First Cars & Fond Memories

[REWahoo]

My first car was a B&W '56 Chevy Belaire. It was the family car I 'inherited' in 1963 when I got a part-time job. Six cylinder, H-shift on the column, no radio until I installed one from the local junk yard.

It survived HS and almost through the first two years of college until the engine blew on my way home from spring break. Not sure how many miles I had on it as the odometer quit working at 115k and I drove it for at least two more years after that.

Seems a shame to have driven that car for 5 years and not have a photo, but I don't. Other than the aftermarket wheels it looked just like the one below...

 

[eytonxav]

As for your 69' I've seen them go anywhere between $20,000.00 to $120,000.00 depending on the condition and whether it's still original and whats under the hood.

Let me fix that for you

 

[Avalon]

As far as what's under the hood of these old cars- A 'numbers matching' engine usually adds more value than a non matched replacement. In some instances because of rarity, they become almost priceless. Too many of these classics were modified for one reason or another.
One rare version of the old vettes known as the L-88 (unmodified and judged for originality) will fetch in the 1 mil. range.

 

[73ss454]

As far as what's under the hood of these old cars- A 'numbers matching' engine usually adds more value than a non matched replacement. In some instances because of rarity, they become almost priceless. Too many of these classics were modified for one reason or another.
One rare version of the old vettes known as the L-88 (unmodified and judged for originality) will fetch in the 1 mil. range.

Yup, those L88's can bring some money.

Big Money - First 1967 L88 Convertible Sells for $1.25 Million in Monterey

 

[eytonxav]

Yup, those L88's can bring some money.

Big Money - First 1967 L88 Convertible Sells for $1.25 Million in Monterey

Considering these probably sold for about $7-$8K back then, not a bad ROI. I used to lust after a 427 Cobra back then (and I'm not talking about a Mustang) which were probably in the $12K range. I'd take either one however

 

[East Texas]

Sarah, what size hitch did that 'Cuda have on it to tow that B-17?

Why, a big ol' Texas size hitch of course! Underpasses were a tad difficult....

 

[scrinch]

Oh, man Scrinch, did it look like this one? I can't believe you wrecked it, dang, what a hot car!!! Whew!

Similar. It had a black vinyl top, double hood scoops, and different wheels, but gave the same basic bright, low, wide, fast impression. Mine didn't have the wings, motors, and props in the back though. Probably a good thing...just another way for a teen to get in trouble!

 

[TromboneAl]

 

[73ss454]

Heh, TA I remember that picture since you posted it once before. I remember because of the pancake on your head.

 

[eytonxav]

Heh, TA I remember that picture since you posted it once before. I remember because of the pancake on your head.

Maybe he was going through a Brit phase back then, trying to emulate John Stead (but he wore a bolla) or perhaps our esteemed moderator

 

[TromboneAl]

Now I know why I had so much trouble getting girlfriends in high school -- if only I could go back.

 

[Gumby]

1968 Jeep CJ-5

 

[Nodak]

Received the picture of my old Caddy from the guy I sold it to 40 years ago.

 

[73ss454]

Nodak, now that's cool!

 

[Avalon]

Nodak, now that's cool!

Agree. Very nice!

 

[Seeking Hobbes]

Okay, I was inspired seeing everyone's first cars & decided to DIG through boxes of photos... My walk through memory lane uncovered a couple snaps of my old MG (sigh).

Thanks for the memories!

 

[TromboneAl]

Did you MG owners have trouble with the fuel pump, as I did, or had they fixed that in the MGBs?

 

[Seeking Hobbes]

Did you MG owners have trouble with the fuel pump, as I did, or had they fixed that in the MGBs?

Mine only went out once... on a drive to the Indianapolis speedway, for the AMGBA (American MGB Association) convention.

Since it was an electric pump located down next to the fuel tank, I discovered that tapping it was enough to free the solenoids which occasionally fused together.

By removing the cushion and battery cover on the rear bench seat... and passing an umbrella through the battery box, I was able to poke the fuel pump while driving (whenever it became disagreeable).

I kinda miss being that resourceful while out on the road.
Of course, there's also something to be said for new car reliability...

 

[TromboneAl]

Mine only went out once... on a drive to the Indianapolis speedway, for the AMGBA (American MGB Association) convention.

Since it was an electric pump located down next to the fuel tank, I discovered that tapping it was enough to free the solenoids which occasionally fused together.

By removing the cushion and battery cover on the rear bench seat... and passing an umbrella through the battery box, I was able to poke the fuel pump while driving (whenever it became disagreeable).

I kinda miss being that resourceful while out on the road.
Of course, there's also something to be said for new car reliability...

Yes, it was just like that for me, but I never figured out how to do it without getting out and running around to the right rear wheel area. "Got to goose the fuel pump again!"

 

[Keim]

By removing the cushion and battery cover on the rear bench seat... and passing an umbrella through the battery box, I was able to poke the fuel pump while driving (whenever it became disagreeable).

Being able to jerry rig a repair WHILE driving. Now that is the sign of a QUALITY car.

 

[kcowan]

53 Flathead-V8 Ford 2-door sedan. Purchased in 1958. Kept for the summer then sold.

 

[Meadbh]

Keith, you must have been about 10 when you drove that car, eh?

 

[kcowan]

Keith, you must have been about 10 when you drove that car, eh?

16, first car, parents did not know.

 

[travelover]

For all you old car buffs, we have a crazy celebration every August called the Woodward Dream Cruise, named after Woodward Avenue where Detroit area kids used to cruise their cars. Those kids are older now, but not grown up. The result is a week of cruising in midlife crisis cars, culminating this last Saturday for a full day of cruising.

You have to see it to believe it.

Woodward Dream Cruising Saturday afternoon | AUTOS Photo Gallery | DETNEWS.COM

 

[kcowan]

We had over a 100 cars register for the BC HRA Show and Shine across the road from our place. Quite a display! Even a 57 Chev ambulance , a Deux Cheveau, Anglia, and Morris. Mostly Fords from the 30s and 40s and Chevs from the 50s and 60s. Noticeably under-represented: Mustangs, Corvettes and Camaros. Lots of chrome under the hoods.