Imperial Home Page -> Mailing List & Club -> Member Spotlight -> Erik Journey
Here is a brief interview we recently had with IML member Erik Journey. All the pictures displayed on this page are from Erik's Car collection. If you are interested, or have any other questions for Erik, please feel free to send him a message!
Question: When did you purchase your first Imperial?
Answer: I'm 26 years old, and I bought my first Imperial in May of 1999 in Eugene, Oregon from a guy who had plans to customize it ...It is a Silver with Black Vinyl top 1965 Imperial crown coupe with black interior. Options include am/fm radio with reverb, a/c, and power vents It has 129k on the engine, good shape, but has been sitting for some time.
Q: Do you still own it?
A: Yes.
Q: What, if any, restoration did you do to that car?
A: Just minor electrical repairs and lots of clean up.
Q: What is your favorite year Imperial?
A: Late 20's
Q: Why is it your favorite? What do you find appealing about that particular year?
A: I love the understated elegance of the late 20's imperials
Q: Do you have a favorite Imperial gadget or styling feature?
A: signal seeking radio with floor switch
Q: What does your Imperial collection consist of?
1965 Crown Coupe 1966 Crown 4dr hardtop, 117k, gorgeous red leather interior, engine needs rebuilt. I bought the 66 3 weeks before Rhody days 2000 from some people who we're moving to California. It attended Rhody Days and I drove it for quite some time before the engine gave up. 1967 Imperial Crown 4dr Hardtop White with Black Leather 65k, good shape, runs great. At Rhody days 2000 I ran into the auto shop teacher from my old highschool who offered me the 67 for 500.00. It attended Rhody Days 2002.
Q: What other collector cars do you own today?
A: 1967 Jeepster Commando, 134k, great shape. 1976 Wagoneer, 102k, just
rebuilt the engine, in excellent condition. 1930 Model A Ford "project"
1924 Star open delivery wagon "depot hack" project
Q: Which car has been your favorite and why?
A: Which car has been your favorite and why? The 67 Jeepster, it is the
cutest Jeep you'll ever see, and she gets looks from everyone.
Q: What are your future plans for your present collection?
A: I would like to someday own a late 20's Imperial . At this time I need to finish a few projects and downsize my collection.
Q: Do you have any, "I can't believe I let that car get away from me" stories?
A: 1950 Studebaker Champion in fantastic all original condition with beautiful
interior for sale for only 1,200$
Q: Are there any other collector cars (besides Imperials) that you would like to own?
A: Any Packard or Pierce Arrow built before WWII,
Q: Do you belong to any other antique car clubs?
A: Model T Ford Club International
Model A Ford Club Of America
McKenzie A's Model A Club
Horseless Carriage Club
Society Of Automotive Historians
Pierce Arrow Society
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club
Durant Motors Automobile Club
Q: What was the best car show you ever attended?
A: The Forest Grove, Oregon Concours d' Elegance but we have alot of fun at the Annual Rhody Festival Imperial meet.
Q: What is the best car museum you have ever visited?
A: The National Automobile Museum in Reno Nevada
We would like to thank Erik Journey for sharing his wonderful Car Collecting Passion with us!! Please check back next month when we will be spotlighting another Imperial Club member.
