[Closed] Paul Hettick's latest '59 "flat top" builds: Invicta and Electra 225

I left the photos big so that you could appreciate the quality of Paul's work. Paul has built large numbers of these '59 Buick flattops -- based on the Tom Coolidge 1/25-scale resin-cast kits -- for his customers. Paul builds them, of course, in the color combinations and exact models that his customers request.

These cars were not for me, but he has built a Silver Birch Electra flat top and a Glacier Green Electra 225 flat top for me during the past. (He's also done a '60 Invicta flat top for me.) I'm saving up for an Electra 225 Riviera Sedan -- the 6-window pillarless style.

His work is always a pleasure to see! I just don't like the subject matter

I was never into the flat top GM cars, never thought they looked right. I must be in the majority as you seldom see any at car shows (meaning few cared to preserve them), and GM didn't make this roof style for too long, and if memory serves correct, noone else made flat tops. I dont EVER recall FORD or Chrysler offering one, but that is long before my time. I was born in 1966. Some will now argue how beautiful and unique this design is, etc.. thats fine and that is YOUR opinion. What I stated is MY opinion. Last.... I'm also sure someone will mention "OH if they aren't popular then why is there this and that club, a national flat top meet blah blah blah.." We also have Pacer clubs, Gremlin and Pinto clubs, etc... Do these go over with the majority of auto enthusiast? NO!

A love it or hate it design. I reckon that their absence at car shows reflects a collector bias toward convertibles and 2-door hardtops. So, you are entirely correct that a relatively smaller number have been collected / cared for over time.

Certainly, there is significant interest in this body style (more than you might expect), but, as you point out, the same can be said for any old car. Far be it from me to attempt to persuade you that the flat tops were a fabulous design.

My understanding is that the flat top (known internally as the "Flying Wing" or "Cantilever" roof) was a Harley Earl idea, previewed on one of the mid-1950's GM Motorama cars. I believe it was the Pontiac Strato Streak. The idea was to create a roofline that appeared to be floating above the rest of the car, thus accounting for the very slender roof pillars. Earl wanted the roofs to be finished entirely in stainless steel, but the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham revealed how costly this approach would be.

Senior Edsels and Mercuries utilized a similar roofline, although not quite the same, during the '58 - '60 time period.

I guess I'm in the minority as well. I absolutely love the flat top design.

Absolutely gorgous! Paul Hettick does an amazing job. He is truly a mastercraftsman when it comes to diecasts and detail work....

I'll join your minority. Always loved them, very stunning design.

Uh, where do you stand on GM Flattop's Phil?

EOM

Brian, came up with this while poking through some photos. I, too, like the flat top GM's......

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Thanks, Terry! This is my photo . . . and car.

+1

??? I think I was very clear, Im not a fan of the Flat tops.

Again it's my opinion, if you or anyone else likes them or loves them that's totally your preogative so..... I didn't say I can't see why anyone likes this design. It certainly is unique, but not my speed. I like cars that have a balanced design, and cars that flow. This is one of my biggest disappointment with the design of most cars today. They are out of proportion and only look good from certain angles. The majority of cars now days have two or four big doors and a short stubby hood with just about no overhang in front of the wheels, and the rear quarter panels look borrowed from a car half their size! To my eyes, the Flat top roof design looks to low and small for the size of the cars they are on. Also from a safety stand point I can bet these cars were VERY VERY unsafe in a roll over and that the roofs caved right in!

PIX - BRING ON the flattops.... especially the Bonneville.....

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