1970-1979 - # - HVA's Photos

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My first thrill of 2 wheels as a kid was the family scooter. Next, I took a 20'' stock bicycle and modified it to keep pace with my buddy’s new Schwinn Stingray: slick rear tire, ape handlebars, banana seat & sissy bar. But my pride and joy was a new 26" Huffy Sportsman 3-speed purchased for $39.95 with my hard earned lawn mowing money. By 13, I had a Fox Mini Bike with a 3 HP Briggs and Stratton. I rode it all over town, frequently outsmarting the law. Then I purchased: a 1970 Honda 750cc 4-cylinder machine! It was massive and almost uncontrollable until in motion, then it handled like my ‘stingray’. Its acceleration and speed was a rush. My bike and I represented the freedom, the power, and defiance of the youth counterculture movement of the day. Peace.

This car matters....especially to me. My Dad bought this car new in 1972 for my mom. He even titled it in her name originally. He traded a 1968 1/2 ton chevy pickup for it. My mom signed this car over to me in 1998 with 38,000 original miles on it. Today it has 43000 miles on it. I have the original window sticker, the original bill of sale, warranty striker plate, the owner's manual and I even kept the original title when changed to my name. It was originally antique white over mulsane blue, but I had it painted solid blue in 2004. I guess we'll keep it in the family as my youngest daughter wants me to leave it to her. It matters to her too.

My first ride in a British sports car was with my big brother in his '66 Triumph Spitfire Mk II. It was tiny! I sat on the parcel shelf behind the seats, wind in my face - this was nothing like the family Belaire wagon. Many years later, a good friend bought a '78 Spitfire 1500, and in late 1991 we found my 1975 Spitfire 1500. Having restored it myself, I know every rattle, every nut and bolt and fluid leak on my Spitfire. When seeking advice on whether I should buy the car, a friend offered, "If it makes your heart sing, do it." The warmth of the setting sun on my wooden dashboard most certainly makes my heart sing.

In 1976 I bought my first new car. Still have it today. I was able to locate a black and gold Cobra II at a local dealer and took one test drive and I was sold. It has a 302 V-8, which gave it some power, not as much as the older Mustangs, but it was quick. The car changed the way America was looking at cars. Most people don't acknowledge the Mustang II years, but more of them were sold, then any other Mustang. It was also the change over to unleaded gas and low compression engines. I am glad to see that the Mustang is back to what it used to be. God bless Mr. Shelby.

The1969 Pontiac Grand Prix rolled onto showroom floors and boasted the longest hood in the US car manufacturing industry. Models J and SJ of this beauty took the public by storm. Incidentally, the J in the two models stands for John, as in John DeLoreon, the designer of the GP's innovative body style. Established now as a muscle/personal luxury car, the 1969 through1972 Pontiac Grand Prix is a well kept secret among car enthusiasts but a known charmer in the Pontiac Clubs across the United States. Take a second look at this winner that appears to be moving while it's standing still. Better to drive it but you won't let go.

The BMW 2002 was the car that saved BMW. With MacPherson strut front suspension and double-jointed halfshafts in the rear, it tracked brilliantly on any surface. The M10 engine was torquey and exceptionally strong. It handled like a sports car with all of the smart utility of a sedan, thus birthing the category of sports-sedan, a niche BMW dominates today. Here’s my baby, like the one I owned in 1970. I’d searched for this car for 20 years until I saw this one advertised in Roundel. It was in original and virtually perfect condition. On sunny days you’ll find me driving in the country with a very big smile on my face.

Bought this Vette April 08. Frame on restored to mostly to NCRS specs. #s matching and a very fun clean driver. It is old school and a blast to drive. The car was originally sold at Scuncio Chevrolet in Greenville R.I. but no docs. from there to 1991 and from there on I have all the paperwork. I live in Anaheim, Ca. and drive to Cars and Coffee every Sat. morning. A total joy for an old car guy like me to drive a great example of the true American sports car. I also have a 2011 Vette GS and I must say I enjoy driving the old LT 1 much more. Right now the old Vette shows 104000 mi. on the clock, but still runs like a jack-rabbit.

This '73 350 L48 coupe 'Mako Vette' matters because it represents all that I wanted growing up. Although it is not the exact year make of the 427 '69 Stingray I lusted from across the street growing up, it is in the same color hue and accurately reflects everything I found so great about the Mako Shark... it is lightly upgraded and bored out to be a 400 hp version closely related to the '69's 350 output specs... a great driving machine!

My first thrill of 2 wheels as a kid was the family scooter. Next, I took a 20'' stock bicycle and modified it to keep pace with my buddy’s new Schwinn Stingray: slick rear tire, ape handlebars, banana seat & sissy bar. But my pride and joy was a new 26" Huffy Sportsman 3-speed purchased for $39.95 with my hard earned lawn mowing money. By 13, I had a Fox Mini Bike with a 3 HP Briggs and Stratton. I rode it all over town, frequently outsmarting the law. Then I purchased: a 1970 Honda 750cc 4-cylinder machine! It was massive and almost uncontrollable until in motion, then it handled like my ‘stingray’. Its acceleration and speed was a rush. My bike and I represented the freedom, the power, and defiance of the youth counterculture movement of the day. Peace.

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