First, thanks to all the members commenting so far on my blue '72 GS recently added to the forum...So much great information on the couple of posts so far. Second, the story. After decades of work and life, the build sheet for my first car turned up in some old paperwork...my '72 GTO. That was it, the musclecar bug stung again and I wanted it back...bad. Tracked it down, the guy I originally sold it to did a beautiful 5 star restoration on it. Was hoping it was up on blocks in someone's backyard that just wanted it gone. There went that dream. A little old lady named Julie at work knew my son and I were looking for a project and said she had an old Buick in the garage that has been covered up for 10 years and did not run. She couldn't remember what it was, or even how many doors it had, but was sure it was an early 70's. She wanted it out of her garage and gone...for free, just come and get it. Not knowing what we were getting into, loaded up the son and the car hauler and showed up. She opened up the garage door and my mouth dropped...a GS. Had always heard and read stories about a car being in the little old ladies garage or barn that just wanted it gone. Never thought it would happen to me. Told her there is no way I am taking this car for free from her, that this was too nice of a car. Fine she said, give me $200 and stop arguing with me, I want you and your son to have this car because I know it will get taken care of. Ok...paid for the car, got the Texas blue title, pulled it on the trailer and away we went. Got it home and the wife looked at me like great, another piece of yard art. Popped the hood, put in a battery and pored some gas down the carb...and she started. No smoking, no ticking, just purred. Wow...and a happy wife knowing it wasn't a piece of pretty junk. Third, the moral. That next week at work she had told me that that she was a little upset when I refused to take the car for free. She wanted my son and I to have something nice to work on together and get back on the road. After that and another situation that occurred almost at the same time I learned...you never refuse a gift. Gifts come from the heart, and don't ever deny someone that...they might not be around for us to right that wrong later. So the car has a permanent home with me and my family forever...and her name is Julie.
Nice story. Nice name. Lesson from my best (late) friend Rev Bill Hawkins: "Wanted you to have this, Devon." "Wow!" I answered, "but I didn't get anything for you!" He sat back, puffed on his pipe for a moment, then leaned toward me smiling and said "You're not expected to. A gift is a one-way thing!" Devon
Great story! Always enjoy hearing about things like this. Your son will learn a great deal helping you get the car road worthy. Good luck with your project. Dave
That'll be a fun project for you and your son. Congratulations. I look forward to seeing the progress on the car.
Amazing story! I hope you do keep it in the family and make sure to gift that lady some visits and a meal or two. Either she has No family that cares, or she knows when they find out she will be sticking it to one of them.
