Brian's Chrysler Imperial Crown: Classic Restos - Series 48

Fletch returns to Cowra NSW to visit Brian Tomkins. He has just recently acquired a new addition to his collection, a 1963 Chrysler Imperial Crown in absolutely original condition and completely unrestored, right down to the plastic-covered seats and with only a genuine 53,000 miles on the clock. It was the space age era of automotive design. Some things that caught Brian's attention, particularly for a car built back in 1963, include the dash, it's really out there, the square steering wheel, push-button automatic, and the beautiful pillarless design; but no fins; this was a more refined look with the tail lights built into the rear quarter. The imperial crown was top-end to compete with the likes of Cadillac and Lincoln, fitted with every option available, including power-operated quarter window vets and auto-pilot, as they called it - known as cruise control today. Brian says it drives effortlessly today despite its weight of 2,320 kilos, but the big 413 engine has plenty of get up and go. The attention to detail by the manufacturer is remarkable. He believes they didn't sell too many and had the time to do the little extras, and it was almost over-engineered. All the things you would ever need are in this car with plenty of space. It's like sitting in a chrome lounge chair. 

Another vehicle in Brian's collection is the family 1964 Dodge Truck; originally, his father's from new. When his father passed away, Brian decided to keep it in the family as a legacy to his father. The Dodge was Brian's first-ever restoration project some 30+ years ago, taking the Dodge from stock grey with a white roof to caterpillar yellow inside and out. There were a couple of learnings along the way, but that's all a part of the restoration process. 

While Brian says he is not a farmer, he has in more recent times become interested in tractors, even to the point of joining a couple of tractor clubs/associations. And in the spirit of this, he has acquired two restored tractors, a 1949 Allis Chalmers Tractor and a 1961 Farm Fordson Major tractor believed to be 1 of only 24 sold in Australia. With plenty of room on his two-acre property, he says, "while I don't know a lot about them, I love them."