What is it?

[W. Gray]

In the 1950s, when the production of cars was rather simplistic at least compared to today, Chevrolet introduced what has today become one of the rarest automobile models ever built.

Production lasted only two years and those still in existence are known within the automobile resale industry as ultra-rare.

The model lineup included a two-door hardtop, a four-door hardtop, and a convertible.

The model came off the Detroit assembly line, went to another plant in Detroit for further work and then went to a Chevy dealer for sale at $800 higher than the highest cost Chevy.

Besides Chevrolet parts, the model also contained a few parts from Kaiser-Fraser, Chrysler, and Ford manufacturers. In addition to steel, the body also was partially fiberglass with some stainless steel.

What Chevy model was this?


A 1957 black convertible model sold today on the Jackson-Barrett Auto Auction for $165,000. The commentator said that, indeed, the model was so rare that not many people seemed willing to bid on it.

[Mom70x7]

That has to be the El Morocco - Jay Leno has one.

[frawin]

Good Morning Mom, I think you are Correct. I had never seen or heard of One. I pulled up Pictures of several of them on the Internet, they are really Neat. They look a lot like the 1957 Chevrolet. I know Jay is a Collector of Rare and very Expensive Automobiles. We love Waldo's Postings of Trivia and other interesting things.

[W. Gray]

That has to be the El Morocco - Jay Leno has one.

That is correct.

The El Morocco modifications made the Chevy look like a Cadillac.

The concept did not last long because the potential buyers began to realize that even with the extra cost they were still driving a Chevy and not a Cadillac.

With a few dollars more they could have a real Cadillac. 

[W. Gray]

A bit of trivia:

President John Tyler was born in 1790.

President John Tyler has two grandsons who would have been able to bid on the 1957 Chevrolet El Morocco at the Barrett-Jackson auction on Jan 30, 2016, if he they had so chosen, as they are still alive.

[frawin]

Waldo, if my Calculations are correct, it must have been his Great or Great-Great Grandson. Not trying to Nit Pick, but you are Walking Encyclopedia, and always so correct and Factual. My wife and I really enjoy your Postings. My wife stopped looking at the Forum a long time ago, enough said about that. You have helped me get Pictures Posted on the Forum several times, and I really appreciated that. Your Grandparents on both sides would/are really proud of you. Your Gray and Miller Grandparents were Longtime Residents of Howard and Elk County. Instead of Having your Forum Name "Waldo Gray" it should be" Elk County Historian Gray". Keep on giving us a History Lesson on Howard and Elk County.

[W. Gray]

Read it and weep, chuckle.

http://mentalfloss.com/article/29842/president-john-tylers-grandsons-are-still-alive

Also, recall that John Tyler was the accidental 10th president.

The ninth man to serve as President of the United States was William Harrison who spent only 30 days, or so, in office, got sick, and died making John Tyler the president.

Tyler would then spend less than four years as president.

However, the Harrison family would rebound as William's grandson Benjamin Harrison later became the 23rd President of the US.