34 years ago when I was 14 years old our paper delivery lady drove a 1972 Cutlass.
One day I left a note in the paper box asking if she would ever sell it. The next week she pulls in the drive and says $300.00. A lot of money back then especially for a 14 year old. I sell my dirt bike and some other junk, raid the piggy bank etc.

I spent the next two years learning how to work on it. No internet, no manuals, basic KMart tool set. Just busted knuckles, broken dreams and learning from mistakes.

The day of 16th birthday was at DMV 6am wanting to be first in line. Mom was thrilled to wait with me. Learners permit in hand went for the first legal drive after way to many midnight runs.

I drive it all thru high school, off to college then off to CA.
During that time overhauling suspension, rebuilding engine, replacing quarter panels etc.

In sunny dry CA I find a near perfect rust free 1971 Cutlass with blown engine. $200.00 later it's mine and I swap drivetrain and suspension. My first car goes off to scrap.
Sentimental thoughts don't cross my mind at the time just the dis-belief of what a non upstate NY car is. You mean I don't need a torch and breaker bar to change a lug nut?

Long story short... since then a hundred cars have come and went from my garage. None replaced the feeling of that first one. Now back in NY and not looking for another car a co worker spots a Cutlass 2 hours away on craigslist. Next day I am there, buy it and send a truck for it.

As close as I will ever get to having my first back.

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34 years ago.

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I don't think anything compares to the feeling of your first car. It's most peoples first taste of real freedom in my opinion. My first car was a 79 Cutlass, Dark blue metallic with a light blue top. I love the 69 I currently own but still look on occasion to see if a good deal pops up on a similar car to that 79. Enjoy the new purchase.

 

Nice story, my current Cutlass was a father and son project that did not work out. I thought it would be cool for him to have the same car as I had as his first. He will not be a car guy... So I built it for me.

 

I don't have my first car either (67 442 4 speed) when I bought it my dad was pist and had it taken apart so I could not drive it. SO, I bought another one. Each cost less than $500 way back then. Good drivers at that time. both less than 10 years old.
He finally gave up and then we bought one together. It is the convertible in my signature picture. the left quarter panel is off my first car. So, close as I will get.

They are sure a blast.

Larry

 

Very cool!

 

Great story. Hope you can make a lot of memories around this one.

 

Found this old pic while looking for that other one. Obviously not my Olds but my grandmothers 71 and this would have been taken around 72. I was four.

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You never do forget your first.....car. Mine was a 1970 1/2 Ford Falcon. Looked like a Torino. $250.00. No speedo, no gas gauge, no floors, no carpet...I loved that car!

 

Yeah man, Great story. I happen to still own my first car. Bought it in 1988 at 15 years old. - '69 F85 W31. I even drove a '72 Cutlass S for a few years as my daily driver. Maybe someday I'll get my act together and create a thread about my very very long story.... Congrats to you!

 

My first car was a fuel Injected 57 Chevy Nomad. Bought it for $900.00 off the original owner when I was 14. It needed nothing but gas, but the fuel injection system was always acting up.
I Had a really hard time finding anyone that knew how to work on it.

 

Are we going to make a first car thread again? I've had a really hard time finding another '63 Acadian Invader station wagon, white with red interior. I have kept with the wagon theme though.

 

Very nice. Hopefully you will enjoy it for many years to come. Seems from the photos to be the same color, which I'm sure is another plus.