Best Ride Contest

I had been searching for a classic car for a long, long time, always weary of getting burned or getting a lemon. My real passion started as a young boy always wanting a 57 Chevy convertible and as I grew older and learned more about the Tri-Five Chevy's history, my fascination with them grew and my desire shifted to the ground breaking 55 Chevy or "The Hot One." I spent countless hours reading about them and learning all I could. I knew what I was looking for and was in no big rush to find it. One day a few years ago I was at a car show and my eye was drawn to a beautiful 55 in a color I had not seen in person before. I was drawn to the car by some unknown force and as I looked it over, I noticed a “For Sale” flyer laying in the backseat under a pillow. My mind began racing...was the car for sale? Was it just purchased by some lucky guy or gal? The owner was not around so I moved on, looking over my shoulder at the car from different perspectives as I walked farther and farther away. I made my rounds looking at all the beautiful cars that day and found myself heading back toward the 55 and this time the owner was there and it was running. I listened to it purr and ease dropped on the owner as he talked about the car to others that were looking at it. I heard him say that yes, it was for sale and I could tell he really loved the car as he carefully wiped it down. I waited my turn to strike up a conversation with the owner and as he talked to me I could really sense the car meant a lot to him and it was very well taken care of. Some say that you don’t choose a car, a car chooses you and this one definitely was calling to me. I can’t describe the feeling in words but others that have heard the call know what I am talking about. I ended up buying the car after asking every question I could think of and drove it home with confidence that it was all that I was looking for. I didn’t want the drive home to end and I found myself wishing I lived farther away! I am a big fan of all original cars and this one was as close to original that I had ever seen. The only things I have done to it is take some small items off that were not there in 55 and searched e-bay extensively to find items that were. The car is now a huge part of my family and I drive it as much as I possibly can. It gets out at least every Sunday to go to church and to car shows whenever possible. My two daughters love riding in the back seat and my wife riding shotgun (she’s afraid to drive it). The car is very therapeutic as all worries and troubles fade with every mile behind the wheel. I love to sit and think of all the stories the car could tell if it could speak. I wish I could hear it tell me of the day it was driven home from the dealership back in a simpler if not better day. I was able to ascertain the car was built in Maryland in August of 55 and originally sold in Virginia. I was able to track down what I think was the second owner who bought it used from a Chevy dealership in the mid 70’s. I plan on owning the car until my time is up and passing it on to someone in my family where hopefully it will remain. Thanks again for the opportunity to show my car and to tell you a little something about the history of this “Hot One”

2008 Best Ride Contest Winner