So as this olelongrooffan has pointed out previously, this past weekend was the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach show just a short drive south of TheStuccoBox I now call home. And in typical Barrett-Jackson fashion, there was something at that event for everyone, including this olelongrooffan.

While the number of longroofs offered this past weekend was limited, (Tri 5 Nomads aside), the ones that were allowed in the show were highly desirable and this one in particular made this olelongrooffan’s knees shake with excitement.

It is a a rare DeSoto longroof and a beauty, it’s a ’51 tin woody. Yeah, instead of wood paneling on this sides of this longroof, the faux wood is actually handpainted and it looked quite awesome. This era of DeSoto always has had a special place in the heart of this olelongrooffan as my paternal grandmother drove a sedan of this era the entire time I knew her.

And that toothy grille those DeSotos possessed back in the day were a hot rodder’s dream to use to customize his hot rod. Still are as a matter of fact.

The DeSoto explorer’s profile on the hood of this longroof, as well as all four wheel covers, is something virtually unseen on this longroof’s modern counterparts. Sadly, it is true and missed by this olelongrooffan.

And the selling price for this vintage longroof? A mere $25,300.00 including the buyer’s premium. Hell, try to get a clapped out beige car for that price these days.

Now this ole Mercury longroof was parked just in the next tent over. It was an older restomod wish the requisite garrish wheels but had been done up with a modern 302, an automatic overdrive transmission, power steering and four wheel disc brakes. Aside from the wheels, this olelongrooffan thought this wasn’t so bad for this longroof.

The real wood paneling had certainly seen better days and most of the chrome bits had minor pitting throughout. Again, this really isn’t my cup of tea but this one was well turned out for a daily driver I would jump in and go visit any of my fellow Hoons, should I be admitted. Plus, the entry price on this restomod longroof was only $15,400.00 including the buyer’s premium. A pretty fair deal I thought as all the original bits and pieces were offered with the car.

Compare and contrast that $15,000 longroof with this $55,000.00 one.

Both are similar vintage but this one has been in a private collection for quite some time and is bone ass stock.

The wood was in excellent condition, the interior was perfect down to the clutch and brake pedal pads, the chrome was bright and shiny and the paint, “No runs, No drips, No errors.” Yeah, this longroof was perfect in nearly every way.

My pops had one of this vintage back when the Big Three (that would be BBB, Bus-Plunge, and thehorsefarmer) were mere little squirts in the mid 50’s and they still revel stories about that old Merc. Of course, my pops being who he was quickly grew tired of that longroof and swapped it for a pair of MicroBuses.

But this old Mercury was beautiful and one this olelongrooffan would welcome in my livery anytime. But I also wouldn’t mind one I can daily drive for almost 1/4 the price. What say my fellow Hoons?

Image Copyright Hooniverse 2013/longrooffan