As you can see, today I want to talk about cars.
Wait a minute. Wait just one minute.
Cars Karen? Really? We don’t want to talk about cars. That’s a guy thing. Let’s talk about shopping or something else more exciting.
Hold on, hold on. I see your point.
But what’s not to love about cars?
Did y’all not see that adorable Pixar movie?
Well, who was the star of the show?
That’s right. Cars.
And let’s just say it like it is girls. When you started dating your current boyfriend or husband, what kind of car was he driving?
I rest my case. 🙂
If you think about it, cars can say so much about who we are as a person or we wouldn’t take so much of our time pondering over what kind of car it is that we want to buy. What they look like and how fast they drive does have an influence on us and others whether we like it or not.
So then, what were they thinkin’ when they came out with this baby?
Do you remember this one? It’s an AMC Pacer, voted the ugliest car ever made. If you don’t, not to worry, it’s obvious you didn’t miss much.
Chick magnet?
I think not.
But what about the cars we drove around when we first started driving? What did they look like and what did they say about us? After all, most of us didn’t have much of a choice in the matter as we drove around in the family car.
After seeing that little number, I realized I really didn’t have it quite so bad.
You see, I think my Dad at the time was going through some kind of mid-life crises. He and my Mom had just come back from a trip. They had flown up to the San Francisco bay area and rented a car at the airport. They decided one afternoon to take a drive north across the Golden Gate bridge and cruise around the beautiful Redwoods along the Russian river. Apparently, the car they rented was loaded with plenty of spunk and style, and could really handle the curves. So on their return; they made the decision to purchase that same model at the local dealership.
It was a 1969 Dodge Charger.
Just so you know guys, I didn’t drive the RT model with a 440 magnum under the hood. Yet that 383 sure had plenty of attitude and zip.
But, the family car? Seriously?
Five people scrunched inside a two door? This certainly was not a well thought out idea. More like an emotional decision, which you have to know, was so not like my parents at all.
A mid-life crises? Ya think?
But hey, when it came time for this girl to get her driver’s license, I couldn’t be happier. Most days when I borrowed the car I had a blast. I could meet up with my friends. Drive to see a movie. Take a cruise along the beach. Race against all my guy friends. That’s right. And I had no problem keeping up with them. Ah yes, those were the days. It was awesome.
That was until I was told this…
Maybe you can drive my car…
If you go to the store…
If you take your sister to her violin lesson…
If you’ll pick up the dry cleaning…
If you go to the bank for me.
And this one was a real bummer.
If you take your brother and sister with you…
I know, boohoo. Life’s tough right? Yet, at the time, I would get really tweaked about it as I now became the family errand girl and chauffeur.
Maybe you can drive my car
Yes I’m gonna be a star
Baby you can drive my car
And maybe I’ll love you
Beep beep’m beep beep yeah!
So what do you think? What kind of car did your boyfriend or husband drive? Have any of you ever played that “Maybe You Can Drive My Car” game with your kids? What was the first car you ever drove? What is the name of the ugliest car you’ve ever seen?
Thank you everyone for dropping by and for all your wonderful comments!
Karen
What fun. YES. Boyfriends, remembered by their cars. The guy I thought I was going to marry: Dodge Dart. The guy I did: BMW. Please don’t hold it against me. I loved the Dodge Dart. It had a push button starter. Just wasn’t the right guy. First car I owned? Datsun 510. Oh man Karen, now you’ve got me going. Your parents’ Charger looks daddy-o cool. Lucky!
Julia recently posted..Camping with Strange Bedfellows: Week 21
Hi Julia! Yes, it was fun! Lots of fun! Uh, I’d have to say that I would’ve gone with the BMW too. But then, I haven’t met the guy. LOL! Sounds like you two are quite a match. So happy for you! Now what about that Datsun 510? I wasn’t aware that they made such a thing? Was it a hatch-back? Thanks Julia for stopping by and I hope you have a great week! 🙂
Sorry I’m late to the party. I’m with Jennette. I’ll take cars over shoes and fashion any day. I hate shopping. As for first cars – I remember as a wee one sitting against the pony interior of my father’s mustang as we prepared to head off to church. When I was fifteen, my father and I started cleaning the engine of the ’62 skylark that would become my first car. Still have her. My first boyfriend (worth counting) drove a 1976 Datsun 280Z with custom paint job. It was a real eye catcher back then. He recently sold it. Funny how we both held on to our first cars for so many years. My youngest already has plans to take my Skylark off my hands when she gets her license. My son has no interest what-so-ever. Although, I’m sure he’ll want her to buy his half out. LOL.
Fun post! Thanks, Karen.
Debra Kristi recently posted..The Greek God Apollo: Immortal Monday
Hi Debra! How are you? Never worry about being late. It happens to all of us and I know that you’re really busy. Ah see, you’re a girl after my own heart. I’ll take cars over shoes anyday. Ooh, your father had a nice ride Debra. Mustangs were pretty cool. And the old boyfriend’s ’76 Datsun 280Z was a speedy car back in the day. I love that you and your father worked together on your Skylark. You must have fond memories of those times. That’s pretty special girl. I can see why that “62 Skylark is so special to you. And you’re gonna let you youngest drive it? Boy, oh, boy, you’re brave! May the force be with you Debra! 🙂
My first car was the family station wagon–a light blue Pontiac, luckily without the wood paneling on the side! 🙂
Coleen Patrick recently posted..Making Change a Sweet Transformation
Well Coleen, before the Charger, our family car was a Country Squire station wagon with the wood paneling around the sides. It was so ugly. So you know how excited I was when my parents brought the new car home. Score! This was fun. Thanks for participating Coleen and have a great week! 🙂
My boyfriend has an old Buick that’s pretty much falling apart, but I don’t mind it at all. The last two guys I dated didn’t even have cars (one was a student, and the other was between jobs), so I’m grateful that he has one at all.
Alana recently posted..On Being Awesome, and the Importance of Community
Hi Alana! Well in this economy, we’re thankful for what we’ve got, right? If it’s got a set of wheels to get us around and it works, yahoo! I was talking back in the day. But I do have to say that driving that Charger was lots of fun! Thanks Alana for sharing your thoughts and for stopping by. So great to see you blogging again! Take care! 🙂
When I started dating my someday-to-be husband, he was driving a Gremlin. We used to call it the ugliest car on the planet. My parents had a Toyota Corolla and I could beat that Gremlin without barely any effort at all. And I once raced a charger with the little Toyota. 🙂
Sheila Seabrook recently posted..Every Once In A While, I Falter, Then Fall Down
Hi Sheila! Ah yes, the Gremlin. My hubby and I had a discussion about this one. He felt the Gremlin was the ugliest car made, but since this was my blog, I went with the Pacer. I think it’s a tie actually. LOL Sheila. I can imagine that Corolla could beat the Gremlin. But the Charger? Who won the race Shiela? 🙂
When my now ex husband and I started to date he was ddriving a 64 Meteor convertible. white with a black ragtop and red leather interior. nice. then he put a big…I mean honking huge set of horns (as in cow horns) on the hood. He also had a tendency to drive too fast, so the cops followed us everywhere. LOLOLOL
OMG and I married him.
Louise Behiel recently posted..My Latest Release, Family Lies is the Featured Book Today
LOL Louise! You crack me up! I knew men who wanted horns on their cars. Hey, they’re out there. But, I’m not sure what a Meteor is. Is it related to the Falcon or Fairlane. It was a Ford right? I do like the fact that it was a convertible Louise. Those were very cool back in the day. And very cool during a winter in Calgary girl. Burrr!!! LOLOLOL is right Louise. But we love you gal! And your books and posts! Thanks Louise for stopping by! 🙂
Ah yes, the Pacer. The only thing weirder was, well, the Thing. Those were like alien spaceships with wheels or something.
And the Ford Pinto. Really?
I learned to drive on a Plymouth Volare. I know, nothing but the finest for my family. Crushed velour seats and everything. That thing felt like a tank.
Fortunately, I had an older brother so he got all of the “if you take your sister,” requests. At least we got along pretty well. Me and my bro heading to town in the Volare. How super cool were we?!?!
Fun post, Karen. Those Chargers were actually pretty cool cars. I like the Challengers better, but the Chargers in those day could really fly.
When I met my husband he drove a white Ford pick-up truck. How appropriate for my cute cowboy!
Patricia recently posted..Don’t spill my beer!
Hi Patricia! Oh yes, the Thing. We had a neighbor across the street who had one of those things. LOL! I mean cars. You description of alien I think is right on the money Patricia. Weren’t they able to go in the water too, if I remember correctly? Ah yes, the Volare. That was a plush way to travel my friend. And I think your older brother was super cool. Not all older siblings will do that, you know? But I like the Challengers too. I think they’re related to the “Cuda. They were really fast cars. Oh yeah. And yep, the white Ford pick-up does go well with your cute DH, the cowboy. Thanks Patricia for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed the memories. Those were fun times, weren’t they? 🙂
I’m not a car person, Karen. Heresy, I know. My current vehicle’s a Yaris–the smallest Toyota. I was flirting with a SmartCar but got cold feet because it’s teeny-tiny.
After each of my kids got their licenses, I knew I could send them on errands for a full year before the thrill wore off. I miss those days.
I’m glad you had fun with your parents Dodge Charger. Help! Now I can’t get that Beatles tune out of my head.
PS: I awarded you the Booker Prize (Patricia Rickrode/Jansen Schmidt had passed it to me. Details in my blog post. Tag! You’re it!)
Pat O’Dea Rosen recently posted..Reading through Good Times and Bad
“After each of my kids got their licenses, I knew I could send them on errands for a full year before the thrill wore off.” LOL, Pat, you crack me up! A year huh? That’s so funny. I think all parents do the same thing. It’s part of the right of passage or something like that. I can see that you’re not a car person. But there is nothing wrong with practicality. And that the Yaris is. I think you’re spending a lot less money on gas these days. I knew you were a smart gal! And thank you very much for the Booker Prize. I will try to do my best to pass it on. Thanks for coming by Pat and have a great week! P.S. “Baby you can drive my car…” LOL! Have fun! 🙂
Ah … I remember so fondly my first car, a ’77 mustard yellow volvo. Love it. And I did have to schlep my sister and her best friend to and from school. My son just got his license in Feb and inherited the kia sportage with 200+K miles on it. 🙂 And … he too is responsible of bringing his brother home from high school. We are so mean, right?
Ginger Calem recently posted..WritersButt Wednesday – Is your scale the boss of you?
Ah yes Ginger, the mustard yellow ’77 volvo. It’s a classic. I’m not sure how cool it was, but it was reliable, that’s for sure. And schlepping would be an accurate description. But hey, I was the oldest. So I guess I naturally fell into that job. Goes with the territory, so not surprised that your son’s playing chauffeur. It’s hardwired into our DNA as parents Ginger. LOL! Mean? Naw. It’s a win/win situation, right? So fun to have you come by. Thanks Ginger and take care! 🙂
Wow! Homer Simpson once designed a car, and it looked a lot like the Pacer pic above 🙂
My first car was a Chevette. It didn’t have an alarm, so every night I popped up the hood and removed the ignition thingy (the spark plug wire?). It worked. Somebody once broke into the car but couldn’t start it 🙂 Good times…
Fabio Bueno recently posted..Interview at Liv Rancourt’s Blog
HI Fabio! So Homer designed a car that looked like the Pacer. Hmm. Not quite sure what to think about that. I always thought that AMC took their design for the Pacer from the Jetsons. It looked to me like a car from outerspace. LOL! Oh now Fabio, a Chevette is a very cool car. Chick magnet indeed! I like you security system dude. It worked. Yes, they were good times! Thanks Fabio for taking the time to come by. Now get back to work selling that book my friend! 🙂
My family didn’t have a car so I was on my own long before I earned enough money to buy a car. Gotta tell you folks, that beetle was fun. Thanks for stirring up the memories Karen. Great post.
Prudence MacLeod recently posted..Chainsaw Angie strikes again!
Okay Prudence, the Beetle is not the quickest way to get around, but it was and still is a very cool car. I totally agree with you. Thank you Pru. I’m so glad you enjoyed the memories. It was fun! 🙂
I am happy with my Toyota Highlander! I used to drive a gas-guzzling Expedition, but we killed it in the Cash for Clunkers trade in deal.
Love the Charger!
Susie Lindau (@SusieLindau) recently posted..Surrounded by Eye Candy – A Photo Essay
Hi Susie! Ack, the Expedition. Yes, those were gas guzzlers girl. And huge! Living in Colorado amongst the different terrain you drive in, I can see where a Highlander would be practical. And Toyota make a good vehicle. So you are ready for anything! Very cool! Thanks Susie. I hope you enjoy your fall season! Take care! 🙂
With four kids our family car was invariably a station wagon and I remember like you I got to drive it if I’d run various errands. When I was single I lived in Chicago so I never had a car until I got married. Thanks for letting me go back to lots of great car memories.
Hi Karla! Ooh, four kids? Yes, I can see a station wagon was necessary. And that was our car before the Charger, by the way. A Ford Country Squire. Remember those? See, I knew this would strke a cord. Oh the errands. But who complained. We were happy to get a chance to drive, right? Yes, lots of great memories. So glad you enjoyed the ride. Thanks so much Karla from stopping by. Have a great week! 🙂
I’d rather read about cars than shopping or shoes any day! My DH had a Smokey and the Bandit TransAm – but it was in pieces. He drove an old Chevette, but that was ok- I drove a Pontiac Sunbird GT Turbo. Yes, somewhat of a guy magnet, LOL. Hubby still has that TA – he’s restoring it from the frame up. Love your dad’s Charger!!!
Jennette Marie Powell recently posted..My Town Monday: Flying High, Running (or Walking) Fast
Hi Jennette! I have to say that if it came to shoes or cars, there might be a toss up. But really, I think cars are more fun. And am I surprised that your DH drove a Trans Am? Was it not the equivalent to the Camaro Jennette? You both drove Pontiacs. Hello? You and yours were meant to be! Well there’s no question in my mind anyway. Uh, restoring from the frame up is quite a project. But those classic cars do have real value. Have fun! Thanks for coming by Jennette! 🙂