Re: IML: James Brown's '55 Limo

[Bob Smith <limoguy1950@xxxxxxxxx>]

I agree--when you can describe an engine correctly (as a "hemi") and, in some cases, even the horsepower rating, I would expect a person supposedly knowledgeable about cars to name the transmission and know the correct number of speeds.  It's usually a person having no depth of knowledge about cars who speak in "general" terms and call every automatic transmission an "automatic" rather than Powerflite, Torqueflite, Hydramatic, Dynaflow, etc.

Bob

RandalPark@xxxxxxx wrote:

It says twice that it is equipped with a three speed automatic transmission. Shouldn't it have Powerflite two speed? There was an e-mail with a link to pictures that included a dash shot. I didn't specifically check out the all important "Flite-lever". Was it converted to the push button (or was that "punch bottom") Torqueflite?

Something I did see was that the drivers door panel was not like other '55 Imperials. It seemingly does not incorporate the usual "arm rest panel". Due to this, the power window master control is mounted sideways and flat against the door panel. Is this is a difference between the Eight Passenger Sedan and the Limosine? Seeing these pictures reminded me once again how beautiful these cars truely are.

Paul

In an email dated Thu, 30 12 2004 2:48:00 pm GMT, "Robert Walker" writes:

>
>Full description of the James Brown limo at this site:
>
>http://www.rmauctions.com/events/carlist.cfm?sort=mm&scode=az05&StartRow=26&PageNum=2
>
>The copy states that the number built 'varies from as few as 12 to as many as 127 according to the Krause Standard Guide to Chrysler....", whatever that's supposed to mean!
>
>The 'value' just got bumped to '$50,000-$60,000'. At that pace, the 'value' will exceed $100,000 before it even hits the block!
>
>I'm amazed.
>
>Bob
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Jan Witte
>To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Sent: 12/29/2004 12:11:08 PM
>Subject: Re: IML: James Brown's '59 Limo
>
>
>There were 127 limos produced in 1955 by Chrysler.  In 1956 there were 175 limos built by Chrysler.  Then in 1957 Ghia began to build the limos for Chrysler and 36 were produced.  
>
>The numbers on limos are as follows:
>
>    1958    31
>    1959     7
>    1960    16
>    1961    9
>    1962    0
>    1963    13
>    1964    10
>    1965    10
>
>There were 132 limousines built by Ghia for Chrysler.
>
>I am an authority on Imperial limousines.  I am the owner of the 1965 Pearl S. Buck limousine which I own for over 25 years and a 1964 Ghia limo built for the White House during JFK administration.  The White House limo was featured at the Invitational "T" Building at Carlisle in July 04'.  There is a special hour long "Car Crazy" "Chrysler's at Carlisle" episode scheduled on the Fox speed channel set to air sometime in February-March in which I was interviewed along side the 64' limo.  I also own a 1948 Derham Imperial limo with blinded quarters.  My newest acquisition is a 1969 Stageway limo that will be restored one day.
>
>I also own a collection of limo only literature from 1956-1965.
>
>Jan Witte
>
>----- Original Message -----
>From: Robert Walker
>To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2004 4:16 AM
>Subject: Re: IML: James Brown's '59 Limo
>
>
>It appears the the reporter was numerically challenged.......the limo is actually a 1955, so the 331 Hemi and production run of 12 are both  factual.
>It sold @ Christie's Retromobile Auction in Paris in February of this year for $56,400. It was 'valued at $35,000 to $45,000' prior to bidding.
>
>http://perso.wanadoo.fr/trombinoscar2/chrysler/ip5501.html
>
>Shucks!
>
>
>Bob
>----- Original Message -----
>From:
>To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Sent: 12/18/2004 2:22:59 PM
>Subject: Re: IML: James Brown's '59 Limo
>
>
>Hummm, 331 hemi! Ghia limos must have had a longer lead time than previously reported! :)
>
>Roy
>67 Crown FDHT
>
>In a message dated 12/18/2004 8:48:34 AM Pacific Standard Time, swampyankee@xxxxxxx writes:
>LOS ANGELES - Soul singer James Brown's rare 1959 Chrysler Imperial
>limousine, used by the "Godfather of Soul" in the 1970s, will be on the
>auction block next month.
>
>Only one of 12 ever built, the limo is powered by a 331 cubic inch FirePower
>Hemi engine and is valued at $45,000 to $55,000. It ferried Brown and his
>entourage, up to eight people, when he owned it in the 1970s.
>


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