Thad's family has a history of loving classic mustangs.
Years ago his mom drove a red '65 fastback. Thad's green '66 fastback shuttled him throughout High School. He lovingly referred to as the 'green machine' .
He still remembers the day his father brought home a '66 convertible. Springtime yellow with black interior.
Thad was 3.
When he was 14, he drove that mustang from Kansas to their new home in Utah. Top down the whole way.
Recently his father made him a proposal. If he agreed to take care of it, and make a valiant effort to restore it, he could have buy it for the handsome sum of $1.
Done. Thad set to work clearing out the 3rd car garage that very day.
Steadily over the last few months Thad has set aside time to "get 'im running". About two weeks ago he cried when the engine turned over and the car sat a beautifully idling in our drive way.
Now, I have never understood the world of mustang owners. They all wave to each other as they pass. No matter the year of their vehicle. They solute each other with thumbs ups and roll down their window to yell their approval.
Random people stare. One gentleman had his young son yell out "Great car, Mister".
Last night we took it to a BBQ for Keller Williams. We hadn't been there 10 minutes before 6 boys surrounded it asking Thad all sorts of questions including if he would be willing to sell it.
Never.
While we are a long way from total restoration, it makes me happy to see this new facet of Thad. It's like looking into his childhood. He has so much sentiment tied up in this car.
He gets excited to see Ike and Tabby raise their arms in the air and shout "I'm flying!" when he takes them for joyrides. I am happy for all the great memories we will make in the same car their Grandpa brought home 30 years ago.
Who knows, maybe when Ike is 33 he will be offered the same proposal, and for $1 will hear similar shrieks of joy from his children.
3 comments:
You need to be a photographer. Tell that ambitious husband of yours you need a new SLR to take more awesome pictures of his car.
And you're little sister needs one too.
It was fun to see you guys a week or two ago! Ethan keeps talking about when we can come back. FYI - We can see your house from our rooftop! OK, the temple, but it's close right?
My dad had a 64 1/2 mustang before his mission. While he was gone his brother traded it to the neighbor across the street for an El Camino. this was in 1970 and my father still hasn't forgiven him!
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