1954 Crown Imperial Limo & Thoughts on a Restoration

[TheCarNutz@xxxxxxx]

In a message dated 7/17/02 11:12:11 PM Pacific Daylight Time, dannobowen@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:


> The early 
> fifties cars certainly were not the best Chrysler ever produced but they 
> are a part of Chrysler history. Stodgy, certainly not particularly sporty, 
> not at all, just to appeal to the average American.  They were boxy, maybe 
> even ugly, but they were what Chrysler produced.
>
> Interesting how you would describe cars of that era, and then make the following comment about what someone else has said.
> >   
> Can you think of any other negatives to say about this car? 

In actuality, Jim Martin was right on target regarding his comments about this 1954 Crown Imperial on eBay.  Since I already own 1951 and 1952 Crown Imperials, I may have a little more first hand knowledge regarding these cars.  I can tell you this car on eBay is already overpriced.  I would have interest in buying it but not for the price the seller thinks he can get.  Unfortunately too many people are unaware of real values, and/or the cost of restoration.  We see this mindset of "this is a rare classic and worth a lot of money."  If thats the case then why don't they put the $40 to $60 thousand dollars in it, so they can sell it for $35 thousand??  These are very unique cars in many ways and many parts are not readily available.  The disc brake system alone can in itself scare away the novice.  I have brake parts catalogues from the 50's, and they were already showing some of the replacement parts as NLA.(No longer available). Little items like power window switches and knobs were dif
ferent from even the regular line up of Imperial cars.  Everyone should appreciate an honest evaluation, such as Jims, of a car and it's possible restoration costs.  It's just one mans opinion but from a person who's "been there done that!" 
                                                       Bill B.