Buried car makes CNN

[tulsa1603]

Not the best Tulsa skyline photo I've seen....

[tulsa1603]

Which reminds me...anyone want to place bets on the condition of the car?  [}:)]

[sgrizzle]

Probably ok shape if tha vault was built right.

The comment that keeps getting replayed about the car "being forgotten until Sharon King Davis came along" erks me though. I remembered and I wasn't around in 1957.

[rwarn17588]

If they take the car to a mechanic right away and clean up the engine, it'll probably be all right.

[Steve]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

Probably ok shape if tha vault was built right.

The comment that keeps getting replayed about the car "being forgotten until Sharon King Davis came along" erks me though. I remembered and I wasn't around in 1957.

That erks me too.  I was born in 1957, always lived in Tulsa, known about the car all my life, and have always anticipated the day when it would be unearthed.  I wouldn't be suprised if Ms. King-Davis knew nothing about it until the centennial planning commenced.

I hope it is in pristine condition, but logic tells me otherwise, with all the traffic on Denver over the years, possible ground shifting, etc.  We shall see; I am sure the Tulsarama planners in 1957 did the best they could.  I read that it was buried with a full tank of gas and supplemental gas/lube products.  That was probably a bad idea, should the gas tank corrode etc.  I am really excited about the exhumation, and whatever the car's condition, Tulsa will surely get mucho national publicity over the event.

1957 Chrysler autos (as well as many other cars of the era) were particularly prone to rust.  If the vault has kept out moisture and the gas tank did not corrode, we may have a real jewel here.  If so, I hope the powers that be make a sincere effort to find the rightful winner of the 1957 contest and award the car to same if at all possible, rather than keep it for the historical society.

[pmcalk]

I think the bit about the population wager is amusing. Did they really think, back in 1957, they would be able to track someone down 50 years later to award them a car?  I wonder how likely it might be that the car will end up in some protracted probate battle.

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by pmcalk

I think the bit about the population wager is amusing. Did they really think, back in 1957, they would be able to track someone down 50 years later to award them a car?  I wonder how likely it might be that the car will end up in some protracted probate battle.

Unclaimed property fund

[Steve]

quote:Originally posted by pmcalk

I think the bit about the population wager is amusing. Did they really think, back in 1957, they would be able to track someone down 50 years later to award them a car?  I wonder how likely it might be that the car will end up in some protracted probate battle.

If the records on microfilm of the contest entries have survived along with the car, it should not be too hard to determine if the winner is alive and living in Tulsa.  If it can not be determined that the winner is alive, then legal notice can be published of the identity of the winner and give heirs the chance, say 6 months or so, to come forward and claim the car, with proper documentation of identity, and prove why they should be awarded the car.  (I am sure in this case a few crackpots will surface and try to claim it, but that is to be expected.)  If no one comes forward, then I say give the car to the Tulsa Historical Society for the museum.  We should try to stick to the original intent and spirit of the people of Tulsa in 1957, if at all possible.

[TURobY]

This also made Fark.com. []

[AMP]

They should of opened the $100 savings account in 1957!  

Today it would be worth?  

Depending on which bank the cash was deposited in, a few Tulsa banks have gone belly up since then.

[tulsa1603]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

Probably ok shape if tha vault was built right.

The comment that keeps getting replayed about the car "being forgotten until Sharon King Davis came along" erks me though. I remembered and I wasn't around in 1957.

No kidding.  I remember reading an article about it as a kid in the late 80's and thinking that 2007 seemed sooooooo long away...everytime I drive by that corner I think about it.

[Steve]

quote:Originally posted by AMP

They should of opened the $100 savings account in 1957!  

Today it would be worth?  

Depending on which bank the cash was deposited in, a few Tulsa banks have gone belly up since then.

According to an article I read in the Tulsa World a few months ago about the car & contest, the centennial commission has been able to trace the $100 savings account and it is still in existance at some local financial institution.  Don't recall if the article said the current value or what bank has it now, but the World said the fund still exists.  I would guess it is about $300-$500 today if interest was consistently paid and compounded.

[waterboy]

Anyone know what size the engine is and the model of Plymouth? The Fury/Sport Fury were great performers with the right set up. They were style innovators though not always appreciated for such.

Have restored a few in my time and I agree that unless the fluids were drained and the battery removed, the corrosive effects would be very damaging. Trans and power steering probably fine but brake fluid and hydrogen sulfide fumes are killer. Fuel probably evaporated too. The combination of fumes would weaken all the rubber and plastic.

The poor quality steel used by Chrysler in the late fifties meant they rusted all by themselves without help from a damp casket. Still, I hope its in good shape. I love that Christine look.

I remember discussing the time capsule in grade school (Kendall)in the sixties. What population figure will they use? City limits, SMSA, MSA, County?

edit: just saw the World article. It appears to be a Belvedere which is the lower trim level. The "V" mark on the fender indicates the 318v-8 which was pretty standard. They also indicated it was wrapped in plastic. That could be good news. I've seen a lot of cars exposed to the elements for this long that were still yielding parts. My bet is this one is a keeper.

[perspicuity85]

Does anyone know what $100 in 1957 dollars is equivalent to in 2007 dollars, considering inflation?

[RecycleMichael]

One hundred dollars compounded once annually at five percent for five years is $1,146.74

What cost $100 in 1957 would cost $711.23 in 2007.