My Dad was a fanatic for Austins when I was growing up. He had I think eight in all, three of which ran and looked great. 1966 Austin Americas. The one he gave me was light green, my sister's tan, and he drove a blue one. I was ten at the time.
I drove mine flying around the dirt roads that surrounded all the tobacco fields (yes, I lived in the sticks). He also bought an Austin Marina...can't remember the year...but I remember it would fly! Then came two 1960's Fiat Spyders (not sure of the exact dates on 'em, thinking 68). One he used for parts and fixed up the other, gave it to my sister. Of course, I drove it the most though
. Man I miss those li'l cars!
At 13 I persuaded (okay, aggrevated) my Dad into buying a 1971 Camaro ($600 back then). It was school bus yellow, camel interior and of course the 350/350 turbo. Now THAT was a cool ride at 13 huh?? And no, I didn't have a license yet!
Ended up trading the Camaro for a 1971 Honda 350 motorcycle (inline 4cyl). Overhauled it completely and man that thing sounded good with a straight header! Traded that for a 1969 Thunderbird with the suicide doors and a 429 Thunderjet!! Woohoo that thing was a killer ride back in those days! I won't go in to what happened to one of my buddies who forgot it had the suicide doors...and was slightly enebriated. :laugh:
Over the years I've gone through quite a few different rides. 1980 280Z (ground effects, spoiler, loaded). '72 Ford shortbed w/305 and three on the tree. Traded it for a '79 Mustang someone had dropped a 351 police interceptor in. I have to say that was the fastest, and scariest, car I've ever owned. I sold it quickly.
Bought a '68 Dodge Dart w/the 340 hemi wedge and parked it at my grandma's house, went back the following week and it was gone. I ran inside and asked where my car was and she said, "I sold it." Yep, she sold it. No title, no nothing. I never did find out what happened to that car or even how much she got for it. Hey, it was my grandma. I couldn't fuss.
I did buy another '71 Camaro years ago and restored it, but ended up having to sell it right after finishing. Had a '71 Cutlass Supreme...get this...diesel! Yep, diesel. My dad and I pulled the 350 olds diesel out and put in a 350 olds gas engine and drove that thing for years.
Upon entering college, my dad suprised me with a new car. A Renault Alliance. Yeah yeah...but hey...it was new! lol (POS!) I ended up gutting the inside and installing four 12 in. subs where the back seat was, four 6x9's in the rear window four mids in the doors and several tweeters in the front with oh man, I don't even remember how many amps/crossovers/equalizers etc... Needless to say, it couldn't be driven with the bass up...mady my eyes crossed! :laugh: That was back in my "bass" phase. Got over that quick.
Have owned a BMW, SAAB, Jaguar (dad has a XJ12 right now).
Here is my last project. And my
last ride. I'm sure there's tons I've forgot about...thank goodness right?
I've put enough in here as it is.
So...yeah...I'm a car guy. And bike guy. And I like boats too.