1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible"Frame Off/AC/Full Power/348/280hp"

Description for Chevrolet Impala 1958

1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible"Frame Off/AC/Full Power/348/280hp" Power Seats/Pwr. Windows/Pwr. Steering/Pwr. Brakes/Chevy FactoryAir-conditioning & 126 miles on Body-Off-The-Frame Restoration"Priced way under the market price on comparably equipped 1958's Impala Convertibles with frame-off restorations! EXTERIOR: Tuxedo Black INTERIOR: Tri-Color Black/Silver/Charcoal CONVERTIBLE TOP: Black CONVERTIBLE BOOT: Black SERIAL NUMBER: F58F173136 (2nd F indicates built in Flint. I. ) MILEAGE: 126 (since restoration) ENGINE: 348cid V-8 factory rated at 280hp with 3-2 bbl carburetors TRANSMISSION: Powerglide (automatic) REAR AXLE: 3:08 IMPORTANT-There is a great deal of copy in this auction. After reading everything. please scroll all the way to the bottom section of the auction to see lots of great digital high resolution photos. Before we talk about this gorgeous Impala. here are a few of the things going on in the U. S. and rest of the world in 1958. Dwight D. Eisenhower was President. and Richard M. Nixon his V. P. NASA started operations and Tennis For Two (ping-pong) was developed. it was the 1st electronic video game that was played on an Analog Computer. Cocoa Krispies from Kellogs hit the supermarket stores and Nelson Mandella married his 2nd wife. Winnie. Paul McCartney invited George Harrison to watch the Quarymen & the musical. South Pacific was released as a film. Have Gun-Will travel made its debut on the radio Finally. gas cost an average of . 25 a gallon. the average new home was $12. 50 & the average American wage was $4600! However. to car lovers an equally monumental event happened courtesy of Chevrolet. in 1958 a brand new model called the IMPALA was introduced to the automotive world. The Impala had some very significant firsts for Chevrolet in 58! It featured on a Chevy for the 1st time Quad Headlights. A brand new engine called the "W" block made its debut with a 348cid-V-8. It was offered as an option with three 2bbl carburetors and a special linkage and vacuum system that would open all 3 carbs at one time. You can see the original tag on the front carb in one of the photos. The Impala had an all new body style. triple tail lights. and a gorgeous new tri-color interior. This was one incredible car and as it turns out the only year for this unique body style. Over the past 20-25 years it was the 57 Chevy that generated the highest resale prices to collectors. but over the past 7-10 years the 58's have constantly increased in values and now typically bring a much higher price than the 57 models. This drop-dead gorgeous Chevy Impala Convertible was treated to a very expensive "Body Off The Frame restoration and has only been driven a few miles since completed. Check out the photos of the undercarriage. the restoration done on this car was 1st Class & very Expensive. but this car is underpriced to sell on Ebay! This is possibly one of the nicest and most heavily optioned 58 Chevy Convertibles I have seen in many years. The last time I saw a 1958 Impala Convertible equipped like this was at a vintage car auction in Scottsdale in 2005 or 2006. My pal paid. including fees. $165. 00 for the twin to this car. This car can be bought WAY below this amount. so if you have a serious Interest. please call me at 954-873-6495 and I will share the lowest possible price with you. You can pay a lot more. but why should you?If you have a nice trade to offer. please call me at 954-873-6495. Here is a list of some of the features & options: 348/280HP Tri-power Engine Power Glide Automatic Transmission Power Steering Power Brakes Power Windows Power Seat AM Push button Delco radio Equipped with Chevrolet/GM/Frigidaire/Harrison Factory Air-Conditioning (blows ice cold!) Dual rear antennas Fender Skirts (note. shown are a pair of skirts put on just for the photos. The pair that come with the car are perfect. we didn't want to riskputting a scratch or mark on them! Dual Outside Mirrors Chevrolet Kleenex Dispenser Simulated side Exhaust Ports Red Light/Green Light Eazy-Eye Spotter (mounted correctly on dash) Stainless Steel Exhaust System Twenty First Century Auctions has been selling fine Late model sports cars. vintage and collectible cars on EBAYMOTORS since March of 2000 and we have a 100% feedback rating. Even in this very tough economic times where real estate has tumbled down a very steep hill. vintage cars. the real ones. the pedigreed cars in great restored or near perfect original condition continue to hold value and in most instances appreciate. Why not have fun with your money? . enjoy your life and know that when you wake up in the morning your dollars are still safe in your garage or warehouse and haven't evaporated into thin air I was privileged to be close friends with the late Jerry J. Moore from Houston. Texas. Jerry was a Real Estate Mogul and one of the largest owners of shopping centers in the world. Jerry was also an avid car collector and amassed one of the largest and best vintage car collections on the Planet. If Jerry told me once. he probably told me over 100 times. "In case you forgot. remember. "You will never see a Brinks truck at a funeral service or a Hearse with a luggage rack at a cemetery!" Car collecting is a family thing. everyone around the world admires and loves these great vintage and collectible cars. We have sold cars from Australia to Alaska. From China to Saudi Arabia. From Manhattan to Moscow. and the hobby keeps growing & expanding all the time. Collector car insurance is dirt cheap. about $250-$300 a year for a quality collectible like this. and you can also buy full coverage!They usually require a garage and not more than 2500 miles a year put on the car. I recommend you only buy a car like this if you have a garage to keep it in. I always try and look for major flaws and mention them and try to point them out when I see something. Your welcome to come in person to inspect this car for yourself. hire anyone you like to come on your behalf. bring your Experts or yourself. I truly believe there is NO such thing as a "PERFECT" old car or even a late model car that has been driven. WE ARE NOT making such a claim. but this car is very nice . ESPECIALLY when you consider it is FIFTY SEVEN YEARS OLD ! We are urging you to PLEASE come and inspect the car in person. drive it or to hire an expert inspector to do this for you. AGAIN. Please do not ask us to recommend anyone. we want you to select & hire your own inspector. If you wish to schedule an appointment to see this car. please call me at 954-873-6495. We would appreciate at least a one-two day notice. The car is kept in my pal's small museum located a 15 minute ride from the Ft. Lauderdale Airport and is currently not being driven. it is started. driven a few miles if it's a beautiful SUNNY day and allowed to warm up at least once a week. All deposits and payments will be directed to and sent directly to the owner of the car. He has the free & clear title in his possession and has a valid Florida Dealer's License in good standing. If you live in Florida and register the car in Florida. you are subject to the applicable Florida Sales tax. If the car is shipped out of the State of Florida or outside the U. S. you are not subject to any Florida Sales tax. My pal does not charge any "Dealer Fees" After we speak and we discuss the car and $$$. I would be happy to put you in direct contact with him. The truth is. he loves buying cars and hates to sell them. but like many collectors. he has been on a buying spree and needs room for the new arrivals. This car is owned free and clear by a long time friend and fellow car collector. After you speak with us on the phone. it is possible to have a faxed copy sent directly to you. We know this is a Platinum investment collectable car. it is foolish to invest your hard earned dollars in clones and fakes. this is a car that you can still drive & enjoy and will increase in value. not decrease in value. and if you chose to. you could drive it every day. We feel very strongly that a car like this will not only hold its value but in years to come will continue to appreciate. This car is also advertised locally and is subject to sale. However. once it has met it's reserve. we will NOT offer this car to anyone else through any other medium other than Ebay. com Please don't buy a Museum quality car like this unless you have a garage to store it inside. We do not think this car has ever been left outside. We don't "play games" We love when a car is inspected prior to meeting the reserve. We have no secrets and are proud of our 100% feedback rating. we have been selling great cars like this for 15 years on Ebaymotors. com. Please. do not e-mail us and ask "What is your reserve" just call us and we can discuss money. the car. a trade. or whatever is on your mind. This car is also being advertised and marketed in other forms of media and if sold prior to having met it's reserve price and a deposit received. we reserve the right to cancel and end the auction early. Should the reserve price be met prior to (BEFORE) having received a deposit. we WILL NOT end the auction early and the highest ending bidder will own this incredible piece of automotive art and Chevrolet automotive history. Instead call me at 954-873-6495 . even if your calling from Australia. urope or Japan. We will not e-mail you the reserve but will discuss it with you on the phone! We are all car guys that are very easy to speak with. no Prima Donnas at this end. just car lovers that do this for the fun and passion of loving our hobby. for the past 50+ years! We really do love the cars. a lot more than the $. Once you speak with us. you'll agree. we are sincere and dedicated to this eternal love affair with the automobile The reserve is set at a very. very fair number. if you wish to discuss the amount. please don't write and ask "What is the reserve price" Instead. please call us at 954-873-6495 . Anytime between 10:00 am EST and 7:00pm Eastern Standard Time. Monday thru Sunday would be great. I will not e-mail you what the lowest acceptable price is so PLEASE don't write and ask this question. In the past we would e-mail reserve prices but after this confidential information began to appear on blogs and in chat rooms. we decided to refrain from this practice. We will gladly give you this information on the phone! As with all of our fine cars. we invite your and urge your personal inspection. If you see it. and drive it. you will buy it!SHIPPING: Many of my friends and fellow collectors have shipped literally 1000's of cars over the past many years. all with a great gal named Mary Olson who owns Crossroads Transport. I will be happy to give you her e-mail & telephone & connect you up on a DIRECT basis with Mary and she can handle any shipping needs. this car should be shipped ENCLOSED! FACTS AND STATS on the 1958 Chevrolet 1958 Chevrolet ImpalaThe year 1958 was the first year of the Impala. It started out as a model package for the Bel Air but was more impressive. It came in two different body styles. a convertible and a sport coupe. It had Impala script. insignia and crossed flag emblems on the front of the hood. ribbed body sill panels. large chrome air scoops ahead of rear wheels on the fenders. a competition style deep two spoke steering wheel with Impala medallions. and Impala script on the dash. It also had six taillights giving it a distinct look over all other Chevrolets. 1958 Chevrolet Impala Production NumbersModel NumberBody/Style NumberBody Type & SeatingFactory PriceShipping WeightTotal ProductionImpala Series 1700 - Six-CylE472 dr Hardtop Sport Coupe - 5P$2. 863. 58 lbsNote 1E672 dr Hardtop Sport Convertible - 5P$2. 243. 22 lbsImpala Series 1800 - V-8F472 dr Hardtop Sport Coupe - 5P$2. 933. 59 lbsNote 1Notes:Production was recorded by body style only: Sport Coupe = 164. 01. Convertible = 72. 65. Chevrolet did not offer a breakout of numbers by series. model or engineChassis DataModelWheelbaseOverall LengthWidthHeightFront TreadRear TreadTiresChevrolet119 in210. 9 in79. 9 in54-56 in60 in60 in7. 50 x 14Chevrolet Station Wagon119 in210. 9 in79. 9 in56. 3 in60 in60 in8. 00 x 14VIN NumbersSerial Numbers were stamped on a plate on the left front door hinge pillar (center pillar on Corvair and on the driver-side door post on Corvette). The Fisher Body number plate on the right-hand side of the cowl gives additional information such as the body style number. the production sequence number. the trim (upholstery) number code and the paint number code. First Symbol - Model & SeriesA - Del Ray/Yeoman 1100 Series (6-Cyl. )F - Bel Air/Impala/Nomad 1800 Series (V-8)B - Del Ray/Yeoman 1200 Series (V-8)G - Delivery Sedan (6-Cyl. )C - Biscayne/Brookwood 1500 Series (6-Cyl. )H - Delivery Sedan (V-8)D - Biscayne/Brookwood 1600 Series (V-8)J - CorvetteE - Bel Air/Impala/Nomad 1700 Series (6-Cyl. ) Second & Third Symbol - Model Year58 - 1958Fourth Symbol - Assembly Plant(A) Atlanta. Georgia(N) Norwood. Ohio(B) Baltimore. Maryland(O) Oakland. California(F) Flint. Michigan(S) St. Louis. Missouri(J) Janesville. Wisconsin(T) Tarrytown. New York(K) Kansas City. Missouri(W) Willow Run. Michigan(L) Los Angeles. California Last Six Symbols - Production SequenceStarted at 10011958 Chevrolet Impala OptionsNumberDescriptionNumberDescription410Four-Barrel Carburetor320Electric WipersNot AvailableTurbo-Thrust V-8330Taxicab EquipmentNot AvailableSuper Turbo-Thrust V-8103Manual Radio578Base Fuel Injection V-8104Push-Button Radio313Powerglide Transmission110Air Conditioning302Turboglide Transmission580Air Suspension315OverdriveNot AvailableTwo-Tone Paint324Power Steering220Dual Exhaust412Power Brakes101Air Flow Heater426Power Window116Recircualting Heater241Governor593Heavy-Duty Rear Coil Springs263Auxillary Seat Equipment6753. 36:1 Limited Slip Rear Axle470Folding Top Equipment6763. 55:1 Limited Slip Rear Axle482Full Width Seat Equipment6784. 11:1 Limited Slip Rear Axle32545-amp Generator227Heavy-Duty Clutch33835-amp Generator417Positive Ventillation System345Heavy-Duty Battery427Instrument Panel Pad397Front Power Seats2838. 00 x 14 Blackwall Tires237Oil Filter4657. 50 x 14 Whitewall Tires216Oil Bath Air Cleaner5888. 00 x 14 Whitewall Tires398E-Z-I Tinted Glass 1958 Chevrolet Engine CodesLocation Of Engine Code: 6-Cyl - stamped on a pad behind the distributor on right side of block. V-8 - stamped on the block in front of the right hand cylinder head. Letter CodeEngineHorsepowerTorqueTransmissionCarburetorA6-2351452153-Speed Manual2 BCAE6-2351452153-Speed Manual2 BCB6-235145215Powerglide2 BCC8-2831852753-Speed Manual2 BCCB8-2831852753-Speed Manual2 BCCD8-283185275Overdrive2 BCCF8-2832503053-Speed Manual4 BCCG8-283230300Overdrive4 BCCH8-283250305Not AvailableFuel InjectionCJ8-2832902903-Speed ManualFuel InjectionCM8-283230300Not Available4 BCCQ8-2832303003-Speed Manual4 BCCR8-2832503053-Speed ManualFuel InjectionCS8-2832902903-Speed ManualFuel InjectionCY8-2832503054-Speed ManualFuel InjectionCZ8-2832902903-Speed ManualFuel InjectionD8-283185275Powerglide2 BCDB8-283230300Powerglide4 BCDE8-283185275Powerglide2 BCDF8-283230300Powerglide4 BCDG8-283230300Powerglide4 BCDH8-283250305PowerglideFuel InjectionDM8-283230300Not Available4 BCDP8-283250305Not AvailableFuel InjectionE8-283185275Turboglide2 BCEB8-283230300Turboglide4 BCEC8-283250305TurboglideFuel InjectionED8-283185275Turboglide2 BCEF8-283230300Turboglide4 BCEJ8-283250305Not AvailableFuel InjectionEK8-2832902903-Speed ManualFuel InjectionEM8-283250305Not AvailableFuel InjectionF8-2831852753-Speed Manual2 BCFA8-3482803553-Speed Manual3 - 2 BCFB8-3483153563-Speed Manual3 - 2 BCFD8-348300350Not Available4 BCFJ8-283250305Not AvailableFuel InjectionG8-348250355Powerglide4 BCGB8-348280355Not Available3 - 2 BCGF8-283250305Not AvailableFuel InjectionH8-348250355Turboglide4 BCHA8-348280355Turboglide3 - 2 BC1958 Chevrolet Transmission CodesTransmissionLocation3-Speed ManualStamped on rear face of upper right corner3-Speed Manual (close-ratio)Stamped on rear face of upper right corner4-SpeedStamped on boss on lower left side of case just below side cover. PowerglideStamped on the bottom of oil panCorvette 2-Speed PowerglideNot AvailableTurboglideNot AvailablePlant and Type Designation PrefixPlantTransmission TypeWWarner Gear4-SpeedSSaginaw3-Speed. Overdrive*CClevelandPowerglideBToledoPowerglide (Corvair) *Overdrive distinguished from 3-Speed by physical appearance only. The above transmissions will carry a production code number such as: S304 (S = Saginaw 3-Speed. 3 = March. 04 = 4th. )Paint Codes - Exterior ColorsColor Name / CodeColor ImageColor Name / CodeColor Image900 - Onyx BlackDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available930 - Silver BlueDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available903 - Glen GreenDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available938 - Honey BeigeDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available905 -Forest GreenDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available923 - Rio RedDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available910 - Casmere BlueDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available918 - Anniversary GoldDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available912 - Fathom BlueDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available920 - Sierra GoldDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available914 - Tropic TurquoiseDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available932 - Cay CoralDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available916 - Aegean TurquoiseDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available936 - Snowcrest WhiteDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available925 - Colonial CreamDuco® Code - Dulux® Code -Not Available NOTES: Color Combination Numbers are on a plate on the right side of the dash panel. under the hood. immediately below the heater water control valve (Ranco Valve). Paint Codes - Two-Tone Combinations of the RPO-B. C. and D Series Cars are as Follows:SeriesU (Upper Area)L (Lower Area)B (11-1200 exc. 11-1270-1300-1400)Roof-OnlyLower BodyC (17-1800 exc. 17-1867)Roof & Side Molding Insert AreasLower BodyD (15-1600)Roof & Back Panel Cove AreaLower Body exc. Back Panel Cove AreaPaint CodeColor NameDuco® CodePaint CodeColor NameDuco® Code950(Upper) Artic White(Lower) Onyx Black253-91710253-2247966(Upper) Tropic Turquoise(Lower) Aegean Turquoise253-91457281-91515953(Upper) Glen Green(Lower) Artic White253-58897253-91710970(Upper) Sierra Gold(Lower) Artic White286-90346253-91710955(Upper) Glen Green(Lower) Forest Green253-58897281-91512973(Upper) Artic White(Lower) Rio Red253-91710253-91053960(Upper) Cashmere Blue(Lower) Artic White253-91407253-91710975(Upper) Artic White(Lower) Colonial Cream253-91710253-58094962(Upper) Cashmere Blue(Lower) Fathom Blue253-91407281-91564980(Upper) Artic White(Lower) Cay Coral253-91710281-91900963(Upper) Tropic Turquoise(Lower) Artic White253-91457253-91710982(Upper) Snowcrest White(Lower) Silver Blue885-91249887-91077964(Upper) Artic White(Lower) Aegean Turquoise253-91710281-91515986(Upper) Honey Beige(Lower) Anniversary Gold253-91875281-91704 Paint Codes - Interior ColorsColor Name / CodeColor ImageColor Name / CodeColor ImageNot AvailableDuco® Code - Not AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableDuco® Code - Not AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableDuco® Code - Not AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableDuco® Code - Not AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableDuco® Code - Not AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableDuco® Code - Not AvailableNot AvailableAxle CodesLocation Of Axle Codes: The axles for Chevrolet will be built by Chevrolet Buffalo. Chevrolet Gear and Axle. Buick. Oldsmobile. and McKinnon. Divisional Manufacturer code letters will be metal stamped on the axle tube adjacent to the carrier for identification. Metal stamp on left rear axle tube on the rear side. letters and numerals 3/16 in. high. 3 in. outboard of carrier. Codes - Non-LockingCodes - LockingRatioInspection CoverNot AvailableNot Available3. 5512 BoltNot AvailableNot Available3. 3610 BoltNot AvailableNot Available3. 0810 BoltNot AvailableNot Available3. 70Not AvailableOUT-OF-THE-USA SHIPPING: Over the past 50 years I have shipped cars to more than 40 countries. I can put you in contact with the right people who will give you great service at a fair price. For financing. try www. jjbest. com or www. woodsidecredit. comIf you have a trade. please e-mail us at luvdg@aol. com a complete set of photos. details and a phone number. Also. we have contact with shippers throughout the U. S. and WORLDWIDE. We will be happy to assist you. We accept most anything in trade but please. NO Motorcycles. Hot Rods. Street Rods. Rest-o-rods. Kit Cars. Replicas. Clones. Boats. Airplanes. Jewelry. Motor homes. Real Estate. elicopters. Submarines. Stamps. oins or unregistered stock. ect. We will only accept cars of the quality. correctness and authenticity that we sell. We will consider any nice vintage or antique car or late model Luxury car with a clean CARFAX & CARCHECK report. Please call us first and discuss this with us. and if we have an interest. we would then have you e-mail a complete set of photos and details. E-MAIL the photos of your trade or trades to luvdg@aol. comThanks and best of luck!Please write or call for more details. If you are interested in this vehicle. please call us at (954) 873-6495 and we will stand next to the car and go over everything with you in great detail. there will be NO surprises. or better yet. come and inspect it yourself. (appointment a day or two in advance is required)eBay recommended services· History Report - get a vehicle history report and protect yourself from hidden problems· Shipping - get free shipping quotes and information on options to pick up this vehicle· Financing - learn about lending choices· Buyer Checklist - review steps to take to make a safe. successful purchaseAS IS - NO WARRANTY This vehicle is being sold as is. where is with no warranty. expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible for the correct description. authenticity. genuineness. or defects herein. and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness. imperfection. defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle. and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value and to bid based upon that judgement solely. The seller shall and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the vehicle. There is no such thing as a "PERFECT" car. especially when dealing with vintage cars that are 25. 5 and even 50 years old. Arranging for an independent third-party inspection is a great way to validate a seller's claims about a vehicle's condition. There are many companies and individuals who offer such a service. Of course your personal inspection and scrutiny are suggested and most welcomed. The seller has made a diligent effort to accurately describe this vehicle but does not expressly or implicitly guarantee the accuracy of the above description. Bidders and prospective purchasers are urged and cautioned to conduct their own due diligence. including a physical inspection in person or through a qualified third party inspector or appraiser. before contemplating a purchase or making a bid on this vehicle. In fact. we would welcome and encourage such an inspection. and will make every effort to make the above described vehicle available at a time convenient to the perspective purchaser or their agentsWe charge NO fees of any type. NONE!We will help arrange to have your vehicle picked up on a bonded. licensed and insured carrier. There are no dealer fees or other charges and you are responsible to pay all sales taxes in your home state . Required payment is 20% within 72 hours and the balance in full within 7 days thereafter. If you buy a car from us and are not happy with something that is major in nature. please call us and let us know. If we feel it's our fault. we are only too happy to discuss making a possible adjustment on the final agreed price paid. KEEP SCROLLING DOWN THE FABULOUS PHOTOS ARE DISPLAYED JUST AFTER THIS NOSTALGA FOR GUYS AND GALS 55+. For Nostalgia Buffs. just for fun Welcome to "21st Century Auctions" You've found the place for car buffs. car lovers. car aficionados. for guys and girls. from 8 to 88 and even beyond. If your among the nearly 200 million Americans who still have an ongoing love affair with the automobile. WELCOME. and should you happen to be from a country other than the U. S. your equally welcome! Little did Daimler realize just how much his tiny one cylinder motorized bike was going to change the world when invented in the mid 1890's. This motorized bicycle was refined and eventually became the 1st automobile. (one cylinder) and his company became known as Daimler/Benz. (Mercedes Benz) (DaimlerChrysler today) James DeanStep back with us for a return to the middle of the twentieth century. The late. great fabulous 1950's. It was a wonderful time. offering so many new beginnings. as the terrible memories of World War II began to gradually fade and the dreams of our returning heroes and soldiers. as well as their families. could now be fully realized. With the promise of a lasting world peace. came the hope of prosperity and tranquility. all of which was soon to become a reality. Elvis"An Age of Innocence"The Fabulous Fifties was an "age of innocence" and as a young man growing up during this period. a guy would consider himself to be "lucky" if he was able to hold a girl's hand on their first date. If he got a peck on the cheek by their third date. well. he knew they were made for each other!It was an age of integrity and trust. One could actually leave your front and rear door unlocked and your car keys in your ignition. and when you returned. nothing would be missing. "The Rock n' Roll Era and the The Drive-In Craze"Book by Michael Karl WitzelBook by Don and Susan SandersIn the 1950's life was less complex and perhaps a little slower. People actually took time to wave from their convertibles to friends and to even smile to a stranger and even give a friendly "Hello" to a passerby. Remember those great nights at the local drive-in restaurant or those "make-out" sessions at the local drive-in movie theater. And the term "Parking" took on a whole new meaning. By the mid 1950's Rock n' Roll had burst onto the scene. Both new cars and souped-up hot rods had become part of the youth culture. The entertainment industry. not to be left out. brought out countless low-budget movies that brought teens to the drive-in movies by the thousands. By the early 1960's songs such as the Beach Boy's "409" and "Little Duece Coupe". The Ripchords "Hey Little Cobra" Jan & Dean's "Drag City" and Ronny and the Daytona's " GTO" were riding high on the charts. Our love affair with the Automobile was in "full bloom. " A few days prior to the new model cars being shown to the public. most new car dealerships would cover their showroom windows with brown paper. Many times I recall try to catch a peek or a glimpse of the new models. The American Public could hardly wait to see what new and exciting creations were about to be offered by Detroit. It is these very cars. the Cars of our Dreams. that we will feature and reminisce about. and every month we will offer stories and memories of these great "Cars of our Dreams. ". as well as offering the very best examples for sale. The cars of the 50's and 60's for the most part had "personality!" The great Chevys. Pontiacs. Cadillacs. Buicks and Oldsmobiles helped make GM a world leader and giant of the auto world. Ford produced fabulous cars including Ford Thunderbirds. Lincolns and Mercurys. Chrysler offered all those incredible Mopars. Plymouths. Desoto. Dodges. and Chrysler. 1959 Cadillac Brochure CoverCompetition was fierce. but other marquees like Studebaker. AMC. Nash. Kaiser. Hudson. Muntz. Tucker. Avanti. etc. tried to capture a piece of this huge exploding marketplace. Unfortunately. they didn't have the dollar and staying power to compete with the "Big Three. " As the 1960's drew to a close. cars began to change. New EPA requirements and increasing prices for gasoline hasten the demise of the "Muscle" car. The horsepower race came to an end by the early 1970's. at least for a while. In 1976 Cadillac crushed the molds to build their last Convertible. the Cadillac Eldorado. They theorized that the American buying public didn't really want convertibles anymore and that production numbers were too small to bother with manufacturing "open air" cars. Boy were they wrong! Heinz Prechter seized the opportunity to custom make convertibles for most manufacturers and ASC (American Sunroof Corporation) exploded with orders and sales. It was a much smaller version of the 71-76 models which seated 4 adults. not 6 as were the 71-76 modelsSo what exactly is it that makes us lust after those "Cars From Our Dreams?" Simple. it's the memories. the happy times. those great times from our youth and the freedom to go where we wanted. when we wanted. with whom we wanted. and in a car that was a ball to drive. It's where Johnny took Mary on their 1st date! It's so easy to spot a "Car From Our Dreams" on our highways today. just look for someone motoring down the street with a huge grin on their face. Today our hobby is pursued by guys and girls alike. it's just not a "guy" thing anymore and I think that's great. There are enough great memories to go around for everyone. How big is the car-collecting hobby? No one really knows for sure. However. there are several million cars that have been preserved or restored and our hobby is expanding. not shrinking. and with sixty million "Baby Boomers" with disposal income and spendable dollars out there. the prices will continue to escalate. The nice thing about our hobby today. as opposed to the wild speculation on vintage cars that occurred throughout the 1980's is that these cars are being driven and enjoyed. not just been stored away in warehouses and garages. So celebrate with us as we embark on the next fifty years and if you feel compelled to exclaim "Hubba Hubba" or a loud "Hooray" as we reminisce with these "Cars From Yesterday and Cars Of Our Dreams". it's perfectly acceptable!