The Best Custom Material… 1960 Models.

Ryan’s Custom of the Year post yesterday got me thinking about two things: How kookie some of the custom car styling was already starting to get by 1960, and how good the Big Three OEM’s were getting at designing new cars at that time. No wonder show cars were beginning to get more and more audacious, as Detroit was essentially delivering jet aircraft-inspired ‘factory customs’ that required little more that de-chroming, lowering and some Watson paint to look amazing.

If I could go back to 1960 with a pocket full of cash for a new car, with the goal of building a stock-bodied mild custom, what would I buy? Who had the best lines right off the showroom floor for a killer mild custom? Avoiding the most popular choices like a 1960 Chevy Bel Air or a Corvette, here’s my top 5 hit list in order of what I would go for:

1. 1960 Pontiac Bonneville 2 door Hardtop – The ’61 models are my favorite, but the no-split grille for this year is neat too. Overall Poncho’s early 60s styling was the best, in my opinion.
2. 1960 Ford Starliner – A one year only body for Ford that’s really under appreciated.
3. 1960 Buick Invicta 2 door Hardtop – A rare bird, and a pretty one too.
4. 1960 Cadillac Eldorado – ’59’s were over the top, but the 1960 models managed to bring styling slightly back to earth yet remain cool. One big ride.
5. 1960 Dodge Polara Hardtop Wagon – I was torn between this one and the 1960 Mercury Commuter wagon, but I love the crazy dashboard and bizarre fins on this one.