Automotive

He prefers low mileage, one owner American cars, which he keeps in as original condition as possible, yet drives them regularly. And a few foreign cars that he "just couldn't pass up." Note that in the pictures the cars are dusty as we were pulling off the car covers, and the hoods are all unlatched so he can easily re-attach the battery wires. You won't see any Lamborghinis or Packards. But it was great fun to find someone who buys cars just for the joy of cruising around in them.

This 77 Caprice was chosen because of its low mileage, stock condition (repaint) and its unusual rear window design (which I failed to photograph).

It looks a lot like a police car.



Next to that Ford is one of his 4 Mustangs, a Boss 351. He had a long story about buying it, which I can't translate entirely but it involved lots of wheeling and dealing.



Again, this is a low-mile single-owner car (until the Doc)



Now another Ford, a bright and shiny red/white 1956 (I think)



Complete with dangling dice



Then we went to the cherry and cheery Mustang II from 1975 for which I didn't manage to take any interior shots.



Next a rare item by American standards, a VW Brasilia. He flew to Tijuana and drove this one home (mechanic with tools accompanying him the in passenger seat)



This 1958 Mercedes 219 was sweet. 



This he purchased from his first girlfriend's parents, 50 years after he met the girl!





Big Six with dual carburetors which was an upgrade from standard.





Next, the bronze/burgundy Mustang which he bought from a chain-smoking patient. Her ashes had burnt through the front seat in several places so he had to repair it. Otherwise, the car is completely original.



Interior is velour and vinyl. You can see the long nose of the Crown Vic in the background.



This 1947 pickup was one of my favorites. It's been modestly restored. 



Very simple interior has an art deco feel.



For you young guys, the pedal to the right of the accelerator is the starter. You mash that down with the right edge your big foot while simulaneously pumping the gas with the left edge of your boot.




Engine is basically stock but was taken apart, cleaned and rebuilt.





He bought this from an elderly lady nearby who had used it on her dairy farm for about 50 years.

The bed has new wood, some hammer-finish paint on the rails, and milk jugs in the back.



The walls are covered wtih license plates, certificates, photos, posters, etc. Doc also has a bathroom, couch, and a small restaurant next door. So cars, food, beer and nap all are readily at hand.



How do you like this level of collecting low-mileage old drivers? Does it resonate with you, or is do you think it's crazy? 

I'm looking forward to your comments,

Cazalea

  login to reply