[Sandy G]

The "Wasp-Waisted" X frames of 1957-64 were, IMHO one of the WORST engineering fiascos ever foisted on an unknowing public. That, & the fact they used 14" tires w/corresponding smaller brakes on the monster sized cars of the era, wasn't too swift, either. Why did they do it ? Styling. Pure & simple. They wanted to lower the heights of cars, they were able to trim an inch or 2 out of the heights, yet keep mostly the cavernous sized interiors. I always fell out w/Ralph Nader over his preoccupation w/ silly things like hood ornaments, yet he RARELY or NEVER looked at roadholding, braking standards,better tires, things that would have REALLY made a difference. I tell you, watching the video of that poor 1959 Impala has always made me truly physically ill. And it tells you almost everything you need to know about them damnable X frames... But, would I have a '59 Impala in crackerjack shape like that one was ? You bet your Sweet Bippy I would.... Those "Suicide-Door Lincolns" are dangerous, too-They tend to collapse if tapped in the rear-But TRY & take away one of mine...