Restored Old Automobiles: Are you driving alone?

Aunt Eleanor's 1955 Pontiac Chieftain

Back in 1979, my Aunt Eleanor decided to buy a new car.  The car she was driving was a 1955 Pontiac Chieftain.  Her mechanic told her that parts were scarce and advised her to buy a new car. She agreed, so I told her I wanted the ’55.   “Why?” she said.  I wanted to restore it. She made a good point. The car overall was in bad shape. I love my aunt; she had a kind heart but that didn’t translate to being a good driver.  She failed her driver’s test over 10 times but kept at it until she passed. She bought the Pontiac new with my Uncle Joe, at a dealership in Bloomfield, NJ.

It didn’t have power brakes or power steering, which didn’t make it easy for my aunt to drive. When she came to visit, she’d double park the car and have my older brother Mark park it for her.

She stored the car in her apartment garage.  Often times she would bounce the car off the walls leaving a host of fender dents. By 1979, rust invaded the door sills, and the doors sagged, so when closing the doors, you would have to lift the doors a bit in order to close them. The paint was worn, leaving what seemed like a transparent thin coat.

A normal person, with good sense would have passed on the idea of restoring this car, but let’s face it, to me, her car has been in the family since I could remember.  Memories of riding in this car with her driving it, was a big part of my childhood. To let it go, would be letting that part of my childhood disappear.

It took years and PLENTY of money to restore it.  I made it better than new, adding power steering and brakes. The single AM tube radio was replaced with a modern radio with AM, FM and other sound features that are on cars today.

The car is finished, and I drive it often.  It’s a hit at car shows and I’m always getting the “thumbs up” by people wherever I drive it. My garage is full of trophies and I spend my time, washing and polishing it.  However, when I’m driving, I feel as if my aunt is sitting beside me. It’s hard to explain, I feel a comfort with her by my side. Her Saint Christopher medal that was pinned to the sun visor, is still there. 

I never mentioned this feeling to my friends, family or my fellow car enthusiast. However, recently, a member of the Pontiac Car Club I belong too, brought up at a meeting, that he felt as if the previous owner of his car is riding with him. Could this be true? Now, I am pleased to know that I’m not alone with this feeling.  It could be my imagination or wishful thinking.  No matter what, in either case, I’m very happy that my Aunt Eleanor is still riding her old ’55 with me.