Just last week I lost one of my best friends. He was a real Ford car guy and said that’s why he liked me. but he did tolerate my dalliances with MOPARS and Corvettes even if he didn’t understand it. We shared a lot of knowledge, stories, and laughs. It was not uncommon for me to call him up and say I had a lead on a specific car and did he want to road trip. I can’t remember when he ever said no. He had long-standing and significant health issues but always looked forward to our trips. A trip was not always required we could just go out and have a burger and beer at our favorite dive and he was happy.
Cars are far more than machines. They are complicated devices that can transport us to a different time, they provide memories that otherwise would not be remembered, they bring us lots of new friends and carry us to places we would not otherwise visit. They are a healthy addiction.
Team Member Rob Hunt recently sent in some photos and a little story about a road trip he and mutual friend Marty Burke made to pick up a Talladega. It brought a tear to my eyes as I remembered the trips my friend and I will never make again I will miss that more than I ever thought possible. Enjoy the good times, they may not last forever.
The following is Rob’s brief report on their trip for another Talladega.
” Here is the Marti report and some pictures of the White Talladega I just bough. The Car just fell into my lap one weekend. I tried my best not to buy it, but just could not pass it up. so we pulled a Marty Burke 2200 miles to Virginia and back in one two days. I also included pictures of the beautiful scenery and of course we had to go by the Race Track in Bristol. Very solid body floor pans are rusted and have a new floor pans installed but a messy job. Motor runs but is a 390. we are assembling the correct drivetrain for it now. The paint is horrible it has more runs than a box of Exlax. The original idea was to resell it but when your best friend is Marty Burke things change LoL. “
I think each of us had a similar experience with a car buddy and can relate. If you have a story about searching for or finding that special car with a friend and would like to share please send it to me at rfleener@comcast.net. Photos are always great.
