What was your first car?

[mkgearhead]

Originally Posted by rollscanardly

Love that car!

What engine...304....390??

Rich

Mine had the 232 6 cylinder and a Ford FMX transmission. It had manual steering, brakes and windshield washers (they were operated by a foot pump and if you pushed hard enough you could get the car behind you). The wipers were vacuum operated and would go slower the faster you went.

[chriscowles]

My first was a POS death trap 1959 Opel Kadett 2 door station wagon given to me by my parents. (They didn't have much.) The gas tank was rusted to the point that there were pinholes all over the top. If I put too much gas in it my friends complained about the gas smell. It would have put a Pinto to shame in a rear-end collision, I'm sure.

My dad drove it for years as transportation to his maintenance job before he gave it to me. He bought it for $25 from one of his buddies. That buddy received it free as compensation for helping someone move. I think the person who moved got the better end of the deal, not having to dispose of it.

[GL1800Rider]

My first was a 1960 Corvair purchased from my dad in 1968 when I was 16. Paid $75, put a $75 paint job on it and traded a few months later for a 1962 Impala Super Sport with factory air which I could kick myself for not keeping.

DW's first was a 1960 Valiant station wagon with a slant 6 and push button drive. Indestructible.

[rockfordroo]

Originally Posted by chriscowles

My first was a POS death trap 1959 Opel Kadett 2 door station wagon given to me by my parents. (They didn't have much.) The gas tank was rusted to the point that there were pinholes all over the top. If I put too much gas in it my friends complained about the gas smell. It would have put a Pinto to shame in a rear-end collision, I'm sure.

My dad drove it for years as transportation to his maintenance job before he gave it to me. He bought it for $25 from one of his buddies. That buddy received it free as compensation for helping someone move. I think the person who moved got the better end of the deal, not having to dispose of it.

My 2nd car was a 1972 Opel Manta that I bought in 1972 when my Gremlin got creamed. It was really fun to drive, but I was always working on it. I learned SO much about cars. I had it 5 yr and put almost 150,000 miles on it. Traded it in on a 1981 Datsun 200SX. But I missed it so much, 2 yr later I bought a 1975 Opel Manta (with fuel injection - what a great invention!). I had that one another 3 years.

[rracer5]

1966 Mustang Coupe, red, black vinyl roof, 289 2bbl, 3 speed on the floor, posi, & bucket seats! Bought it in 1972 for $75! All it needed was a rear brake line!

Then in 1973, mom & dad let me buy a "new" car for graduation. Ordered a 1973 Nova SS, 350 4bbl, 4 speed, light green with black interior, buckets!

Man......wish I had BOTH of them back!

[CNYCamper]

Originally Posted by mkgearhead

Mine had the 232 6 cylinder and a Ford FMX transmission. It had manual steering, brakes and windshield washers (they were operated by a foot pump and if you pushed hard enough you could get the car behind you). The wipers were vacuum operated and would go slower the faster you went.

Mine had that same motor. I'd forgotten about the vacuum wipers . Had my heart set on a Road Runner (MOPAR family), but our family State Farm agent had me come in and showed me the rate books and how I wouldn't be able to afford insurance on a muscle car at my tender age. Convinced me to wait a couple of years. A year later I fell in love, got married ,followed in rapid succession a starter home and kids. Never did get my dream machine.

[rracer5]

Originally Posted by CNYCamper

Mine had that same motor. I'd forgotten about the vacuum wipers . Had my heart set on a Road Runner (MOPAR family), but our family State Farm agent had me come in and showed me the rate books and how I wouldn't be able to afford insurance on a muscle car at my tender age. Convinced me to wait a couple of years. A year later I fell in love, got married ,followed in rapid succession a starter home and kids. Never did get my dream machine.

Haah....I feel your pain!!! 1976, ended up in a 1975 Chevrolet Laguna, automatic (cause the wife couldn't drive stick)!

On another note.....had the chance in 1974 to buy a '63 split window 'vette, 396 for $2500. Dad talked me out of that one for the same insurance reasons! Since I was young & he wasn't a "car guy", we both missed the forsight on that one!!!

[Simplewon]

Mine was the 73 hornet. Also had the 232 6 cylinder. The ac would create ice on the dash vents. The full width split front seat would completely recline over top of the rear seat. Nice car but such an ugly yellow.

[SKnight]

1975 Monte Carlo. Tore the front end off against a phone pole and fixed her, popped the engine and built a fire breather in it's place. Killed transmissions, killed tires, killed opponents that thought a heavy car couldn't run.

And, while in sad shape now, I still have it. She waits for the time to bring her back. That will see a fuel injected 383, TH700 trans, and the rest restored to spec. She'll be a nice cruiser. When I have time and money that is.

[KnP]

I wish that my dad never sold the 75 Monte Carlo. I would change the engine and transmission from a modern truck. At least I could tow my camper with it. Love the idea of body over chasiss; lots of potential....