In The Beginning...

I have always wanted a project car as a hobby. Something to get my hands dirty, as well as to drive around and, well, show off. Not that I am a show off myself, but something to have that says "Hey, I bruised a few knuckles and emptied my wallet several times over for this".

I have always loved cars. My parents gave me a 1965 Mustang model as a small kid, and I took it to bed with me every night. I think my mom still has the first picture of a car that I drew when I was 3 years old. Interesting that I didn't follow up with any of it, like take auto shop, or try out auto design for a living. Which is probably why I want a project car.

Which leads me to the two cars you see to the right. From the mid-1920's to the mid-1970's, and for a few years in the '80s and again in the '90s, Chrysler's top of the line luxury car was the Imperial. It never sold as well as Cadillac or Lincoln, but it definately was not a "lesser" car compared to either of those marques. Leather interior, 440 cu in engine with a 4 bbl carb, 8 track tape player, optional 4 wheel anti-lock brakes (an industry first), tilt-o-scope steering wheel, vinyl roof and hidden headlights are hallmarks of the 1969-1973 Imperials, with the "fuselage" styling. At 19 1/2 feet long, these are cars you will not lose in a parking lot.

Check out the Online Imperial Club for more information on these incredible pieces of American Iron.

Which again leads me to Blackie, the one in the top picture on the right. I first spotted that one on the club's website. It was owned by a guy in San Diego. I have no idea why it caught my eye (maybe its the F**k You front grille), but I knew then I wanted one, specifically a 1973 model.
Not a few months later (four, to be exact) the very car I lusted after on the Imperial website was up for sale on eBay. In March of 2006, I became the proud owner of a 2 door hardtop, with unknown mileage, but had been well taken care of when it was in San Diego. I paid too much for it, but what the hell, it was mine, and my project. It was in great shape mechanically, and I drove it from San Diego to DC in 5 days, with no problems what so ever.

The other car on the right, Ol' Red, is along the same lines. It was another 2 door hardtop I spotted on eBay, but this time, the seller put it in as a "buy me now" item. I called, made him an offer he couldn't refuse, and it was mine. In January of '07, my dad and a bud of his drove to the dealership where the car was located and picked it up. I have yet to see the car in person, I only have photos from the dealer from whom I bought it. Dad tells me the gas tank has old gasoline in it, as the engine will not stay ignited when started. The roof liner is shredded, and it looks like the leather seats are moldy. I know how to take care of the last two items. Dad is looking into taking the gas tank off the car, and flushing it.

I am a relative newbie to blogging, but I have every intention of keeping this blog updated as often as possible. Especially when major doings are in the works. If anything, maybe some can learn from my up and downs as I move through these projects. If you've got questions or comments, please feel free to let me know.

Enjoy!