done. |
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Location: Houston | Excellent work, not so great results in terms of proportions.
Worst of all, yet another modern V8/T56/IRS car. Yawn. |
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Posts: 2490
Location: Kansas City, KS | outstanding craftsmanship and vision! I don't see cars customized to this level and still retain all their chrome trim and emblems. The builder definitely deserves acknowledgment for that alone. He also fixed some of the things that always bothered me about stock '59s such as headlamp location, grille, and instrument panel. I might copy his idea for the door mounted side mirror on my own cars. The door panel trim makes a nice touch on the center console too! |
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Location: Houston | Actually, how does it has a 6 speed with no apparent shifter ? |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 475
Location: Las Vegas, NV | I don't like the windshield, and I don't like the toilet seat. If I was going to change the Imperial, the toilet seat would be the first thing to go. Other than that, I actually thought the car looked kind of cool until I saw the pic with the guy standing next to it. After seeing that pic, I think the car looks way too small, and kind of ridiculous. It would be a funny car for a clown to drive in the circus.
Edited by spider89119 2011-02-27 11:00 PM
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Location: Parts Unknown |
No likey the orange color at all . . .
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Location: ZH, Switzerland | Excellent craftmanship for sure. But why on earth did he choose a Mopar FL car and not a GM or a Furd product?
Dieter |
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Location: Houston | You bring up a good point. A 59 Caddy would have been much better for all concerned. |
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Location: Plymouth Spaceport | spider89119 - 2011-02-27 10:45 PM
I don't like the windshield, and I don't like the toilet seat. If I was going to change the Imperial, the toilet seat would be the first thing to go. Other than that, I actually thought the car looked kind of cool until I saw the pic with the guy standing next to it. After seeing that pic, I think the car looks way too small, and kind of ridiculous. It would be a funny car for a clown to drive in the circus. :laugh:
Most people hate the "toilet seats" too.
I am glad DeSoto didn't use them like Chrysler did on the 1960's,and As much as I love 1960 Plymouths I would choose one without the seat.
To me even calling it "flight sweep" is ridiculous since the toilet seat goes against the clean forward look lines of the cars. |
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Location: Houston | Like 'em or not they sure come in handy on those long drives when there's not a restroom in sight. |
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Posts: 3581
Location: Blythewood, SC | I really doubt that any of us could pull off that kind of work with that level of quality. While you are throwing stones, think about how good the end result looks even if you don't like the colors or wheels or proportions. That is very high quality work. |
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Location: Houston | I don't think any of us have disparaged the quality of work.
When I see a car of that quality, I respect the workmanship but I also have an understanding that it didn't happen 'organically'. What I mean is you know you are looking at a car that came about as a result of a lot of money being fronted by someone, usually someone who doesn't know which end of a wrench to hold. So...if you gave someone the freedom (time and money) to put together a car like that, you'd see a lot more cars like that. I'll bet this board has at least 10 guys who could do that car given the money and time. |
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Location: Oconomowoc Wi | 57plymouth - 2011-02-28 6:33 AM I really doubt that any of us could pull off that kind of work with that level of quality. While you are throwing stones, think about how good the end result looks even if you don't like the colors or wheels or proportions. That is very high quality work. Well said Brian, It represents one hellovalot of vision, artistry, craftsmenship and heart. I'd be all to happy to take it for a spin. |
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1959 Imperial Speedster
