This is what caught my eye in the Willamette Neighborhood this week.
On bike rides along the Albany riverfront, now and then I see something special. Like, for instance, this classic car that was parked near the north end of Oak Street Friday.
To me, this car is an example of what those of us who were young at the time thought of as the golden age of American automotive design.
The car is a 1958 Plymouth Savoy, a two-door hardtop. It belongs to David Rogers, a retired civil engineer for the California highway department who moved to Albany a couple of years ago from the San Francisco Bay Area.
On Friday afternoon I was walking around and gawking at his car when the owner came out and we chatted a bit.
Now 66, Rogers bought the car when he was 19, and he has had it since. When he was starting out, he applied for a job with a company in New York state. They asked him when he could get there and he said in about five days. Then he drove the Plymouth across the country, sleeping in the back seat when he stopped for the night.
He remembers paying $1,300 for the car. One website says the average price of that model now is about $50,000.
His car is not for sale, but Rogers says one reason the value soared was the 1983 movie “Christine.” The film is about an evil-spirited 1957 Plymouth Fury that looks very much like the ’58 Savoy.
I had never seen the movie, based on a Stephen King novel with the same title, but watched it before writing this. It’s sad to think how many models of this beautiful car were destroyed in the making of that film.
Rogers’ Plymouth looks in great shape but Rogers says it needs some electrical repairs. When that is done, he will drive it to the DMV to get it registered in Oregon. He hopes to get a specialty plate with the same three letters and three numbers the car has had all these years. (hh)
The Plymough Savoy two-door hard top still has its California license plate.
The car’s owner, David Rogers, showed me the engine, which is original but was rebuilt.
I swear this same model is owned by the the Clock shop owner (Clock Wizard) on the main street of Independence!
She was parked loud, and proud at his store front, and took a parking and a half of space in honor of her glory!
Such a beauty… I love those wings and beautiful tail lights!
Correction… Time Wizard shop independence!
Nothing like the fifties when it comes to the automobile. Indeed a beautiful car.
AAAH, Nostalgia!!! Those were the years when one could stand on the corner and name every car that drove past. Now they all look the same and the paint is blah.
Gorgeous! Indeed, speaking for those 50s cars, they were the most elegant and beautiful ever designed. (The Duesenburg’s were nice too; I saw an exhibit of many at the Petersen in L.A. years ago)
Old car and airplane shows would be a good use for the airport. Albany is the perfect city to have old treasures displayed here. The beautiful older homes, the carousal and even the some of the parks here have very unique trees. Being reminded of all the cool things that make Albany worth preserving really brings out a sense of community. Celebrating what we have is better than destroying all the efforts of the past residents. It is becoming a city that does not represent its residents. Wish more people like him moved here. Quality is what is important, not quantity.
When cars had class…!!
As car prople, we thank you for this great article. Agree, greatest time for great cars.
Great throw-back. thanks hh
Every generation has their favorites. Eventually, only wisps of nostalgia keeps some of them still “alive.”
Oh yes, I remember this car very well, back in the day I knew every model of car and year built. I have not seen this one for many years. I was in Jr High when it was built. Nostalgia for sure. Thanks
The late 50’s was, indeed, a wonderful “free range” era for automobile stylists, blending elaborate hood ornaments, fender skirts, rear continentals, “spinner” hubcaps and those graceful, swooping tail fins to create some of the flashiest and most memorable vehicles of all time.
Truly a great time to drive and own one!