That's a great story. Hopefully your wallet is a little fatter. Even if it isn't that's quite an honor. Is there a picture of you from the 60's standing next to it? Did they fix it up or did you just keep it pristine? Where is that museum?
Speaking of grandchildren, don't you have a grandchild just about ready to start driving?
Jim,
Every time you post an entry on this board I continue to be more impressed. You have a tremendous variety and depth of tallents, interests and activities. I really admire your writing style and your open willingness to express your feelings. When all of us were in high school I never took the time to really appreciate my fellow classmates. I am grateful to now have that opportunity even if it is only throught the internet. My thanks to you and all the others who have shared a bit of their last 40 years.
Hey Diane,
The first car I drove (legally) was a '66 Ford Falcon. In '68 we got a new yellow Cougar. I loved that car. It took me through most of College, until I traded it for my first Ford pick up truck.
I remember when we all started driving gas was 27cents per gallon. Gas, just as most everything else, has increased in cost 10 fold or more. Too bad wages have not done the same.
I almost didn't get to have a first car. The first time i ever drove a car i was 14. Here i was driving the Boys Club directors (Ron Moore) '65 WV van stick shift down Mill ave in the middle of the day. One would think there was no way my dad would ever know. To my great surprise who did we pass going the other way....my dad. Punishment, driving two years early, you can wait two after you turn 16 to get you license. No fun. Then at 19 first car, 1955 chevy with all the race goodies. The headers were so loud i would have to shut the motor off several blocks from the house to sneak in after curfew. Like that ever worked. loved that car.
It is privately owned by a longtime car hobby acquaintance of mine named Terry Gale. Word is (I've never pried into his personal finances!) that he has no other profession other than to run, maintain and EXPAND the AMC museum. He recently built another building with a 90-car capacity.
Another story - my wife Judy's 'uncle' (through marriage) on her Dad's side worked for AMC in those years, and he was the marketing executive who was responsible for naming the Javelin. Some of his buisiness colleagues a the time thought that 'Javelin' was too agressive or racy a name (this was American Motors, after all), but his opinion won out. His name is (was) Guy Hadsell. I got to meet him a couple of times - up in years now living in CA or no longer with us (we've stopped receiving any responses to inquiries or letters). Guy was kind enough to autograph under the deck lid of my car! Don't know who was prouder, him or me.
Haven't found any early pictures of me & car in the early years - I have some (non-electronic) pics of me and some trophies from car shows. At times the shows had me competing with everything from Camaros to Cobras. Best car shows were up in Steamboat as part of the (former)) vintage car races over Labor Day weekends. That event ceased a few years ago, sadly. Winning cars got to take a few laps around the grand prix-style course to cheering fans (or my imagination) - got to do that once, with Judy riding shotgun.
The car had selective restoration, including new paint, interior (even perfect reproduction vinyl seatcover sets, very rare), a set of AMC exact repro. upgraded wheels, a few chrome pieces rechromed from sun fading, and those red-line tires (you can see in the photos).
The vinyl top, amazingly, is original. Thank Maguire's....
Thanks for all the info. What a great hobby, that actually paid off. Loved seeing the picture of the actual car. Can't believe it's the same 'top'. Wouldn't be in AZ. Have to admit the 'girl' in me also noticed the beautiful leaves on the trees in the background. Thanks for the insight on the car and museum.
Diane's right - what a great story and life event for you! Most of us would dearly love to know what happened to that 1st car we had, but in your case, you not only know where it is, you know that it's in a museum! How great is that?
Gail, thank you. Mr. Dee used to talk about being a 'renaissance man,' someone who could excel at many things. Problem is, when attempted, you find you aren't much good at any of them. That's the price paid for not really specializing in any one thing, but continually trying lots of different things. Perhaps there's less there than meets the eye.
Judy often says, 'Some things are worth doing badly.'' She's often as not referring to me and my latest project. She is, of course, the Renaissance Woman par excellence, at one time or another trying event facilitation, publishing, Librarianship, rug hooking, Brazilian embroidery, all types of soft sculpture, wood carving, weather spotting (we can chase storms across metro Denver from the comfort of our deck...), ballet, paper arts, softball, absolutely anything doable on a sewing machine, natural history, cross country skiing, and everything required to help raise two ADHD grandsons. She is also queen of Hefferman Gulch, spending every spare summer moment at the cabin (I once wrote an essay about her called 'WoodsWoman'). This year while THS is celebrating our 40th reunion, Judy's Girl Scout troop is gathering for a reunion, too (although they decided to leave out the camping...).
Special Edition Mercedes, designed by M. C. Escher, I think. They discontinued it because 92% of the owners wound up with dyslexia. The other 8% died on railroad tracks -- they wound up driving up them when they thought they were crossing.
Judy sounds absolutely amazing. I am in awe of all her activites and talents. My gosh, what a woman. It is wonderful that you have each other. How fortunate for your grandchildren to have you two in their lives. Thanks for sharing about your family.
This is not a 'first car,' but I'm now getting this more recent car ready for some regular driving and fun. It's a '72 Volvo 1800ES, in red. I bought it about 8 years ago, had some work done on it (rechroming several pieces, rebuilding the grille, other cosmetics), but let it go downhill a bit due to neglect. Now that the Javelin is in other hands, can devote some time and $$$ to the 1800ES. The att. picture IS NOT my car, but it gives an idea of the model that mine is. These sport wagons were only made for two years, and sold only in the US (the Swedes couldn't get them). In all, only 8,077 were made over 1972-73 (the wagon body style). Always liked the looks of them, and happened to see one for sale near us. Middle-age crazy.
Jim, you dog. Nice! I used to drool over this model Volvo. Has the handle for the rear window set in the glass. They just released one that hearkens back to yours called a C30. See photo. Is yours fast?
LIke Gail, I continue to be impressed with the cars all the guys talk about. This leads me to wonder about the Freudian significance of cars for guys. Or maybe I'm way behind on this analogy and they've known for years that the fascination men have for cars is really about sexual prowess or endowment.
Mine was a 1959 Chevy 4-door 283 motor 3 on the column no A/C, and the WINGS! They were not only cool looking, they were great for extra seating. Drove it for two years & then moved up to a 1960 Chevy 4-door 283 with automatic AND A/C! Â They didn't get very good mileage buy $4.00 would fill 'em up!
(Steve,
I didn't remember you having a 59. I bought a 1959 Chevy Impala Convertible in the summer of 1968. Same motor as yours with a 2 speed 'Powerglide' automatic transmission. Cost was $225.00. Got a new top and paint job then I sold it two years later for the same amount and bought a 1969 Camaro. Fun times)
Wayne
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