Re: How old are you?

Posted by Russell James On 2009/4/15 21:17:02

Russ

Only 56

Grew up under cars, handing spanners to dad as he repaired the family transport, his 39 Oldsmobile, and later his 50 Packard (including engine rebuild). He had always worked on his own vehicles since his first bike, a 1924 Triumph.

Joined PACA in 1967 as an associate member and fell in love with the cars and the story.
Teens saw the extension of dad's mechanical coaching with me owning a string of Holdens (Australia'a GMH brand, most Aussies will recognise the models) #1 was 57 Ute $40.00, #2 a 56 FJ Sedan $50.00, 59 Panel Van, 64EH Wagon, 59 FC that got the EH engine, disc brakes front end, XU1 wheels. Last of this generation was an HQ Sedan. Always playing at getting more grunt out of their 6 cyl engines.
Our 30ft x 30ft backyard was littered with car parts, the workshop was the street and a small shed in the yard!
Tried to restore a 56 Clipper as a 20 y.o. - the rust eventually beat me and my earning capacity to keep up.
Worked on dad's hobby - 39 1702 and still have it.

Got a company car at age of 21 and started chasing girls and not cars (big mistake, for a while)
Mortgage, family, own business and lots of modern vehicles (played with Saabs and now onto my 7th? Subaru) doing big miles. Combination had kept me time, space and money poor for Packards - but the bug doesn't die, just repressed!

Back into it with an imported 56 400 as daily driver and keen to get the 39 to body off and rebuilt.