Is tipster Mitchell G a person who likes parody? You know, that word that by definition means “something so bad as to be equivalent to intentional mockery, a travesty.” That’s kinda what this 1982 Zimmer Golden Spirit brings to mind. We’ll unpack that momentarily, but for now, the details are that you can scoop this car off of craigslist for an asking price of $15,900, then get to the place where Georgia and Florida appear about equally in view to collect it, a place identified in the ad simply as Saint Marys.
What will you be getting? A V8-equipped RWD two-door sedan showing about 44,000 miles. The manufacturer was Zimmer Motorcars Corporation based in Florida and later, New York. Cars were made in several places over the years, after an origin which was one of those mythical “sketch on a napkin” kinds of moments, as the story goes. The Golden Spirit was the company’s flagship during its production run, from 1980-88. It was succeeded by the Zimmer Quicksilver. The Golden Spirit was based on a Mustang chassis and V8 drivetrain. How’d they build it? By adding oversized fenders, exterior spare tires mounted ahead of the driver’s and passenger’s doors, exterior horns, and something that reminds of a Cord, of Duesenberg, or something—those, what do you call them? The exterior hoses. Or are they pipes? I’m at a loss, but you know what I mean. Braided silver things that come out from under the hood. Definite throwback, though to what, obviously, it’s not quite clear.
So what’s a parody about it? The outsized fender bulges. The trunk that’s actually a trunk, as in, a storage box that might have come off a stagecoach. Those aforementioned horns, which serve as a reminder of cars from 1970s Dallas TV fame. Oh wait. Those were actual steer horns mounted up front. These are just trumpets that made it as exterior styling. But then don’t forget the stylized radiator cap and the opera window that looks not a little like it came off the Munster car.
To most eyes, it’s all ridiculous. But this one, which has been sitting for 13 years, is at least priced under market. Should you purchase it, you’ll have some fun making fun of yourself, if that’s your groove. You surely won’t be convinced, and neither will anyone else, that you’re driving a vintage car, an art-deco era darling. Nope. It’s Mustang underneath and in the form of the gauges staring you in the face. Nothing wrong with that, but the exaggerated features and over-the-top references to the past might be a bit much for many tastes.
Is tipster Mitchell G. a person who likes parody? Yes. Yes he is. He regrets nothing.
Whoever owns and drives this must have a lively sense of humor! Over the top, and then some.
Grotesque is what it is.
In black, this isn’t as horrible in appearance as in tan, white, or red. I don’t hate it. Cars and Coffee candidate that probably drives well.
You have to take it for what it is : a period replica. Quirky at the time, quirky now. Why not, they are quite rare I think.
My good god!! I’m going to change into my Huggy Bear costume and go pick it up!!
This description is Spot-on! Says everything I’ve wanted/tried to say about these jokes.
I would brush my hair, make-up my face, put on my best black dress before hopping into this boat for a luxury cruise down the Sun-Set Strip.
Well, the rest of you may mock this vehicle, but I’ve always liked Zimmers and the Excaliburs… love the “old” style… if I had the “pocket money” and the garage space, I’d love to bring this one home…. it sure would liven up the neighborhood around here and I would be grinning 😁 from ear to ear…. it’s an old man thing… get used to it… lol
I’m embarrassed that you made that comment, because I am not embarrassed for expressing my like or dislike of any vehicle. I’m assuming you are trying to be funny, but you are like Don Rickles (not funny).
I may be older than you, Ranger, ( I’m 78), and there’s nothing “old-style” about this. Fake old-style, yes, but that’s different.
wrong again jw…. I turned 81 3 months ago… and this was designed to appear “old style”… I don’t need you to tell me what is ok to like or dislike… you can crawl back under your rock now!!!
As a “lurp” Company E, I’m signing out… I have no time or patience to deal with inane comments by “snipers” who have no clue.
Sorry to see you go, man. Company E, 52nd Infantry, (LRP) was a 120 man-sized long-range reconnaissance patrol unit attached to the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) in Vietnam in 1967-69. Its origin begins on January 1, 1967, as “LRRP Detachment G2,” 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). It was then redesignated “Headquarters & Headquarters Company LRRP Detachment” in April 1967, and redesignated “Company E, 52nd Infantry (LRP)” on December 20, 1967.[1]
Later, when all LRRP units were folded into the US Army Rangers on February 1, 1969, Company E was redesignated, “H Company, 75th Infantry (Ranger).[1]
Why is it the front of these cars are highly stylized, while the rear often looks like an after thought? I understand the “trunk” but the taillights could be better, as well as the backup lights and bumper.
JMO.
This is based on the Mustang, which one of these 80s monstrosity was based on the Buick Riviera/Pontiac Grand Prix?
Stutz Blackhawk
Thank you, Mike.
First thing to go is the short term memory. 😄
The price they’re asking for this beautiful boat doesn’t even cover the man hours put into it for assembly. Where ever it cruises it will draw attention, I know it would around my neck of the woods.
All those spare tires….
I usually don’t like people whose first thought is to modify a classic. But this is not a classic. And it wasn’t my first thought.
But raid the hi-po Mustang toy box and make this, if not a sleeper, a nightmare. 😁
These were based on the Mercury Cougar but the steering column looks like it’s a Saginaw unit
You would have to pay me to own this. I refuse to call it a car!
well, I’ve never been concerned about what others thought about my tastes, so I’ll live 😎 On the other hand, I’ve been married to the same woman for over 55 years and would marry her again… not so sure she would say the same though. 🤞
Front end: dehorn it. Get rid of fogs and center light. Remove fake exhaust from hood. Dump ornament.
Back end: remove funeral “S” trim. Paint trunk to match body.
Would look like a “20s-30s” tribute.
You’re right the horn fog lights and center light are a bit much Would look better without these.
Megabarf.
Went right to the comments and was not disappointed.