IML: In defense of "customs"

["Hugh & Therese" <hugtrees@xxxxxxxx>]

Kenyon wrote:

Customs were stipper cars that had most extra-cost
things deleted.  There are cars running around with
manual windows and no AC and so forth, which generally
are the base models.  Most dealers would not order
something like this for stock on their lot, so those
cars are the mark of someone that wanted the image but
was VERY cost conscious - to the point of waiting for
a car to be built to their specification to save money
in many cases.

With all due respect, I could not disagree more.

My base model has everything a LeBaron has, including front and rear air. 
It is hardly a "stripper."  The idea of a stripper Imperial is oxymoronic. 
The company would have frowned at the concept of its ultimate "desire" 
vehicle being built in this way.  The original owner of my car hated 
leather, as well he might in Texas.  I heard this from his niece.  He had 
issues trying to get a Cadillac without leather plus the Mopar dealership in 
the small town, Seguin, supplied him with other vehicles for his several 
businesses plus a truck to pull his Tennessee "Walking Horses."  To avoid 
leather, he purchased the base model.  Otherwise it is one of the most 
loaded 58s ever made.  Cost was not the issue at all.

I have heard about manual windows but not during the 57 / 58 / 59 era.  I'd 
be very interested to know who might have one or have seen one.

Hugh




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