IML: 'Blank' 1960 Hubs (?)

[Imps Rule <impsrule@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello All,

 

Hope 2005 is treating everybody well!  I've got a question for those 1960 experts out there...  I just purchased a set of 'regular' (Custom/Crown) Imperial hubcaps for my '60 LeBaron for 'regular-driving', reserving the 'LeBaron' hubs for the show (more on that at the end...).  I saw this set on eBay, and noted that they appeared not to have the three 'spinners' (flippers).  I figured that maybe they'd broken off, but I was anxious to get something and they were cheap, so...

 

Upon arrival, I was surprised to see that these four hubcaps had NEVER been 'embossed' with the "IMPERIAL" lettering around the center hub.   Moreover, there is no indication that the 'spinner' fins had ever been installed(!)  A quick glance at the pre-production photos in the Iconografix book shows that even their hubs showed the embossed centers and 3-flippers.  Just wondering if anyone had ever run across such a 'deviation' before...?  Maybe Chrysler 're-used' the 'plain' hub design on a later Dodge Custom 880 or something...?

 

Ahhh...., the endless mysteries of Mopar!

 

OH...  By the way:  I'm in search of ONE (1) 1960 'LeBaron' hubcap (sadly I lost one on the way to my mechanic in February).  Any tips/leads would be welcome...

 

Warm Regards,

Jim Byers

1960 LeBaron 4dr Southampton

Washington, DC