Very soon, the classic cars will reappear on the roads after a long winter. Our area has plenty of car shows and events lasting throughout the summer and into fall, weather permitting. I am not a big car enthusiast like so many people in Michigan, but I have owned my share of beautiful vehicles.
My very first car was a 1967 Chevy Camaro – lemon yellow with a black vinyl top. My parents bought the car and the deal was that I would drive it until I left the house. After that, it would go to my younger sister. It cost me a fortune to fill the tank: $4. When I got married and moved away a few years later, my sister started driving it. After six months, she let her boyfriend drive it and he wrecked it. I was not happy.
As a wedding gift, my new inlaws bought us a new car – a 1974 Chevy Nova. It was midnight blue with white racing stripes along the trunk, over the top and across the hood. It was in this car that I learned to drive a stick shift. I loved it and still love driving a manual transmission.
Sadly, it was not a happy marriage and my first husband bought me a “please don’t leave me” car. It was a brand new 1976 Chevy Camaro Berlinetta, light blue. He encouraged me to take it on a trip, which I did. I got as far as Nashville, and then headed home because he screamed at me to “come back” every time I called. Gave him his car back and moved into my own place.
The first brand new car I bought on my own was a 1982 Ford EXP. It was a silver two-seater and considered a sports car at the time. I first saw it at a Chicago car show, put a $50 deposit down and bought it. I drove that car for two months before I saw another one on the road. I loved the car because it was looked cool and with only two seats, I didn’t have to drive too many people around with me. I drove it until the loan was repaid; a month later, the head gasket went (of course) and that was the end of that.
After the EXP, I owned several more great cars. I have always been lucky buying previously owned vehicles because I have a fool-proof method. I only purchase cars with low mileage, cars driven by older ladies who only went to church and the grocery store. No joke – it worked every single time. My current car is no exception.
I’ve only hated one vehicle I owned. It was a silver SUV and gave me more problems than I can share here. To this day, I hate “soccer mom” cars (SUVs). They’re everywhere and always silver. Why?
Anyway, attending a classic car event is great fun! A few years ago, my cousin, Meike, was visiting from Germany and I took her to Holly for a “Cruise to Battle Alley.” She drooled over a classic Shelby Mustang and was over the moon when the young, handsome owner agreed to take a picture of the two them with the car.
I have always wondered why people love classic cars so much; but when I think about it, I do, too! Just looking at them brings back some great memories.
