My first vehicle was a '49 International duece and half flatbed. Hauled hay with it, cost me $225.00, had to put 6 tires on it, another $75.00. Over the time I owned it (4 years), made about 5 grand. I was a ripe 15 years old. (Drivers License? We doan need no steenking license.)

My first ride? 1952 Willys Aerolark, flat 6, 3 on the tree. 25 bucks, with no 1 cylinder down, dropped an engine in it and drove the livng hell out of it.

Followed by an assortment of one-eyed wonders, 47 Dodge, 54 Buick, 53 Olds 88, 59 Impala, 62 F85 Olds, 55 Ford Fairlane, 57 Chebby Panel Wagon (Damn I'd love to have that one back! Worth a fortune, restored or not!)

In that mix, I bought it, 57 Bel Air 2 door, had a six in it, that went away in favor of a extremely worked over Three-Two-Seven. It went through extensive modifications, a severe weight loss program and more than a little cash. Averaged 9.7 seconds in the 1380, which moved me up two classes at the strip. It was street legal, barely. But not a very friendly car to drive on a daily basis. But that wasn't why I put the time and money into it.

My Favorites, the 53 Olds (One hell of a road car, in town was not so good.) and a 66 Pontiac Tempest.

That said, the tired old saying applies. They just don't build them like they use too.

Someone else made the same comment below.

And I for one and damned glad they don't. I worked at a Garage when I was 14, you saw engine rebuilds at 50-60K. Valve jobs at 40K. Tires lasted 20-25 K, at best. And son on.