Diego’s Autohunter Picks

Cadillac and the Chrysler Corporation populate this week’s AutoHunter Picks. Cadillac has a storied history of innovation (V-8, self-starter) and design (LaSalle and any Cadillac from the 1930s through, arguably, the 1970s). Chrysler, interestingly, has a similar background, starting by offering a carburetor air filter, high-compression engine, full-pressure lubrication, and an oil filter — things uncommon at the time — and designs like the Airflow, Newport phaeton and Thunderbolt, and Forward Look.

I don’t think anyone would accuse a 1967 Plymouth GTX of being a cornerstone of Chrysler’s history of innovation and design, but it’s the one that likely would tug at most readers’ heartstrings. Contrast this with the 1956 Cadillac, another car that should have mass appeal here but is much, much stronger when it comes to innovation (high-compression V-8, though from 1949) and design. Which of the four AutoHunter vehicles appeals the most to you?

1927 Cadillac Custom Dual Cowl Phaeton by Fleetwood
Cadillacs during this era were so interesting — you can see the potential of what was to come. While quite conservative (La Salle would be the beacon of style at this point), this long-wheelbase phaeton is still a looker.

Of course, being a Cadillac, it’s powered by a V-8, this one measuring 314ci, with the Custom models featuring 138 inches of wheelbase. If you’ve got Gatsby aspirations, then this Caddy may just be the bee’s knees.

1967 Plymouth GTX
If you’re not up on Mopars, four-speed GTXs received Dana rears with Sure-Grip, which added to the allure of an already beefy car. Of course, power comes from a 440 Super Commando, which quickly developed a reputation as a fine all-around performer.

This particular Dark Green example has under 20,000 miles, so it’s ripe for someone who wishes to stare at it in the garage, but nobody could blame you if you simply want to hop in and go.

1956 Cadillac Sedan De Ville
A neighbor of mine when I was kid had a trashed 1955 Cadillac limousine in her driveway, and I always wondered what those lumps were on its shoulders. Eventually, I learned it meant the car was equipped with air conditioning, which this glistening Copper Bronze and white Caddy clearly has.

When it comes to the humpback Cadillacs, 1956 is my favorite, and the Sedan de Ville was Cadillac’s only four-door hardtop at the time — Series 62 and Fleetwood Sixty Special were pillared sedans.  

1964 Chrysler New Yorker Four-Door Hardtop
These Chryslers usually don’t garner much attention even though they’re quite handsome and, dare I say, they don’t suffer from the taint of the 1962 debacle that Plymouth and Dodge had to deal with.

Powered by a 413 and push-button TorqueFlite, this New Yorker also sports a red leather interior, fantastic instrument panel, and under 30,000 miles. I really dig the interior door handles on these!