For Sale: 1981 Zimmer Golden Spirit in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1981 Zimmer Golden Spirit Hardtop

Zimmer Motorcars Corporation was established in 1980 as a manufacturer of neo-classic automobiles. The idea for this automobile was initially drawn on a napkin at a private dinner between Paul Zimmer, chairman and President of Zimmer Corporation and Robert "Bob" Zimmer, Paul Zimmer's son, an employee and shareholder of the company. Paul Zimmer drew what was to become the Golden Spirit on said napkin. The sales brochure proclaimed, "Built by perfectionists, driven by enthusiasts."

For consignment, a 1981 Zimmer Golden Spirit hardtop with a title verified 48,232 actual miles. It's no surprise that the extravagant pianist Liberace famously owned a Zimmer Golden Spirit because after all, the sales brochure explained, "If you're a driver with a distinctive personality and impeccable taste, here is a motorcar designed to meet your every driving pleasure".

Exterior
There's not much left of the 1981 Ford Mustang that received the golden ticket to become a Zimmer with maybe the door and roofline giving subtle hints. From there, ideas are borrowed from Packard, Duesenberg and a few others to give this Pastel Chamois colored Zimmer its dramatic shape. The long hood with golden decals, the faux exhaust pipes, huge headlights, horns, bumpers, and arching wide fenders all have incredible presence, and that's just the front! Sloping rear fenders flank the landau style roof in tan vinyl, matched by the tan trunk and Continental kit, here with a large heraldic royal coat of arms decal. Running boards connect the flared fenders and 15-inch chrome wire wheels carry 225/75R15 tires with a later 2023 date code. Condition wise, the vinyl top shows some wear and is split as some seams, the wheel spokes show surface rust, the paint has areas of orange peel and lots of crackling.

Interior
The Mustang doors got a makeover and are ready for a night out on the town with saddle panel coverage and golden fur on the lower, immediately making it known that this is not your average automobile. Inside, saddle leather Recaro seats await with side bolstering and hip support and the driver's side is torn at the ingress point. Each front seat has an electric control panel on the inside pad. The rear seats are clean and provide a parlor-like atmosphere with small quarter windows and opera lights on the C-pillar. A wood rimmed steering wheel fronts a standard dashboard dressed with walnut burlwood keeping the palette coordinated with a saddle plastic surround. A JVC AM/FM/CD player is just above the Zimmer idiot light panel that includes a Zimmer image. The shifter is the familiar Ford T-handled unit in the center console over a floor blanketed in golden fur and its afforded to the rear passengers and completely lines the trunk as well.

Drivetrain
Driver quality conditions await under the hood housing a 4.2 liter V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor and 115 horsepower. It is mated to a C4 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the Ford 7.5" rear axle.

Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath as well with some typical surface rust and mostly dry conditions with a film of oil on the pan and transmission bottom. The single exhaust runs through a FlowMaster muffler and dumps out back through a chrome tip. Power brakes are supplied as front disc and rear drum and suspension consists of coil springs front and rear with a 4 link in back.

Drive-Ability
We are steppin' out in this cool ride, which starts up without trouble and the nose exits the garage 10 minutes before the rest catches up. The unusual configuration puts a lot of real estate in front of you and you simply point the eagle hood ornament where you want to go, and let it fly. There's adequate power, straight tracking, and handling is surprisingly good. We noticed the passenger power lock does not work and the toggle switch from the driver's side is missing. Beyond that, all functions work as they should on this tribute to the roaring 20's, 1920's that is! While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

The brochure says it all. "The Golden Spirit offers all the exquisite appointments you expect of the most modern motor car combined with the design and craftsmanship of timeless nostalgia". Step away from your crystal baby grand piano and candelabra long enough to call about this car. It is really unique!

1FABP10D3BF188631

1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
B-Manual Belts
P10-Mustang Coupe
D-4.2 Liter 2bbl 115hp V8
3-Check Digit
B-1981
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
188631-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!