Re: [FWDLK] nice 57 Dodge Coronet on EBay

This is just my opinion on the state of the "hobby" so you might delete now.

Anyone who tries to restore a Mopar knows how difficult it is to accomplish.

I really appreciate a correct vehicle. One that is fifty years old is fantastic !

Larry is a great guy. He and I are so busy working, right now, that we can't get

enough done on our car projects.

The Mopar Nats is a poorly run "show" for several reasons.

This is one of them. A car in the "Survivors" tent should be a survivor.

I'm afraid new paint and new upholstery does not make a car a survivor.

It disqualifies it.

I have a low mileage, all original 1968 Dodge D100 (pick up truck) and

a 1966 Charger. They are survivors. A couple of years ago, "our" 1966

Charger was at the Nats in their "Tribute to the Chargers" display along

with many others.

It seems Mopar guys, in general, are so happy to receive recognition, or

see nice Mopars, that they go gah-gah over modified vehicles. It doesn't

matter much if it is correctly done, or not.

The local shows are won by a guy from 17 miles away who has a beautiful

1967 Charger. He has had it since new, I think. Of course, he "restored" it.

It is bright red and has all sorts of chromed pieces and things that are not

factory. We have talked a lot. He knows and admits, to me, that it is

"Over-restored".

A few years ago, we took our Charger to the Chryslers at Carlisle show, now

known as the All Chrysler Nationals. I told my wife for weeks how it would

finally be nice for "her" original car to receive the recognition it deserved.

You know what happened. All around us were cars in various states of

correctness. The winner in the category was a nice Charger with fancy

aftermarket wheels and wide tires with a lot of chromed pieces under the hood.

Penni was devastated. I was pissed. I don't think I will get over it.

The guy with the 1967 Charger always asks me where my Charger is, when we

talk at the shows. I usually drive my 1965 GTO. Stone chips, chromed engine

and torque-thrust wheels, and all. Everyone loves it and there are tons of people

who tell me they had one "just like it" at every event.

I have given up. I'm in it for the fun and to meet up with friends and find new ones.

I didn't pay to enter the Nats this year. I went to visit with friends at the cruising

location in Heath after the Nats closed for the day.

I sold my 1957 Coronet two door hardtop this summer. It was a project car.

I still have my solid driver 1955 Coronet to use as I see fit.

Maybe a 340 4-speed ? After the original stick-six gives up. If it ever does.

Tom S

southern Ohio

FYI, This car was at the Mopar Nats in Columbus 2 weeks ago in the "Survivors" tent if memory serves. It does have some "modifications", in that the seats and the paint are not original, and a few other smaller things that even a non-pro Mopar collector like myself could pick out, but the car is, in real life, GORGEOUS! In a land of '57 Chevy Bel Airs, this car stands out as an example of superior Mopar design and styling.

Is it original - Not totally. Is it perfect - No. Could it be better - Sure. Is it beautiful - Most assuredly.

What is it worth? - What ever someone is willing to pay for it. And that ever-increasing cost means that I am stuck with 4dr Coronet sedans - Which ain't all that bad either, and which I have!

Larry (Akron)

57 Coronet 4dr Sedan
59 Coronet 4dr Sedan
60 Chrysler Saratoga 4dr Sedan
58 Coronet Spring Special 2dr HT basket case and future project.