strong coach week upcoming!

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Today I met a friend, Jack, to go see a few cars he had stored out in the country that I hadn't previously viewed. While not technically "found" - thought you'd still like a photo update. Jack likes to lurk on message boards. He's known Carl Woerner for a long time and has been a procar enthusiast since childhood.

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3213/dsc01643k.jpg

Stunned me off the bat to walk around a corner and see a '59 Series 75! Non-divider window model. This one belongs to someone else so I'll follow up with possible availability. Pretty typical TX builder. Plus a '61 parts limo has a good windshield down here...

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/343/dsc01658vu.jpg

Pretty dry '56 Meteor endloader is in solid restorable shape. Not only is it complete, all the glass is good, and Jack has gathered new items along the way.

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7145/dsc01662q.jpg

Hard to top '50s scripted logos.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/3976/dsc01668v.jpg

'62 Superior Crown combination - and Jack has TWO of them; identical. This is the better of them. Front clip has already been painted. Given the rarity of landau combinations - strange that he has a matched pair. Hope he makes more progress soon.

Then again, he'd like to move out of the US, so who knows..?

Tomorrow I'm hearse hunting in a small town more than an hour out.

Then by Wednesday, I should have pics of procars found in the high desert of NM. I may end up breaking an official record this week. Ha.

[Sarah Snook]

Very cool! I saw you missed call today so I figured that you must have found something good.

[Mike McDonald]

Attila: Did you happen to see if there were any Initials or FH Name still in the Meteor "Crests" on Each Door? Looks like a very solid car! MM

[Brady D Smith]

I sure would like to restore that 59 limo.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Mike, I had not noticed. Will check next time there.

We'll see about the Series 75 Brady.

Keeping up this weeks finds>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Today I drove out to rural TX following a 20 year old lead! Guess what? It was STILL there: '51 Superior Air Force ambulance. USAF G-158

http://a.imageshack.us/img202/6820/dsc01677m.jpg

No motor or transmission. Windshield and back glass broken - along with a couple cracked flat glass pieces. Front floors have rot. Rest of floors and body are quite solid. It is piled high inside with other old car parts, otherwise I'd have shot more. No divider; long benches in back still present. Navy blue leather bench front seat still looks decent around crapola piled on top.

I'd say this is savable given the rarity. All trim and badges are present. Even the '51-'53 taillights are replatable - which are getting hard to find. I'm driving back tomorrow as the 90 year old owner hadn't the strength to do more today. This one will go cheap if someone wants it.

Then, pics arrived this evening from NM as planned. This yard closed in '79! I received a tip last week about a rear bumper for my '58. Turns out there are several procars here. After hearing descriptions over the phone, my momentum shifted to buying the entire '58 Superior ambulance...

Well, this isn't Superior.

http://a.imageshack.us/img709/3461/58mmamb1.jpg

Best one of the bunch! '58 MM low top ambulance. Notice roof lights are still intact. This has NOT been picked over and is 98% complete. I've decided to pass and take another coach here instead...

http://a.imageshack.us/img709/7644/39lasalle.jpg

Not much of this '39 LaSalle Superior ambulance left. Rear body isn't rotted though. Owner says that he has at least the cowl and front suspension. Good spare parts to save another.

http://a.imageshack.us/img24/7916/58pontiac.jpg

'58 Superior Pontiac high top! Windshield, all curved glass, and most flat glass is good. What's left is very solid! Drivetrain still intact. Obviously needs a front clip and a 4D will provide most everything (if not everything) missing. There is even at least one '58 4D donor in the same yard I'm told.

[Josh Gentry]

Attila, great finds as usual. I always love to see what kinda Pro Cars your going to dig up next. After looking at all these great pics, I'm a little dizy.:071:

Josh

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://a.imageshack.us/img824/4511/60crown1.jpg

Not attractive - but it *IS* a Crown. Sold and heading to TX. Now I'm eyeballing front commercial sheetmetal off that interchangeable '59 limo Brady. That's right. I said it. Thankfully this endloader is not rotted.

http://a.imageshack.us/img30/5395/61pontiac1.jpg

'61 Superior military high top ambulance. (At least I think it is if remembering correctly from an earlier discussion, not having my Superior book present.) Here's another odd duckling that is savable with a front clip. Not many of these exist, correct?

http://a.imageshack.us/img822/6403/65mm1.jpg

'65 MM Landau. I'll assume endloader for the time being as its was not specified. Super solid sills, floors, etc. Passenger rear side door has light crease; rest is very straight. 98% complete (no landaus). All glass is good - including windshield. The partition has been removed and is in the rear compartment. Ran when parked and closest coach to being roadworthy again.

http://a.imageshack.us/img541/5219/74sub.jpg

Lastly from the same place - a '74 Suburban airport limo. Don't know much about this one. Merely thought you'd like to see it.

Let me say this: These coaches have existed because they're well off the beaten path! They survived for a reason. I believe right now is that reason. They've been preserved (various levels of completeness) in one of the best climates in the US for us to save.

ALL of the above mentioned are for sale. The retired owner of this last yard has been mighty cordial so far. His pricing is more than fair (a couple are downright cheap) - no eBay prices here! And he was quite clear that the more cars purchased, the more prices are bundled. Realistically, a friend of mine will go in and purchase the '58 MM already. Another friend wants to buy an unmentioned '58 Cadillac here as well. If any of the rest look like interesting possibilities - don't sit on the fence dragging feet to decide! Drop me a line n_o_w. Best case scenario? $500 (or more) price drop if additional units are added, so we all win. Regardless, we are moving forward to close ASAP.

These cars are not in Mexico; rather New Mexico. Nothing to be skeptical about.

While today's events shocked even me, I'm not done yet this week! Should have more surprises. Seriously. But I don't know if anything from here out will be for sale.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Yesterday I returned to the '51 as asked. I was then asked to return Sat! Although told more than once, the little old man wasn't grasping the length driven; that I was not a local resident.

No price yet. I flashed $$$ so they knew I was serious and still nothing. He and his wife want to check with a son. Here are more shots.

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/1811/dsc01675j.jpg

Entire front clip is straight, complete, and rust free.

http://img202.imageshack.us/img202/6249/dsc01685p.jpg
http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/3561/dsc01686mq.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2294/dsc01678ey.jpg

If someone ends up with this unit - have these perfect Superior emblems recast please!

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/9486/dsc01689w.jpg

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Since a few of you really enjoyed seeing the '56...

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/7120/dsc01648i.jpg

Since this coach sold in Oklahoma new and was retired in '68 - I'm willing to bet that Steve Loftin has pictures of it somewhere.

It went to a property when retired that was later divided by a man-made culvert or creek. The ensuing erosion cut off any way for the Meteor to leave! This is 'prolly the sole reason that it exists today. Amazing that even inaccessible by vehicles that kids didn't break windows or steal parts after sitting decades before Jack acquired.

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/3401/dsc01649y.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/9771/dsc01661k.jpg
http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/3716/dsc01664wt.jpg

Worst damage I saw on this coach. Commercial bumper ends are aluminum though and a decent welder should be able to save it. If not, I know where there happens to be a spare driver's side '56 rear bumper end sitting 300 miles away. Doesn't mean that spare will still be there by the time someone is restoring this coach though. Heh.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

After speaking with pertinent parties yesterday, I'm planning a road trip to this yard shortly.

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/1369/58mmamb1j.jpg
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/467/58mmamb1b.jpg

Not much externally will prove difficult to locate for the '58 MM - specific rear bumperettes the exception.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/9071/58mmamb1d.jpg

Copper/brown on door jams is original color (2-tone?), having been repainted white.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3620/58mmamb1e.jpg

Wonder if the (rather unattractive) MM side trim was left off this ambulance when new or merely when painted? Notice there is no provision for quarter spear molding either. This simplicity on an ambulance works well.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/5121/58pontiac1c.jpg

Not many pics sent of these two. The gentleman whom I had head here stated that this '58 is the best restorable procar unit left.

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/4958/61pontiac2.jpg

The German phrase das rollende ei - "the rolling egg" fits the '61. Ha.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2271/65mm1c.jpg

Lastly for now, more shots of the rot-free '65 MM awaiting love.

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7388/65mm1j.jpg

Never paid attention to that roof bevel before. How long was this a MM design trait?

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/203/65mm1g.jpg

If I can squeak out into a different direction today there may be more pictures of different coaches tonight.

Not included yet is a new Mexican coach that I'm frothing in anticipation over

[Steve Loftin]

'61 Superior military high top ambulance. (At least I think it is if remembering correctly from an earlier discussion, not having my Superior book present.) Here's another odd duckling that is savable with a front clip. Not many of these exist, correct?

Nope; built by Memphis Coach...I've seen at least two civilian versions of this (awful) body style, as well.

[Steve Loftin]

Since this coach sold in Oklahoma new and was retired in '68 - I'm willing to bet that Steve Loftin has pictures of it somewhere.

Perhaps a slight chance; we didn't move to Oklahoma until 1968 (I was 12)...sold new to what firm?

[Steve Loftin]

The '58 Superior/Pontiac appears to be a military rig, as well...a front or cab roof shot could tell us. Most civilian versions had tunnel lights over the cab (military versions did not), but they could've been removed later in the car's life.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Will try to learn more about the Meteor's origin.

Good call on the '58 Steve! Military it is.

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/4435/58pontiac1b.jpg

[John ED Renstrom]

you run across a 53 or 54 sedan delivery with a good rear bumper snag it will you. chevy or pon are the same. but it has to have the dip in it. a wagon, sedan ones are not right. dog dish wheel cover for the poncho, if you have to fight the dog for it I have a 54-55 one I'll trade him. toss in a can of alpo. the back side of the Memphes is as good a signature as John Hancocks. they do look just like a egg laying there.

[John ED Renstrom]

fogot the pictures the cap looks like this

[Rocky Fluegge]

In the background of the last picture i see a 56 olds with the front end in the air i could use the rear bumper. If it is not damaged.

[Ron Devies]

I wish somebody woule get these and restore them.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Sadly, not all leads pan out - big surprise, right? :bonk:

Years ago I wondered what a shortened 6 window roof would look like. Now I know. Don't get me wrong, I'd still finish this homemade conversion and use it! Tailgate needs replaced with a period one. Fun start but no flower car...

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/2320/60cad1.jpg
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/4228/60cad1b.jpg

Best part perhaps? Turns out this is in the US & not Mexico - although close. Will follow up regardless as it is a neat piece.

Still have 2-3 more coach surfacing possibilities before week's end.

[Ron Devies]

It still looks cool as hell :clap:

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Spoke with the elderly ex-junkyard owner this afternoon. I am driving there within the next 10 days or so. He has over 400 units remaining - including cool '50s wagons.

What I'd like is one of YOU to buy the '58 Superior Pontiac high top military ambulance as it is the best deal yet unclaimed. There are both '58 Pontiac 4D and '58 Pontiac wagon(!) with nice front fenders, grill, front bumper, quarter trim, etc. He will include the best items shown missing, making the ambulance almost complete. (Doesn't know if there is a good hood left.) He's agreed to drop $400 off the Pontiac price because of other cars leaving if paid at the same time. >>>>>$2k<<<<< As stated earlier - no retarded price! Granted, it isn't a Cadillac - but it *is* a high top.

I'll coordinate if someone wants to meet up there.

The '61 & '65 are unspoken for so far.

Not mentioned until today's conversation that was forgotten about? A '49 commercial Packard "family car". Given the description, sounds like an extended chassis informal limo with jump seats. Rear side doors are stretched about 8". Would this be Henney or factory..? Don't know if I've ever seen one.

This evening I drove a different direction into the country to check out more. Recently divorced couple, their acreage has sold, thought it may be a good time to deal.

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3271/dsc01750u.jpg

'57 Series 75 limo. No motor, grill, bumper, or windshield. Most removed stainless was inside. Jump seats still present. Not rusty so could be restored. Husband wasn't around so I'm awaiting price.

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/2013/dsc01746g.jpg

This property has Cottonmouths and Copperheads. Oh - and these ugly sumbitches e v e r y w h e r e:

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/6537/dsc01724e.jpg

Yeah, it is as big as your current mental image. My hands are medium size and the body on this 'harmless' banana spider is the same as my thumb. Each car had a couple on/in them. Webs go from the waistline to the ground 6' away. In thigh high grass those webs can still be missed - until grasshoppers hopping every which direction land on one. Then you see how *fast* these damn spiders are. While focusing from 3' away on this one, it dropped down 2', entirely cocooned a large grasshopper, then returned to almost the same spot in a total of 5 seconds. Joy.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8662/dsc01757n.jpg

Sadly this '40s Superior will never see the road again. With any luck it may donate parts that will.

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9284/dsc01763fj.jpg

Riddled with bullet holes and rot. Bumpers & trim are usable but I don't know what the plan is with it.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/6372/dsc01762vl.jpg

Really am a sucker for blank off plates.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3208/dsc01759yj.jpg

[Rocky Fluegge]

I noticed that it even has a rotten out glove box door. That shortened 60 cad is still a good looking car. Like you said the rear gate has to be reworked for sure.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Rocky, forgot to mention inquiring about that '56 Olds. He has two cars and remembers both rear bumpers being in nice shape.

I plan on staying @ least 2 days to get a decent grasp on what's there. If I can drag that bumper 900 miles closer - cool.

That goes for the rest of you as well with other parts. Dwayne still needs '66 front bumper ends. What else should be thrown on a list?

[Brendan Martin]

Atti, do you wear boots that are snakebite proof? Sounds like some hairy territory down there. Not used to venomous snakes up here.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Brendan, snakes don't bother me. Was bitten by a young Copperhead on a scouting trip growing up. Pretty cautious out hunting since. The bite of small poisonous snakes is worse - not that the venom is more potent. They haven't learned to regulate it yet and typically inject everything they have.

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/5585/dsc01773p.jpg

Positive sign traveling out seeing a hearse in front. I know through the magic of the internet given the amount I've seen this week you think they must all be close together. They're not. Texas is a big state. Ha.

Today was quite challenging out looking in the field. 99 degrees; the sun was particularly brutal. The place? A long ago forgotten about wrecking yard. Between 1500-2000 units were scrapped in the mid-'70s, then it closed. Left were close to 200 cars from the '20s-'60s, now massively overgrown. Chest high grass, scared animals, giant bugs (go figure in TX, right?), cars so hidden that some couldn't be seen from 5' away, never ending sweat in eyes a mile away from the car, etc. After posting I'm going to soak in a cold shower to rehydrate.

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/5125/dsc01787j.jpg

Surprise! I actually didn't expect to see any procars and was after '50s Cadillacs. '52 ('53?) Miller limousine combination. Been hidden here for decades!

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/7117/dsc01794m.jpg

Caught my embalmer/bone harvester girlfriend taking a peek. She's a trooper to willingly take on these adventures.

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/2106/dsc01905n.jpg

This guy was almost twice the size of the previous one I showed. Must of recently fed! Yuck. Web was above the rear loading door. Glad I noticed before my girlfriend wrapped her face in it.

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/1949/dsc01797u.jpg

Back window is broken. Other than that it looks restorable. Rust was minimal.

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1235/dsc01796g.jpg

Decent pics weren't happening. I do plan on returning later this fall when foliage is GONE.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/7243/dsc01777nb.jpg

One of the cars I liked here is this intact '55 Coupe DeVille. Noticed a few '56s Sedan DeVilles too. Another cool one was a '59 Buick flattop. Gentleman who owns property now isn't into selling parts but he will drag entire cars out. All the more reason to head back when they can be checked out more closely.

Lastly this week, I struck out on the final pair of procars I was chasing to show you all. A funeral home that closed around '72 in rural TX still had a pair of coaches sitting all this time - well, sort of. Turns out they 'disappeared' about 3 years ago. I'll leave you hanging on what they are as I follow up further but know this: They're BOTH rare models and not newer than '60! :4_11_9:

[Brendan Martin]

Well Atti, I give you a lot of credit, I hate f-ing snakes and the ones up here are harmless. If I got bit by a copperhead I would be living in Iceland.

[Steve Lichtman]

Atti, you're makin' me dizzy with the pictures on an angle.... :pat:

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Naw...the subject matter is making you dizzy. ;)

[Attila Bethlenfalvy]

Stopped again today. Like I couldn't find anything else better to do in triple degrees~

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/6098/dsc01923.jpg

Checked out the limo more closely. Repainted in green metalflake over the original black at some point, now faded out.

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/9680/dsc01924.jpg

'59/'60 lower quarters are one of the first areas to rot. Driver's side had none - rare.

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/8788/dsc01931.jpg

Likewise, passenger side quarter's lower edge is good. There is bondo in this quarter however, looks to cover dents as it has fallen out in chunks. Note front edge of quarter behind door.

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/5055/dsc01936.jpg

Driver's floor has rust, rest looks solid. Given the year and popularity, it'd be tough to find a more decent one to restore. Will find out later this week about availability.

[Bruce Oliphant]

Attila,

I may not ever buy one of the coaches that you are so good at locating since I am well aware of my skill level however, I just want to say how much I enjoy your posts. Your dedication is remarkable and knowledge is astounding. You make this site seem like a good book, you don't want to walk away and when you do you can't wait to get back. I'm not easily impressed by anything or anyone but you are a rare gem. Thank you for sharing with all of us.