0 A New Influence

            As the collection of Snook’s Dream Cars grew, it was logical for some “newer” models to be purchased. According to chief mechanic Terry Stetler, Jeff Snook started taking over from his father, Bill, in purchasing the cars.

            The cars in the collection from the 1950s and 1960s include some very familiar and also some unique examples of the kinds of cars being produced in the U.S. during this time.

            A 1950 Chevy Styleline Deluxe convertible is the oldest of this era’s cars. It is also one of those cars that you don’t often see out on the road. The Deluxe was first introduced in 1941 but it wasn’t until 1949 that they got their first post-war make over. The Styleline was the least expensive of this Chevy line. This particular car was restored in 1990 and contains parts from three different cars. It has a 216 cubic inch straight six engine that produces 92 horse power.

              One of the rarest cars you are likely to see is on display here as well: a 1954 Kaiser Darrin 161 roadster. Kaiser Motors started making cars following World War II and only lasted until 1955. The Darrin was actually the first fiberglass bodied sports car manufactured in the U.S. as it was introduced one month before the Corvette. Along with its “pouting” lips grill, the car featured sliding pocket doors and a three position retractable roof. Powered by a Willy’s straight six engine this rare auto pushes 92 horse power.

            One of the familiar faces in the crowd is the classic 1957 Chevy Bel Air two door convertible. The “tri-five” Bel Airs, those made in 1955, 1956, and 1957, are some of the most highly collected cars. It was the 1957 that showed off the largest of the line’s fabulous Fifties fins. This particular car has undergone a complete body-off restoration and features optional white wall tires, hub caps, courtesy lights, a radio, dual antennas, a deluxe heater and a power top. With the classic 283 cubic inch four barrel V-8 it generates 220 horse power.

            Moving into the next decade there is a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible. This classic with a Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes was completely restored in 2002. It has the classic 289 cubic inch V-8 the punches out 200 horse power.

            The last of the cars from this era is a 1966 Pontiac GTO. Introduced in 1963, the GTO was the brain child of three Pontiac engineers, including chief engineer John DeLorean. The car was inspired by the famous Ferrari 250 GTO and borrowed the Gran Turismo Omologata or “grand touring homologated. It is driven by a 389 cubic inch eight cylinder engine with upgraded 3X2 carbs pushing 360 horse power.

            If you would like to know more about Snook’s Dream Cars located in Bowling Green, OH, then visit their web site (http://www.snooksdreamcars.com/) and see more great automotive history.