Hot Rods Ricky Nelson’s ’32 Roadster

I figured you were commenting on this aspect of his life -
"Kris's extravagant spending left Rick no choice but to tour relentlessly"

 

Back to the car...

Me too! Red goes great on most hot rods, but I think it looks pretty sweet in green too.

 

1957, Cadillac introduced the ultimate luxury car, rivaling Rolls-Royce and at a price equal to one, $13,750.00. General Motors made only 750 ElDorado Broughams in 1957 and 1958. They featured pillarless construction (suicide doors), air suspension, a stainless steel roof, mouton carpeting, a compound curved windshield, automatic opening and closing trunk, memory seats, alloy wheels, quad headlights with Autronic Eye (automatic dimming), six magnetic shot gl***es, a ladies compact with cigarette case, make-up mirror and lipstick tube, a note pad with a Cross pencil, and a dispenser of Arpege perfume. This example was originally delivered to Beverly Hills, CA, for rock and TV star Ricky Nelson. The Eldorado Brougham is a premier representation of Cadillac's slogan, 'The Standard of the World.' This is one of only 350 manufactured in 1958.

Pre interstate, on Hwy 99W, Ricky came through nearby Amity Oregon headed home with a load of girls a bit too fast. The local constabulary slept in his car as he was on commission, ticketed him in a Cadillac. It was the local talk for a generation as 50 in 25mph paying cash, but who really knows now. Funnily some remember the car, some remember the speed, and some remember the girls. I always heard it was the early '60s in a Cad convertible but maybe he had 2 Cads. Once thing for sure, we all remember a piece of the story.

 

Mr Nelson played his last show in Guntersville Alabama at a club owned by his friend. The place was called the Local Option after a law was p***ed to allow towns in dry county;s to be able to serve beer and mixed drinks. His flight was delayed several times because of bad weather.

 

The engine is a 265,the exhaust manifolds are tell tale. The article states its fron a ‘56 Vette as well. Ricky died in a plane fire, not from doping as was originally reported. His brother David spent lots if time and money clearing his name. Sweet car,you can see it in a ‘58 episode of Ozzie and Harriet ***led “ The Road Race” Pretty cool watch. Good ‘ ole days

 

Almost forgot, The car was built and owned by a family friend in the episode, not Ricky