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How to find your "classic" auto

Discussion in 'How to' started by justusforus, Aug 31, 2013.

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  1. justusforus

    justusforus Member Founding Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2013
    Messages:
    187
    Growing up outside of Detroit, we were all car nuts. My father started collecting 50's Cadillacs in the 1970's. It became infectious and my brothers started tracking down more exotic finds like a Studebaker Hawk (and later a Lark) a Chevy Nomad, a first year Camaro and so on. Luckily we lived on a large piece of acreage and although it did seem that time stood still, there was an eclectic collection of Detroit steel that drew comments from all our friends and neighbors.

    For me. my obsession became the Thunderbird. Being a teenager, the "little birds" of the late 50's were out of my price range back then. One day though, I was at a shopping mall and I saw an odd shaped vehicle that I knew was an early 60's bird. It was pulling out of the lot and on to the street, so I zig zagged on foot to run to the signal light where I hoped it would stop. Nearly out of breath and adrenaline pumping as I did my cheetah sprint, I caught my prey when the signal turned red. I boldly approached the passenger window from the curb motioning to roll down the window. The two men inside laughed and said they were on a test drive and were going to return to the lot anyway. At that point, I saw the "for sale" sign on the dash and vowed to make it mine when they returned to the lot. I did accomplish my goal and that was my first 1962 Thunderbird and the beginning of a search that continues to this day.

    The 1962 Thunderbird had a chrome scooped out dash, with the script "Thunderbird" emblazoned proudly across it. It was an engineering and style marvel with power windows, seats, a "swing away" steering column (yes it moved from its normal place towards the center console I was told to allow "ladies easier exits with their long skirts") and chrome on the front, rear and sides to adorn this hulky jewel. I researched my treasure and learned that Thunderbirds were conceived to fill a niche market between the sport and luxury buyer and to me this car was the best of both worlds.

    Over the years I have owned over a half dozen of this make and model year. At one time I had a red, a white and yes a blue bird in a line in front of my house. My neighbors thought me odd, but not everyone understands another's obsession.

    Was this really a "classic" in the true sense of the word? Many might disagree opting to point to a Shelby Mustang or some limited production fare, but what mattered was this car was "my" classic. In the "old days" I checked newspapers and car publications (yes on real paper) and took day trips to some of the remote parts of the state to look for birds. I even learned to drive all the way to Florida to find a "salt free" and "Sunday driver" that someone had tucked in a barn or carport. I let my passion be known and eventually people were sending the birds to me.

    Flash forward many, many years. Now with the Internet and the proliferation of car clubs and forums, my classic hunt techniques have changed dramatically. I still remember the "hunting trips" and will still spend a Sunday or two traversing the obscure reaches of this country and will someday bring down another bird.

    Happy hunting and would be interested in hearing any stories you may have.
    Tbird1.jpg Tbird2.jpg
     
  2. Flexin

    Flexin Admin Staff Member Founding Member Top Event

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2012
    Messages:
    4,656
    Occupation:
    Truck Driver
    Location:
    Nova Scotia, Canada
    Great post. Please tell me someone has video of you of you chasing the car down? If that isn't a Gearhead then I don't know what is. :thumbsup:

    That is a great looking car. I love the shape and style of that dash.

    For me, the old car I must have is a 427 Cobra. The issue is they are really expensive. I also thought about how driving it. Would I be afraid to if I spent that much money on it? I also found out it would be harder to find one that was the way I wanted because they were all a bit different. So for me, I really want to build one. Do what he did. He took a small body and tossed a large engine in it. I can do that same. I can choice which engine I want, what features I want it in and how things are going to be laid out. One day I hope to build it.

    With the really old cars you still might have to make the odd hunting trip to find the gems but with the internet, its easier to find someone, that knows someone, that has a cousin that is friends with someone, that might still live beside someone that use to have one in their barn.

    James
     
  3. justusforus

    justusforus Member Founding Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2013
    Messages:
    187
    Thanks Flexin. No video but my mother who was with me told the story of how I darted off and the guys simply came back over and over again. Gearhead....yep, guilty as charged.

    I hope you do get your dream Cobra project. That is a great choice.

    You are also right about the someone who knows someone and I have driven "down south" sat in a diner and talked to my stool mates (that sounds odd) and gotten a lead or two. Sometimes the hunt is as interesting as the capture.
     
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