Quote:
Originally Posted by benhogan
I seldom drove it because I felt embarrassed to be seen in it. I felt like everyone was looking at me and thinking that I was showing off. I sold it as soon as I could six months later. I filled up maybe 3 times! The top came off once!
I bought it because I always thought they were good looking and so I always wanted one. Once I had one, it was not a real big deal. I thought the hood was too long and the back was too short. I knew the gas mileage was bad but I did not expect to be able to see the needle move when I drove.
It just did not fit my persona I guess. I feel proud to drive my old diesels. I am proud of the engineering, the sound and the size proportions.
I'll probably be scorned for this post but what the hay.
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I know this is the reason I seldom drive my resto rod 39 buick. Everybody stares at you and many do not concentrate on their driving while doing so.
Probably more so than what you were driving. The car is perhaps a little too impressive and flashy as well with those spoked wire wheels flashing in the sunlight. Plus the deep rumble of the dual exhaust partially atribatable to the camshaft. Draws far too much attention.
There is one feature I really appreciate though. On longer trips you seem to arrive as fresh as when you left. It is comforatable and smooth. It seems to cover the miles effortlessly.
I am glad it is just the smaller 40 series body as well. If it where a roadmaster it would look like a bus. The roadmaster has to have a hood a foot or two longer. This was the first year of massively increased visability as well. The leatherette cap on the rear portion of the roof has made people ask if it is a Rolls Royce or Bentley as well. The centre divider bar for the windshield is polished brass that is sealed with clear to stop oxidation. Combined with all the mildly tinted replacement glass it really stands out. Anyways I feel too self conscious in the car. I was thinking as I typed this that it may hopefully be passing with age though.
One thing I like though is easily passing most all the current cars on long hills where they are almost struggling. The basically corvette engine gives 26mpg on the imperial gallon until you get up past about 55 mph. Then it drops like a rock. So I will have to change the turbo 350 automatic transmission to an overdrive type or change the rear end gears.
I never use the massive acceleration available anyways. It is also so old now many people have never seen the body style so they just stare.
I think I have mentioned an interesting observation before. At car shows years ago I have had pairs of older women look the car over and one ocassionally mentions to the other. Mabel or whoever .Do you remember these large back seat areas as well as I do ? There is no manufacturer other than a limo perhaps has that kind of rear seat room today.