After owning it for over 23 years, I sold my 1951 Pontiac this weekend. I just didn't have time anymore to work on it. But I will miss certain things that my Maxima, or any other modern car for that matter, doesn't have:

> Stainless steel trim that never needs polishing.
> Heavy sheet metal, like a tank.
> A high ceiling for tall people or those who wear hats.
> A roomy engine compartment where you can reach anything without tearing up your fingers.
> No smog devices.
> No seat belts.
> No plastic
> A lighted hood ornament.
> Other drivers that give you a thumbs up as they go by.

I know my Maxima offers the best of modern technology, but I'll miss the challenge and fun of driving this old car.

 

I just couldn't bear to sell my '68 mustang. Instead I hit a tree with it driving in the snow. Now I wish I had sold it and maybee had the chance to buy it back when I got older and could appriciate it more. Its gonna be a long road and a lot of cash for me to fix it now. Theres just something about driving old cars that you can't get with new ones.

 

How much did you sell the '51 Pontiac for, out of curiosity?

I would love to get an older car like that for tinkering.

Just curious...

 

I sold it for $3,600. I had over $6,000 into it, but no one wanted it at that price.

 

Look on the bright side: the new owner could fully restore it and take it to Barrett Jackson auction, and have it sell for $50,000, as the crowd oohhhs and ahhhs. That would make you famous.

 

New cars are fun, but no true car nut can easily part with an old friend like that. About a year ago, I sold my first new car, had it for 13 years, thought it was no big deal at the time. Guess what, I wake up in the morning and realize I've been dreaming about driving it! I guess I'm trying to say I feel your pain! Hopefully, the new owner of the '51 will treat it with the respect it deserves!
Regards, David Burnette

 

What kind of engine and tranny does it have?

 

It's a L-head straight 6, with a 3 speed manual tranny on the steering column. With no synchro for first gear, you had to be at a full stop to shift into first. And with no power steering, you had to be moving all the time to turn the wheel. This made parking an aquired skill. But that was part of the fun. Most early '50 Pontiacs had a straight 8, but they did make a 6, making my old car a bit rare.

 

Wow! Cool car! Sorry it didn't last forever