Just the other night, I was over at a friend's place for a holiday get-together, hanging out with a number of old friends I hadn't seen in a while. Along with all the typical bench-racing and tale-tellin', we got to talking about the cars and trucks we've owned-more specifically, our firsts-as we were basking over said party-thrower's '23 T-roadster, his very first hot rod that, fortunately, he's been able to retain ownership of for all these years. It may not look the same as when he first put it together, but that's not the point-what mattered was he still had it. I don't think anyone else involved in the conversation could say the same...I know I couldn't.
We all remember our first car, whether it was simply a means of transportation handed down from a family member or purchased with hard-earned dough from mowing lawns, tossing newspapers, or washing dishes. But what about that first "cool" one? You know, everyone wasn't born with an F-100 in their garage, and for many of us, it took awhile before we could devote time and money to special projects. For me, it was and pretty much has been the same since I first got my driver's permit: my "cool" cars have also served as daily transport, as that's been the only way I could really justify spending much money on the old heaps! But while I've been heard saying I'd never sell this or that, I don't believe I ever thought for one second that my first would also be my last-heck, that Volkswagen fastback wasn't even mine for more than six months before I traded it off for a Combi bus!
You see, I've yet to really finish a single vehicle I've ever owned. Sure, I had every intention to follow through with a particular game plan, but something always comes up, be it the need for money or another potential project that came my way. That, or the "dead in the water" syndrome that simply drained all interest and left me with no other choice but to sell or trade or push off a cliff. Well, with age, things have indeed changed.
These days, not only have I learned to physically turn one of my feet around 180 degrees in order to kick my own hind-quarters whenever a project sits for too long, I've also been able to convince myself that before I die, I'm gonna see one project through to the absolute very end. Come the time this issue hits the 'stands, save for a freak disaster, my '53 Bel Air will have been finished-knock on wood! Not only that, it will have been entered in my first-ever indoor event as a "participant," the Grand National Roadster Show. But the one thing I can't promise myself for certain is whether or not I'll still have it once my son is ready to take possession of the keys. My past has taught me oh too well to make that pledge, but I've vowed to do my best!
Back to our firsts. How many of you actually still have the one car or truck you started with, whatever it may be and whenever you initially acquired it? Reason I ask is, I find it not only admirable, but a true showing of devotion and dedication. I've already proven to myself that I'm not up to the task, but I'd really like to hear stories from readers who have-how, why, and the years you've held onto your first. Like last year's "Why," I think this could turn into a pretty cool compilation of personal reflections, so include photos, especially of your firsts when they were new-to you. E-mail is preferable, but if you'd rather submit material by regular mail, please make high-quality scans of your precious photos, as we won't be able to return any originals. Send all submissions to: CLASSIC TRUCKS, Attn: My First, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870.