As of May 17, 2025, this is the information we have about this car:
[Feb.01.2017] Car #378 This fine looking Azure Blue survivor belongs to Philippe van Assche, from Lödöse, in Sweden. VIN # 5362 79067, Trim # 32 (Blue/White), Paint # 28 (Blue), Top #1(white). Philippe writes: This car was found sitting in a barn in Peoria, IL, in October 2000, with 79000 original miles on it. The car was bought new in August, 1953, by Mr. Charles Sword of Peoria, IL, a partner in the Swords & Dietz company. Mr. Louie J. Dietz bought it around 1955 and the car stayed in the same family ever since. It was cosmetically restored in 1977, with new paint and rechroming of most parts. When Mr. Dietz passed on in July, 1984, the title was transferred to his wife, Mrs. Viola E. Dietz. Mrs. Dietz died in November, 1999. I acquired the car from Mr.Gregory Arbogast, grandson of Mrs. Dietz and executor of her estate. The car still had the original interior but it was in very poor condition, so I have put in a new one to match the original; Jenkins Restorations supplied the leather. I had to restore the brakes and hydraulic system before I could use the car. Now it runs and drives perfectly and is a pleasure to cruise with. Sorry it took me so long to add your car to the list,Philippe.
[Feb.01.2017] Car #378 This fine looking Azure Blue survivor belongs to Philippe van Assche, from Lödöse, in Sweden. VIN # 5362 79067, Trim # 32 (Blue/White), Paint # 28 (Blue), Top #1(white). Philippe writes: This car was found sitting in a barn in Peoria, IL, in October 2000, with 79000 original miles on it. The car was bought new in August, 1953, by Mr. Charles Sword of Peoria, IL, a partner in the Swords & Dietz company. Mr. Louie J. Dietz bought it around 1955 and the car stayed in the same family ever since. It was cosmetically restored in 1977, with new paint and rechroming of most parts. When Mr. Dietz passed on in July, 1984, the title was transferred to his wife, Mrs. Viola E. Dietz. Mrs. Dietz died in November, 1999. I acquired the car from Mr.Gregory Arbogast, grandson of Mrs. Dietz and executor of her estate. The car still had the original interior but it was in very poor condition, so I have put in a new one to match the original; Jenkins Restorations supplied the leather. I had to restore the brakes and hydraulic system before I could use the car. Now it runs and drives perfectly and is a pleasure to cruise with. Sorry it took me so long to add your car to the list,Philippe.