I guess I've always been interested in anything with wheels, wings or tracks. When I was about 4 years old all I wanted for Christmas or my birthday was one of those die cast military green models of tanks, planes other military transport.
At about age 6, I had my first actual solo driving experience! True story! We were living in the city at the time on Hallam Street, and my parents had a visit from their friends who had a nice new 1949 Chevrolet. Back then, nobody locked their cars and they were started with an ignition switch (key operated) and a push button. They had parked next to the curb in front of our house, and like most kids at my age, curiosity got the best of me. I jumped in the front seat and started playing with the array of knobs and switches and steering wheel pretending I was really driving. That little (starter) button was just so inviting, I just had to try it. One push and the car lurched ahead. Wow! I must have thought that I could actually start the car this way so I pushed the button again and held down for a few seconds which had the effect of moving the car several feet forward. I do not recall the precise reaction when it was discovered that the car was not where it was previously parked, but I was severely reprimanded by my parents who were probably terrified by the potential outcomes.
When I was 12 or 13 I learned how to drive in an old 1949 Plymouth on my uncle's farm in Utopia, Ontario. Along with my cousins we would take turns driving around the field behind the house never getting out of first gear.
My first ride was a1949 Ford coupe. I paid $175.00 for that ton of bond on wheels. A succession of fixer uppers followed including two 1947 Mercury coupes, one black and one powder blue, all during my stint with a car club called Crusaders Modified in the early 1960's located initially in Unionville, but relocated to 14th Avenue East of Kennedy Rd. The property was owned by the Artimco family and the building we rented was previously a knitting factory that could accommodate 5 vehicles inside comfortably. That was the only other car club I have ever been a member of. I got married in 1967, and my love affair with cars was put on hold for 20 years.
In 1988, my son Andrew and I attended the Barrie Flea market on the hunt for a rod. One car in particular caught my eye – a 1930 Pontiac 4 door sedan, navy body and black fenders, 327 small block, 350hp and Ford 8 inch rear. In the 20 odd years I owned that car I changed a lot of things
including the paint colour, interior upholstery, power steering…with all mods to improving safety and comfort. Sonia and I traveled extensively in the U.S.A. with the Tin Indian and it always turned heads as it was a rare Pontiac survivor with the unique oval back window. It won it’s fair share of awards and trophies. This was the car I most regret letting go. A friend bugged me to sell it to him for two years and in a moment of weakness I agreed. Unfortunately, he passed away a few years ago and the car got shipped to his son in Calgary where it currently resides. So, I'm on the lookout for an early 30's sedan with modern drive train to replace the Tin Indian but haven't seen anything yet that strikes my fancy. I’ll just keep looking, I guess.
In the meantime, my favourite ride is my 1963 Buick Riviera…the Riviera was a pleasant discovery. I was looking for something from the 60's
in the muscle car lineup. I responded to an ad in Old Autos which in a round about way led to a chap in Mississauga who had a 67 Mustang and
to my pleasant surprise, a 63 Buick Riviera. I hadn't even thought about such a ride as a possibility, as it was not on my radar…but, it was
love at first sight. The only changes I made were safety and comfort related - front disc brakes and air conditioning. Otherwise, the car is
totally stock with a 401 cubic inch Nailhead engine. Sonia and I have enjoyed many Buick related events here and in the U.S.A. as well as
several local cruise nights and car shows where the Riviera has picked up a few awards and trophies.
Dave Bishop
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