I couldn't agree more on your description of the experience of owning our Imperials. I always say to people that I know what it's like to be a beautiful woman - the men practically break their neck trying to get a look and most the women turn up their nose but you can see their eyes checking it out. My wife says she is a little uncomfortable in the 63' because EVERYONE keeps looking at us, I just laugh and let her know they are checking out everything around us and we, the people in the car, really don't exist. I would also like to mention that I get a little annoyed that I can't just fill it up without hearing 1) nice Impala!! or, nice Chrysler !! 2) I use to own a old Mustang !! 3) What does it get - 8 miles to the gallon ?, but when no one asks me any questions I get a little annoyed too! Call me crazy, anyone else have this problem?
Parker Co.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, November 03, 2006 5:58 PM
Subject: RE: IML: Gawkers and Ego and Peeves
Thanks for your excellent description of one of the joys of owning/operating a vintage Imperial. I have experienced ALL of the things you described, and more. I cringe at the thought of that belt-buckle sticking out from the beer-belly getting within range of the paint, or the rings on the hands. It is a lot of fun to be the big spectator-sport in and for the neighbour-hood once-in-a-while, though.
Kristian Oyen
1963 Imperial Crown Southampton 4-door
1966 Imperial Crown Sedan
1967 Imperial Crown Coupe
Imperialists,
It goes without saying we are in this for ego: because few people have them, and because we LOVE to be looked at, waved at, thumbs-upped at as we cruise in our dream behemoths.....people, even strangers, ask me if I take her to shows and I laugh as I tell them by the mere conversation taking place, the truth is I AM a show wherever I go, though I do visit them on occasion.....I have a particular place I go for relaxation in a downtown area and often either leaving or entering my vehicle I am accosted by the gawkers and nosers who want the WHOLE history, which sometimes I am wont to give and other times I JUST WANT MY PEACE.....adding to the ego thing is walking away from her and watching other peoples reaction to the car, just as she sits, and I could watch others' gander at the car all the day long and never reveal who I am, just steps away at my bench.....but then I HAVE to, as improper Gawk Etiquette is tossed, and some, not
so much disrespectful (sometimes though) as inconsiderate, come over to the car and PAW AT IT.....the cupped face and the cheek/nose on the windows; the palm prints on the roof as they try and lean in to a closed car; and my all time favorite: the window left down and the gentleman/lady has his/her FRONT TORSO levered over the door to the point of I can read the imprint on the sole of their shoes, inside the car with their hands all over the steering wheel, dash and/or seats..... when I explain that one puts one's hands behind their backs and leans no closer than a foot from the vehicle to look, while NEVER touching without the owner's permission, they are understanding, though some are actually standoffish.....a good cleaning of my car takes 4 to 6 hours-- a great cleaning is an all day love affair/inspection--and those who don't understand that, have never cared for a car.....
ybshore
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