This car was built at the Lordstown, Ohio plant and sold new in Florida. I don’t have any original documentation to share, but I am guessing it was ordered and driven by a woman. The color combination is correct, and when combined with Factory Air Conditioning, it makes me believe that was the case.
This car retains its original 350-2V engine, rated at 265HP, and Powerglide transmission. The rear end contains 2.78:1 gearing and an open differential. The top is powered, as is the steering and brakes. The glass is Soft-Ray tinted. The driver’s outside mirror has remote control. The car was sold with steel wheels and simulated wire wheel covers, but they have been changed to the current Rally II wheels. The upholstery is Parchment, the carpet is black and the top is White. There is a Parchment convertible boot in the original bag within the trunk.
The trunk also contains the original jacking equipment, Space-Saver spare tire and the Tire Inflator bottle. The original Vibration Dampeners, aka Cocktail Shakers, are present. A correct floor mat covers the spatter painted original trunk floor.
The engine bay is nicely detailed. The original Rochester two barrel carburetor is topped by the correct air cleaner. The choke works properly. Just kick the accelerator pedal once to set the choke and crank the starter. The engine starts with ease, does not smoke, and has good power. The air conditioner system still has some R12 Freon present, but not enough to trip the switch to allow it to compress.
The upholstery was replaced after the seats were re-padded. The carpet has been replaced. The door panels are the original Deluxe option. The original center console houses the shifter. The original wood rimmed steering wheel still looks great. The dash is in fantastic condition. There is an after-market AM/FM/8track stereo mounted in the stock location.
The car came to the Midwest in the mid-80’s. There is a receipt with the car showing the mileage to be in the mid-70’s at that time. The most recent owner had the car for 20 years and put on less than 1000 miles. The current mileage is 77,160.
It was this most recent owner that restored the car. He was the perfect person to perform the task. His entire career was as a mechanic, then Service Manager at a prominent GM Dealership. He utilized his knowledge, skills and access to correct parts to restore and preserve this car to the original specifications.
There was no significant rust to contend with. All body panels and floors are original to the car. There is no sign of body repair, filler or rust bubbles anywhere. The Mayfair Maize base-coat/clear-coat finish is almost ten years old and it looks fantastic. The Convertible top has been replaced and is in great condition. It has a plastic rear window. The windshield was replaced. The bumpers, door handles, door hinges and emblems were all replaced. All new weather seals were installed.
The restoration was much more than cosmetic. In fact, the focus was on the reliability and drivability of the car. New steering and suspension components were installed. The entire fuel system was rebuilt, including a new tank, sending unit, lines and fuel pump. The carburetor was rebuilt. The entire braking system was rebuilt including new booster, master cylinder, lines and brakes. All belts and hoses were replaced. The springs, shocks and body mount bushings were replaced.
There is a tall stack of receipts in the trunk to support the comprehensive restoration of this car. Fortunately, it was done when the cost was still relatively inexpensive. To restore this car today would be extremely expensive. More that the asking price of the car!
You will find an Owner’s Manual in the glovebox and there is an eight track tape in the center console. All lights and features of this car work properly. The Air Conditioning works, but you need to add some Freon. There is an extra set of keys.
This is a very well-sorted car that looks fantastic. It was restored with reverence to originality. The man who restored it paid particular attention to making the car a reliable and fun car to drive.
He and his wife love to restore, drive and show-off old cars. They have quite a few. She loved to drive this car, but it didn’t get driven a lot. Now it is your turn. You are going to love how great this car appears and how well it performs.
