Conjecture...
I guess one could start by reading all the research I did and posted on my website (I'm not sure if I am allowed to name it). I did my best to list this odd-duck as honestly as possible until I could finish my research. Like most of you, I have a long standing rep I don't want blemished by false conjecture. I am completely consumed with my business but, in the interim I named it appropriately "Superior Optioned".
Just a quick post before I go back to work : I think some of you are forgetting what client this was built for. PALCO (Pacific Lumber Co.)was one of the wealthiest, most successful businesses in the USA in 1957. They could probably get
most anything done they wanted to and had a reputation for not backing down or taking 'no' as an answer. For somebody to come on this site and try to dissect this build in a negative tone w/o having ALL the facts- is a bit.... 'disappointing'. I've been following the threads here about this Coach for months and would only ask: Maybe we could just try to analyze it in a more positive viewpoint until all the statistic's are in. Especially, since (it appears) no one posting a thread worked at the factory in MO. or OH in 1957 nor has anybody produced any ghosts to testify
They ARE Superior stamped lights as Kurt (thanks) pointed out '+' months ago.
The coach IS the same coach delivered in 1957 (less my 'cosmetics',sorry MMc
), the body has never been changed or altered. It has TWO rear doors not the Single door Seibert morphed into by 1957 production. Most of the 'other' coachbuilders mentioned were using
other makers brands to build-on, Superior DID offer several Ambulances on a
Ford Truck chassis in later years and when I have time, I will 'attempt' to load pix of 5-6 of those Superior factory brochures and ads displaying same. The tail lights/e.flashers were moved to the roof because the in-use, open doors would cover them (answ. early thread)! No one in their right mind would order a Cadillac to cover 1000's of acres of logging roads or meet 'The Crummies' in the middle of the Forest. This was ordered from the closest San Francisco Pro Car Dealer, most likely out of dire need.
Let's not forget Superior built the
experimental "Cargo Cruiser" Wagon on a Pontiac chassis, just 2 years later in 1969 (had to be another one-off!!!, at least I hope it was)
! The dealer Water Slide (period correct) w/ phone no. & address correct- DECAL on the dashboard IS/was a Superior dealer named by Superior Coach in their National ads (see ad on my website), it was NOT a Used Car Lot selling a Used Unit- this coach was delivered NEW this way, ALL accounts by those living (and those relatives close to those who are not) Swear it was ordered and built by Superior Coach, I cannot exactly match the side-glass-lights to any other Coach Builder (yes, it WAS mirrored in Gold Leaf, which has dissipated), it has all the appearances of being a 'one-off build' with a V8 motor
not ever used or listed in 1957 in the Standard Ford Catalog yet, the VIN w/matching Title and original Ford Factory VIN Plate say it was married to this Coach since new, the Cabin Top is totally custom made of Fiberglas (sides) & metal (everyone here knows Superior was One of the First to endorse the use of Fiberglas- see the old mag ads) ....and the list keeps going. Like I stated, I have spent 100's of hours researching this Coach so, let's see what I turn up before we nail it to the cross. PEACE