Classics and price

[Van D]

Hey guys, wasn't sure where to put this exactly as it doesn't really just relate to older Fords.

I've started to look out for a project/investment or even daily driver for when the time comes to take my current XT off the road.

What i'd really like is a mid to late 50's, to very early 60's typical styled, original car. You know, big mouth, lots of chrome etc. And either a 4 door sedan or wagon (something like a Ranch wagon, Chev Nomad etc).

I haven't looked into older than late 60's to early 70's cars much, but something i've always wanted to do, with prices going up everywhere, I thought I might try to grab something now before it's too late.

So basically, could I find a somewhat original/intact car that has some dents and rust for around 6-8k? I'm not expecting some Bel Air or T Bird, and it won't be restored for a few years, but if I could find something that doesn't look crash hot, yet could be just rego'd with a couple more G's spent i'd think about it, or something that isn't completely gone to rust, and can sit covered on a property until i've got through the XT and can work on it then.

What about parts? Obviously USA is going to be the best bet? What about even getting the car from there? Could it work out cheaper? What models should I be looking for? I'm not stuck on a Ford or Chev and i'm pretty open about it.

Any help would be great, or links etc to read up on the era and get more info too. I'd like to keep this car original, as my XT is not, and I almost regret pulling apart a nice original car with some history, heh.

Cheers.

[Auslandau]

Have a look at "Unique Cars" mag which gives you a good idea on whats out there and for what prices in the older, weirder categories. Also ebay.com is good and have 1000's of all different models and good just to see millions of pics of all sorts. Even if you arent buying from the states, its just good to see some different models!

Dont be too impatitent either as prices, both here and defiantley in the states are starting to move down and fairly quickly .......

Buying from the states is very easy now with most helping (notice if they send world wide as some wont deal outside US.) Many companies in Aust now do it for you for around the $1800 - $2500 depending on what side of the states the car is. California is popular because of the cheaper rates to Aust and in many cases, good quality cars .... but ..... buyer be Very aware!!!



| [/url] |

[Van D]

Originally Posted by auslandau

Have a look at "Unique Cars" mag which gives you a good idea on whats out there and for what prices in the older, weirder categories. Also ebay.com is good and have 1000's of all different models and good just to see millions of pics of all sorts. Even if you arent buying from the states, its just good to see some different models!

Dont be too impatitent either as prices, both here and defiantley in the states are starting to move down and fairly quickly .......

Buying from the states is very easy now with most helping (notice if they send world wide as some wont deal outside US.) Many companies in Aust now do it for you for around the $1800 - $2500 depending on what side of the states the car is. California is popular because of the cheaper rates to Aust and in many cases, good quality cars .... but ..... buyer be Very aware!!!

Interesting... Thanks heaps mate, will check em all out. What's with the prices falling? I thought they would have been following the trend of later year models?

Also looking at picking up a good project to start a sled with, something like an old hudson or mercury. Going to be doing some welding courses etc soon, so... hoping practice makes perfect heheh.

[Auslandau]

The later years models are absolutley at a standstill at the moment and there is a definate drop in price. Watching Shannons auctions is a very good indication.

It is getting harder to get people to restore these cars and is expensive so ones that require a restoration are also laying around fairly cheap .... in comparison to 12 months or even 6 months ago. If you can do the work yourself, you are 80 % there!

With the Mercury's there's some great cars to get. I like things a bit different and like people having to ask ..... "What is it!" Chrysler's and Mercury's from that era are just great .... Different and not seen much around here! I would love to get some Mercury's one day especially the 55-60's - there are some great models to be had!!! AND a crap load of things to polish!!!







| [/url] |

[Van D]

That black one is beautiful! Definitely going to have to some more in depth research, especially if prices are falling and i've got the time.

Hoping to be able to at least do the basic rust repairs, it's when it comes to making new shaped areas i'd get a bit lost. Also wouldn't mind trying to do my own paint.

It's one of those things that started about 5 years ago when I got my first car and I took it to people to get things fixed and you just think 'I could have done that WAY better'. Here's hoping anyway ;)

[Auslandau]

They may be a bit more than your price range but its just to give you and idea! Heaps of Customlines around! Mate has a couple late 50's and bought both from ebay! 1 in very good nic for 15k and another that required only a small amound of work for just under 10k. Wagons in these types of models are rarer though!!! Good luck! Its fun just doing the research as there were some amazing 'unknown' models!



| [/url] |

[EXECJIM]

Originally Posted by auslandau

The later years models are absolutley at a standstill at the moment and there is a definate drop in price. Watching Shannons auctions is a very good indication.

It is getting harder to get people to restore these cars and is expensive so ones that require a restoration are also laying around fairly cheap .... in comparison to 12 months or even 6 months ago. If you can do the work yourself, you are 80 % there!

With the Mercury's there's some great cars to get. I like things a bit different and like people having to ask ..... "What is it!" Chrysler's and Mercury's from that era are just great .... Different and not seen much around here! I would love to get some Mercury's one day especially the 55-60's - there are some great models to be had!!! AND a crap load of things to polish!!!

Tell me more about the blue and white car :

[TZENU]

Pencil July 20th at Flemington race course into your diary. THe Shannons classics show, should see a couple, circa 50s cars up for grabs... Would also give you an idea of what car you really want.

[Abacus]

Customlines look the goods, and that black Mercury is absolutely beautiful.

[Van D]

Originally Posted by TZENU

Pencil July 20th at Flemington race course into your diary. THe Shannons classics show, should see a couple, circa 50s cars up for grabs... Would also give you an idea of what car you really want.

Cheers mate, will do for sure.

Customline is definitely on the list. There's also a car i'd like to find out info on, it's a background car from the film American Graffiti, i'll try find a pic or screen shot.

[xe351]

from the 50's your spoilt for choice from the major manufacturers. The 57 buick look hot http://images.rodandcustommagazine.c...opten_09_z.jpg

Customlines look great, Fairlane victorias, there are so many!

[Auslandau]

Originally Posted by EXECJIM

Tell me more about the blue and white car :

The Mercury Turnpike Cruiser was a halo model of the Mercury Division of the Ford Motor Company that was produced from 1957 to 1958.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Turnpike_Cruiser

Disgustingly great!





| [/url] |

[Van D]

Originally Posted by xe351

from the 50's your spoilt for choice from the major manufacturers. The 57 buick look hot http://images.rodandcustommagazine.c...opten_09_z.jpg

Customlines look great, Fairlane victorias, there are so many!

Oh man that's a sweet looking car.. :

[Van D]

Also, couple questions.

Are their any companies either here or off shore in the states that I can send information to once I find what I like, who will then keep an eye out for me if one comes up. Or who should I trust to bring a car over here to start with?

Also, what's the legalities surrounding importing/registering a car here? Does it need to be RHD? Hypothetically could I buy a road worthy car from the US, import it, get a RWC over here straight away and rego it?

[EXECJIM]

Originally Posted by auslandau

The Mercury Turnpike Cruiser was a halo model of the Mercury Division of the Ford Motor Company that was produced from 1957 to 1958.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Turnpike_Cruiser

Disgustingly great!

Thanks for the link and info.

I think i know what my next classic will be :

Jim

[EXECJIM]

Originally Posted by Van D

Also, couple questions.

Are their any companies either here or off shore in the states that I can send information to once I find what I like, who will then keep an eye out for me if one comes up. Or who should I trust to bring a car over here to start with?

Also, what's the legalities surrounding importing/registering a car here? Does it need to be RHD? Hypothetically could I buy a road worthy car from the US, import it, get a RWC over here straight away and rego it?

I am not sure who could find you a car in the US, but just keep looking at Ebay, and other car sales web sites in the US.

Just be carefull and make sure you have many pictures sent to you, and maybe a bit of back ground knowledge of the person selling the car to you.

Left hand drive is 100% legal as long as the car is 30 years and older :

If the car passes normal "roadworthy" rules here, you can get full reg no problem.

If you need a name of a fellow that ships cars here, send me a PM and i will give you his details.
He does every thing, including the initial import aproval.

Jim

[Auslandau]

One of my favorites of that era though is 1950 Mercury (aka Stallone - Cobra) There has been some great 'lead sleds' built Hope this has given you some ideas!!




| [/url] |

[Falcon Coupe]

Originally Posted by auslandau

One of my favorites of that era though is 1950 Mercury (aka Stallone - Cobra) There has been some great 'lead sleds' built Hope this has given you some ideas!

One of ? that would have to be the most awesome car bar none !

[Van D]

Originally Posted by auslandau

One of my favorites of that era though is 1950 Mercury (aka Stallone - Cobra) There has been some great 'lead sleds' built Hope this has given you some ideas!!

Cheers mate, actually started looking at some 50 Mercury's today, awesome cars and that's a nice example.

There was a Hudson Super Wasp on eBay the other day that didn't sell and tempted me, probably too much metal work to start with though. Not the best looking i've seen when researching so far, but I reckon they'd look good with a custom grill and bodywork.

[TUF_302]

Talking of big old cars with lots of chrome i picked up my new toy tonight!, a 1967 Mercedes Benz 280se!, awsome old car!, ill post up pics once i have some lol!

[prof-rabbit]

Originally Posted by TUF_302

Talking of big old cars with lots of chrome i picked up my new toy tonight!, a 1967 Mercedes Benz 280se!, awsome old car!, ill post up pics once i have some lol!

Now there is a good choice, parts available forever, expensive and somewhat unique.

one here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/4kleure...7594275857651/

[xe351]

you should bid on this http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Ford-Mercury-...QQcmdZViewItem

nice car with potential

[Van D]

Originally Posted by xe351

you should bid on this http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Ford-Mercury-...QQcmdZViewItem

nice car with potential

Mate, that's awesome. I'd love to bid but have a feeling it'll go to high for what I have at the moment (in fact I just blew the majority on parts for my XT). If one of my basses sells this week i'll have a good $4k but I dunno what I should be expecting this to go for?

[gngtho]

what about a 57 ford victoria?

[gngtho]

here you go http://www.hubcapcafe.com/ocs/pages01/ford5603.htm



if you remember it was Captain Cussos drag car in the 80's called full metal jacket.

[Mongoose]

Just out of curiousity, whats wrong with the mid 60's to the late 70's? they made some really neat cars in that period you know. Just as much chrome work, but with more modern day luxries.

[Laminge]

Originally Posted by EXECJIM

Thanks for the link and info.

I think i know what my next classic will be :

Jim

20th July, park at my place and we will wonder over to grounds and look for our next car together... :P

Originally Posted by TZENU

Pencil July 20th at Flemington race course into your diary. THe Shannons classics show, should see a couple, circa 50s cars up for grabs... Would also give you an idea of what car you really want.

[Laminge]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

One of ? that would have to be the most awesome car bar none !

Agree

I would sell my soul for one of those in perfect condition....

[brett4777]

i still prefer my 59 oldsmobile

but in saying that a 59 retractable roof fairlane would be just fine too

http://www.shannons.com.au/auctions/...4SAYJDD215B05L

my new project

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=8HL5Tt...eature=related

what id like next

[Pedro]

If you want to check out Oldsmobiles from 1950 - 59, have a look here ... http://www.oldcarandtruckpictures.co...1950-1960.html