Hello from the Caribbean

Hi Guys - newbie here who's just been fatally bitten by the hot rod bug. I've always been into cars and I've been playing with my 427 Cobra replica (which I still love) for the last few years. Now I find myself lusting as well for something long, low, wide and finned - a late 50's/early 60's convertible with lots of chrome. I have begun to research the different models and so far these are the cars that have really caught my eye:
58 and 59 Impala
58 Pontiac Parisienne/Bonneville (cuz to the Impala)
60 - 61 Galaxie
61 Mercury Monterey
63 Mercury Marauder
57-62 Caddy Eldorado
The plan is to choose one and go with stock body, full trim, slightly lowered with mags/wide rubber and disc brakes. For the powertrain, I'm thinking of a 502 BBC crate motor for the GM's or a 514/520 BBF for the Fords, both with AOD transmissions. I know little about these cars and sources for restoration and custom parts so I will be relatively quiet, searching, listening and learning as much as I can. Building a car down here is a challenge but I'm doing it with the Cobra and I'm in no big rush.

Buzz

Yeah, welcome. Post some pix of the Cobra.


Don

Thanks for the welcome. Pics of the Cobra from day 1 to the present are in my Club Cobra gallery:
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/s...0&ppuser=10277

I really look forward to learning more about these cars - finding the right look, options, availability, prices, aftermarket support, etc. There is a very well preserved mid to late 50's Olds down here hidden away in an old girlfriend's parents' garage, but its a hardtop and they have no intention of selling.

Which are considered the best looking or most desirable convertibles from the mid 50's to early 60's era?. I have to say that while I appreciate the look of the venerable 55 to 57 Chevy, my personal taste takes me away from the upright, boxier shapes and more towards the lower, longer, "rocket car" look. What a shame that auto designers had to finally resign themselves to the knowledge that cars were not going to fly anytime soon. That really took the wind out of their sails for a few years and killed the whimsical exuberance that characterized their creations.

Of the cars you listed, I would have to go with the Ford Starliner!!!! IMO one of the nicest top and rooflines to ever come out of Detroit...... Only one close to as nice would be the bubbletop chebbie. (Much as I hate to admit chebbie ever made a nice roofline!!!)

i think most conv. looks good. i owned an 64, 65, 66, chevy. and a 69 mercury. i believe the 64 was the best all around car. nobody can tell you what to buy, when you see it you'll know it. good luck. :cool:

Buzz, welcome to CHR. Always nice to have someone drift on over from CC:)

'58 and '59 Chevys would be my choice. My dad had the '58 years,,, :eek:
years ago. As a kid I thought they looked like they could be used as a swimming pool if ya gutted it and plugged up a few holes but then I was more into '55, '56 Chevys then.:)
Larry M.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Of the cars you listed, I would have to go with the Ford Starliner!!!! IMO one of the nicest top and rooflines to ever come out of Detroit...... Only one close to as nice would be the bubbletop chebbie. (Much as I hate to admit chebbie ever made a nice roofline!!!)

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Ditto on the Starliner! As far as fine roof lines go, you could throw into consideration the 57 Olds, that is if you can find one.

Caribbean huh? When are you hosting the Club Hot Rod monthly meeting?

Welcome.....Good Luck!