chopped black 57 chrysler custom?

[296 V8]

Anybody out there know info of or have pic’s of the 57 Chrysler from the 60”s? Built by or for a guy named Inman I believe. I last saw the car at men and machines exhibit at the Oakland museum. I have also read some stuff about it. I guess its owned by some secretive celebrity. Iv always thought it was about the coolest custom on the planet.

[fatluckys]

That's one of my favorite cars. Built by Clif Inman in 63. Or maybe I should say he had it built in 63. I have an old mag article on the car, but no scanner, and no pics of it on my computer.

[Mai Ki-Ki]

Damn..I need to set up my scanner. It's on the cover of "Southard and Thacker's Book - Custom cars of the 50's"
IMHO one of the sweetest looking restrained Kustoms ever built...still supprised no ones ever cloned it or doen anything that similar.

CHeers

Maiki

[Mai Ki-Ki]

Oh found the Cover on AMAZON.com

Here yah go!

Cheers

MAIKI

[Church]

I was just flipping through that book last night.

[DrJ]

It's on the cover but there's not a single word about it in the book!!!???
That's a hell of a page to edit out I think.... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[SamIyam]

I remember some magazine dude saying something about the secret owner... sooooooooooooo, who's the secret owner???

Bitchen car nonetheless!
Sam.

[jalopy43]

I think Darth Vader owns it. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[whodaky]

That is one of my all time favorite customs, it is just so right! Geoff aka Whodaky

[296 V8]

Pictures just don’t do it justice, its pure evil in person.
I don't think it's been out more than once in the last ten years. I bet someone on here knows who's got it.

[DrJ]

Did I hear the back window came out of a Nash or AMC Ambassador?

When I first saw it when built I thought, "Damn, Chrysler CAN make a car that can be good looking after all!!?! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

But I don't think you can do one thing more or less to it and have it work as well. Every part of it is essential to that look http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Alford]

Joe Wilhelm of San Jose built it.
RIP

[praisethelowered]

That is nice-

restrained. . .

[oldchevyseller]

near as i can tell all my web searching i found it in FINLAND WTF???for sale it has to be it, twisted grille bars that is the dash and guages ,anyone???? 2.5 chop if not some one cloned it http://www.trianglemotor.com/fi/custom.htm

[oldchevyseller]

[Tony]

First time i saw a pic of it was on the cover of that book when i bought it.

It's been one of those car's that just sticks in your mind..at least it did in mine.
And i was PISSED that there was nothing in the book about it..or even any other pics..

subtle and clean..
And to be honest, i'm too suprised that there hasn't been any clones built of it..
Or if some were built, i'm suprised we havn't seen coverage of them.

Rat....

[praisethelowered]

Wow and it only costs 59.000€ . . ?

[296 V8]

That one in Finland looks close but I think it’s a different car. Inman car has different tail lights I think.
Fin land that’s perfect. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

As I said before I saw it in the Oakland museum at the "Men and Machines of California’s Car Culture" exhibit. That was without a doubt one of the best days of my life. All the hero cars were there, many out for the first time in many years.
Spenser roadster
Iski roadster
So cal tank
THE 57 Chrysler
Champion speed shop dragster
Hirohata merc
Buddy Ohanesian merc
Cop shop coupe
California Kid
Graffiti coupe
beatnik bandit
And so many more, I got issue one of TRJ at that show.

[ChrisinPhilly]

I think Joe Wilhelm built it. I believe it had an early merc comet rear window. I'm not a big Mopar fan, but what a beautiful car.

[Kartsa]

That is Petri Hälväs car.It's not a clone of Inman's car,but it sure has influensed Petri.
http://www.trianglemotor.com/kuvat/custom/custom3.jpg

[HEMI32]

Stumbled upon this very old thread this morning ... so excuse my tardiness in replying to SamIyam ...

I remember some magazine dude saying something about the secret owner... sooooooooooooo, who's the secret owner???

Bitchen car nonetheless!
Sam.

Sam ... that "magazine dude" was none other than Pat Ganahl ... who wrote an article subtitled "Clif Inman's famous chopped Chrysler Lives -- but we don't know where" in the December 1991 issue of Rod & Custom ... this article was entitled THE DARK SECRET.

Well ... I guess enough time has passed (well over 20 years) ... and I'm pretty sure it's already public knowledge ... so I suppose there would be no harm in revealing the so-called "secret owner" ...

In 1977, my father (Bruce Olson) and his friend Gary "Goodguy" Meadors (with the help of Fresno area Hot Rod builders Ronnie White & Pepper Snow) found the long lost "Clif Inman '57 Chrysler" built by famed customizer Joe Wilhelm in the early 60's.

The owner didn't want to sell this "milestone custom" to the "uninformed" ... but since pop's knew exactly what the car was and it's historical significance (the Inman '57 had been his favorite custom since he first laid eyes on it in 1963 or 64) ... he offered it to my father (for a hefty sum) ... but Dad had to decline (he was already building two '32 Fords & restoring a '57 Chrysler 300).

Not too long after the discovery, my dad learned that Salinas customizer Rod Powell (RodP on the HAMB) had a "secret customer" that really wanted the Inman Chrysler for his collection.

This "secret customer" was film and record producer William E. McEuen.

At that time, McEuen was (stand-up comedian, star of SNL, & soon-to-be film star) Steve Martin's producer ... as well as the producer of other successful acts like "The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band" ... and later Paul "Pee Wee Herman" Ruebens ... in a nutshell, $$$$ wasn't an issue for Mr. McEuen ... and arrangements were made for my father to purchase the car and deliver it to Rod Powell's shop ... McEuen brought the cash to our house ... and the rest as they say is history!

Here's a somewhat current picture of the car from McEuen's Aspen Film Society website:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/AspenFilmSocietypic.jpg

... I have several pics of it in my "The Inman '57 Chrysler Custom (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=96)" album ... RodP posted a couple of pics of it HERE (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2010810#post2010810) ... and of course, HAMBr Rikster has some pics of it in his Fotki website ... just click HERE (http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/joe_wilhelm/clif_inman_57_chrysler/).

Now ... Shsssssss! ... don't tell anyone else :D

[LOST ANGEL]

COOL....thanx for the follow up.-MIKE:eek::cool:

Oh, and I won't say a word!!:D

[Gotgas]

Your secret is safe with me! :D

Yeah I dig it.. especially since I have a '57 Chrysler on wire wheels. ;)

Ever notice that it has a '58 windshield and roof on a '57 body? Did the car suffer roof damage before the chop that made that necessary? Or did they just like the cleaner '58 roof header and finding one in the early '60s was easy?

[HEMI32]

Just noticed that Rikster's Fotki website includes a scan of the March 1964 R&C article entitled "Long Lean Luxurious" (http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/joe_wilhelm/clif_inman_57_chrysler/p1160134.html) ... with photos by Andy Southard Jr. ... if you zoom in enough, you can read the text ... some good tidbits of info on Clif's ride.

That scan has inspired me to scan the December 1991 R&C article entitled "THE DARK SECRET" ... I'll scan it tonight ... and post it here in this thread ... as well as in my "The Inman '57 Chrysler (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=96)" Album.

[HEMI32]

Found some interesting info on the Clif Inman Chrysler in TheFrenz April 2005 post to Rikster's March 2005 "Virtual top 100 Custom car show" thread:



... Inman had a Hot Rod-style Olds and often hung out at John's Drive-In in San Jose, California, which was a hot spot back in the day. Someday in the late 50's he saw a sleek '57 Chrysler cruising the place and was instantly hooked. Some time later he sold his Olds and bought a '57 Chrysler in 1960. He brought the car to Joe Wilhelm and he modified the quad headlights, installed a custom tube grille and lowered the car. Inman drove the car for two years and unfortunately got involved in an accident. Again the car was brought to Wilhelm to fix the damage on the quarter panel. While doing the repair work,Inman told Wilhelm to chop the top...

... Joe Wilhelm chopped the car 3 1/2" and also installed a windshield of a '58 Dodge and the rear window of a '61 Mercury Comet which looks like it belongs there. He also frenched the stock tail lights. The effort paid off and the Chrysler became Grand National Custom Champion at the Oakland Roadster Show in 1963/64 and Custom Sweepstakes Winner at the Sacramento Autorama. The car is still around and belongs to film and record producer McEuen, who also has some other period Customs.

[crook]

Damn, I got a new favorite, that thing is gorgeous.....mercy.

[HEMI32]

As promised:
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/Dec91_RC_pg64.jpg
http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/Dec91_RC_pg65.jpg

[296 V8]

Wow!

[Weasel]

Here's my in progress (since '96 I am ashamed to admit) '58 with '57 bits - shaved, nosed decked and inspired by.... yep!

It will have tube grille a la Inman/Wilhelm, dual quad 392. Wires are custom 7's and 8's. It has a '59 300E swivel bench seat and is now upholstered in 300C pattern in cream colored dead cows - 6 of 'em to do it.

[HEMI32]

Wow!

296 V8 ... Hope you don't mind that I "revived" your almost 4 year old thread. :)

[296 V8]

296 V8 ... Hope you don't mind that I "revived" your almost 4 year old thread. :)

I Dig it
I love that car, but I think I hate the owner. :rolleyes:

[HEMI32]

I Dig it
I love that car, but I think I hate the owner. :rolleyes:

I don't hate McEuen for owning the car ... but I do begrudge him a bit for keeping it locked up in a warehouse.

McEuen first showed it at the Grand National (Oakland) Roadster Show in the 80's (right after the Powell / Burnett team completed the "re-do").

The photos in the "THE DARK SECRET" article were taken at Rod Powell's Picnic in 1990. As Rod posted in the Top Custom thread: "At my show in 1990 Joe Wilhelm was our special guest. Bill McEuen was kind enough to allow us to display the car as a tribute to his craftsmanship.

The last time I saw it was at the 1996-97 Oakland Museum of California exhibition Hot Rods and Customs: The Men and Machines of California's Car Culture.

Unfortunately, I have heard of no other sightings of the car since January of 1997.

I did find that more recent pic on McEuen's Apsen Film Society / Kontikihale website ... but photographs just don't do the car justice ...

THIS MILESTONE CUSTOM NEEDS TO BE SHARED WITH THE MASSES!!!!!

[RodP]

296 V8 ... Hope you don't mind that I "revived" your almost 4 year old thread. :)

Hemi32

This is my all time favorite. Bring it back up as much as you want. I never get tired of it.

I remember Cliff and his crew cruising John's Drive-In when the car was low and black before it was chopped. Then I watched the customizing at Wilhelms shop.

What made it work was that it was clean and simple. He didn't even take off the door handles. It was a young man's car that was built on a budget. It was a daily driver. It was in all the shows but it was down on the drag almost everytime I went cruising to San Jose.

Getting to be involved in the restoration was quite a deal. I was so proud to be able to work on one of Wilhem's finest Customs. I did it in Black nitro lacquer. Back in the day when paint work was sensible.

We never did figure out the windshield. Wilhelm said it was the original glass cut down. Inman agreed. I have never seen another one that was chopped with that style of front glass.

.
RodP

[49ratfink]

holey moley it's 11:55 on a school night. I saw this and thought I will email HEMI 32 since he must see this post when in fact it was he who brought it up from the archives.

hey Toddo... wassup? what hapened to Wilhelm?? I got pics of that car at the Oakland show. as a matter of fact I think it was you that called me and said it was the last day of the show ON THE LAST DAY.

haven't seen it since. it sucks when a historically significant car sits in a garage and never gets out. hint, hint, hint.

[HEMI32]

Hemi32

This is my all time favorite. Bring it back up as much as you want. I never get tired of it.

I remember Cliff and his crew cruising John's Drive-In when the car was low and black before it was chopped. Then I watched the customizing at Wilhelms shop.

What made it work was that it was clean and simple. He didn't even take off the door handles. It was a young man's car that was built on a budget. It was a daily driver. It was in all the shows but it was down on the drag almost everytime I went cruising to San Jose.

Getting to be involved in the restoration was quite a deal. I was so proud to be able to work on one of Wilhem's finest Customs. I did it in Black nitro lacquer. Back in the day when paint work was sensible.

We never did figure out the windshield. Wilhelm said it was the original glass cut down. Inman agreed. I have never seen another one that was chopped with that style of front glass.

.
RodP

Rod,

Glad to oblige :) ... it's one of my all time favorite subjects too!

... and no, I didn't forget ... I still "owe" you those scans of my father's photos from the day we picked up the car in Fresno and trailered it to your shop. I still haven't got around to scanning them ... but when I do, I'll make 'em high resolution (high quality) so it would be best if I burned the images to a CD picture disc and mailed it to you (PM me your address).

Todd (Bruce's "kid")

[HEMI32]

I got pics of that car at the Oakland show.

Mike ... what are you waiting for? ... it's not too late ... go find those prints ... fire-up your scanner ... and post 'em here!

oh ... and congrats on your 3000th post ... that's some kinda HAMB milestone isn't it? ... it is to me (a lowly Grenade Inspector) ... but then again, I contend that the quality of a post counts more than the quantity :D ... but I digress ... back to the Inman Chrysler!

[49ratfink]

nice shot of the coupe. what year is that?

[fur biscuit]

ahhhh...

[Jerry Nielsen]

Like Rod Powell,Cliff Inman's '57 Chrysler is my all time favorite custom.Rod and I were from the same town-Salinas,Ca. and have been friends for 50+ years.When the car was built by Joe Wilhelm,Joe's shop was down the street from John's Drive In on Stockton St.John's was the place to be if you had a Custom and Inman's Chrysler was a front row car.I also remember in the Summer seeing him with his car dragging the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz.What a sensation it created.What makes this car so special is the restraint Wilhelm used in knowing when to stop when the look was achieved.

[skullcracker]

Very influential people really dig this car...RodP, TexasTramp

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200332

[texastramp]

When Rod Powell got the owner to bring the Chrysler to his picnic in 90 was the one and only time I got to meet Joe Wilhelm. I couldn't get away from the car mostly because I couldn't believe I was really standing beside it and looking at it in real life. I guess Joe noticed my hanging around it because he come over to me and we struck up a conversation.. It was a little hard for me to talk to him at first because along with standing beside "THAT CHRYSLER" I was also having to fight off the cold chills I was having, knowing I was really talking to "JOE WILHELM"! Damn, this was complete sensory overload for me. He showed me all the things he had done and explained the reasons and manner he had done them. He was so passionate about that car which had he had built nearly 30 years earlier that if I hadn't have know better I would have thought he had just finished it. In the relatively short time we we talked, he didn't know it but he was giving me a look inside the personality of the Joe Wilhelm that I already had such a respect for. That Chrysler and Mr Joe Wilhelm's passion are a very real part of what drives me every single day to continue to do what I do far a living.

[RodP]

When Rod Powell got the owner to bring the Chrysler to his picnic in 90 was the one and only time I got to meet Joe Wilhelm. I couldn't get away from the car mostly because I couldn't believe I was really standing beside it and looking at it in real life. I guess Joe noticed my hanging around it because he come over to me and we struck up a conversation.. It was a little hard for me to talk to him at first because along with standing beside "THAT CHRYSLER" I was also having to fight off the cold chills I was having, knowing I was really talking to "JOE WILHELM"! Damn, this was complete sensory overload for me. He showed me all the things he had done and explained the reasons and manner he had done them. He was so passionate about that car which had he had built nearly 30 years earlier that if I hadn't have know better I would have thought he had just finished it. In the relatively short time we we talked, he didn't know it but he was giving me a look inside the personality of the Joe Wilhelm that I already had such a respect for. That Chrysler and Mr Joe Wilhelm's passion are a very real part of what drives me every single day to continue to do what I do far a living.
Thank you for posting that Gary. That was quite a day wasn't it? Joe was a great guy.
Do you remember who drove the car to the show from my shop? I forgot.
RodP

[HEMI32]

Very influential people really dig this car...RodP, TexasTramp

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=200332

skullcracker: Thanks for this link ... I remembered reading that thread about Gary Howard (with his take on the Inman/Wilhelm Chrysler) ... but for the life of me, couldn't find it the other morning ... I guess I didn't realize it was one of Ryan's Blogs (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/?p=1145).

texastramp (Gary): Thanks for your contribution to this revived thread ... and for this from Ryan's Blog:

“A little later on I found the Cliff Inman ‘57 Chrysler that Joe Wilhelm built. That car is probably as close to a ‘perfect’ custom as I’ve ever seen. I just admired Joe so much for keeping the car so simple and beautiful. Sure, he did some weird stuff later on but as a whole his portfolio is inspiring. And he did everything on his own terms in a little shop behind his house - never succumbing to the financial forces that a lot of other guys did.”
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/wilhelm.jpg
Caption: The Cliff Inman ‘57 Chrysler was one of Joe Wilhelm’s best. Dig on the graceful sweep
between the headlights and the tips of the fins. Smart.

After praising Wilhelm and describing the passion filled conversation the two had, Gary finally broke down with one of my favorite quotes. Ever. "Hell, I guess I just said it. I look up to Joe Wilhelm.”

I look up to Joe Wilhelm too! :D

[SinisterCustom]

Pretty hard to beat that car in terms of simple style.....classy, understated, very tasteful....
This car is one of the reasons I love late 50's MoPars.....

[SamIyam]

THAT'S THE STORY! It's all coming back now...

thanks for the update, and the PM, Todd!

Sam.

[HEMI32]

Sam ... You're welcome! ... and welcome back to this thread ... after 3 years & 11 months :D

[HEMI32]

As I (& others) have mentioned before, the Inman Chrysler was part of the Oakland Museum of California's “Hot Rods and Customs: The Men and Machines of California's Car Culture” exhibition which ran from September 21<SUP>st</SUP> 1996 to January 5<SUP>th</SUP> 1997.

Here's an excerpt from page 63 of the exhibit’s souvenir book ... written by Michael Dorbin (co-curtator of the exhibition):

The elegant black lacquered ’57 Chrysler in this exhibition was modified twice for San Jose rodding enthusiast Clif Inman, a Willow Glen High School alumnus who caught rodding fever hanging out at Tut’s Auto Supply on Lincoln Avenue. Inman, now a global computer expert, had in the late ‘50s seen a sleek, slinky ’57 Chrysler cruising John’s Drive-In, San Jose’s premier rodding hang-out. Selling his hot rod Olds, he bought a ’57 in 1960 and took it directly to Wilhelm for installation of quad headlamps, a tube grille, custom hub caps and lowering. The car was in an accident two years later and Inman was back: “fix the quarter panel, and while you’re at it, chop the top.” To retain the long, low smooth lines, Wilhelm not only took three and one-half inches out of the top, but installed a ’58 Dodge front window and a ’61 Comet rear window and frenched in the taillights. The vehicle was a 1963-64 Grand National custom champion at the Oakland Roadster Show and a custom Sweepstakes winner at the Sacramento Autorama. Inman sold the coupe to a Fresno party in 1965. Then it was purchased in the early ‘80s by filmmaker and record producer McEuen, whose collection also includes other period customs. Noted custom designer Rod Powell assisted in the vehicle’s restoration to its sleek, gleaming 1962 showcase condition.

:cool:

[HEMI32]

Here's a little higher resolution scan of the 1964 Andy Southard Jr. photograph (reprinted on page 62 of the “Hot Rods and Customs: The Men and Machines of California's Car Culture” exhibition's souvenir book):

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/PhotoByAndySouthardJr.jpg

I really think I could just sit and look at this Wilhelm Custom all day long! :D
There's not one aspect, feature, or modification I would ever change about it ... Simple Perfection!

[Ron]

Here is another Mopar that I took a couple shots of last year at the Rebel Run in Ohio.
It was supposed to have been built back years ago.

http://www.pyrocars.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=5&pos=18

[mikes51]

Here is another Mopar that I took a couple shots of last year at the Rebel Run in Ohio.
It was supposed to have been built back years ago.


I think the Inman car also might have influenced the builder of this car, in a similar way it might have influenced the car you mentioned from the rebel run.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v194/mikes51/sals58550.jpg

I can't believe I went to that Oakland Museum show and didn't bring a camera! What was I thinking!! Also at the show, was art by Rod Powell. The art was drawings on small pieces of paper. They had the wildest ideas and concepts in the little drawings.

I do recall seeing the Inman Chrysler, it was displayed with it's passenger side against a wall and you could take in the whole car from the driver's side. One thing that really stood out was the black lacquer paint. Most of the other cars in the exhibit had the latest technology paint and it was cool to see that old lacquer paint. It wasn't as glistening as the other modern paints, but it had a nostalgic appearance to it that I can't describe.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v194/mikes51/inman.jpg

[HEMI32]

mikes51: As you are probably aware, the gold car with scallops is the "Golden Sunrise" '58 Chrysler that the great Gene Winfield built & painted (orange/white fade job) for Richard Zocchi in 1982 [Click HERE (http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/customcars_i_like/richard-zocchi-customs/richard-zocchi-58-c/) for pics] ... it was later sold to John D'Agostino.

I don't know if Gene would admit it, but IMHO his "Golden Sunrise" '58 Chrysler was undoubtedly influenced by the (Joe Wilhelm built) Inman '57 Chrysler.

In the May 2004 "Big turnout in San Jose tonight....Cruise pics" thread, you pointed out:

:
The Chrysler at the cruise in was built in the early 80's by D'Agostino. Here is a pic from the 80's.
:
It went through a couple of owners, was turned into a street rod. The current owner, Sal, just finished restoring it back close to it's original version.

When Sal finished the car about a year ago, it also had the fade paint job. But one week after it was on the road, it was hit.
:
The car was repainted without the fade.
Sal is still trying to find the right combination of bullets though to make the grill.

Over the years, the Golden Sunrise '58 somehow made its way into the hands of Bob Fryz (of Michigan) sporting a tubular bar grille and the Art Himsl HoK Gold w/ scallops paint job {that I assume "Sal" is responsible for?}.

Here's a few more recent pics of Winfield's "Golden Sunrise" ...

468287
@ the 2005 Goodguys Nats in Columbus

468288468289
in the Gene Winfield display @ the 2008 Detroit Autorama

Rikster has a whole bunch of pics of "Golden Sunrise" through the years ... Just click HERE (http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/gene_winfield/58_chrysler_golden/).

[starion88esir]

Wow, those are all beautiful examples... but the Wilhelm built one just sucks me in.

[49ratfink]

is that gold one the same one that was kind of a turquoise greenish blue for a while?

[296 V8]

I can't believe I went to that Oakland Museum show and didn't bring a camera! What was I thinking!! Also at the show, was art by Rod Powell. The art was drawings on small pieces of paper. They had the wildest ideas and concepts in the little drawings.


I remembered the camera but there was no flash photography allowed. I was only able to get a few before I got busted.

I wish somebody would put that exhibit back together.

[mikes51]

is that gold one the same one that was kind of a turquoise greenish blue for a while?

I think so, it was some blue/purple shade as I recall with Billet wheels and low profile blackwall tires.

[denis4x4]

Interesting thread.......Anybody have a photo of Meador's current 300 to compare with this one?

[HEMI32]

Interesting thread.......Anybody have a photo of Meador's current 300 to compare with this one?

Meadors is a '56 300B ... totally different body style (no Virgil Exner big fins) ... and although a very nice car, I wouldn't really consider it a "Custom" in the same sense as the Inman '57 (Gary's '56 300B is not chopped).

I've posted on the HAMB about Gary's (Boyd built) '56 Chrysler 300B ... and you'll find a pic and/or a link to several pics of it in those two threads:
1) any info on Gary Meadors chrysler 300? (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1657577#post1657577")
2) First "muscle car"? '54 Buick Century (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2870326#post2870326)

... and there's a few pics of it in the Gary Meadors 300 (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166791) thread.

[naki kid]

skullcracker: Thanks for this link ... I remembered reading that thread about Gary Howard (with his take on the Inman/Wilhelm Chrysler) ... but for the life of me, couldn't find it the other morning ... I guess I didn't realize it was one of Ryan's Blogs (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/?p=1145).

texastramp (Gary): Thanks for your contribution to this revived thread ... and for this from Ryan's Blog:

“A little later on I found the Cliff Inman ‘57 Chrysler that Joe Wilhelm built. That car is probably as close to a ‘perfect’ custom as I’ve ever seen. I just admired Joe so much for keeping the car so simple and beautiful. Sure, he did some weird stuff later on but as a whole his portfolio is inspiring. And he did everything on his own terms in a little shop behind his house - never succumbing to the financial forces that a lot of other guys did.”
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/wilhelm.jpg
Caption: The Cliff Inman ‘57 Chrysler was one of Joe Wilhelm’s best. Dig on the graceful sweep
between the headlights and the tips of the fins. Smart.

After praising Wilhelm and describing the passion filled conversation the two had, Gary finally broke down with one of my favorite quotes. Ever. "Hell, I guess I just said it. I look up to Joe Wilhelm.”

I look up to Joe Wilhelm too! :D
that would be one of the most beautiful Kustoms ever built all in proportion and it's a MOPAR.I read about the car in a hotrod mag from the 60s here in New Zealand I think I still have the mag somewhere.Like it in black better.

[HEMI32]

that would be one of the most beautiful Kustoms ever built all in proportion and it's a MOPAR.I read about the car in a hotrod mag from the 60s here in New Zealand I think I still have the mag somewhere.Like it in black better.

FYI ...

The "Inman '57 Chrysler" built by Joe Wilhelm in the early 60's has always been BLACK (and in nitrocellulose lacquer).

The orange & white fade ... and later House of Kolor Gold w/ white scallops custom is a totally different car ... it's the "Golden Sunrise '58 Chrysler" built by Gene Winfield in the early 80's.

[mikes51]

Hemi32, did you post this previously? I ran into it on my hard drive.

[Weasel]

I think that any '57/'58 Chrysler custom would have been influenced by the Inman/Joe Wilhelm car - it's a milestone - no doubt about it. I don't think you can build one that still looks like a Chrysler and not be subjected to the influence/comparison/allusion.

[HEMI32]

Hemi32, did you post this previously? I ran into it on my hard drive.

Kinda ... that pic (& another) was originally posted by Rod Powell in the "Top Custom" thread ... and at the bottom of post #21 of this thread, I wrote:

... I have several pics of it in my "The Inman '57 Chrysler (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=96)" Album ... RodP posted a couple of pics of it HERE (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2010810#post2010810) ... and of course, HAMBr Rikster has some pics of it in his Fotki website ... just click HERE (http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/joe_wilhelm/clif_inman_57_chrysler/).

[HEMI32]

I think that any '57/'58 Chrysler custom would have been influenced by the Inman/Joe Wilhelm car - it's a milestone - no doubt about it. I don't think you can build one that still looks like a Chrysler and not be subjected to the influence/comparison/allusion.

Weasel ... well stated!

[49ratfink]

this is the gold one back in 1991 at Paso. can't be 2 with those Olds(?) headlights


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d193/chopt49/scan0006.jpg

[mikes51]

this is the gold one back in 1991 at Paso. can't be 2 with those Olds(?) headlights


http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d193/chopt49/scan0006.jpg
I'm pretty sure you're right. When I saw the car at Sal's around 2000, it had those billet wheels still on it. But the paint had gone to hell already, wasn't even shiny anymore. It didn't look anywhere as good as it does there in your pic.

[Fukamuni]

It seem that I can solve some of the mystery - the chopped black 57 Chrysler Custom is right now in my garage in Denmark - at least as a replica of the original car build by Joe Wilhelm and owned by Clif Inman in the earlie 60´s - it has taken 10 years to get it in this shape and it is build on a 57 chassis in Finland from 1986 until 1996 and best of all, it is for sale for the right byer and price, please see more pics on

http://gilsfeldt.dk/fotoweb/Biler_og_motorcykler/Sider/S%C3%B8rens_Chrysler.html

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me :)

Best Regards
Søren Jensen

[HEMI32]

It seem that I can solve some of the mystery - the chopped black 57 Chrysler Custom is right now in my garage in Denmark - at least as a replica of the original car build by Joe Wilhelm and owned by Clif Inman in the early 60´s - it has taken 10 years to get it in this shape and it is build on a 57 chassis in Finland from 1986 until 1996 and best of all, it is for sale for the right buyer and price, please see more pics on

http://gilsfeldt.dk/fotoweb/Biler_og_motorcykler/Sider/S%C3%B8rens_Chrysler.html

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me :)

Best Regards
Søren Jensen

Søren,

Your "REPLICA" Inman '57 Chrysler Custom is very C:cool::cool:L!
... but I guess you already knew that :D:
473655

You might have better luck selling it if you were to post it in the Classifieds: Cars For Sale (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=7) section of the H.A.M.B. ... they really fr:(wn upon guys selling stuff here in the forum section.

There's quite a few other threads here on the H.A.M.B. that make reference to your car ... mostly from when Petri Hälvä owned it ... here's four of them that include pics:

1) '57 Chrysler HEMI COUPE FINALLY!!! (attitudor) (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2652680#post2652680)

2) Kustoms (Gotgas) (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1019642#post1019642)

3) Kustoms (pekka_wizzz.) (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1035257#post1035257)

4) Bitchin\' Kustoms from Sweden etc. (RPW) (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=536602#post536602)

As you may have read in this thread, the ORIGINAL Inman '57 Chrysler Custom is still "alive & well" ... film & record producer Bill McEuen purchased & restored the car in the early 80's ... unfortunately he keeps it stored in one of his warehouses and it isn't seen in public very often ... I found the most recent picture of it on McEuen's "HOLLYWOOD CARS" website (http://www.aspenfilmsociety.com/cars.html)

[Rot 'n Kustom]

Here is the Golden Sunrise as it looked when first built.
Sorry the old scans are so grainy.

[Fukamuni]

Søren,

Your "REPLICA" Inman '57 Chrysler Custom is very C:cool::cool:L!
... but I guess you already knew that :D:
473655

You might have better luck selling it if you were to post it in the Classifieds: Cars For Sale (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=7) section of the H.A.M.B. ... they really fr:(wn upon guys selling stuff here in the forum section.

There's quite a few other threads here on the H.A.M.B. that make reference to your car ... mostly from when Petri Hälvä owned it ... here's four of them that include pics:

1) '57 Chrysler HEMI COUPE FINALLY!!! (attitudor) (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2652680#post2652680)

2) Kustoms (Gotgas) (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1019642#post1019642)

3) Kustoms (pekka_wizzz.) (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1035257#post1035257)

4) Bitchin\' Kustoms from Sweden etc. (RPW) (http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=536602#post536602)

As you may have read in this thread, the ORIGINAL Inman '57 Chrysler Custom is still "alive & well" ... film & record producer Bill McEuen purchased & restored the car in the early 80's ... unfortunately he keeps it stored in one of his warehouses and it isn't seen in public very often ... I found the most recent picture of it on McEuen's "HOLLYWOOD CARS" website (http://www.aspenfilmsociety.com/cars.html)

Hi

It has been very interesting for me to see the discussion and I have learned a lot more about the history on my Custom Chrysler, which somehow make me think if I really need to sell it (my vife is pushing as it takes up at lot of space in my garage, why Iám telling her that I try - but havent had the luck until now :D)

What would you think a car like mine would be worth among those who knows the value of owning an car like that :confused:

And yes it is the happy boy on the picture who is me

Søren

[HEMI32]

Here is the Golden Sunrise as it looked when first built.
Sorry the old scans are so grainy.

Rik Hoving (Rikster here on the HAMB) maintains the definitive Custom Car Photo Archive website (click HERE (http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/)) ... and being the definitive photo archive of Customs, it includes several pics of the "Clif Inman '57 Chrysler" as well as the many other customs influenced by it ...

As mentioned in post #21: ... and of course, HAMBr Rikster has some pics of {the Inman Chrysler} in his Fotki website ... just click HERE (http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/joe_wilhelm/clif_inman_57_chrysler/).

As mentioned in post #51: ... the gold car with scallops is the "Golden Sunrise" '58 Chrysler that the great Gene Winfield built & painted (orange/white fade job) for Richard Zocchi in 1982 [Click HERE (http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/customcars_i_like/richard-zocchi-customs/richard-zocchi-58-c/) for pics] ... ... ... Rikster has a whole bunch of pics of "Golden Sunrise" through the years ... Just click HERE (http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/beautiful_custom_cars/gene_winfield/58_chrysler_golden/).

[HEMI32]

What would you think a car like mine would be worth among those who knows the value of owning an car like that :confused:


Not very much ... but I would be willing to take it off your hands for a thousand Euros (1000€) :D

[emiliedk]

looks good søren! i'll try make it saturday..and hemi32, i overbid you and give 2000 euros!
-palle
ps: welcome on the hamb..but better do and intro before someone kicks your ass!
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18

[Fish Tank]

Here's my in progress (since '96 I am ashamed to admit) '58 with '57 bits - shaved, nosed decked and inspired by.... yep!

It will have tube grille a la Inman/Wilhelm, dual quad 392. Wires are custom 7's and 8's. It has a '59 300E swivel bench seat and is now upholstered in 300C pattern in cream colored dead cows - 6 of 'em to do it.

Since 1996? For shame Weasel, for shame...lol

That's a trick beast, finish her already!
(that of course, is a selfish request, I would just like to shoot pix of it at a show or two)

[HEMI32]

I finally got around to scanning some more of my father's photographs of the Clif Inman / Joe Wilhelm '57 Chrysler Custom.

Here's a few from the day my father and his friend, Gary "Goodguy" Meadors (with the help of Fresno area Hot Rod builders Ronnie White & Pepper Snow) found the car:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanChryslerFound01.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanChryslerFound02.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanChryslerFound03.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanChryslerFound04.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanChryslerFound05.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanChryslerFound06.jpg

[HEMI32]

As I have mentioned before, my father really wanted to purchase the car for himself ... but with several other unfinished projects (a '32 Roadster, a '32 Chopped Tudor, a '57 Chrysler 300C, & a '58 Chrysler 300D), he just couldn't justify buying it.

He later mentioned to Rod Powell that he knew of the car's whereabouts ... and Rod just happened to have a customer (Bill McEuen) that really wanted to own a significant Custom of the 60's ... so arrangements were made for my father to purchase the car for Mr. McEuen ... McEuen dropped off a "large stack of Benjamin's" at our house ... and then my father, Rod Powell and a few others made the trek back to Fresno to buy the car and trailer it to Rod's shop in Salinas:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/006.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/007.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/008.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/009.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/010.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/011.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/012.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/014.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/015.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/016.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/017.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/019.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/024.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/026.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/027.jpg

[BigBlockMopar]

That's so cool.
It occured to me how much pics where taken in a time where shooting photo's still cost some money, instead of in today's digital world.
Thanks for scanning these pics.

[cleatus]

I finally got around to scanning (& re-scanning) in the some more of my father's photographs of the Clif Inman Joe Wilhelm built '57 Chrysler Custom.

Hey thanks man...I've never seen the back of it before - just that one shot of it from the front.
Definitely a great custom

[SapienKustom]

Those are some great pictures and a great story to go along.

[hotsilver]

This is a great thread!!!!!!!! Great for us young guys!!

[Janne]

I agree.

[StillOutThere]

The Rodders Journal needs to do a full story on this car.

AMEN and AMEN

[Bad Bob]

On the left is a pic of my dad's Chrysler. I wanted that car really bad!!!

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h257/BadBob_2006/Bad%20Bob%202010/OldPics.jpg

[Atwater Mike]

Anybody wanna know what (who) prompted Clif to chop the Chrysler? Started out as a razz...

[HEMI32]

Anybody wanna know what (who) prompted Clif to chop the Chrysler? ...

Atwater Mike - Sure ... please do tell ... the more documented history of the car, the better!

[Devoz]

Anybody wanna know what (who) prompted Clif to chop the Chrysler? Started out as a razz...

Bump.....

[Johnny Hotrod - BC]

WOW cool car! someone needs to clone this!!

[HEMI32]

:
Here's a few from the day my father and his friend, Gary "Goodguy" Meadors (with the help of Fresno area Hot Rod builders Ronnie White & Pepper Snow) found the car:
:

I recently stumbled across some Kodachrome slides taken that same day in 1977 ...

... Still covered in dust:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanAsFound_June77_Kodachrome_0.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanAsFound_June77_Kodachrome_1.jpg

[HEMI32]

... Washing it off:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanAsFound_June77_Kodachrome_2.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanAsFound_June77_Kodachrome_3.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanAsFound_June77_Kodachrome_4.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanAsFound_June77_Kodachrome_5.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanAsFound_June77_Kodachrome_8.jpg

[HEMI32]

... and a couple close-ups:

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanAsFound_June77_Kodachrome_9.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o19/PhotographyByBruce/Automotive/Clif%20Inman%2057%20Chrysler%20Custom/InmanAsFound_June77_Kodachrome_10.jpg

[49SUPER6]

Damn, thank you for those pics

[Rikster]

I recently stumbled across some Kodachrome slides taken that same day in 1977 ...

ooooooooh color... nice!

[sololobo]

This car is one of my fave customs ever, quite radical yet simple, clean, and sleek. I am always lovin the unusual and unique stuff. /thanx for calling this rig out, great to see it again. Thanx! ~sololobo~

[graverobber63]

Never seen the color shots till now. Wow