I thought I would share my ongoing project for those that may be interested. I've had a long term obsession with this particular car. Basically a Motorama dream car that was put into limited production. They made 400 in 57 and 304 in 58. Some notable features are brushed stainless top, suicide doors, auto opening closing trunk, fold out 'bar' in glove box with stainless magnetic tumblers, air suspension, memory front seat and lots of other neat stuff Anyway, I bought a rust free example, #70, out of California where it spent it's entire life. It was/is a project and arrived in pieces. This is being built as a sort of 'resto mod'. Stock appearing but updated mechanicals. It's now riding on a Roadster shop chassis, twin turbo LSA engine with intercooled fabricated 'batwing' intake, overdrive trans, 2 piece carbon fiber driveshaft, 9in rearend with floater hubs, big brakes, one off 20 inch wheels (that look like 17's with a simulated sidewall) in the original design. Interior is stock appearing as well with integrated 3 point seat belts front and rear. Front and rear vintage air systems and lots more. It will take me a few more years to complete. First pic is of a stock Brougham so you have an idea of what they look like. The rest are of my project in progress Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I was going to give you some grief about resto-modding such a rare car........but this looks SO good I already forgive you. I especially like your 'batwing' fab (I have restored a few over the years). Yes please, more pictures as you progress! Thoughts on the final paint color yet? Something retro-original? Upholstery/interior? Updated 'vanity'? More! More! LOL about the headline........
Currently installing AC, front discs, & new iPod system in my 60 Eldorado Those drum brakes are scarey Very nice work by the way, that's a lot of engine for a flexible flyer
Thanks guys! James, I think they really look great in black because of all the contrast but that is the most common color for one of these. I'm leaning towards Nairobi pearl, 11 of which were built that color in 57. As for the interior, it will remain mostly stock other than the seat belts and the a/c systems. I was planning on all black. Black leather seats and Mouton fur carpeting (bought the fur). I also had the trims for the sides of the seats chrome plated rather than anodized. (same with the front grille) William- I have a 59 Series 62 convertible as well and honestly I don't mind the drums! (it's stock however). That car being a convertible with an x-frame is pretty flexy but I think the Brougham with the new perimeter frame should be fine. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Hello, youre project is showing a lot of promise, give you credit. Something to mull over you may consider entering some car shows, not any car show but go for the Riddler award at the Autorama in Detriot. Problem is you cant show any pics or have the car in public until the day of the show. Now is the time to get sponsers to help with your build. Should you get into the Great 8 at Detriot your car will be wanted and sought after for the other big shows. We have been there and SEMA, its a lot of work. Here's myself at SEMA with Barry Meguiar one of our sponsers. Thanks Norm 2014 Autorama: Ridler Award Winner & Great 8 Finalists - The Truth About Cars Autorama / World of Wheels / Cavalcade of Customs | Americas Premier Custom Show Car Series Image Unavailable, Please Login
Thanks Jim and Norm. Norm, I've attended SEMA (not with a car), it's a good time! Riddler award doesn't sound like something I want to go after if I can't show pics or have the car in public as I'll be driving it as soon as it's completed
Amazing. That is most likely the hardest car in the world to restore! Over 2 miles of electrical wiring. Very cool nonetheless
Nice. I believe GM lost money on every car sold ? I heard it runs around 200K to completely restore these cars. Real special cars.
....Nairobi pearl, 11 of which were built that color in 57.... Xlnt choice! So much enhancement you can do with that. I'm salivating now.... I think you said you would be driving the car to Seattle as soon as it's done? I'll reserve your space at Cars & Coffee.
Israel- In 1957 they cost $13,500 (when a new Rolls was 9k) and it's said it cost them $23k to build each one. I could see a perfect factory resto approaching 200k. Some of the parts prices are crazy because they are made in handfuls at a time. (I'm trying to forget the chrome bill as well) James- Thanks. Tell you what, head south and I'll meet you at Pebble Beach
No, they quoted in the 55k+ range if I remember correctly. I had everything done by Custom Metal Finishing in Indiana for about 37k and it turned out great.
Is the color on the Revell box the Nairobi? If so, I would be wishing for more contrast between the body color and all that expensive chrome (& the stainless top)....is there a color chart online anywhere? I too know the eye-watering bills for chrome plating; I worked with Queen City Plating near Seattle; they have a deep list of PB winning cars. For a boat with as little chrome as mine , the costs were astronomical! Much of that was due to the hours of polishing filling plating polishing filling plating....endless! I probably spent much more on copper & nickel than on the chrome! Pebble is good; breakfast on me at the Pine Inn in Carmel.
nice work, but its sad you had to wreck a piece of history,,but I agree its your car and you can do what to it, my buddys dad had a black one of these [stock-unrestored] and I got to drive it 30 years ago,very cool car back in the day
James, yes post #8 is Nairobi pearl. It does lack contrast but I thought it looked classy. Still not locked in on color. Not sure if there is a chart, I usually scroll through the registry for ideas- brg001-200 dmaxx, it's not original of course but I wouldn't quite say it's wrecked. Though I suppose the guys who turned one into a dual axle stretched roadster for wheelchair access and the guy who put a bubble top on one would say the same.
Thanks for the link! Now I'm leaning toward a dark color......how 'bout Titian Red, a popular '50's GM (and custom car) color? Would show off the chrome well..... (needs a white interior though....)
Dark colors don't do that well on 50s era cars, unless you go for a solid black. But then you'll need impeccable body work to make it right. Look up a 59 Buick color called Lido Lavender. Would look great on a restomod. Kind of old school enough to look right, but unique enough to look almost custom... Garnet red (deep metallic orange) would be fun as well. Almost bought a 57 Roadmaster a couple years ago only because of that color.
Beautiful car and love the upgrades! Btw, one of your options has received an honorable mention. Five Automotive Inventions That Never Made It Because... . One your Image Unavailable, Please Login