Author Archive: Tom Laferriere

The 1955 Imperial was launched and registered as a separate marque, apart from the Chrysler brand. It was a product of the new Imperial Division of Chrysler Corporation, meaning that the Imperial would be its own make and division, and not bear the Chrysler name.   The “FirePower” V8 engine was Chrysler’s first-generation Hemi with a displacement of 331 cu in and developing 250 brake horsepower. Power brakes and power steering were standard, along with Chrysler’s “PowerFlite” automatic transmission.

This is a nice running and driving Imperial Sedan.  It starts easily and runs good, however is a little cold blooded.  Excellent braking and steering, gauges all working as well as lights.  Older amateur paint job with some previous rust repair in the lower questers and fenders and a presentable interior, however the steering wheel could use a cover.   Glass all good.  Options including Power windows & seat and wire wheels.  Radio and [...]

This non-matching Hemi Cuda has been the subject of a rotisserie restoration, leaving it in a visual condition that is stunning in its color balance and appeal. Of course, the first thing noticed is the argent-toned Shaker fresh air hood, quivering at idle when the car is started. The exterior is correct Vitamin C with black hockey-stripe graphics and a Black vinyl roof and white interior. Matching the Shaker are argent rocker moldings, hood pins, wheel-well trim and 15-inch Rallye wheels wearing BF Goodrich Radial TA tires. The Space Saver spare and jack are in the trunk. With one of the most recognizable body shapes ever created, its Vitamin C and black color combination, the legendary Hemi engine and well-detailed equipment, this is the sort of Hemi car [...]

Details coming.

Chassis No:  13327677
Engine: straight-eight, 248ci, 107bhp at 3,600rpm; Gearbox: three speed manual; Suspension: coil springs front and rear; Brakes: four wheel hydraulic. Wheelbase 122 inches.

The Buick Company formed in 1903 and began selling cars in 1904. By the late 1930s, two of the men in charge of new models were recognized as ‘geniuses’ in the car industry: Harley Earl, GM’s first design director, and Charles Chayne, their chief engineer since 1936. Both Earl and Chayne were intent on establishing Buick as the rival to Cadillac within GM when it came to luxury cars.

The design of the 1938 model was a development of the highly successful 1937 model year. The grille on the new car was moved forward and placed nearly vertical giving the car a longer hood. The streamlined headlights were mirrored by the front fender mounted parking lights, all of which added to [...]

When the newly styled Thunderbirds arrived for 1961, they truly set the tone for modern, stylish and sporty cruising.  Under the hood, a Z-Code 390 CI V-8 engine with an automatic transmission motivates the Thunderbird down the road, passengers enjoying not only a fabulous cruise, but also power steering and power brakes. This original Tucson Yellow Thunderbird Convertible is a fine example of the marque and why it was and continues to be so popular among enthusiasts and collectors alike. Having undergone a ground-up restoration 30 years ago, the car presents largely as new, ready to once again set a tone.

When I first saw this fabulous Thunderbird my first thoughts were how clean it was.  Paint, chrome, glass, dashboard, stainless, aluminum, engine, trunk and interior.  Why it is this so clean…pride of ownership! [...]

1918 Packard 3-35 Twin Six Touring

Vehicle no. 154680
Motor no. 154680

This 1918 Packard 3-35 Twin Six Touring car was discovered in a barn in Maryland around 1953,by early Virginian enthusiast Bruce Woodson. An amazing series of photos depicting the barn find and extraction verify this Packard as a solid and intact original example, at the time wearing 1929 Maryland plates, indicating the car was in hiding for nearly a quarter of a century by that time. Mr. Woodson performed a cosmetic restoration and drove the car with his family for several years before selling it in 1964 to a family in Ohio.

It was then acquired by Harrah’s Automobile Collection in May of 1970, with documents on file from the National Automobile Museum showing that the car retained its [...]

Vehicle no. 647-12
Frame no. 901136
Motor no. 901140
Body no. 3050 / 6200

Series 1005. 160 bhp, 445 cu. in. modified L-head V-12 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front and rear axles with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 142 in.

From August 14, 1941, until 2012, a remarkable span of over seventy years, this Packard remained in the ownership of Bradford E. Blake, Jr., an engineer from Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Blake drove the car only occasionally. According to a written attestation from Leigh Brent, who had known both Packard and owner while growing up nearby, Mr. Blake claimed to have bought the car from Alfred G. Vanderbilt, Jr.

Mr. Vanderbilt maintained an impressive Baltimore-area estate and thoroughbred farm, Sagamore Farms, the legacy of his mother, local socialite and Bromo-Seltzer heiress Margaret Emerson Vanderbilt, one of America’s wealthiest women. It is believed, [...]

Beautifully restored Camaro convertible.  An extensive restoration which included a thorough undercarriage rebuild.  The underside is as nice as the top.  Starts easily, sounds great, drives awesome!

• Matching Numbers 327 V-8 Engine
• Automatic 2 Speed Powerglide
• Power Steering
• Power Top
• Power front Disc Brake
• Deluxe bucket seat interior
• Detailed engine and chassis
• Rally Wheels with BF Goodrich Radials.
• Ivory/Black Interior
• Matador Red

Please note the title is in transit (expected June 30th, 2021)

Coachwork by Fleetwood
Chassis No. 701834
Body Style 4380
Body No. 221

160 bhp, 452 cu.in. ohv V-16 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 148 in.

In retrospect it seems mad to have introduced an all-new sixteen-cylinder luxury car just as the nation sank into depression, but in January 1930 the aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash was not anticipated, nor were its lingering effects foreseen. In any case, Cadillac had been working on the project for some time, and was intent on reaching the market before Howard Marmon had his own sixteen in dealer showrooms.

In the latter, Cadillac succeeded, as the new car, with the world’s first production V-16, bowed on January 4, 1930, at the National Automobile Show at New York’s Grand Central Palace. The late historian [...]