Unfortunately, this meant selling our beloved yet troublesome 1977 Starcraft Pop-Up to make room for the car under our carport. Luckily, Craigslist came to the rescue and allowed the camper to go to a very nice woman who is actually one of the state organizers for Geocaching. Years ago when we purchased this camper, it was in bad shape. We redid the interior of it with a fun retro Hawaiian theme. She really dug the retro interior and we are both glad it went to someone who appreciated the work.
Fare The Well My Old Friend....Off Into The Sunset!Anyway, the car came from our friend and fellow Northcrester Ken, who I think is still having second thoughts about having sold the car. It all came about very innocently enough. I don’t like to use the word “fate” because so many life events can be misconstrued to take on a serendipitous context. However, the Valiant may be an actual example.
One morning while pouring a new section of concrete around the pool, Ken and his partner Hector were swimming. Ken and I talked about some of the houses in the neighborhood, had some laughs about recent Northcrest events, and then it happened. Ken says “Hey if you know anyone that wants the Valiant, I’m thinking about selling it”. I ask him some specifics because I knew that Jordan loved this car whenever she saw it around the neighborhood.
One morning while pouring a new section of concrete around the pool, Ken and his partner Hector were swimming. Ken and I talked about some of the houses in the neighborhood, had some laughs about recent Northcrest events, and then it happened. Ken says “Hey if you know anyone that wants the Valiant, I’m thinking about selling it”. I ask him some specifics because I knew that Jordan loved this car whenever she saw it around the neighborhood.
Ken tells me that it is a push button automatic. That is huge because Jordan does not know how to drive a stick and the world is probably much safer because of this. Next he says it has power steering and brakes. This would further allow Jordan to more easily drive the car. Finally, the size of the car makes it so Jordan can park it. Trust me, this is huge because if you ever see her try and park my truck, you will understand how important the size of the Valiant is.
The Look of the Insturment Cluster is My Favorite Part!
Original V-200 Emblem and Interior
For more context, here are the original TV ads for the 1960 Valiant (I dig the beatnik looking cartoon band guys!)So there you have it, while classic car insurance companies don’t acknowledge our carport as worthy, the 60’ Valiant looks right at home in our 1959 carport!
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That instrument panel looks like it's smiling at you!
ReplyDeletej'adore the Valiant!
ReplyDeleteReal cool set of wheels you got there daddy-o. The combination of the tough as nails Tourque-Flite Drive and the bullet proof slant 6 engine make for a good combo (is the engine the 198 cid job or the optional, more powerful 225 cid job that was standard in the full size Plymouths?) Chrysler made the slant 6 until the early 90's so parts sre still relatively easy to find for it. The only thing you need to keep a watchful eye on is RUST!!!! These cars never died the rusted away. Still I bet it is a blast to drive and makes people stare when you go to the store for a loaf of bread.
ReplyDeleteIt is just the 198....but still a ton of fun to drive! Thanks for the compliments!
ReplyDelete