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Despite apocalyptic weather forecasts of torrential rain, it actually held off and was even sunny at this year’s Beaulieu Hot Rod & Custom Show, where the second heat of the Kingstown Shipping Car of the Year competition was held (you can read our full report on this event starting on page 73). Finding a winner wasn’t too difficult with lovely vehicles like this 1967 Dodge 440 dotted around the show field. And if you think this car looks familiar, that’s because we featured it back in our December 2019 issue (CA344).
Owner Mike Nash had been contemplating selling it (we all know that itchy-car-feet feeling right?!) but will definitely be hanging on to it now that he’s got to the grand finals at the Classic Motor Show held at the NEC, Birmingham over the weekend of November 11-13. The car makes a great family cruiser and wife Diane and kids Benjamin and Summer love it as part of the family. Although not a lot is known about the car’s history in the States, it’s believed to have belonged to an ex-Chrysler employee, who obviously loved the car and looked after it, something which is apparent to this day in its current magnificent condition.
Power comes from a very clean 360cu in motor hooked up to Chrysler’s legendary bulletproof 727 Torqueflite transmission. For many this is the year Dodge really got the ‘look’ right on their B-body cars; with their mid-century modern cantilevered C-pillars and razor-style grilles, this is quite the handsome beast. Make sure you come and check it out on the Classic American stand at the NEC this November, where it will be accompanied by all the other finalists!
Accepting the award. Inset: Dodge is a firm family favourite.
Son Benjamin and the Dodge.
Steve Sullivan hard at work polishing.
1958 Cadillac wins fins ‘n’ chrome class at London Concours
Another familiar face, or car rather, is this 1958 Cadillac Sedan De Ville belonging to Steve Sullivan which was part of the fins and chrome category display at the London Concours at the end of June. Steve has fully restored this car himself over several years and the attention to detail in every aspect of it, from the engine bay to the interior, chrome work and even the grille (parts of which he hand manufactured himself) is quite extraordinary.
Judging the class were Sarah Bradley, Ben Klemenzson and Matt Allen from Adrian Flux, who along with Classic American sponsored the class. Other cars participating in the display included previous feature cars like Mark Sumpter’s 1960 Chrysler 300F and Rick Skett’s 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air and three
Award time.
stunning convertibles from the Homan collection: a 1956 Packard Caribbean, 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz and a 1958 Mercury Park Lane. Watch out for a full report on this perfectly polished prestigious event in next month’s magazine!
Being interviewed.
