[TriciaR]

A 1971 lime green Camaro with a white vinyl top! Loved this car! My parents passed away when I was 16 and after my father drove it from CT to NYC, it became mine. I took it to college in Wellesley, MA (near Boston - car theft capital of the US) where sure enough, it was stolen out of the “Maxi lot”! I was devastated. It wasn’t found in 30 days, so I had to buy a new car. It was the late 70’s and gas was harder and harder to find, so I elected to buy a Datsun B210 hatchback! Don’t laugh, it got 42 mpg! Fast forward 9 months: the insurance company called and said the Camaro had been found! Unfortunately, it had been totaled . But I still wanted to see it, so a friend of mine and I drove to RI to see it. I almost felt like I shouldn’t have as it really was totaled AND my personal items were still in it . It made me feel so violated. Miss it!

Thank you so much for sharing such a powerful and personal story @lwchast . That 1971 lime green Camaro with the white vinyl top must have been stunning — and filled with so many emotions and memories. I can only imagine how devastating it was to lose it like that, especially with the sentimental connection after your father passed. It’s heartbreaking that your personal items were still inside — that must have been such a hard moment. Do you still think about getting another Camaro someday, even just for the nostalgia? And hats off to the little Datsun — 42 mpg is no joke!

 

[TriciaR]

The first car I owned was an old MGB, and I loved it! One nice time was when I accidently skidded into a big snowbank near an exit on the Tacomnic, some guys came by and lifted the little car back onto the road. No damage!

What a great memory — thanks for sharing that @Kitkin ! An old MGB sounds like such a fun little car to drive, especially with its sporty feel. And what luck to have some good Samaritans nearby when you slid into that snowbank! Did you have many other adventures in that car? And was it your dream car at the time, or just the best one you could find?

 

[TriciaR]

A ‘71 VW Bug- I loved that little car!

Thanks for jumping in and sharing @Kim Ann ! A ’71 VW Bug — they really do have a way of stealing hearts. There’s something about their charm and simplicity that makes them unforgettable. Did you take it on any memorable road trips, or was it more of a trusty around-town car?

 

[TriciaR]

1935 3 window coup Ford

What a gem — a 1935 3-window coupe Ford! Thanks for sharing that classic with us @red . Those cars had such beautiful lines and style. Was it already considered a vintage treasure when you got it, or was it just “an old car” back then? And do you remember what color it was?

 

[TriciaR]

1948 Willys Jeep that my dad got for me and my bro - it was hard to share, but we learned very quickly how to drive a stick shift!

That’s such a great memory — really appreciate you sharing it @AnneB53 ! A 1948 Willys Jeep sounds like a rugged and fun first ride, especially learning stick shift the hands-on way. Did you and your brother take it off-roading or mostly use it to get around town? And who got to drive it more in the end — or was it always a battle?

 

[TriciaR]

1969 VW bug. It was 9 years old. Automatic stick shift. Beige. No real heat. No AC. But all mine!

My girlfriends and I would pile 6-8 of in and go to the football games at school or a local pie house and just hang out!

Love this — thank you for the smile @Berly ! A 1969 beige VW Bug with an automatic stick shift… sounds like it had loads of personality, even if it lacked a bit in the creature comforts! I can just picture you and your girlfriends all packed in, heading off to football games or pie runs — what great memories. Do you remember what your go-to order was at the pie house? And did you ever give your Bug a name?

 

[TriciaR]

My first car was a 1976 Chevy Chevette, 2 seater with "4 on the floor". I had just graduated from Nursing school, then had surgery on my left knee, so I was in a long leg cast, the day we went to buy it. My dad had to test drive it for me, but we both loved it! Daddy had to co-sign the loan for me, but I was able to pay off a 2 year loan in only 18 months - my dad told me he was extremely proud of me for the way I handled my first loan, and if I ever needed him to co-sign for me again in the future, he would be more than happy to do so.

What a wonderful story — thank you so much for sharing it @AnneM ! That 1976 Chevy Chevette sounds like it marked such an important milestone in your life — fresh out of nursing school, recovering from surgery, and already taking on the world with confidence. I especially love your dad’s support and pride — that must’ve meant so much. Do you remember where your first big road trip in the Chevette was? And did you ever take him up on that co-sign offer again?

 

[TriciaR]

A 66 mustang

A ’66 Mustang — now that’s a first car to remember! Thanks for sharing that little gem. Such an iconic ride with timeless style. Do you remember what color it was? And was it love at first drive, or did it take a bit to get used to all that power under the hood?

 

[TriciaR]

My first car was a 1971 Chevy Impala...big car...I felt like I could beat any other car out there...used gas like crazy - but when you put your foot on the accelerator it took off like a bat in hell..until my boyfriend had an accident with it.

Thanks for sharing @rabbidee — that 1971 Chevy Impala sounds like a powerhouse! I love how confident it made you feel — nothing like the thrill of putting your foot down and feeling the car go. Such a shame about the accident though… was it repairable, or did that mark the end of your Impala days?

 

[TriciaR]

My first car was a three tone '56 Dodge Cornet with push button transmission and so much rust, if you splashed a puddle, the water would come inside and get the passenger wet. It was dark blue, white and light blue and beat the heck out o hitchhiking.

What a fantastic story — really appreciate you sharing it @Hockey4Gary ! That ’56 Dodge Coronet sounds like it had tons of personality, even if it had a few… quirks! A push-button transmission and unexpected puddle showers — what a combo. Did you give it a nickname? And how long did it keep you rolling before you upgraded from the splash zone?

 

[TriciaR]

1971 VW bug

Thanks for sharing @Nanettee — a 1971 VW Bug is such a classic choice! There’s just something about those little cars that makes them unforgettable. Do you remember what color yours was? And did it have any quirks or special memories that still make you smile today?

 

[TriciaR]

1949 Ford farm pickup truck, 3 on the floor. Started driving when I was 13 years old.

That’s an awesome memory — thanks so much for sharing it @gsrtexas ! A 1949 Ford farm pickup with 3 on the floor? That’s real old-school cool. Starting at 13 must’ve made you feel pretty grown up too! Were you using it to help out on the farm, or did you sneak in some joyrides now and then?

 

[TriciaR]

I was given the family car, a '69 Ford Country Squire Station wagon, pale yellow in color with a wood look panel wrapped around it and a luggage rack on top. At first I hated it cuz everybody else had little sports cars, but then I loved it because it became the party mobile cuz I could fit so many people in it

What a great story — thank you for that @tiakaren59 ! A ’69 Ford Country Squire Station Wagon in pale yellow with wood paneling sounds like the ultimate classic. I love how it went from something you weren’t thrilled about to the legendary party mobile! Do you remember any especially fun road trips or late-night drives with the crew? And did it ever get a nickname from your friends?

 

[TriciaR]

I bought mom's yellow studebaker.i was the oldest of my friends so I was the chauffeur for a while

That’s such a fun memory — thank you for sharing @moppyroda ! Buying your mom’s yellow Studebaker must’ve felt like a rite of passage. I can just picture you chauffeuring your friends around — I bet they loved it! Do you remember how it handled, or if there were any standout adventures during your time behind the wheel?

 

[TriciaR]

My 1st car was a 1968 red mustang! I loved that car. Wish I still had it.

A red 1968 Mustang — now that’s a dream first car! Thanks for sharing that with us @flower mom . They really don’t make them like that anymore, do they? What made you part with it in the end? And if you had the chance to get behind the wheel of one today, would you go for the same color?

 

[TriciaR]

69 VW bus

A 1969 VW Bus — now that’s iconic! Thanks for bringing that memory to the mix @Hal1955 . Those buses had such a cool, laid-back vibe. Was it decked out in any fun colors or patterns? And did you use it more for road trips, everyday driving, or maybe both?

 

[TriciaR]

A 1959 Nash Rambler, white over maroon. Flathead 4 banger with the gear shift on the dashboard. Grey and white checked interior. The front seat would lay flat and it made a nice big bed. Radio knobs as big as your hand! My baby brother won it in a local radio auction for $69!! I found a dime on the floor in the back seats, so it only cost me $59.90!! Ran like a top, and it made 80 mph easily. The car died one day as I crossed a street downtown and someone helped me push it to a gas station nearby. It was diagnosed as a bad vacuum spark advance, and after weeks, they gave up trying to find a new one. We even tried the local junkyard. I dearly wish I had that car today. Truly, I do.

What an incredible story — thank you for painting such a vivid picture @GaryBlake ! That 1959 Nash Rambler sounds like it had so much charm, right down to the checked interior and dashboard shifter. I love that your baby brother won it in a radio auction and that dime on the floor made it feel like fate! It’s heartbreaking that something as small as a vacuum spark advance ended its journey. If you could get your hands on one today, would you restore it just like it was — or give it a few modern updates?

 

[TriciaR]

Neon Green 76 Chevy Nova. I got it from my uncle

Thanks for sharing @Gigi73094 — a neon green ’76 Chevy Nova definitely sounds like a head-turner! Getting it from your uncle must’ve made it feel even more special. Did you keep that bold color, or ever think about changing it? And do you remember what your first big drive or adventure was in it?

 

[TriciaR]

Mine was a 1970 Chev Laguna SS

Appreciate you sharing that @trevenacurt — a 1970 Chevy Laguna SS is a serious first car! Those were built for performance and style. Did you get it brand new or was it already well-loved? And do you remember what it was like the first time you really opened it up on the road?

 

[TriciaR]

My first car was a brand new 1970 Buick Skylark. Baby blue with a white vinyl top and white interior. Yes I loved that car.

Thank you for sharing that lovely memory @kiki — a brand new 1970 Buick Skylark in baby blue with a white vinyl top and interior sounds absolutely stunning! It must have felt so special sliding into that driver’s seat for the first time. Did you take it on any memorable road trips, or was it more of a stylish daily driver?