Retro cars blog

Posts Tagged ‘old cars’

1957 Chrysler 300C retro car

Sales of the C300 were fueled by its success on the stock car circuit. The C300 dominated the sands of Daytona Beach, Florida where it won the stock production class and took home the Tom McCahill trophy. From 1955 through 1957 it was the fastest American car.

In 1959, a 300D driven at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats by Norm Thatcher set a new Class E speed record of 156.387 mph. During the same year, Brewster Shaw achieved a quarter-mile time of 16 seconds with a trap speed of 94 mph at Daytona Beach, Florida.

For 1956, Chrysler increased the displacement of its Hemi engine to 5.8 liters and changed the name to 300B. With 355 horsepower, the V8 engine had one horsepower per cubic inch, an achievement that very few manufacturers were able to claim.

The letters continued to climb the alphabet annually until the 300L of 1965 (the letter I was skipped). They became known as the ‘letter cars’. In 1959, the 392 hemi was replaced with the 413 cubic-inch Golden Lion wedge-head design engine. In 1962, the 300 Sport series became available along side the 300H. The 300, without a letter designation was continued until 1971. In 1970, the 300 Hurst was produced, built by Chrysler and modified by the Hurst Company. The modifications included two-tone paint, special striping, spoiler on the deck lid, and wheels. The 300 name was again revived in 1979 as the 300 Special Edition, but endured a short life span. It was based on the Cordoba platform and available only in white with red leather interior.

1957 Chrysler 300C in Showroom

n 1955, Chrysler introduced the C300. The ‘C’ stood for coupe and the 300 was the horsepower rating of the original Hemi engine equipped with , two four barrel carbs, solid lifters, special manifolds, and enlarged dual exhausts. This vehicle gave the Chrysler Corporation a performance and sporty image, a much needed persona in this post World War II era. Many European manufacturers, such as Jaguar and MG, had introduced high powered, small, responsive sports cars. American manufacturers countered with the Chevrolet Corvette and the Ford Thunderbird. The Chrysler 300 was a performance car with a contemporary ‘Forward Look’ designed by ex-Studebaker stylist Virgil Exner. The design was void of the popular chrome sides which was prevalent during this era. It was simple but aggressive gentleman’s car.
The Chrysler 300 was outfitted with a hemispherical (Hemi) combustion chamber 5.4 litre V-8 that produced 300 horsepower and matted to a performance modified two-speed ‘PowerFlite’ automatic gearbox. The body came from the New Yorker; rear quarter moldings were compliments of the Windsor. The two piece grille came from the Imperial. An improved suspension was implemented to provided sporty and responsive handling. The base price was $4,055.

1957 Chrysler 300C Exotic retro car

For 1956,Chrysler increased the displacement of its Hemi engine to 5.8 liters and changed the name to 300B. With 355 horsepower, the V8 engine had one horsepower per cubic inch, an achievement that very few manufacturers were able to claim.

The letters continued to climb the alphabet annually until the 300L of 1965 (the letter I was skipped). They became known as the ‘letter cars’. In 1959, the 392 hemi was replaced with the 413 cubic-inch Golden Lion wedge-head design engine. In 1962, the 300 Sport series became available along side the 300H. The 300, without a letter designation was continued until 1971. In 1970, the 300 Hurst was produced, built by Chrysler and modified by the Hurst Company. The modifications included two-tone paint, special striping, spoiler on the deck lid, and wheels. The 300 name was again revived in 1979 as the 300 Special Edition, but endured a short life span. It was based on the Cordoba platform and available only in white with red leather interior.

Even with eleven years of production, less than 17,000 were produced. The bodystyle’s available were either a two door hardtop or convertible. The convertible was not available during 1955, 1956, and 1963.

1988 Dodge Diplomat Classic car

Dodge first used the name ‘Diplomat‘ in 1950 to designate their 2-door hardtop bodystyle. The name would endure until 1954. It re-appeared in 1975 as a trim package on the Royal Monaco two-door hardtop. In 1977, it became its own model line and served as a replacement for the Coronet in Dodge‘s mid-sized line-up. It was based on the Dodge Aspen and wore an M-body. Mounted on the bonnet was a 225 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine as the base powerplant. An optional 5.2L and 5.9L V8 were available. After 1984, the Diplomat was only available with the 5.2L V8 unit.

1988 Dodge Diplomat Muscle car

1988 Dodge Diplomat Limousine

The Dodge Diplomat was a mid-size car and it was manufactured from 1977 to 1989 by the Chrysler Corporation’s Dodge brand and practically identical to the Chrysler LeBaron of 1977, the Plymouth Caravelle sold in Canada, and the Plymouth Gran Fury from 1982. It was also sold in Mexico between 1980 and 1981 as the Dodge Dart, and in Colombia as the Dodge Coronet.

1977 saw the return of the Diplomat as a full model line rather than as the name of a particular body style. It replaced the Monaco in Dodge‘s new downsized mid-size lineup. The new Diplomat was based on the Dodge Aspen, designated the M-body. While the Aspen had the F-body, the M-bodies were related to it: the wheelbase and suspension were identical and doors and body panels often interchangeable. Hence, another M-body sedan, such as the 1989 Chrysler Fifth Avenue, had interchangeable doors with the 1976 Aspen. Like the Aspen, the Diplomat had coupe and station wagon variants.

The Diplomat was offered with a base 225 cu in (3.7 L) six-cylinder engine. In 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8 form (and an optional 360 cu in (5.9 L)) it, and its Plymouth Gran Fury/Caravelle twin, were widely favored as a police car both in the US and Canada. After 1984, the only engine offered was the 318 cu in (5.2 L) V8.

Following the demise of the Dodge St. Regis R-body in 1981, the Diplomat remained, becoming the largest sedan in the Dodge lineup, despite technically being a mid-size car. Dodge would not market another truly full-size car (at least based upon U.S. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency? (EPA) passenger volume statistics) until the Monaco debuted as a 1990 model.

In 1982, the coupe and station wagon were discontinued and Canada’s Plymouth version of the Diplomat came south of the border. The Plymouth Caravelle was offered in the US as the Plymouth Gran Fury.

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Muscle car

1964 Dodge 330 Factory Lightweight (aluminum front end), Bob Harrop and Crescent Dodgeoriginal factory Super Stock car, showing 49 miles on the odometer and original interior, restored to original race condition by Rick Demarco, 426 Max Wedge engine by Jerry Stine, paint and lettering just as raced in 1964, this is the real deal factory lightweight sponsored by Dodge driven by ‘Harrop the Arab’ multiple magazine features.

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Retro car

1964 Dodge 330 Lightweight Superstock Sports car

1957 Dodge Regent Retro car

The Dodge Regent for 1957 was the Canadian version of the Dodge/DeSoto dealers’ version of the Plymouth Savoy. It used the Savoy’s seat upholstery, door panels, instrument panels, and exterior trim. The engine was a 303 cubic-inch V8 unit with a 4-barrel carburetor producing around 240 horsepower. Other engines available include a 318 Cubic-inch V8 with dual four-barrel carburetors.

1957 Dodge Regent Classic American car

1954 Dodge Wayfarer convertible

In February, 1949 Dodge introduced the Wayfarer series. There was a 2-door with a rear seat, a 2 passenger coupe, and a Sports Roadster. These three body-styles sat atop a 115 inch wheelbase. During the initial year of production, 9,342 coupes were produced. Total production of the Sport Roadster was 5,420 examples and 49,054 sedans. The Wayfarer was a low-priced vehicle in the Dodge line-up. The sedan sold for $1,756 and weighed 3,180 pounds, the coupe sold for $1,629 and weighed 3,065 pounds. The roadster could be purchased for $1,745 and weighed 3,145 pounds.

1954 Dodge Wayfarer Roadster

The vehicles featured a 230 cubic-inch Flathead 6 cylinder engine that produced 103 horsepower. It came standard with a 3-speed transmission and was void of a radio or a heater. The lifespan of the clutch was extended by fluid coupling between the engine and the clutch. A ‘semi-automatic’ transmission was available as optional equipment. On the Sports Roadster the windows were side curtains that could be stored behind the passenger seat when not in use. Roll-up windows replace the curtains during the later part of 1949.

1954 Dodge Wayfarer Classic Cabriolet

1954 Ford Crestline Retro car

In 1952 the Crestline convertible earned the name ‘Sunliner‘. The Ford Crestline Sunliner was selected as the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500 race in 1953. In 1954, the major update to the Crestline Skyliner was the two-door hardtop which featured a glass roof. In 1955, a new body arrived on the scene, while the wheelbase grew to 115.5 inches. The 1955 Ford line continued to remain suitably large. The plexiglass roof was still offered for the Skyliner, but only on the Crown Victoria model. In 1957, the Crown Victoria Skyliner was replaced by the retracting-roof hardtop Skyliner.

Characterized as having ‘Thunderbird elegance’, the Fords of 1959 were introduced with a whole new ideal of style. An incredible amount of stainless steel and chrome body trim, these vehicles also had exquisite three tone cloth pattern interior trim.

True customizing began in the 1950′s, and it was an art in which individual touch shone through the design. The aviation influence of the previous decade was utilized by Ford, and the appealing trend moved towards the new obsession, the Space Race. Throughout the years of Galaxie evolution, the 1959 Galaxie was a well-received vehicle from the start. Though it wasn’t chosen as often as the early post-war Fords, the 1952 Ford Crestline Sunliner had a body shape very similar to the new-for-’49 model.
The Sunliner, at over 79 inches wide, topped the 1960′s Galaxie range, which was now larger and all-encompassing. New development ideas were being inspired during NASCAR racing that would transform from the handling and suspension of the vehicle. A concave grille and a single side crease were updated on the Sunliner, which eventually morphed into horizontal fins at the rear of the vehicle. The option of a detachable hardtop roof was also available, though most buyers opted for the electric folding top.

1954 White retro car Ford Crestline

Another available option was the Police Interceptor tune, which had 401 bhp, while the base form model had a 300 bhp V8. The ever-changing world of motor design was moving quickly during the early 1960′s, and the Ford Sunliner only debuted a year before getting a total redesign and update.

Able to achieve a top speed of 122 mph, the Ford Galaxie Sunliner could reach 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds. Weighing a total of 3,792 lbs, the Sunliner utilized a 3-speed auto transmission with a displacement rate of 390 ci (6,930 cc). The Galaxie range consisted of 6 models during its introductory year, the Galaxie Club Sedan, Galaxie Town Victoria, Sunliner Convertible, Skyliner Retractable, Town Sedan and Club Sedan. All six models showcased their own range of ornamentation, trim and tractable tops that folded into the trunk.

Various available options on the 1950 Galaxie range included power windows, brakes, steering, front seat, Flying Eclipse Hood Ornament, Sunray multi-colored wheel covers, deluxe rear deck antenna, visored spotlight mirror, and air conditioning. Engine sizes were offered in a variety for the Galaxie range that included the 292 V-8 with 200 horsepower, 332 Thunderbird, the 352 Thunderbird Special (at an astounding 300 horsepower), and the 223 Mileage Maker Six Cylinder at 145 horsepower. The available transmission options were also all-encompassing, including a three speed convention drive (with an overdrive option), three speed Cruise-O-Matic Drive automatic, Formomatic Drive two speed automatic and overdrive.

1954 Ford Crestline Convertible retro car

Updated in 1960, the Galaxie now featured completely new body lines, the same body design as the 1960 Fairlane. The exterior ornamentation and interior trim offerings were the main differences between these models. These new design enhancements were marketed by Ford as having increased stability, due to the added five feet apart between the wheels for better cornering. In this year, the Galaxie was available in 5 various engine options that ranged from the 223 cubic inch Mileage Maker Six Cylinder to the 352 Super V-8 with four barrel carburetor (rated at 360 horsepower). Three speed manual transmissions, optional Fordomatic Drive two speed automatic, and the three speed automatic were available as transmission options for 1960 Galaxies. The Galaxie was available in 13 Diamond Lustre Finish paint colors.

The following year showcased a brand new sculptured award-winning design on the 1961 Galaxie lineup. Centro per L’Alta Moda Italiana, for ‘functional _expression of classic beauty’ was awarded by the International Fashion Authority for the 1961′s stunning bulleted grill and rear panel design. Besides having several station wagon models, the range included the Sunliner Convertible, Starliner Hardtop, Club Sedan, Town Sedan, Town Victoria and the Club Victoria. 1961 Galaxie models were available with a plethora of available options and features.

1955 Ford Thunderbird Roadster

The Ford Thunderbird is an American automotive icon first introduced in 1955. During the early 1950′s, military men were returning from fighting in World War II. In Europe, the style of vehicle was very different from the Detroit American car. The graceful but sporty MG, Triumphs, and Jaguar’s, to name a few, had found their way into the hearts of many of these serviceman. The American automobile manufacturers noticed this trend and felt there was a strong market to support a small sportscar.

The Chevrolet was one of the first, if not the famous, of the Detroit auto-manufacturers to test the market with the introduction of their Corvette. Not wanting to be left behind, Ford entered with their Thunderbird.

Lewis D. Crusoe, Frank Hershey, and George Walker are considered the creators of the Thunderbird. Crusoe was a retired GM executive; Hershey was a designer for Ford; and Walker was the chief stylist for Ford. While Crusoe and Walker were in Paris, they saw a sports car and were instantly inspired. They convinced Hershey to create designs and the result was an open car with room for two passengers. As with all cars, deciding upon a suitable name is difficult. There were well over 5000 suggestions, with the one submitted by Alden Giberson behind selected. The name Whizzer had been seriously considered but was dropped for Gibersons suggestion, the Thunderbird.

The Thunderbird, though similar, was different in many ways to the Corvette and the rest of the small sports cars being offered. The Thunderbird was created as a ‘personal luxury’ car and even to the current production version, has never been designed as a sports car. Instead of fiberglass, the Thunderbird was constructed of metal. Instead of six cylinder engines, Ford upped-the-ante with a V8. To keep cost and development at a minimum, it used as many parts as possible from the other Fords of that era. The result was a two-seater with many creature comforts and impressive styling. Manual and automatic transmissions were both available. The instrument panel was home to a tachometer, clock and a 150 mph speedometer. The suspension was comprised of a ball-join in the front, offering a plush ride.

The Thunderbird was first debuted to the public at the 1954 Detroit Auto Show, though it was still in concept form. The production version varied slightly. In September of that same year, the first production Thunderbird was completed and ready for sale. It was only available as a convertible. A popular option, the removable hardtop with circular portholes was available. During its introductory year, over 16000 examples were produced.

A 292 cubic-inch V8, depending on the configuration, ranged in horsepower from 193 through 212. A year later, the horsepower rose to a base of 215 and a high of 340 from the 292 and 312 cubic-inch engines. Ventilation was improved with the addition of side vents. The exhaust pipes were moved to the ends of the bumper. By moving the spare wheel to the outside, the trunk space was enlarged and the Continental Kit was born. Production for 1956 was down just a little but still strong with over 15,600 examples being produced.

1955 Model of black classic car Ford Thunderbird

The Thunderbird received styling changes in 1957 with a reshaped bumper and an enlarged grille. In the rear, the tailfins grew in size and became more pointed. The round tail-lights also grew in size. The spare tire was again housed inside the trunk. The big news was under the hood with versions of the 292 and 312 cubic-inch engines being offered. The base engine was the 292 offering just under 200 horsepower. The top of the line configuration was the F-code 312 with the NASCAR racing kit performance package, boosting horsepower to 340. The F-code, in non-NASCAR racing kit form was popular; with the help of a single four-barrel carburetor and supercharger it produced around 300 horsepower. The E-code 312 engine option, another popular engine choice, was equipped with two four-barrel carburetors and produced 270 horsepower. In total, 1957 was a great year for the Thunderbird, both in performance and in sales with over 21300 examples being produced. The 1957 season actually had three extra months of production because the 1958 models were not ready to be sold. On December 13, 1957, the last of the first series of Thunderbirds was produced and marked the end of two-seater Fords until the 1982 Ford EXP. A two-seater Thunderbird would not reappear until 2002. In total, over 53,160 examples had been produced from 1954 through 1957.

The major complaint of many of the owners of the ‘Classic’ or ‘Little Bird’ Thunderbirds had been due to its size, mainly because there was no back seat and limited trunk space. The next version of the Thunderbird addressed both of these issues.

The second series of the Thunderbird was produced from 1958 through 1960 and are commonly referred to as the ‘Squarebirds’ due to their design. The designs of the Corvette and the Thunderbird went in different directions with the Thunderbird continue to further evolve into the luxury car segment. Robert McNamara, the CEO of Ford at the time, made the final decision to morph the 2-door Thunderbird into a four-door. The decision was made in an attempt to increase sales.

1964 American Muscle car-Ford Thunderbolt

The 1964 427 Thunderbolt Fairlane was a specially prepared lightweight drag vehicle capable of operating in the low 11 second bracket.

The car came equipped with a 427 High Riser racer engine with unique ram air induction system, dual four barrel Holley carburetion, 12 to 1 compression ratio, tubular headers, aluminum scatter shield, four-speed transmission, revised drag suspension, trunk mounted battery, electric fuel pump, heavy duty brakes, tachometer, gauges, special wheels and drag tires.

1964 Ford Thunderbolt Sports car

This vehicle was the #2 unit built and was delivered in October of 1963. The car was restored to 1964 ‘match race‘ configuration, including aluminum radiator and water pump, Plexiglas windshield, fiberglass doors, and ultra light hood and front fenders.

Even a set of the original tires and rims that ran on the car from 1964 were located and incorporated in the restoration. All of the original body components, Plexiglas, and exterior trim were refurbished and retained. The re-lettering of the car was done by the same person who originally lettered the car in 1963.

1964 Ford Thunderbolt American racing car

The Thunderbolt, which was intended to be used at the drag strip, was powered by a 427 cubic-inch Ford V-8 that produced 425 horsepower.

1990 Ford Mustang-American muscle car

The Mustang was introduced at the 1965 New York World’s Fair, Mustang Mania instantly swept the country, and a new automotive market segment was created – the 2+2 or better known as the ‘ponycar.’ Though its mechanical underpinnings descended from the Falcon, the Mustang was completely different. It was a compact, tight, clean package weighing in at a modest 2,550 pounds – a departure from the ever-enlarging American cars of the day. The classic long-hood short-rear-deck combined with a forward-leaning grille, elegant blade bumpers, sculptured body sides, fully exposed wheel openings and restrained use of bright trim gave the car a unique look that belied its affordability. Its looks were backed up with power, providing three optional V8 engines with up to 271 horsepower. Other options included automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, styled chrome wheels and air conditioning. Not surprisingly, the entry-level modes were a minority of the production.

1990 Ford Mustang- White racing car

To say that the first Mustang was a success is an understatement. Following the introduction, the Mustang was on the cover of both Time and Newsweek. A week before introduction, Ford ran ads with the air times for the first television commercials, which all three networks broadcasted simultaneously. Mustang was selected as the Official Pace Car for the 1964 Indianapolis 500, and more than 22,000 orders were taken the first day. By its first anniversary, over 418,000 Mustangs had been sold, breaking the all-time record for first year sales of a new nameplate.

The original platform was used, with numerous modifications, up to 1973. The Pinto-based Mustang II was built from 1974 until 1978. A new fox body platform began in 1979 and was largely unchanged through 1993. In 1994 the SN-95, a modified version of the Fox body, debuted and was produced until 2004. The 2005 Mustang is built on the first entirely new platform in 25 years.

1990 Ford Mustang Convertible

Until 1967, Mustang had this new market all to itself. For 1965 a new 2+2 Fastback model added as was the GT Equipment Group. Both performance and aesthetically minded, this group included front disk brakes; grille-mounted fog lights, 5-gauge instrumentation, GT stripes and badges and special dual ‘trumpet’ exhaust outlets. 1966 brought a huge shot in the arm to the ponycar moniker – the first Shelby GT 350. Built on the 2+2 Fastback by famed racer/car builder Carroll Shelby, these cars featured race-tuned engines and suspensions. By mid-1966, Mustang passed the one-million sales mark.

1955 Ford Mainline-Purple retro car

After the introduction of the Model T in 1908, Ford began its successful journey into the realm of being one of the most recognizable automobile manufacturers of all time. With Henry Ford handing over the reigns to Henry Ford II, the 50′s would be lead with high efficiency engineering and an old way of personalized management.

1955 Ford Mainline Retro car

Below the Customline and the Fairlane in Ford‘s lineup, was the Mainline. This vehicle had a relatively short life span, produced from 1952 to 1956. The mainline was designated as a sedan, even though it was available with two doors. This of course, attracted many of the sport car enthusiasts because of its smooth and modern look and also for it’s handling during a daily drive.

1955 Ford Mainline American car

The Mainline‘s engines were a six cylinder producing over 100 horsepower and an eight cylinder producing over 110 horsepower.