First Car Memories

Do you remember being a teenager too young to drive, but longing for a particular car you had seen? Well, I do. Back around in 1971 I can remember saying to my father, "Dad, when I start driving, may I have a new car?" I guess to shrug me off he replied, "yes, you will get one when you graduate from high school." I remember thinking, I can't wait for graduation so I can get the car of my dreams.

A couple of years went by and I had been inquiring all of this time about the new car I would get for high school graduation. He kept reassuring me I would get one. In the summer prior to my senior year, my older brother bought him a new car. I was so excited for him and kept thinking, my time is getting near for me to get that car.

Approximately a week after my brother had gotten his car, my dad came up to me and said, "come take a walk with me outside." I followed him not asking any questions. My brother's old car was parked in the driveway. My dad turned around and looked at me and asked, "would you like this car for you to get around in?" I asked him, "Does this mean I will not get a new car for graduation?" His response was, "That is not what I said."

I told him I would accept that car and deep inside was so excited because I would be driving back and forth to school my senior year. Let me describe the car to you, as opposed to what I wanted. This car was a galaxy 500, probably ten years old, in candy apple red color, four doors, with black interior, and spoked wheel caps. What a difference. I originally wanted a baby blue grand torino, two door car with an eight track tape.

What a difference. I guess I just told what era I am from mentioning the eight track tape, besides the fact I had a galaxy 500. Any way, graduation came and went and I never did get my grand torino. I went on to college and was still driving what we called the red bomb. By the time I did get my own vehicle, that old red bomb's shocks were out and the car would kind of bounce and squeak as I would hit rough spots in the road.

One thing is, now that I look back on the situation, I really did enjoy driving that old red bomb and I think as I grew older I appreciated things more.

Learn more about this author, Miss D Charnia.
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