IML: My lucky day...

["Pete Engel" <peterengel@xxxxxxx>]

Two nights ago I was privileged to be invited to see the Bulgari (BVLGARI)
automobile collection.  Well, the part of the collection in Allentown, PA,
anyway.  The other half is in Rome, Italy.
The local chapter of SAE got an invite for a small group to get a tour and a
friend up there called me.
The PA collection includes a 47 Town and Country convertible, a 48 Town and
Country sedan with roof rack, and a 1950 Town and Country Newport hardtop.
What confused me was the "Imperial" badging on the c-pillar of the 1950.
Can anyone shed some light on this?
These were beautifully restored cars and just a minority of the woodies
owned by Mr. Bulgari.  (There were also a couple of Buicks, a couple of
Nashs, and a Packard IIRC.)
Oh, wait, I forgot to mention the 1931 CG Imperial dual cowl phaeton with
LeBaron coachwork.  That one wasn't too bad, either.
We saw 36 restored or low mile originals in one building, 4 or 5 undergoing
total restoration in a very well equipped "shop" building, and another 8 or
so in a 3rd building used to do partial restoration and/or mechanical
repairs.
The unique thing about this visit was that we were able to open doors, open
hoods, and otherwise get our hands on the vehicles.  Shop personnel were
there to monitor and assist us.  How often do you get to hear/feel the
"thunk" of a 50 T&C door closing or run your hands over a Packard V-12 valve
cover?
Mr. Bulgari drives all his cars so being in tip top mechanical condition is
a priority.  I'm told that he took the CG Imperial into Allentown to see a
movie once and left it parked on the street for passersby to admire!  (He
did take the precaution of pocketing the radiator cap before leaving the
car.)
So what's the story on the 50 T&C Imperial badging?

Pete in PA


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