1963 Colony Park 4 speed wagon

Rich Truesdell is the real deal.......

Hey Rich - How's the Corvair? You were going to install A/C, wern't you?

 

The Corvair now has a semi-blown 110-hp engine. I need to track down the original engine and get it down here.

Thanks for the real deal endorsement. I'd really like to follow-up on the '63 CP.

Best,

Rich

 

Hey Rich,

I would for sure like to talk to you. Please email me directly @ ryan@nutsaboutcars.com

I can't thank you enough for the offer to help.

I really thought the magazine featuring the 63 Colony Park would shed some light on the NHRA connection. Well, I received the magazine today and guess what, it only had that snapshot of the wagons on the front, and absolutely zero about them on the inside, so it was a bust.

Also, the NHRA went silent and they haven't called me back.

Looking forward to talking to you.

Ryan

 

Hey Ryan,

I saw your post and it said you were into '59s, CP, and from Texas. I thought could this be Ryan from TX that helped me with my search for a 66 Merc CP a year and a half ago? You pointed me to a guy in Texas and in Oklahoma... If it's you, thanks! I eventually found my car from that guy in OK. He got me in contact with someone who was selling a 66 CP up in Illinois. I'd also like to strangle you (just kidding). That one purchase has led me to eventually buy way too many Mercurys.

Anyway I thought I'd chime in on your '63 4-speed. I to got the bug about a year ago when a guy up Massachusetts had a '66 CP with a 4-speed for sale. He had a nice story about the car. It was used by a factory sponsored race team to haul around their race car (DSO as "Home Office Reserve"). It was a CP with no power anything, just a 410 w/ a 4-speed which made it rare to say the least. It was light beige, not the most pleasing color. Anyway, the car was in good shape, been in AZ up until the last year. He wanted $16K for the car. While I didn't want to insult the guy I offered $12K, which is what I thought it was worth. He did end up selling the car, don't know what he got for it. But as someone said earlier, if you're happy and the seller is happy then it was probably a good deal based on what you want to do with the car (keep her or restore to sell).

If your not the Ryan from TX that lead me down the path to ruin, then sorry for the extra text and good luck with the '63 4-speed, I'm officially jealous.

Martin

 

Hello Martin,

I'am indeed the Ryan that helped you find the 66. I'm glad it all worked out. Last I remember there was the one in Texas, one o Oklahoma and I think one in Cali. Congrats !

I'm still doing the wagon thing, sold my black 64 Colony Park to a guy in Boston. It's since been sold to another guy in Mass I believe.

Nice hearing from you again and I'm glad the 66 panned out !!

Keep in touch.

Ryan

 

Well, the wagon showed up tonight. Under the cover of darkness here in Texas.

From what I could see with a flashlight, it's a very solid car. Unfortunately I think she's a paint job, bumper chrome work, and some front seat work away from a magazine shoot. I was waiting to see it with my own eyes before I called Rich, and I think he will agree.

The motor sounds great which is good news. I couldn't drive it thanks to one of the tires blowing out when the transporters tied it down. It appears the tire was dry rotted and couldn't take the stress.

I think I got some work ahead of me, but well worth it as I love the car.

I did take one late night jab from the wife. She went to take out the trash and saw it in the driveway light. Her comment was " You paid $ xxxx for that car, have you lost your mind ? ". I think she's mad because I sold the car she liked a few weeks ago... My black 1957 Chrysler 300C with 48K original miles....

I guess you can't please everyone eh ?

 

well i guess ill say it.......

 

Yeah, especially that 4-speed shifter. Warts and all!

 

Hey a1 and Stormin, I love all the peer pressure and flashy signs, but did you see the 5 pics I posted on page 2 of this thread ???? Shots of everything.

Anywho, it was raining in Texas and no sun all day. I had some kid parties and stuff to do but managed a couple quick pics on my drive out of the driveway..... no hubcaps, two flat tires, and the trash I dug out from under the front seat last night. The bench seat was stuffed with old trash, some dating back to 1972.....

She will look a lot better after I get some original tires and hubcaps back on it. It does have all 4 original rims which is cool. They are Kelsey Hayes stamped.

Enjoy !

 

That shifter is soooo sweet! OMG!

 

Thanks man !

The tach face is actually good, it was just clouded up from the foggy day going on when I was taking pics.

I'm not kidding when I say it's the filthiest car I've seen from a dirt and nastiness perspective. Man is it dirty !!! It appears it has never seen a vacuum since the 70s.

My plan today is to get some correct 8.00/14 1" whitewall tires from Wallace Wade and get it up on all fours. The old bias ply action. Currently both rear tires are toast and can't hold air.

 

Yeah....it may be dirty but it's all there. You have a rare wagon that can be brought back to the glory days.

 

If you're gonna do bodywork and paint prep, I'd just get some used tires. The dust really makes a mess. 3 hours later, you're still checking for paint dust. That's how I'd do it, before putting new booties on your beauty.

 

Yup, Normy has a good point. Lots of work there before tires become an issue. Not telling you what to do, 63CP, just friendly commentary. There's a ton of work to be done but I would consider it FUN on that wagon. You will see it coming out of the weeds in no time!

 

I love goin thru the trash in a old car...always something cool
You say the wheels are Kelsey Hayes??
take a good pic of them....im curious:confused: