If you’re a father, then show this week’s AutoHunter Picks to your loved ones. Say, “Pretty please?” and give a face with sad eyes. Yes, you’ve worked hard for your Dad title, so I’ve chosen four cars full of style that can easily carry a large family (and maybe more if you’re headed to a drive-in).
Whether it’s convertible, hardtop, or sedan, there’s something interesting about all these classics for sale on AutoHunter. Which car will you show your loved ones?
1948 Cadillac Series 62 Convertible
Sometimes it’s difficult to understand how this car started the fins trend, as most fins of the era appeared to be more rocket-inspired when the trend took off (pun not intended). But the origin of Cadillac’s fins come from Lockheed P-38s of the era, especially right after the war. Studebaker had a different take on the influence of aviation, which didn’t seem to catch on, though the “bullet-nose” Studes have their own charms.
This 1948 Cadillac Series 62 convertible is the epitome of late 1940s class. Equipped with the 346 L-head V8 and the pioneering Hydra-Matic automatic, this is a cruiser par excellence. Inside, you’ll find niceties like power windows, push-button AM radio, clock, and heater, plus newer black vinyl upholstery. Fifteen-inch chrome wire wheels with wide whitewalls complete the package.
1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday
Oldsmobile was hot in the 1950s thanks to strong styling and Rocket V8s. My impression is 1955s have been the top choice for collectors, but I’ve always gravitated towards the ’56. Super 88 was the mid-range trim level, above the 88 and 98, and came standard with Jetaway Hydra-Matic Drive. The 324 Rocket T-350 V8 offered 240 horsepower with a four-barrel.
This 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88 Holiday Coupe demonstrates the style that made this model a best-seller among Olds’ three series. The Lime paint stands out against the Black flanks, and that sparkle is not lost when you glance inside. Dig the Offy valve covers too! With power steering and brakes, AM radio, and dual side mirrors, this two-door hardtop will give you a grin and give the folks on the street whiplash.
1964 Plymouth Fury Convertible
By 1964, Plymouth’s B-bodies managed to look somewhat normal after a disastrous 1962 debut. In some respects, it looked like a Chevy, which wasn’t a bad way to go, but that perception was a coincidence more than intention. Since Plymouths were trimmer than equivalent Chevys and Fords, it also was faster, all things being equal. Of course, the 426 Hemi replaced the “Max Wedge” mid-year.
This black and red 1964 Plymouth Fury convertible sat just below the Sport Fury in prestige. Sure, you didn’t get the bucket seats and console, but you did get the push-button transmission when TorqueFlite was specified. This one is powered by a 500ci big-block stroker featuring cross-ram intake with dual-quads, Weld Draglites, and manual steering, so be sure your guns are packin’ heat when maneuvering in the parking lot.
2006 Buick Lucerne “CXX”
The Lucerne was Buick’s replacement for the LeSabre and Park Avenue starting with the 2006 model year. Though common with Buick’s stalwart 3.8-liter V6, it was also available with Cadillac’s 4.6-liter Northstar V8 offering 275 horsepower, then receiving a bump to 292 in the middle of its life cycle. They initially were fine sellers (96,515 for calendar year 2006), but strong SUV demand took a toll as only 20,358 were built for calendar year 2011, its final model year.
Don’t let initial impressions fool you because this 2006 Buick Lucerne has been christened “CXX,” a custom-built sedan prepared by Rock Bottom Designs for the 2006 SEMA show. Powered by the Northstar V8 and four-speed automatic, it currently shows 31,800 on the clock. A RAZZI body kit, fantastic two-tone paint, 20-inch Weld wheels, and tan leather and microsuede interior prove this is not just some random example of the Great American Sedan.
