CAR GUY
Some passions last a life time. The passions have different names; hobbies, side jobs, favorite pastime, recreation, relaxation, diversion, and amusement and so on.
The majority of folks have more than one. I have several; working out, writing – including music, and playing guitar are my biggies. But one of my passions started a long time ago, probably about the same time as my passion for sports.
I’m a car guy. Ever since I was a little kid I had a thing for cars. Like a lot of little boys, I was one of them that gawked and gave the thumbs up to the muscle cars. I couldn’t begin to count how many times I said “Cool Car!” as a kid.
I appreciate cars like other folks do fine art. In fact, I liken them to be about the same. I like to call nice cars “rolling art”.
My first car was a 1970 Mercury Cyclone. It had a 351 Cleveland with 11 to 1 compression pistons, headers, hi rise Edelbrock aluminum manifold with a Holly 750 Double Pumper carb on top. It also had 4-11 gears in the rear end which helped it lurch off the line and get to top speed asap.
Since that time I’ve had scads of cars, too many to even recall, but a few stand out along the way. One of the cars I had when the kids were little was a ’64 ‘Vette convertible. It was white with red interior. I’m a sucker for red and white or white on red sports cars… but I’m a car guy.
As much as I enjoy hobbies, I don’t idolize them like a lot of people do these days. I sold that ’64 just before the big run up in classic cars, but I still made a little money on it, which is part of enjoying the hobby.
I appreciate the finer things in life, but they have zero value compared to the things the majority of us value the most. My faith in God comes first. Like King David said, “All things come from Your hand”. That includes salvation.
Long before I was a parent I was a car guy, but being a parent means everything compared to a measly metal and fiberglass internal combustion vehicle.
Like a lot of people, I regret selling that ’64 Corvette. It would be worth a whole lot more now than when I sold it, but that’s not why I lament selling the old car.
One of my favorite pictures of the girls when they were young was in that ’64 ‘Vette. I cherish the picture because of them, not the car, it was just the cool setting.

I’ve had my eye out for a car like that ’64 for more than the last ten years. One reason is because it’s a cool car, but the biggest reason is because I’ve wanted to recreate that moment from their childhood again now that they’re all adults.
This is one of those blessings and lessons that I don’t take for granted. The opportunity popped up to re-create that picture with a car that I got a deal on that will allow me to re-sell it and make a few bucks if I go that route again.

I love that car because I’m a car guy. The best part about those cars are my girls. Because first and foremost I’m a dad guy…
Sunday, May 12, 2019 @ 5:40 pm
Love both photos; good looking girls all – and nice car too.
Monday, May 13, 2019 @ 12:39 am
My brother is currently rebuilding his classic that he brought I think it’s a 1965 Dart. He’s at the priming stage before paint. I don’t know enough about cars to get into them mechanical wise, even though I did take a drive train course in High School. Yeah, family is something that is both timeless and classic… You’ve done good Brother!
Monday, May 13, 2019 @ 3:04 am
Fantastic story Floyd! I loved the last line. “I’m a dad guy.” My hobby has been cycling for many years since old men and basketball or baseball don’t mix. 🙂 But there is nothing that compares to being a DAD Guy. Nothing. And you said it well. BTW: beautiful girls. Must take after the wife. LOL
Monday, May 13, 2019 @ 4:06 am
That is so cool, Floyd! I love this story and the photos. Enjoy your passions!
Monday, May 13, 2019 @ 4:28 pm
Floyd,
What a fantastic re-creation 🙂 Your girls are blessed to have a dad who values and loves them 🙂
Monday, May 13, 2019 @ 5:35 pm
Oh, my goodness, Mr. Dad Guy. Very, very nice piece.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 @ 11:34 am
Cool car, even cooler daughters written by a cool Dad who knows what to value. I just told Ace the other day if I ever come into a lot of money I will buy you a 57 Chevy. He kind of loses is breath every time he sees one. Great story Dad guy.
By the way, I have still not figured out why you cannot comment on my post. I think again it’s something to do with google because I have changed nothing and you are not the only one who cannot comment. We are house sitting in Ky. for the next couple weeks and a friend has a son, about 12 years old who is a whiz on the computer so as soon as they get back from vacation I am calling him with a loud “HELP”. It will get fixed,
Tuesday, May 14, 2019 @ 11:59 am
I love this in every way, Floyd! I smile when I hear guys talk about their first car. 🙂 I’m sure there are women who feel the same way about their first car, but I’ve heard many more males than females. Jeff definitely is on the same track as you. He’s forever looking to replicate his first car, but has yet to find one affordable or in good enough condition (I really, really should know what it is! I think it’s a Firebird, but I can’t remember the year). The picture with your girls is priceless! Thanks for sharing this memory with us.
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 @ 1:57 pm
Floyd, what a great recreated photo!! How sweet and special. Your girls are lovely and kind-looking. May you have sweet times with them.
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com