EXTERIOR: I'm in love with the originality of this exterior! The reproduction radial redline tires and body colored rims with poverty hubcaps grabbed my attention right from the start. The paint is slick and glossy and was applied with great detail. The bumpers, grill, tail panel, trim, and handles have all been rechromed and have an elegant shine to them. Looking down the side of the body it is absolutely laser straight. All of the panels have been painstakingly aligned and the gaps are spot on throughout. The doors close just like a new car. The power convertible top has been upgraded with black canvas that looks fantastic. There is a blue boot that matches the interior as well when the top is down.
INTERIOR: This interior has been completely refinished and looks tremendous! The front bucket seats have been recovered and recushioned and have great spring to them. An original looking Hurst 4 speed shifter proudly sits between the seats. The backseat has also been redone. It has seatbelts front and back. All the door panels have been replaced and the builder reused the very nice looking handles. The carpeting was also replaced and has matching mats. It's equipped with a Bosch triple gauge monitoring the vitals. The lower portion of the dash has been repainted just like the body and the upper portion has an optional dash pad. All the bezels look original but in great shape. A retro stereo fits in the factory hole. A Vintage Air climate control is now in place of the factory unit. All the gauges look original and there are additional indicator lights on the left side. The rearview mirror and sun visors have been replaced as well. The car may be a sleeper but not the steering wheel, its first class with a highly polished wood rim.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: This is where the cruiser meets the sleeper! Under the hood is a stout 401 Nailhead V8 engine producing 325 horsepower and a monstrous 445 foot pounds of torque. It has been neatly detailed and runs absolutely fantastic. It's equipped with a four barrel carburetor, air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes. It still has the factory correct air cleaner with the correct decals as well. Great looking finned aluminum valve covers and matching valley pan. All the hoses and wires have been replaced and routed appropriately. It looks like the radiator is fresh and has been upgraded with an electronic fan, additionally there is a transmission cooler mounted in front of the radiator. The battery is properly secured and has a Delco reproduction topper. The horns and squirters are hooked up and there's even a correct glass GM windshield washer fluid bottle mounted on the fender well. The underside of the hood has been repainted satin black and is complete with insulation. The inside of the fender wells and firewall have neatly been painted satin black and even the factory cowl tag is still in place. It is show quality!
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: This trunk has been neatly refinished and has a stock appearance. The underside of the trunk lid and jamb have been painted the same color as the exterior. The weatherstrip and well liner was replaced. The floor pan metal looks solid and is painted with a factory style spatter paint. It is equipped with a rubber mat and a full size spare tire that has a vinyl cover. The convertible top boot is currently being stored in the trunk as well.
UNDERSIDE: This car has received a detailed restoration then was maintained as needed since completion. It appears that the steering gearbox and center link have been replaced. The front suspension has been upgraded with tubular upper and lower control arms as well as Gas-A-Just coilover shocks. It has a sway bar as well. The rear suspension also looks great with fresh shocks and springs. It has power brakes that are discs up front and drum in the rear, all the lines have been replaced also. It is equipped with a full dual exhaust system that was replaced during restoration and has Flowmaster mufflers. Looking up at the 401 Nailhead V8 engine everything looks clean and correct. Same thing goes for the Muncie M-21 4-speed manual transmission, it looks like it was serviced and does not have any visible leaks. It has a 10 bolt rear end that was neatly painted black. The floors appear to have been undercoated from the factory and freshened up with black paint.
SERVICE: Our professional team of mechanics have inspected this vehicle and replaced the convertible top latch, replaced the driver's door latch, then replaced the front brake hoses and bled the system. This car is now ready to cruise with confidence!
Many times it's the subtleties that make the biggest impact, and that's the effect that this convertible cruiser has. The 401 Nailhead V8 and 4 speed manual transmission transform this classic into sleeper status. This car is whispering class and elegance but screams when you mash the gas pedal!
I, Jay Grams, take pride in personally writing the descriptions for virtually every car for about the last 30 years now. A significant amount of effort goes into fact checking. What I am offering is my professional impression of the vehicle. Our salesmen are happy to assist with descriptions and making sure your questions are answered. One great suggestion is letting us do a walk around video that explains the car's condition in detail. **These cars are displayed in a museum. If interested in a particular car, make an appointment with a salesman to see that car