Over the decades it’s a good bet that all of us gave birth to a “Family Tree” of cars and trucks. If you’re like me, you can remember each one vividly because of the joy or the pain they seemed to give us.
Envision a small table tree and a small card with the year and model attached to the limbs. Each one has a story behind it you have never forgotten.
Some of us even love our vehicles so much we give them a name – much like a dog, cat or pet. That’s because the vehicles are part of our family. We fell in love with them the first time you saw them on the showroom floor or used car lot. We spend hours on end driving around town, on vacations, or to a ball game etc. Most of the time, they serve us well. Sometimes, they fail us. When they do, they are deemed an expletive and give way to the possibility of acquiring another to take its place.
Nevertheless, we refer to our vehicles by a given name – usually it’s those that have been in the family for quite awhile and served us well. Some may think we’re nuts, others think we are just appreciative and smile. Today, you are in luck. Today, Wednesday October 2 is: NATIONAL NAME YOUR CAR DAY.
So, give it some thought. Step outside and look at your car or truck. Think about it, then after some real thought, christen your car with a name that fits its color, power, gender, and even size. Be sure and consider your car or truck’s quirks and personality before a final naming.
Once you have done this, it’s time to begin your “Family Tree of Cars and Trucks.” You could even go back and name the ones from the years gone by. It’s something to do on a rainy day.
Seventeen years ago, Jo and I became proud owners of a beautiful 2002 Chevy Malibu Luxury Sedan. The Malibu was the epitome of the mythical car that was owned by the “little old lady” who drove it maybe twice a month, if even then. Our next door neighbor was a widow who owned the Malibu after her husband passed away in 2007. She was visiting us one afternoon and made the statement that she had to pay taxes on it and didn’t even have a license anymore. I asked her why didn’t she sell it? She replied quickly, “Do you want to buy it?”
I told her I very well might do that as she gave me the keys to the car which was in her garage. As soon as I looked at it I instantly saw it was “Show Room” perfect. It had all the extras that Chevrolet could put on a vehicle. All leather seats, sun roof, premium wheels covers, 4 Michelin tires, V6, and even factory mud flaps.
I put the key in the ignition and there it was. The odometer read only 19,074 miles and it was 5 years old.
When I got back home I checked the value of it on Blue Book. I deemed everything was “excellent,” because it was.
The value of a 2002 Chevy Malibu luxury sedan was $7,400. I copied the information and gave it to her while asking if she wanted to sell it? She paused and asked, “Would you give me $7,500?” I quickly said I would and I bought it the next day.
Seventeen years have passed since that October day when “Mali” became part of our family. Sure, she is garage kept even today and still has that showroom shine. Today, her odometer reads slightly over 70,000 and her V6 engine runs like a dream.
Mrs. T and I began remembering all the cars we have owned over our 63 years of marriage – it turns out that number is 22. It’s funny how we remember our cars and trucks over the decades past.
Without a doubt, “Mali” takes the prize for the best overall car we ever owned. The worse would be a 1960 Rambler station wagon that we were lucky to have gotten a trade in on our next vehicle.
You never forget your first car – never.
I can still remember that huge 1948 Dodge sedan complete with foot rests in the back seat and no power steering and at the time a new gimmick – Fluid Drive. It liked to drink oil a lot; so much so that I kept a 10 quart can of oil in the trunk when it got thirsty. I never named it, but I should have.
What was your best car? What would be your worst? Whatever you deem as your “best,” it a good bet that you had tremendous pride in every respect possible.
Turning the clock back to the mid 50’s or so, there was a phenomenon we called “cruising.” You know, joining the weekend procession of cars traveling up and down main street showing off the pride of our lives – our wheels. Gas was only 24 cents a gallon and we cruised all night long.
My pride was that of a beautiful ’56 Chevy Bel Air convertible and you can bet, we cruised with the top down for sure. My Chevy had tear drop fender skirts, duals, V8, spinner wheels, and even a “wonder bar AM radio” and of course A/C. After cruising and checking everything out, it was time to head to “Cruise Headquarters” – the famous Blue grass Grille. The huge lot gave all the cruisers plenty of time to check out who was parked and even pull in for a famous Bluegrass “Flying Saucer” hamburger and coke.
The back row was where the “muscle cars” parked. You know; the guys who owned those hot V8’s like a ’57 Chevy who had pulled in to park, raised their hoods for a discussion of power with the other hot ones parked side by side.
Yesteryear was a time when waxing your pride and joy under the shade of Ashland’s Central Park beautiful trees gave us a sense of satisfaction. Of course our radios were turned up to entertain us with the hits of the day while we waxed away.
Here in the 21st Century – 2024, many of us still feel the magic that these powerful and beautiful cars and trucks cast upon us. With that magic spell even today comes that sense of PRIDE we have each time we pull out of our driveways.
So, don’t forget – today is: “NATIONAL NAME YOUR CAR DAY.” This is the day you get up close and personal with your car or truck – give it a name. Be sure and take photos. You’ll be glad you did. Love that beauty of yours. Step back, and while looking at it and talk to it, it won’t answer, but that’s OK.
But be very sure no one is nearby to hear you. If it answers – let me know.
Mike Tussey has “retired” from a 60-plus-year career as a legendary play-by-play announcer for over 2000 football, baseball, and basketball games, including most recently for ESPN+. His career also includes a stint in law enforcement, teaching and coaching, and writing books, including the “Touchdown Saints.” He grew up in Eastern Kentucky and now lives in Florence with his wife, Jo. He has opened another “Door of Opportunity” and is now a regular columnist for the NKyTribune.