Here's likely the worst "one that got away" story that I will ever have in my lifetime. It's a little long so bear with me. 11 years ago when I was 16 and I had just gotten my first car (36 chevy) my dad took me out to visit a lady named Mary Lou who had a very large collection of old cars. I had never met her before, but she took an instant liking to me. She had a son who was also named Nathan, but he died when he was 6 months old. Maybe that was why she seemed to like me so much. We wandered around but never found anything. On the way out of the yard we stopped to say goodbye. I motioned to 3 almost identical black cars sitting in a row and said "Those three cars are sure in nice shape" I had just started out with old cars and had no idea what they were. I'll never forget. She looks at me and says, "Take your pick. You can have which ever one you want. You can fix it up and it will be yours." I thought she was joking and said something to the nature of "Aw no I couldn't let you do that." Nothing more was ever said. (Remember I'm 16 and dumb!!!) Last week I was telling this story to some old car guys at the A&W. One of them was a friend of Mary Lou's, and he was grinning ear to ear. He said, "I remember that. Mary Lou told me about you after you left and how she offered you the car. She was dead serious. You could have had your choice!" I had always wondered if she was serious....now I had the stinging confirmation of my own stupidity. A couple years later Mary Lou passed away and the cars were auctioned off. What kind of cars were they??? RUNNING ORIGINAL 1940 FORD COUPES IN BEAUTIFUL SHAPE (and one near mint 39 coupe). One of them was even loaded with vintage speed stuff. So I sincerely hope that I never have a story that will top this one. Being offered a car like that and saying nothing. Go easy on me guys!!
Whatever you do, when you get into your "golden years", don't walk around and tell everyone you meet that story, you'll just embarrass the grand kids.
This is the second time I've owned my '65 Fairlane 500. My daughter would point it out in traffic every time we saw it, "There's your old car..." burned me up, too. When I heard the new owner was looking to buy a house I went to pay a visit and a couple of months later she was mine, again!
That sucks, man. i absolutely hate reading stories like this, i stil have my first car, and hope i never have to give it up (i will sleep in that truck before selling it). i get asked probably once a month if i will sell it, always say HELL no.
You weren't a dumb kid you were being polite there is a huge difference and I am sure that is why she liked you and offered in the first place. I wouldn't give somebody crap about that.
Basic honesty and class. Inexperience, perhaps shyness. You have nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. good things will come.
Instead of feeling like a fool, just try to be proud that you didn't take advantage of an old lady who was feeling misty eyed over the loss of her son. Karma but yeah, a 39-40 with vintage speed equip....damn
hahahaha thanks for all the comments. Yeah dad was there. I think maybe both of us were being a little too polite. Like I said...we'd never really met her before. Yes, 2 of the 3 of those cars were auctioned off in Estevan last October.
The Jalopy Journal
