Little Feat: And I’ve been from Tucson to Tucumcari Tehachapi to Tonopah Driven every kind of rig that’s ever been made Driven the backroads so I wouldn’t get weighed And if you give me; weed, whites, and wine And you show me a sign I’ll be willin’, to be movin’  ... View more

“... and it’s half past four and I’m shifting gear” That’s a perfect song. ... View more

Another Canadian song: Life is a highway  I wanna ride it all night long If you’re going my way I wanna drive it all night long   ... View more

Hey Sam, Sounds grim, BUT, it’s not! You have done all you can possibly do, at this time. So congratulations! Truly. Also, you have a plan. More congrats! A general plan, which can be part dream, is a good thing. It gets you on the road to your destination, wherever that is. You do not want to be too specific right now, you want to be open to all that comes your way.  While you’re planning for your first car, how about trying some entry level karting? Might be a fun way to spend a McCheck, get your parents involved, and maybe there’s some wrenching opportunities, too. Cheers!   ... View more

It’s a hoot! But it wasn’t until the dried out steering box was rebuilt and some suspension rubber replaced. Now the handling is dialed in (for 1965). It’s got a chambered rear exhaust that mimics side pipes and it sounds great.  When I was first looking it over, the previous owner said “It’s number matching”. I replied, “Yeah, whatever”. He chuckled and said “I know, right?” ... View more

I’m with you guys, drivability is the key. I unintentionally bought a numbers matching C2 Corvette last year, and while I realize it’s important to some, it’s not to me. I just wanted a fun car that looks good from 10 feet. That being said, as caretaker for this car, I had the original parts restored rather than replaced during its mechanical restoration. Frankly though, it makes no difference when I’m on the road, and it lengthened the time it spent in the shop as parts were being restored. I have already decided that my next vehicle will be a stock looking mild restomod after I sell the Corvette. ... View more

Steppenwolf Get your motor runnin’ Head out on the highway Looking for adventure  In whatever comes our way ... View more

Sam, I agree with Sajeev, start your search in the 1990’s. I would look for a Mazda Miata that’s mechanically sound. A Porsche 914 will cost you too much to maintain. But the most important thing, the Miata will make you a better driver. Good luck! ... View more

ModelT I think I know who your co-pilot will be on that first ride with you and Izzy. Thanks again for the great story, it put a smile on my face! ... View more

Thanks! I love to go on the used car sites and sort by low low mileage to see which unicorns pop up, usually owned by oldsters in Florida. ... View more

Sajeev What would you consider to be “peak Panther”? Year, model, etc. ... View more

Do it. The older I get, the more metal I like to have around me, along with the benefit of the great ride from the long wheelbase. Plus no TV in the dash. ... View more

ModelT I’m glad you followed your heart on this one. MissDollie is the perfect name for that beauty! Enjoy! ... View more

Winter of 1979 was Chicago’s all time record snowfall. 89 inches of snow that Winter, including a blizzard that dropped 21” of snow on 2 days in January and paralyzed the city. I do not miss those days. ... View more

Wise move Guitar74. Go up the corporate food chain a bit, and you’re just a line item on a spreadsheet, they do not care about your accrued knowledge or excellence on the job. I walked away from my job of 40 years when it became clear that to management, I was just a thing taking up space, no different than an office chair or stapler on a desk. Sad but true. ... View more

My first stereo install in my 1986 VW GTI. Dash trimmed to make it look factory new, custom front to rear fader hidden in console cubby, wires soldered in place. The moment of truth, I turn the dial and glorious sound fills my garage. Except. I don’t have the key in the ignition, it’s in my pocket. I had wired the head unit to a permanent hot wire!  ... View more

Great story and car! I was able to trace the dealership that originally sold my 1965 Corvette to Smith’s Central Garage in Johnsburg, Illinois, but it didn’t sound like a Chevrolet dealer name to me. Amazingly, the old dealership building, with its single garage door and interior with wooden roof trusses, was repurposed as a wedding venue. The new owners named it Smith’s Central after the dealership, and have this in their bar area.   ... View more

What a great story and car. Congratulations on raising a daughter who has such good taste! If anyone asks, just tell them that this is one of the GTO’s made after the factory stopped making them.  ... View more

Wow, I love the hardtop with a different color than the body. Too cool! Congrats! ... View more