I have finally driven my
56 Imperial. I have never owned a luxury car before. This car is a
long way from virginity valley, but she still is about the finest ride I have
ever had. I have other 30's, 40's and 50's cars. The manufacturers
have learned something in the last 50 years. The man who bought an
Imperial in 1956 really got something for his money. I dare say, that while it
probably won't go around corners like my 98 Crown Victoria, 500 freeway miles
will certainly be as easy in the Imperial as in the newer car. Maybe
better, since the Ford has the handling package, and rides like a coal
cart. The power in the Imperial just keeps coming. The Ford will
churp tires, and I have not had the courage to find out where it runs out of
steam, but the Imperial has a power that you can't describe. It
doesn't snap your njeck, it doesn't surge, it is just smooth, constant, and
there. It has a presence that is truely REGAL! Imperial is a proper
name for it. Lincoln was a politician. His side won the war, so
he is revered. (I live in Illinos, Lincoln is well regarded here).
Cadillac was a French explorer. There is a lot of pro and con about
Cadillac, too. There is no arguement about the meaning of
Imperial.
Since the books I have
ordered have not arrived, I am wondering, could you order a 56 Imperial without
power brakes, or is the booster somewhere other than mounted on the master
cylinder? The master cylinder looks just like the legstrong brakes I have
on other cars. My Imperial has power windows, power steering, power
seat, and factory air ( and it all works!). why would someone not have
power brakes, too? The pedal does not say "power brake", although it is
the wide one I associate with power brakes.
I am missing one wheel
cover. If there are more than one kind of wheel cover, I have a picture I
can email someone. Also, I need the chrome piece that goes between the
left front wheel lip trim and the rocker panel trim. I'd like to get a good
right one, although I can fix the one I have.
JOhn
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