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AngelEyes

How difficult/expensive/insane do you think it would be to use a car from the 1950s, particularly a Cadillac or Imperial, as a daily driver? Here's the caveats:

-I don't care if the car is all-original besides the exterior, meaning I have no problem using newer/better parts or replacements for the engine/trans/brakes etc.

-I don't care if the car doesn't look 100% pristine, it doesn't need to be perfect and shiny, just presentable.

-I have absolutely no desire to try re-sell the car for profit in the future. I just want to drive a cool old car, not make try to any money off the hobby like some restorers/collectors.

All this in mind, is this anything a sane person would do? If not, how old of a car would you consider using for a daily driver and why?

BJ__TN

[attachment=9394]My Hudson 010_2011-01-21.jpg[/attachment]
AngelEyes, What are you waiting on? A lot of the people in the Hudson car club drive their cars daily Personally I prefer the late 40s on up to the early, to Mid
70s as excellent daily drivers. That being said I know of members like Geoff Clark in New Zealand that drives his 28 essex almost daily. If as you are saying, You don't care if it is entirely original then I would go with the 60's and 70's models as they are more plentiful and easier to get worked on. Unless You plan on doing your own repairs and Maintenance.
Just My Insights and they are worth absolutely "$.00"
Now if You don't want anyone to know you own an old car, Just leave it in the garage under Lock and Key! Maybe your Kids or Grandkids will find it and try to get it running and driving. But I bet they could have many wonderful memories of the car they helped maintain and Ride in. ( MAYBE, even get to drive!!)
GET IT OUT AND DRIVE IT.
Bob Hickson
Hudson Essex and Terrraplane club ( WORLD WIDE MEMBERSHIP OF OVER 3000 )

The first two pics are of the eastern regional meet in Fairborn Ohio, in 2008. (95% were driven there)
The blue coupe was my driver. (Until my health caused me to quit driving Him)

Lee ODell

AngelEyes, welcome to the forum. I agree with what BJ wrote. I got my 50's car last Oct and I'm having the time of my life with it. It's a 52 Hudson Hornet 4dr. It's gotten more attention in the first day of driving than all the previous cars I've owned combined. Wherever I stopped someone was wanting to take pictures of it. I believe you will experience the same thing with whatever car you choose, weather it is the Cadillac, Lincoln or other 50's car. Choose the car YOU LIKE and enjoy driving it. I also have a 34 Chevy, 64 El Camino and a 69 AMX and they do not get the attention of the HUDSON. There is something about the style of the 50's cars that grab peoples attention no matter which car it may be. I suggest joining a national car club of the car you choose. There you will find the parts you may need and other car enthusiates to share like interests.

Good hunting, Lee O'Dell

gdmn852

Hello, I did have a 1956 Cadillac that I did drive as a summer car, It did like gas a lot!! One thing that took time to get use to was the power steering,it had no "road feel" to it ,also the power brakes were over powering, I would also use radial tires on it,they did help road handling a lot. I had a 1949 Hudson that was a much better car for driving. I hope this helps. gdmn852

AngelEyes

What are the insurance payments like on an older car for daily use? I've heard you have to get it appraised etc. but does anyone have any insight on this? Thanks.

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