Luxury Coupe vs. 4-Door Survey Question

[PAUL WENTINK <randalpark@xxxxxxx>]

Two door hardtops were originally referred to as Hardtop Convertibles 
since they were originally made to mimic the convertible model, only 
with a fixed roof. Imperials dealt with it this way as well until the 
mid 1960's. At that time, it was discovered that there was a market for 
a Personal Luxury Car. This began with the original '40s Lincoln 
Continental, mid-50's Mark II, and the original Thunderbird. I think 
1950's Cadillac Eldorados were also in this class. These cars were not 
particularly successful in the market place, but the concept was not 
forgotten. The second generation Thunderbird was very successful, and 
established a market for such cars, followed by the Buick Riviera, Olds 
Toronado, and additional Cadillac Eldorados.

Imperial "jumped on the band wagon", so to speak with the 1964 Crown 
Coupe. They always had a two door hardtop, but in 1964 for the first 
time, it was called the Crown Coupe and was marketed as a Personal 
Luxury Car. All along, a two door hardtop was considered "sporty", but 
during the 60's this took on a new meaning. Other cars that fit into 
this category were the early '70s Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Pontiac 
Grand Prix.

I think your discussion is essentially correct, and benefits from this 
additional information on the topic.

Paul W.


-----Original Message-----
From: mamrom@xxxxxxxxxxx
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Mon, 19 Nov 2007 2:59 pm
Subject: IML: Luxury Coupe vs. 4-Door Survey Question



I was speaking with a friend and asked him the question?- What type of 
person
bought a brand new Coupe verus a 4-door Imperial back in the 50's 60'& 
70's? In
my opinion, a luxury car was: 1)Big and beautifully Long 2) Luxurious 
and
dignified in it's stature. My opinion was that a Coupe was more of a 
sporty type
car. Most of these cars had buckets seats if I'm not mistaken giving 
them again
a more sporty Look. The Eldorado and Mark 4 was marketed as sportier 
luxury
vehicles(BMW of its time). Indeed, it was all of luxurious as the 
4-door car,
but had a sportier look to it. I'm not so sure if the Coupe's ride was 
even
softer then the 4-door. I hope not to offend anyone with this question 
because
they are all beautiful cars. I just like to here more opinions on this 
debate.
I'm sure the jury won't be out on this one when it's all said and done 
-Have a
great Thanksgiving with your families -Anthony

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