Not *exactly*... but probably made you look though?
Last summer it became official as I passed my Bird on to my son. I had actually given it to him several years ago when we completed the restoration but it remained in my name for tag & insurance. With James relocating to Charleston/Mount Pleasant, SC I signed the title over. I had owned the Bird since 1971, so that last 150 mile trip from Byron to Savannah was quite bittersweet. Until I handed him the keys and seen that huge grin. It really does make me happy that he is having so much fun with it. If you happen to see him cruising in the Charleston area, say hello to him. Following the transfer I drove up to visit one weekend and we made it to *cars & coffee* I think it is called in Mount Pleasant.
For a little more history, read on... I was a kid of 19 and in the USAF when I purchased the Bird for approximately $1500. I really loved that car and had an absolute blast driving it. I never done any modifications - I liked it just the way it was. In 1978 I had it repainted and the wife and I drove it for a 2500 mile honeymoon trip. It was a daily driver up until 1988 when I drove it into the garage, shut it off and put it up on blocks for a long storage. It stayed there for 14 years. James was 14 when we took it off the blocks and began the restoration. I took auto body classes at a local vo-tech school at night during the week and on the weekends I would show James how to do what I had been learning. I was able to take it to the school for painting when I was finishing up my studies. It took us 5 years! But I had a blast taking the classes and took the opportunity to enjoy those days with James working on it. When we finished I tossed him the keys and told him to take care of his car - I was going to find me an old Mopar! So he has actually been driving it around for the last 8-9 years, and I know he still has a big grin when he drives it. It took me another 4 years to complete my Mopar... Cal
That is one great story... That kid is lucky to have a Dad like you
Cant wait for summer... 68HO4004spvert Sleddog Iowa
God Bless the men and women past and present that have served this country. Thank you. Support D.A.V. - it helps gives a life back to those who gave so much for us.....
Thanks a lot fellas for the kind words. It really does bring me joy to see him enjoy the car. Of course it was a lot easier letting it go when I had a backup to take it*s place!!!
If any of you do instagram, here is a link to his - whatever it is called - instagram page maybe? Anyhow, he takes a lot of pictures and the Bird figures prominently in some of them. https://www.instagram.com/mrpresident_v4.2/ There is one pic in there taken with a peacock walking past it. The peacock is about the same color as the Bird - Mariner Turquoise!
Lastly, do not think I will be leaving. We still have things to learn and do with the Bird! Cal
