I remember the early days as if they were just yesterday. The girls were all hanging out at the local malt shop talking about the latest fashions and the coolest guy in school. While the boys were cruzn’ main street looking for some action. The air was filled with excitement as the two worlds would meet on this special Friday night as cool rides lined the strip hoping for that challenge of manhood.

I was no exception with my 1965 GTO it was ready, willing and able for all comers. My baby was loaded with a beefed up 389 engine, tri-power, manual 4 speed which was mated to a strong posi rear end, this goat could move. With only one objective in mind, I would seek out anyone willing to race. The trill and excitement of racing was so great and winning always got you respect plus the chicks. Well, those days were short lived as my pocket book could no longer afford the tickets and insurance, not to mention what life interrupts were given to a young man. But, those were the good old days.

Now, some several decades later I am able to begin to recapture the excitement once again from those by gone days by my recent purchase of another 1965 Pontiac GTO. I discovered it in a local newspaper and went to check it out immediately. The owner was a young man who had enjoyed his ride but, was forced by life style changes and he needed to sell his treasured love. He had beefed up the goat with over sized pistons, headers, racing cam and posi rear but, no tri-power yet. The car was setting there in the garage dressed in dark black primer, old school rims and just waiting for another road fight victim. When he started it up the rumble and roar of the engine sent me back in time and visions filled my mind of the good old days once again. Yes! I’ll take it. It was a great deal for $1,500 and an easy driver project that I had been waiting for all these years.

As soon as I drove off and approached the turn signal for the freeway entrance I was spotted by a cop. He could not only see this mean machine sitting there but, also hear the deep rumbling sounds as he pass by me. I looked in my rearview mirror and discovered him turning around, well I know what he wants. Just then the light changed and I made by move to the freeway on ramp and let her rip. I watched in my rearview mirror once again but, he was so far away and small in size that I knew I was safe. But, remember thinking to myself, I almost got a ticket and I haven’t even raced anyone yet.

I started restoration immediately and over the past several years have made great progress in bring back my dream car. All the mechanical issues are completed and the body work was done. It’s been painted and waiting for wet sanding and buffing now. I have the interior on order and then next I’ll have the bumpers re-chromed. The car sounds great and drives like an enraged goat should. I can’t wait to get out there again and go looking for the big dogs.

The love, enjoyment and the rewards of restoration has given our family a special gift of days gone by plus the pleasure of today. Everyone should consider owning and cruzn’ classic cars. We like your Autoshop Classics and will help spread the word about your Nostalgic Paradise to all classic car owners.