My first car was a 1973 orange VW "superbug" that I acquired in 1980, when I was a junior in college. It was named Ludwig. I loved that car and kept it until around 1985, when the engine just gave up. I've always loved driving a stick shift — and still do to this day.
 
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My first car was a 1951 Ford Victoria, standard shift, things were simple then,
on my way to work one day, the clutch arm? Let loose, I called my dad, he had some wire or rope, I crawled under the car and wired it up and got it home! 🤣 I was young and dumb, it was an ugly brown and tan, so I got some spray cans of paint,
white and blue, and painted it. Can’t imagine what people would say today! Good
old days!
 
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My first car was a 1964 Chevy Nova. It was given to me by my father’s friend. His mother had passed away and he didn’t need the car so he gave it to me. The only problem I had with it was every time it rained, it wouldn’t start. Lol
 
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'A '62 Rambler classic in which the front seat laid back to make a bed! It was white with a blue interior, and I painted the roof flourescent green!!
 
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1939 Plymouth coupe. Black, of course, with a huge trunk. Ran beautifully, took it to Florida from Ohio in 1960. Wish I still owned it!
 
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My first car was a red 1964 1/2 Ford mustang convertible with ponies on the seats. I drove it home, parked in my parents' driveway and it never started again. The mechanic picked it up and couldn't find the problem so he gave me my money back. I used that money as a down payment on a blue 1971 Plymouth Duster. I really wanted that mustang though!
 
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The year was was 1978. I was 15 years old. The lady I baby say for sold me her 1969 Chevy Malibu for $500 that I paid $75 a month. I wasn't even old enough to drive it on the streets. So I drove it in the mobile home park where I lived because that was private property. Imagine what a 9 year old vehicle would go for today!
 
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My first was a 49 Chevy straight stick. Am very short so my Dad built up all the pedals and seat for me and i sat on a pillow. Being brave and adventuresome, drove from Iowa to South Tx alone. And not very old either. Went down near Padre Island.
 
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1967 Chevy Nova hand me down from my mom, still holding a place in my heart.
Thanks for sharing that with us @Rik1079 ! A 1967 Chevy Nova — what a classic. There's something extra special about a car that’s been passed down, especially from family. Did you personalize it in any way or keep it just as your mom had it? Would love to hear what eventually happened to it too!
 
My very first (and last) car was a 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. I loved that car. She was mud brown, and I named her after Marilyn Monroe, and she took me everywhere. I lived in The Bronx at the time, and I would drive into Manhattan. I would drive up to Connecticut to Rye Playland. I even drove down to Florida with her. Eventually, she just started falling apart. She was my very first car. I bought her for $1500 cash. That was a very long time ago. I was 36 years old when I learned to drive, and there you go.
Thank you so much for sharing that story @Scorpio1027 — what a journey you and your Marilyn Monroe had together! It sounds like she was more than just a car; she was your passport to adventure. I love how vivid your memories are — from the Bronx to Florida, she really did take you everywhere. Do you still have any photos of her? And what made you decide to learn to drive at 36? That’s such an inspiring milestone!
 
1966 Ford Falcon Futura.
Thanks for sharing @LovelyRita ! A 1966 Ford Falcon Futura — now that’s a beauty. They had such distinctive styling back then. Do you remember how you felt getting behind the wheel for the first time? And was it love at first drive, or did it take a little getting used to?
 
I drove home a 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1. I was 17 years old. My dad said it was too much car for a girl and bought me a Pinto! I did enjoy my little Pinto, got me through college, then I bought my Mustang brand new!
Wow, thank you for sharing that @GeorgannP ! A 1972 Mustang Mach 1 at 17 — that must’ve felt incredible! It’s funny how your dad thought it was “too much car,” but I love that you came full circle and bought a Mustang brand new later on. Do you remember what color your Pinto was? And what year Mustang did you end up getting for yourself?
 
It was an old Ford sunliner with a floor shufter
Thanks for sharing @ghandi44 ! An old Ford Sunliner with a floor shifter — now that’s some real vintage cool. Those floor shifters made driving feel more connected, didn’t they? Do you remember what color it was, or any memorable road trips you took in it?
 
1965 white Plymouth fury with a push button console and red interior. Loved that car!
Thanks for sharing @heidimidnight — that sounds like such a stylish ride! A white ’65 Plymouth Fury with red interior and a push-button console? That must’ve turned some heads! Do you remember what drew you to that car in the first place? And was it as fun to drive as it was to look at?
 
1973 VW powder blue
What a great memory — a 1973 powder blue VW sounds absolutely charming! Those little bugs had such personality. I can imagine it brought a lot of joy. Did you name it by any chance? And was it your everyday ride or more of a weekend cruiser? Appreciate you sharing that with us @smast409 !
 
It was a 1936 Dodge, shift on the floor. It leaked and burned oil, part of the floor was rusted out, and I had to park it on the hill, because it needed a rolling start. it cost me fifty bucks. It got me to Waltham to see my girlfriend, and that's all that mattered.
What a brilliant story — thank you for that @tshandy ! A 1936 Dodge with character to spare! It sounds like she gave you a bit of trouble, but also a lot of memories. I love that seeing your girlfriend made it all worth it. Did you end up keeping it for long? And how did your girlfriend feel about your trusty $50 ride?
 
A dodge dart with push buttons
Appreciate you sharing that @Pattij50 ! A Dodge Dart with push buttons — such a unique feature for its time. Those push-button transmissions always seemed so futuristic. Do you remember what color it was? And was it your first big purchase or did it come to you another way?
 

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News, deals, games, and bargains for Americans over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, The GrayVine is all about helping you make your money go further.

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