SIX BEAUTIFUL CARS FROM BRANDS LONG SINCE DEPARTED
“Fallen Flags” is a phrase familiar to railfans, aviation buffs and trucking industry aficionados. It signifies companies and brands that no longer exist. It also applies to automotive enthusiasts and represents auto manufacturers that are dearly departed. These include brands such as Studebaker, Packard, DeSoto, Plymouth, Saab and Nash, just to name a few. You may also know them as “orphan brands”, for the same reason: the products of these nameplates are left without their parents.
Gone but not forgotten, these collectibles are ripe for the picking in some of the auctions and sales on Hemmings.com. But don’t wait too long because unlike the time Jay Leno said of Doritos (“Crunch all you want, we’ll make more!”), when they’re gone, they’re likely long gone. So, as the conductor on a New York Subway train would say, “Step lively, folks!” Enjoy the view.
1949 Packard Super 8 Club Sedan
This 1949 Packard “Survivor” with a Fastback two-door body style, is one of only 5,871 Super Eight Club Sedans made in 1949. It’s powered by a 327 cubic-inch “Straight-Eight” engine making 145 horsepower. This engine works well but could use some detailing and love. Power is sent to the rear wheels by a three-speed manual transmission with Borg-Warner R11 overdrive. The seller claims the brake system has been rebuilt using new-old stock (NOS) parts. Finished in black lacquer, it reminds us of one of Bruce McCall’s Bulgemobiles (Google it. You’ll thank us!). The rear chrome bumper displays a patina and the brown fabric bench seat interior can accommodate a family of twelve. (Just kidding.) The Packard Company ceased production in 1956.
1954 Studebaker Regal Panel Wagon
This 1954 Studebaker Regal Panel Wagon could be one of two things: a restomod converted station wagon/panel wagon/delivery vehicle or one of three never-produced factory prototypes. The body number signifies a station wagon but the seller states there is no evidence of it ever having rear-side windows. Power is from a Ford 302-cu.in. small-block V-8 that breathes with the help of an Edelbrock intake manifold. The horsepower is unknown but it routes through a Ford automatic overdrive transmission. This air-conditioned hot rod can be just the thing for starting up a Grub Hub side hustle. The South Bend, Indiana-based Studebaker Corporation went out of business in March 1966.
1957 De Soto Firesweep Sportsman
This finned object of fascination epitomizes 1950s automotive design with sweeping lines, jet-aged tailfins and enough chrome to temporarily blind passersby. Powered by a 325 cubic-inch Dodge “Semi-Hemi” V8 with a 2-barrel Stromberg carburetor, it could deliver 245 horsepower at full roar. The three-speed transmission is controlled by a dashboard-mounted pushbutton control. The turquoise and white body shows beautifully as does the interior, with vinyl seating for up to six passengers. Although Chrysler killed the De Soto brand in November 1960, this Connecticut-based Firesweep Sportsman belongs in the collection of any serious Mopar collector.
1960 Nash Metropolitian
This two-toned 1960 Nash Metropolitan is “California Cute” and ready to roll. It’s powered by an inline 1500cc four-cylinder engine, with a single-barrel carburetor and three-speed transmission. Other features include four-wheel drum brakes, a two-spoke steering wheel and 13-inch Firestone whitewall tires mounted on steel wheels. It is complete with a rear-mounted spare tire. The interior is in good condition with a few spots on the seats. The Metropolitan was built in the U.K.’s Austin Motor Company factory for export to the United States. The seller claims this “rolling bathtub” is mechanically sound and an excellent weekend cruiser. Nash production ended in 1957 after the creation of American Motors Corporation.
1966 Plymouth Barracuda
This restored 1966 Plymouth Barracuda in yellow over black is one of the original muscle cars of its day. It’s motivated by a non-original 318-cu.in. V-8 replacement engine that features an Edelbrock intake manifold and a Quick Fuel Technology four-barrel carburetor. The seller claims it runs well. It wears single-year styling, as the 1967 model was redesigned. The factory exhaust manifold flows into a custom dual-exhaust system. The engine mates to a TorqueFlite three-speed automatic transmission and features “Armstrong” (manual) steering and brakes. The interior shows nicely with apparent light wear on its black vinyl. The Plymouth line of automobiles and minivans were discontinued by Chrysler in 2001.
1967 Saab Sonett II
The seller asks, “When you turn on your car, does it return the favor?” If you were behind the wheel of this Swedish beauty, the answer might be a resounding yes! The Sonett II was one of the first to be powered by a 73-horsepower V-4 engine that was sourced from the Ford Taunus. Only 70 of these V4 cars were built in 1967, while the rest were 60 hp two-stroke models. The interior, with its wood dashboard, could use a bit of TLC. The engine was rebuilt about 10,000 miles ago, but actual mileage is undetermined. The car rides on rare Cromodora alloy wheels. The Saab automobile company went out of business after a deal between Dutch supercar manufacturer Spyker and General Motors (the majority shareholder of Saab at the time) went south. With that, Saab Automobile declared bankruptcy in December 2011.
The post Six Beautiful Cars From Brands Long Since Departed appeared first on The Online Automotive Marketplace.
2024-07-15T18:09:14Z dg43tfdfdgfd