Driving around in my '63, I can assure you that there are still loads of folks who don't know what it is. My favorite reaction is the one where they pass me on the freeway, and then all the heads inside simultaneously swivel around to stare at me....ah, I mean the car.
Paul W.
In an email dated 21/5/2005 7:03:05 pm GMT Daylight time, "mail.lig.bellsouth.net" <jagster911@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> writes:
Hey, I like the 59, and there is one on ebay right now in good shape and
fairly priced. The grill is so busy on these that you can't stare at it too
long, or you will get dizzy. The seats in this one are the swing outs, and
they are so cool. Of course, the fabulous Hemi of lore is gone, replaced by
the 413 wedge, that had more power and torque and got better mileage, and
was unbeliveably smooth! Like all ugly ducklings, they all have mothers to
love them. If you are seeking an outrageous looking car, then the middle
Imperials are just the ticket. After 56 and on up through the 64, it was a
styling circus. Sanity returned, but I don't know about sales. They started
looking like Lincolns, and that may have helped. Oh, one sidebar: When I
drove my 63, a man at the stoplight asked, 'what the heck is that?' I told
him, and I could not determine if he approved, or was just too rattled to
respond. The giant 'pod' headlights really caught him by surprise! Anyway,
loved the car, took many trips in it, and my co-workers always wanted to
take my car when we went to distant meetings. This was also the nightmare
car with the fabulous 'Vogue tyres' that nearly spun the car around on a wet
street. It was black with blue interior, and some friends called it the
Green Hornet car. Funny, how all this stuff comes flooding back when we
talk about our old rides. When it comes to cars, pick out something you
like, because, like any antique, you darn well better like it, 'cause you
will likely have it a long time.
----- Original Message ----- From: <RandalPark@xxxxxxx>
To: <mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2005 11:32 AM
Subject: Re: IML: Compilemts for the 58, rebukes for others.
1957 and the 1964 were the only model years where the Imperial sold "decently".
1959 was just like the rest, a few more than the worst years and a few less than the better years, all of which were usually in the range of 10,000 to 16,000 cars. As we now know, not enough cars to sustain the marque.
1958 may have been a bad year for Imperial, but only because 1957 had been
so good. That year may have also been more financially dramatic, due to
the coincidental economic depression and sudden realization, that smaller
economical cars might be truly desired by the average American.
Paul W.
In an email dated 21/5/2005 4:51:18 pm GMT Daylight time, "Hugh & Therese"
<hugtrees@xxxxxxxx> writes:
Ahh, Mr. Stephenson, owner of an 80's Imperial, fan of the 58, complimenter of the 56 and the 64. A man after my own heart, not afraid to say his piece and rattle a few cages. But lo! What is this? he is quitting due to the sensitivities of others? Surely he jests.
I wrote a piece, minus any deep knowledge about design vocabulary, about
how
to tell the 57, 58 and 59 apart. I personally don't care for the 59,
except
its fabulous rear bumper, but think the 60 and the 61 are rather fabulous,
and my opinion stinks just as much as the next person's, thank you very
much.
The changes over the three years are there to be seen and cataloged. I'm not sure how well the 59 sold, decently I dare say, but sales of the 58 were way down from the previous year, for reasons we also like to thrash out around here.
So we are an open forum after all and you might expect a mild rebuke or
two
if you dismiss other peoples favorites or try to claim your own subjective
opinion as being superior to others. No need to take your toys and go
home.
Kindness to those with whom you disagree and a healthy skepticism of your
own prejudices will serve you well around here, Mr. Stephenson, but I for
one see no reason to split over so small a difference.
Hugh 58 Owner
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