Yes, I agree. I think the 65 Riv is one of the most stylish cars that ever rolled out of Detroit. But yeah, I have one so I'm a bit biased. I'll add a few: 39-40 Fords Most 50's & early 60's caddys 48-53 Chevy p/u's 48-56 Ford p/u's
Define left stock... If you mean, stock ride height with all the emblems left in place... then there aren't too many, but if you are allowed to lower, de-chrome and add some 5 spokes, then I'd customize most of them. I've grown to love the basic shapes of many of the old cars. I'd love to have an unchopped 49-50 Merc. You all can have the ones that look like a sliding board. That's a joke! that's a joke! Don't get all huffy. I've got to like the body style before I can get into it, so radically changing it isn't my style but keeping it 100% pure isn't either.
59-64 Impala's... Well, for the most part anyway. I love the line's of the car's, the trim used and overall style of them including the interior's. I'm not crazy about most of the hub cap's they ran stock, so i guess i'd change them, but like i said, overall i like the way they came from the factory. There's a couple other's as well. I'll admit, even though i'm not a mopar guy, the 57-58 Plymouth's, like Christine, do look smooth as hell in stock form. And also, as was mentioned, a super clean stock 40 Deluxe coupe is spot on as well. Personally, i have a hard time leaving anything alone. But i have owned a couple that i brought back to original just because i felt whatever was to be done wasn't going to better the look that was already there..
I would leave most corvettes alone. Also, and I know the years are a bit off for this site, but I would leave just about any factory muscle car alone (70 chevelle SS, 60's camaros, etc)
I'm a little more into restorations than customs now. I know that's horrible, but I haven't had the urge to chop a top in a long time. I can really appreciate cars that are put back to original, but usually radial tires, a dual chamber master cylinder, dual exhaust, and a hidden stereo of some kind are a must-have, even on an original car. Changing colors is good by me too, brown cars are ugly.
IMO... Tri-5 chevys and 64.5 - 66 Mustangs should be left stock, at least to the eye... update the suspension and things you can't see just by walking by...
Auburn-Cord-Duesenbergs, that's about it. Everything else could use a lower stance, great wheels, and maybe a shot of horsepower.
To me the '57 Caddy Covert is is one of the purfect designed cars. If I owned one I would lower it but that is it. The Hard top needs chopped.. '40 Ford Coupe & '36 ford three window would be my other picks. Happy Trails, Mick
I'd probably go crazy not removing the hood emblem, but for me it's the 59 Buick Electra. I also agree with the Hudson step-down.
They also stuck Sport tone trim on a couple of Savoy's too. I beleive the "rubber" car was for the scene when Christine killed Moochie in the alley and had her fenders "peeling away" Haha !! Easiest resto ever !! "Show me..." Done ! I guess I should've clarified my original question. I meant 100% bone stock. Emblems, suspension, wheels and all. There are quite a few I wouldn't do any body mods too but would lower and do a wheel swap. The boatail Riv's being one example. I feel they were "factory custom". Todd
I have no problem with stock original old cars. I can't think of any pre 65 American car I wouldn't like to own and drive around in decent original condition. so it's not so much a type of car that I feel shouldn't be modified, but the condition.
I'm with you I am a KUSTOM guy and I think any and all cars or pick-ups can be improved upon either mild or wild. I had a guy tell me once (in a pissy way) that "you'd lower a Corvette wouldn't you" and I said OH YA!!! a Rolls, a Bently, anything.
I agree! Immediately when I saw this thread I thought of 63-65 Rivi. Bitchen straight from the factory. 59' Impala is pretty much there too.
This will fire up the crowd - Really an nice '32 stocker or older resto. MAYBE hyd. brakes and flip the front mainleaf. I just love a stocker '32. Something pure and innocent about them.
I hvae to disagree. tri fives and 64.5 - 66 mustange should be either burned to the ground or be given the straight axle/alter wheelbase treament.
IMO Tri-5 chevys and ALL Mustangs should be left... in a gulley, or next to a crusher or maybe at a car bash. The Tri-5s never have inspired me in any way and Ford should have stuck with the Falcon or the little Fairlanes. Let the bashing begin...
32-34 Fords. Everybody's cut them, changed them, hot-rodded them, let's be different and NOT make 'em look like everyone else's...
As they say, everyone has an opinion... I am not going to bash anyone, but the original poster asked what cars should be left alone, and that would be each persons opinion, which means I may not be right, but that means you are also not right...
There were many influential designers in the 3o's,4o's, and 5o's. The designs and cars of some of these icons , that got it right , should be respected . Can you improve on the lines of some European and American coachbuilt cars.? Yes a few, but not a Ferrari 250 Lusso. There are many others that also fit in this category. Limited production or one -off bodied car get first passes in my book. There are production cars that you really cant do much to , A 55/57 Linclon Mark I , 65 Riviera, are some examples that come to mind. Just remember: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder , and some dont see so well.
I'm a little suprised how many people said '63-'65 Riviera's. I hope I don't get linched when I shave some stuff off mine and drop it, lol ! Todd
My 'no-touch' list would include most Ferraris; most high-end cars (McLaren F1, Lamorghini, etc.) would hit the list. Classic stuff, such as that early Lincoln, Cords (okay, I've always thought it'd be cool to lower an 811/812, install an early Cad flathead, and somehow make some shifter arrangement for a Porsche 5 speed - but I might not have the stones to do it - even if I had the money), Duesenbergs; rare stuff like Ruxtons and Tuckers. There are a lot of cars I'd consider doing bolt-on stuff to, or non-visible (F.A.S.T. class style) mods to. Roller cam and stroker crank in a Max Wedge; stuff like that. -bill
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