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First issues first — no, I don’t have a image. I in all probability had it at one time, however this was again in 1969-72, and I’ve moved a number of instances since then. This wasn’t my first automobile, however it positively was the nicest one journey I ever had, though it was for only a brief time period.

Once I was 12, my dad instructed me, “In a number of years, you’re going to get your driver’s license and also you’re going to desire a automobile. I’ll match no matter you will have saved up.” So I obtained a paper route, plus in the summertime I’d mow grass and within the winter I’d shovel snow. I gave Dad a few of my earnings to place within the credit score union. Once I turned 16, I obtained my license and in November 1963 I purchased a 1956 Chevrolet from a man my dad labored with. It was a puke inexperienced two-door coupe with a six-cylinder and three-on-the-tree, however it was mine. It felt good to drive forwards and backwards to highschool and to the native burger joint on the weekends — at 26.9 cents a gallon, no much less.

Once I graduated in 1965, LBJ was actually ramping up that struggle. If you turned 18 and graduated from highschool, you just about packed your bag — you had been occurring a discipline journey. I frolicked that summer time however knew my days had been numbered, so in September I joined the Marines. My dad mentioned that since I used to be going to be gone for 4 years, he’d promote the Chevy and I may ship cash house each month in order that, once I got here house, I may purchase a very nice sizzling rod. So I did, and he did. In spite of everything, what did I want cash for? The Marine Corp gave me free housing, free garments, free meals and even free ammo in Vietnam — twice. I used to be sending $125-140 house each month. Once I obtained out in June 1969, I had a heap of wampum saved on the credit score union.

In April 1969, my dad instructed me he’d begin wanting round for one thing I would like, and he’d ask a few my uncles to inform him in the event that they noticed one thing. Considered one of them discovered a automobile that he was fairly positive I’d be fascinated with, so my dad wrote me and instructed me about it. I wrote again and mentioned I used to be extraordinarily . “Purchase it in case you can!”

It belonged to a man whom my uncle labored with. He purchased it brand-new as a commencement current for his son when he graduated highschool. The child went to school, the place he majored in beer and women. He didn’t go to class, however he was cited for public drunkenness, rushing and DUIs. All of this resulted within the suspension of his driver’s license and expulsion from college … and the lack of his 2-S standing with the draft board. Quickly sufficient, he acquired his letter and was on his strategy to Fort Knox. At present his identify is on the wall in Washington, DC.

His dad put it within the storage in February 1967 and coated it with a tarp. When my uncle requested him about it, he mentioned that he’d by no means touched it since. My uncle instructed him about me coming house in a few months and requested if he can be fascinated with promoting it to me. The daddy mentioned that, positive, if he may get it operating and drivable, so my dad and he went over there and, in three days, my dad drove it to my uncle’s and put it on jackstands. They labored on it proper up till I arrived house.

What was it?

A 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS, Ermine White with crimson and white checkerboard inside, 327/350, four-speed Muncie with 2.20 low gear, 12-bolt Positraction and newer Rally wheels. Dangerous-ass quick!

I drove that little sizzling rod throughout God’s creation and, on Friday nights, I’d go to Kil-Kare Dragway, then to Frisch’s at Forest Park, the native hangout for all of the gearheads in Dayton (plus women — a number of ‘em). It was the very best time of my life in some ways: an amazing automobile, a number of pals (particularly women) and racing, particularly after 4 years within the Marines, two excursions of Vietnam and legally having the ability to purchase beer.  

I had discovered a job with Greyhound, as I had been a mechanic within the Marines. I additionally met a woman. After which she obtained pregnant, in order that was the tip of my sizzling rod/drag racing/Frisch’s days. I needed to promote the automobile, discover an condo and begin driving her 1966 six-cylinder Mustang.

However I nonetheless bear in mind punching the gasoline pedal in that Nova to today.

— Steve R., Ohio