Classic 50s American Cars

Thanks for the link Mike.

When I was 15 in 1970 I became mates with a guy named Michael Mills who was a Ford nut and who owned what is probably still the only 49 Ford Woody in Australia. The car was RHD but retained the LHD dash which had a much lighter woodgrain than the OZ cars. I had already bought all the early Custom Rodder mags and dragged my father to the Hot Rod Show at Roselands in 1968 when I was 13. I joined the US Early Ford V8 Club in 1970 and had lined up a 54 Mainline Ute to buy from Michael as my first car. Needless to say Dad wouldn't let me buy it.

He was right of course, but he was also a GM man who loved La Salles. Nevertheless I always wanted a 56 Fairlane Victoria Coupe (Vicky) and came very close to buying one two years ago. Then my 53 Buick Riviera came along and I didn't keep looking.

The point of all of this is continental kits. I simply can't work out why anyone would despoil a mid 50s US car with one of these horrors. For a start most of this era cars have more bling than a gay mardi gras float without one of these things. Secondly they ruin the proportions of whatever they're on and thirdly can you imagine going over a speed bump or steep driveway wiyth one on. And finally, in my view, the 55/56 Fords are one of the prettiest designs from 50s America and simply don't need all that stuff.

By way of interest the Star Model Customline grille and brightwork actually came from the Canadian 55/56 Fords which were called Monarchs. You can see some of it in the photos.

Cheers
John