Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

"The Smiling Irishman" at Pico Blvd and Western in Los Angeles, circa 1953. $50 cars!

Attach file:

---

  (84.65 KB)

OMG.

Is there a time transport portal in one of the pixels in that photo.

I'll take the Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop--and the Frazer Manhattan. Please.

Some early used cars I owned from my young years in the late 50s. Listed are the approximate price I paid and the seller:
1948 Studebaker Champion 4-door sedan $125 (used car lot)
1952 Morris Minor convertible $350 (private party)
1948 Dodge 4-door sedan $125 (friend)
1949 Renault 4CV $150 (used car lot)

But since I wasn't satisfied with these "ordinary" cars I saved all my money over the summer and bought something really special:
1949 Alfa Romeo 6C2500SS Farina convertible $500 (importer of exotic Italian cars)

All these cars were functional and complete used cars that were used as daily drivers when I went to school and worked in a grocery store.

On the negative side I made the union scale $1.50 an hour.
Prices are all relative to the value of the dollar.

My father, his friend and I walked the back line of numerous lots, probably that one also. They would offer $100.00 up to $300.00 for the 5 or 6 lost and unwanted tradeins taking up valuable space. These would be repaired, detailed and sold for around $100.00 ea. My high school friends would come over and we'd race them around my back yard. Those were the days of Dick Lane's Destruction Derby and Lew's Garage, $69.95 most 6's, $89.95 most 8's. In honor of my 53 Henny Jr, I am acknowledging the bus bench.
PS
I still have the 16" hubcaps from the 38 Cad dad gave me for my 13th birthday Oct. 1958.
Fun memories, Tom

My first car that I purchased (via my dad) from the back row at a used car lot in the San Fernando Valley was a 1952 Studebaker Commander. V8, Automatic, no dents or rust... $45.00. I was 15 at the time. I remember Dick Lane and the Destruction Derby on TV very well. I'm 1 month older than you. Fun memories indeed.