by Mariana T.
Member since:
May 10, 2006

What Was Your First Vehicle?

September 10, 2006 09:29 PM EDT (Updated: December 09, 2006 06:48 PM EST)
views: 165 | comments: 98

The very first vehicle I owned was a 1970 Volkswagon.  It was yellow.  I ordered it in September of 1969 and it came in a couple of months later.  I was thrilled.  I couldn't even drive it.  I was working at a bank and had managed to save $300 for the down payment.  The entire cost of the VW Bug was $2,150 and that included finance charges.  No, I didn't have an air conditioner! 

I had worked at Guaranty Bank and Trust Company in Morgan City for about six month before I managed to save up a down payment.  My father had to co-sign for me because I was under 21.  It didn't matter that I had never driven a stick shift.  I learned how on my way home.  You know that bridge that's in the Easy Rider movie?  Well, that bridge is memorable in many ways.  I crossed it grinding gears and getting honked at but I crossed it in Daisy, my 1970 VW.  After that, I crossed many bridges between Louisiana and California.  The last big bridge I drove across was the Golden Gate Bridge in  San Francisco.  After that, Daisy stayed locally and now is on blocks in my backyard.  I've owned it for almost 40 years. 

I wish Daisy could talk and tell some of the many experiences of travelling to Florida, Wisconsin and finally California.  It was my first car.  It was my first taste of independence.  Volkswagons have a certain smell and I can never sit in another one without a flood of memories coming back to me. 

What was your first car or truck or moving vehicle?  Tell me a story about it and were you anthropormorphical as I was and named it?  I always name things.  Where is it now and do you wish you still had it?  What was the most memorable trip you took?  Thank you for sharing.  In honor of Daisy and all our first vehicles...  Salud!

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Comments: 98

Jim B. Sep 10, 2006, 9:46pm EDT
Not counting bicycles, my first vehicle was a Simca Arande Oceane. It's a little french sports car and, at the time, there were only about 150 of them in America. It was a convertible and more or less resembled a sunbeam Alpine. It had a small engine and stick shift. I don't remember what year it was. I was a high school student and had no money. My dad bought it for me. Since that time I've owned about 30 vehicles and currently own six of them (though only three are running).
Marsha B. Sep 10, 2006, 9:51pm EDT
My first vehicle was a yellow Ford Pinto. You know, the ones that blew up if they got hit from behind?

I was working the overnight shift at a radio station and my dad decided to buy it for me as a graduation present. It was a used car but in pretty good shape. I owned it for five years. Didn't take any trips in it since I lived on an island and you just can't get very far in it. LOL

In any case, I practically lived in it. Not literally. I just had such a busy life when I owned it that I would always have a change of clothes and a jacket or sweater thrown in the back, etc.

I traded it in for a Mazda 626 in 1986. Seemed to be just a bit safer. ;-)
Faith H. Sep 10, 2006, 9:55pm EDT
<---This was the tangerine turd! I bought it in 1972, as a brand new lieutenant in the AF, before I even got my drivers license. Ha! Drove it from Biloxi to Upper Michigan but it didn't like the cold any more than I did. It was discarded for a new Audi after I married. Still, fond thoughts remain for that bug.
Deanna P. Sep 10, 2006, 9:57pm EDT
I drove a impaula. It was my moms then finally i bought my first car. a monte carlo. Silver my favrite color.
The very first powered WHEELED vehicle I ever had was a 1954 Cushman Mail cart. Someone before me had cut down the storage cube on the back and put in a decent sized bench seat.

I actually took it to the drive in movies a time or two having dates meet me there, as no Father in his right mind would have let his little girl go away from the house in this thing.
Not much privacy but I was pretty shy then, (no! Really!)..

Finally after blowing the rings in it three times and rolling it once I sold it to a collector in who was restoring the things for more than I paid for it.
That was my first vehicle.
Name??? we called it the bitch.
Nathan Schauer Sep 10, 2006, 10:11pm EDT
I remember my sister loved her VW also. I was more interested in English cars. Those were the days - a great car for 2000.00
Cecile V. Sep 10, 2006, 10:20pm EDT
My first vehicle was a 1976 Ford Mustang, which also became my son's first vehicle several years later and gave him a love affair with Mustangs. At one time we had two or three old Mustangs sitting in our driveway, with great hopes of him restoring them, which he never did.

My friend Pam, who was killed by her husband, had the old VW bug from her college days, for many years. That's a fond memory of her, that vw bug she named "Bug-bug". It broke her heart to get rid of it I think, but being an airforce wife and always on the move, and having two boys to cart around, practicality probably won out. I do remember she was pleased that a college girl that reminded her of herself bought it from her and the tradition was passed on....
barb w. Sep 10, 2006, 10:28pm EDT
My first vehicle was a Volkswagen, too. Firey red with a sun roof. 1969. That beetle provided my most memorable trip-I was 19 & drove across the country to Washington State & down through California to Texas.

My first taste of independence.

My dad had to co sign for me, too. It was a sweet trip, going to the dealer with him. 1500.00. I still have the old sales slip where Dad signed for it.

That is so cool that you still have Daisy.
D Q. Sep 10, 2006, 10:53pm EDT
Mine was a 1975 Capris Classic nicknamed "the tank" We got it in '95 when it was on it's very last legs... you couldn't lock the doors because they would freeze shut, the brakes randomly locked, the bench seat was stuck on a weird angle... it was a great car... *sigh*
Madame Donna C. Sep 10, 2006, 10:55pm EDT
Nice to see you again Mariana! I had the best car ever--a 1969 candy apple red mustang! It raced along the highways and later the freeways. It finally died after my brother inherited it and it was stripped by vandals of its seats and dashboard. Poor thing.
Colonel Possum Sep 10, 2006, 11:17pm EDT
Howdy Mariana!

My first vehicle was a '58 Bel-Aire and from the eyes of sixteen year-old, its geen hood stretched out to tomorrow. Boy, that was a big car.

I still own my second vehicle, a 1967 Chevrolet pick-up truck affectionately named "B.T. for "Blue Truck" aka "Old Blue". It priced out new at $2200 Tom Carroll's Chevrolet in San Fernado, CA. It was built in Fremont, CA.

Like you I'm coming up on my forty year anniversary next year.

Old vehicles are old friends. Thank you for a great article theme for reminiscing.

Cheers,

Colonel Possum
Miz Lynn aka/BooBoo Sep 10, 2006, 11:54pm EDT
My first car was a 1968 Buick Opal, tiny little thing, stick shift and the heater worked like crap. Good gas mileage too and gas was only $.25 a gallon.
Mariana T. Sep 11, 2006, 8:51am EDT
What fabulous comments!!! Does anyone remember 8 track stereos! I think my brother had one in his 60's Camaro - (gold and beautiful). I want to say it was a 1969 because he bought it while he was in the service before he left for Viet Nam.
Yea I had a $60 a month car note, my rent on my apartment in a four-plex was $80 including utilities. I think I only made $300 a month working at the bank but I made it! I'm proud to still own my Daisy and someday maybe I can drive down to the beach again with her. I'm sure she is still full of sand from the days of hauling surfers around. Oh as far as gas - I can remember pulling into a Canal Gas Station and writing a check for $1.00 - maybe 4 gallons!!! Thanks all yall for your comments!!! Salud!
M;

I HAVE a 8 track QUADRAPHONIC in my Box truck.. sounds like a chimp shaking a coffee can full of pebbles most of the time but the truck is so loud it makes little diff.
Colonel Possum Sep 11, 2006, 10:54am EDT
Hey Mariana,

Thanks again for inspiring me! Here's my almost first vehicle:

It's got rust, I got wrinkles

Cheers,

Colonel Possum
☃ Aunt Shanny Sep 11, 2006, 11:07am EDT
my first car (that i actually bought myself) was a '92 Pontiac Grand Prix. Usually i just drove my dad's hand me downs, including a chrysler newport. biggest car i've even seen. it felt 10 feet wide!
Auntie Smedley Sep 11, 2006, 11:22am EDT
Mine was a 1975 Ford Granada, called it "Blue Betty" or something like that. The vinyl roof peeled off and eventually the transmission died outside a posh nightclub in Duluth. I abandoned it since I didn't have the money for a tow.

A couple of years later I got an adorable little 1978 burgundy Chevette with a plaid interior. Tough little car.
Jackie L. Sep 11, 2006, 11:43am EDT
My first car was an '89 Plymouth Horizon. My mom bought it for me used, and I was so thrilled to have my own car. The gas mileage was great, even if it was goofy looking. The bumpers were made out of some kind of amazing material that the entire car should have been made out of- every time someone banged my bumper, no matter how big their car was, my bumper barely had a scratch, while their front end was crumpled.

I had to replace the transmission twice, and the third time the transmission was going, I donated it to the American Heart Association and took the tax credit. I never thought watching my ol' car being towed away would bring a tear to my eye, but it did...

I'm still only on my second car. But it's rapidly declining. God, I probably just cursed myself...
Auntie Smedley Sep 11, 2006, 2:46pm EDT
Only on your SECOND car? You are such a young thing!

I'm on number... um... [counting on fingers] 6!

1. 1975 Ford Granada
2. 1978 Chevy Chevette
3. 1981 Toyota Corolla Tercel hatchback (my favorite car - it was adorable, and got totalled after only 6 months)
4. 1985 Toyota Tercel hatchback
5. 1994 Toyota Tercel 2-door sedan (best care I ever owned. I had it 8 years and only did 1 engine repair)
6. 2001 Toyota RAV4
John S. (arizona) Sep 11, 2006, 3:23pm EDT
The first car I ever had was a 1954 Chevrolet Bel-Aire. It was two tone white over blue with a power-glide automatic transmission, and a straight six engine.
I hated it at the time, but I sure wish I had it now!
My Dad gave it to me after graduation, but later took it back after an argument. I told him he could have it, and left.......
Jeff Cusson Sep 11, 2006, 3:31pm EDT
I'm on vehicle #5:

1. 1991 Oldsmobile Cutlass Sierra
2. 1994 Ford Taurus
3. 1994 Ford Tempo
4. 2002 Toyota Corolla
5. 2005 Nissan XTerra

I remember my first time driving by myself after getting my license. I was in high school, going to a basketball game. I had never driven on the highway, it was January, nighttime and snowing like crazy. I've never been so scared behind the wheel. Ironically, I ended up totaling that car a few months later on a beautiful April day in the middle of the afternoon.
Julia Schrenkler Sep 11, 2006, 3:36pm EDT
Mariana, you have any images of Daisy handy? As far as the way old VWs smell - I know what you're talking about, that horsehair and oil interior smell. What I wouldn't give for a bottle of that scent...

My first car was a Volvo 244 that had more than 12 years and who-knows-how-many miles. It was a "safe" car, which was pretty necessary for me at the time. I'll always believe I made it to 30 clicks because I didn't have a motorcycle in my teens and 20s.

Auntie! I LOVED my new-to-me ToyTercel (which I bought in the early 90s) even though it didn't put out heat and was falling, falling apart.

In other news, nostalgia is a good lens for those Millennium Falcons I used to drive.
mona d. Sep 11, 2006, 3:36pm EDT
oh honey, you're back! and in fine form, too, i might add.
my story is dull - a brick red '82 toyota tercel with 87,000 miles on it previously owned by an alternative energy scientist guy. i called it "burnt tomato" for obvious reasons. i flipped it over once while pink floyd's "comfortably numb" was on the radio. the roof looked like it had been through a meteor shower, but i drove her for three years more...
Julia Schrenkler Sep 11, 2006, 3:37pm EDT
p.s. Auntie... a posh Duluth nightclub? Oh man, I gotta hear about this.
Jim B. Sep 11, 2006, 3:43pm EDT
I had a '76 Cadillac eldorado with an eight-track.
Marian L Sep 11, 2006, 5:38pm EDT
My first car was a 1968 Mustang. I bought it in 1972 for $1700.00. It had 17,000 miles on it. I drove that car until 1975 when my husband bought me a brand new Mustang. He then drove the old Mustang until it literally fell apart. We sold it for parts in 1984.
Mr. Basketball Sep 11, 2006, 5:39pm EDT
1949 Chevy Delux 4 door, hole in the rear floor. This was in 1973...so it was already 24 years old! By the SECOND car was the "first love". 1963 Triumph Spitfire! Yeah baby!
My first car was a Brown 1971 Chevy Impala sedan that I got in High School. It was awesome! I could fit my whole band (guitars/amps/drums and people) in there. It died so then I inherited a 1974 Dodge Dart – Avocado Gold. Also known as my "Chick Magnet Mobile" ;)

I drove the Dart across country to the Bay Area and ended up replacing just about every part until it finally conked out.
Moved back to MN, in 1986 and got a tan 1980 Dodge Aspen (Assburn) sedan.

Later, once we had some money, we got a brand new 1991 Mercury Tracer wagon. It died and I used public transportation and my wife's car on occasion.

Now we have 1994 Saturn VUE which we love.
Cami Soul Sep 11, 2006, 8:34pm EDT
8 tracks! they were h-u-g-e. My first baby was a 66 Oldsmobile named Bessie. That's what my Dad called his cars so that's what I called mine. She was ten years old when I got her and as long as a station wagon. Smooth-riding, spacious. 425 cubic engine. Could go 30 mph over the speed limit without even...who me? nah. I've damned down a fair bit since there.
Cami Soul Sep 11, 2006, 8:36pm EDT
tamed! not damned! I've tamed down since then. :)
Jim B. Sep 11, 2006, 8:59pm EDT
I didn't name my cars, but my highschool buddy's first car was named the "Moonmobile" because it was an old Jeep with 9 windows and we'd all moon people from each window as he drove around. I'd like to see "mooning" come back
Theresa Byer Sep 17, 2006, 10:52am EDT
Darlin'~ Good to see your voice again!! My FIRST was a 1969 Orange Crush Colored Camero SS. She would leave our farm drive-way and hit the bottom of the little hill at 60 miles per hour in a few seconds! Black and White Houndstooth check seats~had her for several years until my soon-to-be hubby and I needed a car that ran well...she was a bit hard on gas...yep, I remember 25 cents a gallon gas...Whatta car!! Great memories! Thanks for taking me down that youthful road again!! Love, light, and blessings~Mama T
Jerry D. Sep 18, 2006, 4:53pm EDT
After I was discharged from the military I bought a '56 chevy bel-air and a honda dream motor cycle. I loved both but spent most of my time on the honda. The two years out I rode the dream most every where, wet or dry roads. Me and my honda spent time together. it was exciting for me. Being only 22 and honorable discharge after being 4 yrs in the air force. I felt the freedom of the open road. My bel-air had an 8 track tape player in it as well. Loved the 60's, oldies music that I played in it. Cruising down the hiway and the music soaking into my brain. What a care free time I had, also that was my first year in college. While my mind expanded my happiness was upon the road in my Bel-air and Honda dream. Such times.....
jessie voigts Sep 22, 2006, 8:11pm EDT
ah, mariana - what a great topic! i had an orange chevette with a plack plastic interior. it was perfect bc my HS colors were orange and black. there was a huge hole in the front passenger floor. if you went through a puddle, the passenger got splashed! what a hoot. that car was great. now i cringe, though!!
Mariana T. Sep 24, 2006, 10:55pm EDT
Jerome ~ I loved your comment! What are you driving now????
what is everyone driving now? Thanks Jessie - always good to hear from you as well!!! Thank you Cami, Jim and Miz T. Loved your comments! Hope to see yall soon - Ok What are yall driving NOW???? Salud,
Philly Murray Sep 24, 2006, 11:11pm EDT
My first car was a 1970 GTO Judge, Cardianl Red, black interior, 4 spd. and I currently own a 1988 Ford Short Box 4x4, 1992 Jeep YJ 4x4, and last 1996 Monte Carlo Z34, As living here in Yellowknife well lets just say I always have to repair one of the 4x4 as I like making my own roads in the back country with friends.
thanks great topic
Philly
Mariana T. Sep 24, 2006, 11:14pm EDT
Philly - wow - loved your comment and surely appreciate you commenting very much. I can imagine that Yellowlife has a life of it's own and I sure want to know more about how that place got the name, Yellowlife!? I bet that GTO was one hot ride!!! You sound like you have a good time on those backroads - I don't blame you! Nice meeting you! Salud,
sheryl r. Sep 27, 2006, 9:03pm EDT
My first car was a 1973 ford maverick,my parents bought me for graduating high school. i got my liscense after i got the car,my first accident was a doctor's office,trying to back out. loved the car.
jessie voigts Sep 27, 2006, 11:35pm EDT
now? lincoln town car. i wanted a living room on wheels. i got it! heh heh.
Kathryn E. Nov 4, 2006, 8:19am EST
My first car was a used Corolla. I named it the Red Speedster. It was burgundy and not THAT snazzy, but still, I loved it. Drove it for years, until I got a used Van, a white Woodie - the Dodge white van with a wooded side. Drove that Van until it conked and now I have another used Toyota, this time a ticket me red that people love to dent.
Kathryn E. Nov 4, 2006, 8:22am EST
My first car was a used Corolla. I named it the Red Speedster. It was burgundy and not THAT snazzy, but still, I loved it. Drove it for years, until I got a used Van, a white Woodie - the Dodge white van with a wooded side. Drove that Van until it conked and now I have another used Toyota, this time a ticket me red that people love to dent.
ravi bedi Nov 14, 2006, 9:28pm EST
My first car was a second-hand Standard Herald ( Triamph in England). It was an unispiring grey. I got it painted two-tone, yellow with mountain blue top. It was a smashing hit, people admired it wherever it went. Later I removed the top and made it convertible. It was the favorite of the children in the camp. But the damn thing rattled a lot. Often the bonnet will open on its own. I had bought it for Ten thousand rupees, used it for twenty four years and sold it for exactly the same amount!We traveled in it all over the country. I think it must be in some junkyard for I never saw it again.
Joe T. Nov 14, 2006, 9:30pm EST
My first vehicle was a 1969 Opel Kadette. I loved that car. I drove it across the country and then drove it for ten years. I bought it in 1972.
Mariana T. Nov 15, 2006, 12:15am EST
hi Joe - thanks for commenting. Those good ole Opel Kadettes! Yours must have been a good one - I bet you had loads of fun adventures in those ten years!
Ravi, I love your story about your first car. It almost sounds like you could write a whole book about it. I'm sure you had enough adventures in 24 years to fill a book. I love that you painted it yellow with a mountain blue top! What great colors. I wonder where it is now??? Maybe it's a collector's item somewhere or else part of a beer can somewhere...who knows but I love the legacy it has left behind...! Thank you for commenting! Kathryn, good ole "ticket me" red vehicles are the most fun, aren't they! I love a red vehicle! Ain't it something that we remember what took us along so many roads to other places to meet folks who changed our lives! How did any of us live without cars! Salud,
ravi bedi Nov 15, 2006, 1:36am EST
Mariana, If you have the time, read my article "The Click Camera". It's connected with that yellow car...it put me in a very awkward situation on a memorable tri[p to Kashmir
Maureen Sullivan Stemberg Nov 15, 2006, 10:33pm EST
Miz Marina, My first car I shared with my two older sisters. It was a *lilac* Nova, remember the book by Ralph Nader "Death at any speed?" It was based on the Nova and it died on me...
then, I saved my money and brought much to my parent chagrin a bright red vesper.
Gosh, how I loved that little scooter. It is still in my Parents basement!! Great questions and thanks as also asking questions that bring us back to happy times. Madame MO
Paul G. Nov 16, 2006, 12:14am EST
Hey, Maureen.

What a coincidence. My first car was an "orchid" Cadillac ('69 vintage)--half a block long, with power everything, including reclining seats. Only problem was I could NEVER find a parking space to fit it in in Seattle.

I'm glad that you Nova died before you did. I can imagine you zipping around on your little Vespa. It's probably worth a fortune now.
Nic P. Nov 16, 2006, 12:20am EST
bad girl here saying I remember cars by their back seats.

(did I really just post that)
Mariana T. Nov 16, 2006, 12:26am EST
OMG - hahahah Nicole - you are sooooo funny!!!!! (didn't we all?)
Paul, an orchid Cadillac - ohh I would die for one - did it have the fins? I had a '73 Cadillac once and I always felt as if I were sitting in my living room, smoking clove ciggies and watching the world go by! What a ride! Madame Mo - get that little vesper out of that garage and get rolling! I'm anxious to hear more about that lilac Nova - and Ralph Nader and all that - great comments, yall - thanks bunches. Oh, Wilhelmine - didn't mean not to comment - your VW sounds really neat - great license plates! Ravi, The Click Camera sounds like a good read and it's on my list of Gather reading to do! Thanks for reminding me. So many good articles and so little time....Salud yall!
Brad (the Boy Wonder) W. Nov 16, 2006, 1:20am EST
My first car was a 1985 Ford Stationwagon that was an old company car of my father's. I still think that it was the smoothest riding car I ever owned. Not to mention that when you laid the back seat down there was enough room for................er...........never mind. Anyway, I had that car for years, and I loved it. One day, one of the freeze plugs blew ($0.79 at a auto parts store) while I was driving down the interstate. Talk about an unlucky ricochet, when it bounced off the road it took out my water pump, radiator, and about half of the engine and totalled my car. I miss that car.........
Mariana T. Nov 16, 2006, 12:18pm EST
Brad - I loved your story - what a good writer you are! Thanks for the great description - the 80's now that was a good year. Did you have Annie Lennox blaring on a tape? Yea also those big cars always rode smooth - too bad it came to such sad ending but at least you have happy memories of it! Salud,
Barbara F. Nov 19, 2006, 12:24pm EST
I had an ugly green pontiac...I could hardly see over the steering wheel...:)
Connie C. Nov 19, 2006, 9:09pm EST
I remember when I purchased my first car. I had always had to drive my parents cars then my husbands...but this one was mine. It was a 1992 Dodge Shadow. I washed and waxed it every payday.
Jimmie (Hey! Let's Gather!) Harris Dec 5, 2006, 5:24am EST
My first car was a used, 1961 Chrysler New Yorker with push-button drive (instead of a gear shift, there were simply buttons to push!) It had fins! It was white with a red interior and was a great car. I was stationed in Mississippi in the Navy and needed dependable transportation back and forth to Virginia. That was 1969 and I was 20 years old. [However - I learned to drive using my dad's old VW van.] ~Jim
Mariana T. Dec 5, 2006, 12:25pm EST
hi Barbara F., ugly green pontiac - yes, what year had that ugly green color? Thanks for commenting Connie. I wish I had the energy to wash and wax my car every payday - (I take it down to the carwash and let them do it!!). WOW James right around that time, I used to go through Mississippi on my way to Pensacola Florida. Wasn't that a lovely drive along Biloxi and those lovely little seaside towns now totally destroyed by Katrina. I am glad I drove my little yellow VW through there so often going back and forth to Atlanta (where I lived for three years). Salud,
keith crawford Dec 5, 2006, 12:44pm EST
Hi Mariana, my first car was a used 1988 Ford Aerostar, it wouldn't start once the temperature got below freezing and it turned out to be a lemon because I had to buy a new transmission after two months. Currently I drive a beige 1997 Nissan Altima that I got with just 5000 miles on it, I've been driving it the last 10 years and it still is reliable never failing to start, I've had to replace numerous parts but those Japanese sure know how to make good cars. I took a trip last year from Chicago all the way to Salt Lake City and back, drove I 80 all the way west and back. Im finally gonna have to get another car next year. Im gonna miss this car, I'been through a lot with it.
Warren Keating Dec 5, 2006, 7:03pm EST
My first car was a 1975 Nova Super Sport, (it was 1980, I was 15). I souped the car up to the max, overbored, balanced and blueprinted the engine, etc. It was very fast and very shiny (I worked in my dad's auto body shop at the time). I kept it until I moved to California in 1986 as most of the parts on the car came with the disclaimer, "Not for use in the state of California". I sold it in Mississippi for about a third of what I could have sold it for had I brought it to CA. Live and learn.

I dreamt about the car for years after I sold it. I would come home in my dream and somehow the car was still at my parents house and I had never sold it. I had many utilitarian cars since them and the dreams continued until I got my Lexus GS300 about three years ago. The perfect blend of performance and comfort with room for my growing family; I am in love with a car again after all those years, and I don't dream about the Nova anymore.
Mariana T. Dec 5, 2006, 10:03pm EST
Hello Keith - Thanks for your comment on your 1988 Aerostar. She surely sounds like it's a pretty good car and I'm glad you kept her as long as you have. Most of those older vehicles are built better than the new ones. You will miss her for sure.

Hello Warren: I wish you could have kept the car for a while. I know someone who buys old cars and ships them to Japan because they love some of the older vehicles there. Yes, you would have gotten more than you did I am sure. I know what you mean about California and the smog emissions systems and all that. Amazing how you dreamed about your car all those years until you got another perfect car to fit your life now. Thanks for commenting! Salud,
Greg Schiller Dec 9, 2006, 7:44am EST
I wrote a story about my first vehicle see: My Love: The One Door Coupe
Mariana T. Dec 10, 2006, 2:08am EST
Thank you Greg. I'll try to read your story, My Love: The One Door Coupe. Can you tell us just a little bit about it here, though? Salud,
Greg Schiller Dec 10, 2006, 7:55am EST
It was a Rambler Classic that had been T-boned in an accident, leaving only one functional door.

I must say that I share a love for Volkswagons, though I am highly bigoted about which Volkswagons breathe with the true spirit of the VW. This is serious RELIGION, and the DEVIL is in the details. :)

The only VW's truly worth devotion are those produced between mid-year 1963 and 1966. Prior to those years, the engine was 36 HP and the heating system could not keep up with a Minnesota winter. After 1966, VW went for the American market by converting to 12 volts and cheapening up on the steel.

As for Minnesota winters, the VW's operating temperature is 250 F, a full 60 degrees warmer than American cars.....the only problem is that VW did not insulate the heat exchangers. Once this defect was taken care of by an add-on called Snugbug, you could drive in your T-Shirt at -30F.

Like I said, this is religion, and I can thump like a bus-depot preacher if wound up on the subject.

(big GRIN).
Mariana T. Dec 10, 2006, 11:24am EST
Greg, you're great! Thanks for this story and the information! You're funny and yes, I've heard about the VW's prior to the years I bought mine but damn it, I was happy to purchase the first Yellow VW in St. Mary Parish. I do respect and appreciate those who can thump like a bus-depot preacher on the subject of cars; however! Salud,
Mariana T. Dec 10, 2006, 11:37am EST
Folks, I just read Greg Schiller's story, My Love: The One Door Coupe and I highly recommend it to everyone! It is fabulous. After you read it, please let me know if I have good taste or not! Salud,
Greg Schiller Dec 10, 2006, 3:29pm EST
I am contemplaing writing a series of short stories on the cars I have owned and the relationships that went with them.

Rambler Classic - First Love
Carmen Ghia - A Corroded Hiippie Relationship
Chysler Wagon - The Family Car
Chevy Nova - Bagged Two Deer or stated better, two deer bagged me..
Dodge Shadow - The Break-up Mobile.
Little Honda - Divorce and Squeezing By With The Kids.
Ford Ranger - The Healing Truck
Honda Civic - An Actualized Then (wisely) Downsized Life.
Mariana T. Dec 10, 2006, 3:57pm EST
Greg, I look forward to reading about each of your cars and the relationships that went with them. You certainly know how to tell a good story! Why don't you just make it into a full-fledged book! I absolutely love all of the titles that you've so cleverly chosen and each one could be a chapter, along with photographs from that era. Ok, I hope that we've inspired you here just a bit! Thanks for your comment. Salud
Mariana T. Dec 10, 2006, 5:13pm EST
Hi Maywood - I appreciate you stopping by to tell us about your galloping 68 Dodge Charger R/T. She sounds like a great ride! I'd love to see a picture of it! Salud,
Jody Says Dec 11, 2006, 5:35pm EST
My first car was a 1969 Mustang fastback, I learned to work on cars by completely restoring that car, my dad had a shop and we worked on other peoples stuff to pay for mine. So at 16 and in the tenth grade, I had the baddest ride in town- electric blue metallic, with black stripes gold flames and daimond interior. It sat low on the wheels, keystone spokes, with white letter dunlops, skinny in the front and fat out back. The 351 gave up after some hard runs and we built a big block with a 4spd for it- that thing would fly. I still have it today(the car and the motor). Other notables
65 shelby
64 1/2 convertable stang
another 69
66 coupe
69 ford f100 big block
67 charger
chevy luv with a built 327
supercharged 95 toyota truck
Benjamin T. Dec 11, 2006, 8:12pm EST
My first car was a brown 1980 Volvo station wagon. I must say it is the worst car I ever had.
Katheryn D. Dec 11, 2006, 8:55pm EST
Id rather talk about Queen Penelope, my Infiniti. After clunkers that I had no love for, She is my main squeeze~
Here's to Daisy!
Linda Y. Dec 13, 2006, 7:01am EST
My first vehicle was a used 1958 Chevy Impala. It was ugly! Dark green with the mustard yellow interior. The car had been a stick, but the owner made it an automatic with the shifter on the floor. It had black leather swivel bucket seats in it. And it needed an exhaust, but I thought it was the sweetest ride ever. Wish I still had that old car. I paid $50.00 for it and drove it home.
Mariana T. Dec 13, 2006, 12:16pm EST
Awww Linda, I love those kind of stories and haven't thought about that mustard yellow colored interior in years but I remember them! That would be a great car to still have - no exhaust and all!
Salud,
Mariana T. Dec 13, 2006, 12:54pm EST
Jody, WOW! ELECTRIC BLUE with black stripes - You were BAD! I absolutely love your description of your car and you know what I am thrilled that you still have it. I wan to see a picture of it please! Also, thanks for the list of the other notables in your collection! Your dad taught you well and the love of cars is one of the best loves of all! Thank you so much for commenting! Salud,
Julie O. Dec 15, 2006, 4:37pm EST
vehicle.. it's a 1973 VW Superbeetle, emerald green, photo is on this group photo site! I bought "Barry" the bug in 1980 for $650 cash from the original owner... she was a newlywed that had just graduated from college, and she sold the car to me so her and her new hubby could buy a washer/dryer set. I've had "Barry" ever since (and I have never bought another car, either).

Barry now has over 372,000 miles on the original engine (only rebuilt ONCE in 2005). I have driven Barry in every single state except Hawaii (yes, they float, but not THAT far), including Alaska. He's also been to Canada (on the way to Alaska) and Mexico (with five other adults packed inside... he rode REAL low on that trip!).

He lasted through college, my first marriage, he moved me to California from Colorado in 1988, he's appeared in films and television. He's been my longest relationship outside of my immediate family.
--Cheers!
b b. Dec 15, 2006, 7:32pm EST
My first car was a 72 "gumby" green maverick, and that was what everyone called it, so i spray painted it gray and it looked a dull black, and smoked alot, lol. They stopped calling it "gumby" though. I sure do not miss it, i paid $300 for it. That was 24 years ago and upteen cars later.
Mariana T. Dec 15, 2006, 8:01pm EST
Oh Julie - I love this article and you're inspiring me! I still have Daisy too and now I want to have her rebuilt. I wish my Daisy could meet your Barry! Do you live anywhere near Santa Barbara? I love the fact that you've held on to it for so long and have travelled through so many states - films, tv - wow, how thrilling! Great story and I will go to the site and check out the picture! Thanks bunches for commenting, Julie. Salud
Mariana T. Dec 16, 2006, 12:05pm EST
Bev, love how you described your first car - a 72 Gumby Green Maverick! What an adorable story! Thanks for dropping by! Salud,
Jennifer Holly MacDonald Dec 17, 2006, 3:45pm EST
My first car was actually my grandma and grandpa's car but really it was mine. I loved it. It was born the same year as me, I would say, '67 Impala. Beautiful. I never drove it, I was too young. Sometime me and Droopy, our basset hound would just sit in the car together, learning how to read or listening to tunes.

The first car I learn how to drive in was a Toyota Landcruiser, early 80's, awesome vehicle, not like those stupid TJ's (sorry, just doesn't cut it for me) they got now. I'd love to have an original Toyota Landcruiser now.

I could go on about my dad's Lemans but I don't want to write a book here.
Mariana T. Dec 17, 2006, 11:51pm EST
Oh come on Jennifer Holly, tell me about your Dad's LeMans! Thanks for commenting - I loved those 67 Impala's - that's the year I graduated from High School so you know they were a big deal back then! Thanks very much for commenting! Salud,
☃ Aunt Shanny Dec 17, 2006, 11:54pm EST
The first one that was a parent's hand me down, or the first one I bought myself?
Will P. Dec 18, 2006, 2:55am EST
My first car was a 1977 BMW 1602. The thing ran like the devil, but drank both oil and gas - in almost equal amounts! Luckily, I was stationed in Germany and could drive it at speed - @ 200kmh.
Lorieann B. Dec 18, 2006, 1:45pm EST
a BRIGHT orange 4 door deisel chevette - can't remember the year.
Mariana T. Dec 18, 2006, 1:48pm EST
Shannon, please tell us about both of them - I'm sure that both have lots of stories to tell! Salud,
Mariana T. Dec 18, 2006, 1:50pm EST
Will, that's pretty fast - good thing you were in Germany, huh! Thanks for sharing and please tell us more about this fabulous car! Salud,
Jody Says Dec 18, 2006, 1:55pm EST
Hi Mariana, thanks, and you can click on my name and go to my pics and see several of my cars there.
Mariana T. Dec 18, 2006, 1:57pm EST
Hi Jody, I'd love to see more! will do, I'm headed out the door to pay some bills and do some shopping and when I return, I'll turn this baby on and check out your pictures and see your rides. Thanks for dropping by! Always a pleasure, Salud,
Mariana T. Dec 20, 2006, 5:39pm EST
Wow - I am amazed! That's great - I could have saved loads of money if I'd known anything about VW's in the day! Thanks for dropping by Amelie! Salud,
Kess B. Dec 30, 2006, 7:03pm EST
OK, I'm late but here goes. My first car was when I was starting senior year in high school, and it was a 1941 Chevy convertible. Oh, I wish I had kept that car!! And the next one was a 1948 Chey convertible. Shoulda kept that one too! Then a 1957 Chevy Belair, big time should have kept that one!! My keeper is a restored 1937 Chevy business coupe. Picture is on my site.
Mariana T. Jan 2, 2007, 10:41pm EST
Kess, Thanks for commenting on What Was Your First Vehicle - You are one lucky kid to own a 1941 Chevy convertible as your first car - wow, I'm actually envious of all your vehicles - Glad that you've kept the 1927 chevy business coupe! Ok need to check out your site soon. Salud,
Mariana T. Jan 16, 2007, 12:58pm EST
Phillip Dodge, it's certainly a pleasure to meet you. I loved your story and do remember those 1965 Corvairs! Yes, they had quite a reputation, didn't they! I would love to know if you have any ideas where I can get my 1970 VW restored (cheaply) but you know nicely? Right now, it houses weeds, old heels and peace signs hanging off the rearview mirror! Thanks for your story, Phillip!~ Salud.
Mariana T. Feb 8, 2007, 1:03am EST
Phillip, my apologies for not answering you right away - I live in southern Calif and I think I've found someone to restore my VW on his own time and I pay as he works - so it will be slow and that's fine as I have more time than money these days! I just want it fixed up but not a show car - I don't want to worry too much about it! Thanks for commenting! Salud.

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