Occasionally, I stumble upon a car that originally was painted in a popular color, only for someone to change it to suit his/her taste—imagine a Plum Crazy Challenger that’s been painted a custom root beer color. Admittedly, I’m not the world’s greatest fan of purple, but I’m sensitive to how pedigree affects value. Not everyone has to be, or maybe it was from an era when pedigree was not an issue.
That’s the feeling I had when I was looking over this 1968 Plymouth GTX currently listed on AutoHunter. Originally, it was painted Electric Blue metallic with a blue racing stripe. I’m a big fan of blue stripes, but I’m also a big fan of letting people do what they want with their own cars. All the below cars feature personalization that may pull you in or push you away—which one pulls you in the most?
1968 Plymouth GTX
When I was younger, I preferred the ’68 GTX over the ’69—the full-width taillights and side stripes did it for me. The ’69 didn’t have either, but it was an update that I began to appreciate and prefer. Today, I go back and forth, as they both are different enough to appreciate individually.
This Plymouth has received several tasteful mods, like rear black-out and black hood scoops, plus a vinyl top. I’d add red stripes and make the most of cruising.
Custom 1947 Mercury Town Sedan
Fords from 1946-48 don’t interest me at all. Mercurys look almost the same, but the grille, trim, and wheelbase give it more distinction. And, I must admit, they can look quite neat as a custom, Grease be damned. Of course, customs are subjective, the result of someone’s vision.
I do like the bumperless look, though I’d add a subtle dash of chrome here ‘n there and not rely on the wheels for flash. Kudos to the builder for adding fuel-injection to the 351W.
1947 Cadillac Fleetwood
Cadillacs of the 1940s are stupendous, even before aircraft-inspired tails became a thing. The signature egg-crate grille and swoopy lines on a long wheelbase come off as sleeker than other fat-fendered 1940s vehicles, to these eyes. A big-block Chevy 502 now sits in the engine bay, which would be expected. What are your thoughts on the nose?
I like the Dagmar choice (I’m betting they’re from a ’57), but the grille is a curious mix of giving a nod to Cadillac’s heritage and being polarizing. Overall, this car has presence the way a Cadillac should.
Custom 1989 Chevrolet Blazer
I never imagined a 1980s full-size SUV could look like a 1930s Ford hot rod, but here we have proof. It takes some imagination (and cojones) to come up with this. Of course, the more you look, the more you realize something is different about this vehicle—the Rubenesque hind quarters, width, and seating configuration are strong hints.
Will it be capable of four-wheeling? The “Beach Buggy” writing on rear is a hint this hot rod is better spent at Dewey Beach than Dead Horse Ranch.
