Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Car art on wheels

I'm considering this car for my next ride. I love the nostalgia and the memories it evokes from my childhood. While, it's not a station wagon, it has a similar dash layout to my parents car where we took trips all across the country. I want to continue to be inspired with what I own and drive. I've loved many cars over the years. I've owned a Datsun, Ford Mustang (two different times), Pontiac TransAm, Toyota 4Runner, BMW 7 series, M5, three M3's, several 3 series, Audi S4, Toyota Land Cruiser and lastly, but most fondly, my 1977 Mini Clubman. I have enjoyed the craftsmanship of each, many were performance cars and I do love the power of those. I've had quite a bit of track time, autoX and fast track driving experiences.  Now I'm in the process of narrowing down what I might consider for my next car. Will it be a modern Mini Countryman. All wheel drive, nimble and sporty or something back to my love of old cars and the emotions they invoke.

Here's what I've found out about this car which is 'art on wheels'.

From the early years of Chrysler Corporation's history, the Imperial nameplate was used to designate the finest car of the line. Beginning with the 1955 model year, Imperial became a separate marque unto itself, with a unique model lineup for each year. Thus, the Imperial nameplate was treated as a separate make from the regular Chrysler lineup from 1955 until 1975. Unfortunately, the Imperial ceased production in 1975.

The Imperials of that twenty year span are recognized among collectors as some of the finest American automobiles ever produced. They represent an ideal of style, luxury, comfort, and excess which has not been duplicated since that time.


Imperial's styling, on the other hand, was subjected to constant experimentation. Each model year brought a new look.


"The LeBaron nameplate was introduced in the Imperial line for 1957. It was used to denote the highest model of Imperial. The midrange model was the Imperial Crown, while the 'entry' model was the Imperial Custom. The LeBaron model was used in the Imperial line from 1957 to 1975, when Imperial ceased to be."

This luxurious Canadian special order 1964 Imperial LeBaron Coupe represented the finest Chrysler had to offer in terms of style, luxury and comfort. The powertrain is an Overhead Valve 90 Degree V-8 engine producing 340 horsepower at 4600 rpm. The transmission is a torque flight fully automatic Pushbutton controlled. The exterior is a gorgeous Black, the interior is a white vinyl.  Options include Pwr.Steering, Pwr.Brakes, Pwr. windows, Pwr. seats, Pwr.locks and factory A/C. Art on wheels!

Why not get something just like this instead of a Honda, Subaru, VW or even a BMW? I don't even care if the AC doesn't work. I guess I better head out and test drive it so I can begin to find my art inspiration everytime I drive. Send me your suggestions for other cars to consider. I welcome the discussion.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

The best camping and travel truck - for sale, my Toyota Landcruiser 1989 FJ62

1989 Toyota 4x4 Land Cruiser FJ62 - For sale by hiking, climbing and camping owner.
I'd love to tell you more of the adventures I've had in this truck, but then I think you'd rather imagine your own. Suffice it to say that this is an ad for selling my truck. I thing blogging is the best way to get the word out there. Let me know your thoughts.

1989 Toyota Landcruiser FJ62 4x4 For Sale, Westminster, MD



Asking $7,000 (you will have to come and see the truck before I negotiate on the price.) Do not ask in email what the final price is. I'm asking 7,000 and will accept offers in person.

202,688 original miles
4x4 Sport Utility
6 Cylinder 4.0 Liter
4 speed Automatic Transmission (shifts great)
Power Steering
Power Windows
Power Locks (not working at the moment, it's probably a fuse)
Tilt Wheel
Upgraded Stereo FM/AM CD and MP3 player
Roof Rack
Tow Package Installed (hitch optional)
Chrome Bumpers
Seats 5 comfortably


Highlights:
I am the third owner of the vehicle. It is reliable, starts and drives fine every time I get in the truck.
The Land Cruiser runs great with no problem. No visible oil leaks.
Rear bed gray carpet in excellent condition.
Installed a CD, AM/FM, MP3 player from a Scion with original Landcruiser speakers.
Original chrome wheels in good condition, no curb rash, no chips, no damage! They do show a little staining from normal rain and weather exposure.


Notes:
• This has been an extra vehicle for errands and such. NOT a daily driver. I have never taken the Land Cruiser off-roading.
• Oil synthetic blend changed every 4k miles.
• Interior is all original with No tears, but a small stain shows on the passenger seat (it looks like it can be cleaned, but I haven't been able to tackle that yet).
• The dashboard is in pretty good condition with one crack in the middle.
• all components and gauges are present, working and all original.
• The paint is decent and shines well for original. I can't tell, but there may've been some repaint in a isolated spot or two before we owned it.
• No major body damage or accidents. One small dent in the rear hatch. No noticeable rust, but I can see where there may be a spot appearing on the front fender. v
• It has been garage kept for a majority of it's life, so it's in great shape for a 20 year old Land Cruiser.


OPTIONS:
A set of off road tires and mounted on chrome rims that were never used. If you want them please add $500.00
Take a look at the pictures to see for yourself at the bottom right.


The Land Cruiser is sold as-is with no warranty. I ask for a $500 non-refundable deposit. If it is a personal check then I'll need to wait for it to clear my bank before the truck can be picked up.
I prefer not to ship the Land Cruiser, although you are free to arrange your own shipping and I can coordinate the delivery on this end.
Local pick up preferred. May deliver to you with a small extra fee for my time and fuel.


If you have any specific questions which is not listed above, please feel free to email me and I will update this ad with those questions answered.

Contact me to set up an appointment to see the truck. 7 days a week, 9am to 5pm. EST.

Located in Towson, Maryland, 1/2 mile off the 695 beltway.

The Truck is Sold. Received $6,000 fyi