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Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!
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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-04-28 6:04 PM (#172156)
Subject: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-04-28 6:06 PM (#172157 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-04-28 6:08 PM (#172158 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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BigBlockMopar
Posted 2009-04-28 6:20 PM (#172160 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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d500neil
Posted 2009-04-28 7:04 PM (#172165 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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

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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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dukeboy
Posted 2009-04-28 7:21 PM (#172168 - in reply to #172165)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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big m
Posted 2009-04-28 7:51 PM (#172170 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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That is truly a beautiful custom, IMHO. ---John
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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-04-28 7:54 PM (#172171 - in reply to #172165)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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ThomasD500
Posted 2009-04-28 8:02 PM (#172173 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!


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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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lawrence
Posted 2009-04-28 8:38 PM (#172176 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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Very nice. Where is the car now?
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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-04-28 8:53 PM (#172179 - in reply to #172176)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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5859
Posted 2009-04-28 9:44 PM (#172186 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!


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Do you remember who in Fresno had the car?
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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-04-29 12:31 AM (#172192 - in reply to #172186)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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Chrome58
Posted 2009-04-29 3:55 AM (#172196 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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Truly a beautiful car ...
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Billy-Jack Ebare
Posted 2009-04-29 9:15 AM (#172214 - in reply to #172196)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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StillOutThere
Posted 2009-04-29 11:36 AM (#172221 - in reply to #172192)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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57burb
Posted 2009-04-29 11:55 AM (#172222 - in reply to #172221)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-04-29 12:25 PM (#172225 - in reply to #172221)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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dukeboy
Posted 2009-04-29 12:31 PM (#172226 - in reply to #172225)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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Todd, any truth to the Screen name "Hemi32"? I'd love to see that one too.....
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57burb
Posted 2009-04-29 12:42 PM (#172228 - in reply to #172226)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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dukeboy
Posted 2009-04-29 12:48 PM (#172229 - in reply to #172228)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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60dodgedart
Posted 2009-04-29 1:25 PM (#172231 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!


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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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d500neil
Posted 2009-04-29 4:07 PM (#172250 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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

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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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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-04-29 4:22 PM (#172251 - in reply to #172222)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-04-29 4:36 PM (#172254 - in reply to #172226)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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55CRL
Posted 2009-04-30 11:20 AM (#172324 - in reply to #172254)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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1960fury
Posted 2009-05-01 6:02 PM (#172508 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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dukeboy
Posted 2009-05-01 6:17 PM (#172511 - in reply to #172324)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-05-02 4:45 PM (#172577 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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5859
Posted 2009-05-03 12:50 AM (#172632 - in reply to #172508)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!


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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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1960fury
Posted 2009-05-03 8:52 AM (#172647 - in reply to #172577)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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StillOutThere
Posted 2009-05-03 9:07 AM (#172649 - in reply to #172577)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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1960fury
Posted 2009-05-03 10:49 AM (#172663 - in reply to #172649)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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StillOutThere
Posted 2009-05-03 3:03 PM (#172695 - in reply to #172663)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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1960fury
Posted 2009-05-04 1:33 PM (#172840 - in reply to #172695)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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
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Attachments argh.JPG (67KB - 395 downloads)
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Rob
Posted 2009-05-04 9:33 PM (#172932 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!


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Beautiful car, he did well, although I'm not a fan of customizing.

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Johnnie
Posted 2009-05-08 6:11 PM (#173530 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!


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Has anybody any more pics of chopped forward lookers,
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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-05-09 5:43 PM (#173647 - in reply to #173530)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-05-10 12:20 PM (#173724 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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jsrail
Posted 2009-05-10 1:15 PM (#173727 - in reply to #172840)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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1960fury - 2009-05-04 10:33 AM  i have nothing more to say.

Thanks!

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Johnnie
Posted 2009-05-10 3:43 PM (#173744 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!


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Sorry Todd did'nt mean to steal your thread ,many thanks for the pics .
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FIN-ATIC
Posted 2009-05-10 11:48 PM (#173775 - in reply to #173744)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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shuweet61
Posted 2010-09-30 5:59 PM (#243772 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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Finadk
Posted 2010-09-30 10:21 PM (#243803 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!


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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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jsrail
Posted 2010-10-01 12:35 AM (#243814 - in reply to #243803)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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moparsteve
Posted 2010-10-01 8:43 AM (#243840 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!


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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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spider89119
Posted 2010-10-02 11:23 AM (#243956 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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It's a beautiful car that deserves more than just being a trailer queen.
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djMikulec
Posted 2010-10-02 12:34 PM (#243968 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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57plybel
Posted 2010-10-03 1:06 AM (#244021 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: Re: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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Highball57
Posted 2010-10-03 7:55 PM (#244091 - in reply to #172156)
Subject: RE: Clif Inman's (Joe Wilhelm built) '57 Chrysler Custom ... Lotsa PICS!!!!!



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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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