This was my first car.

I’d love to have it back.

But back then…

Let’s face it, I loved it back then too.

I hauled logs, furniture, and an entire elementary basketball team (their bus didn’t show up and they would have had to forfeit).

Once, while hauling logs down from our woods (behind the wagon in the photo) I ran out of gas. I had bottomed out on the gas tank enough that the gauge didn’t go past quarter tank.

The only fuel we had on hand was 2-cycle oil and gas mixes for the chainsaw and Lawn-Boy mower.

I dumped in the stronger Lawn-Boy mix.

It still wouldn’t start.

I pulled out the chainsaw and cut down one small tree that stood between me and the sloping field. I made sure the gates were open.

I tried to push.

Not a chance.

It was a manual transmission and predated clutch/starter interlocks so, I cranked the starter with it in gear and started rolling down out of the woods.

I dared not touch the brake as I bounded across the field. I sailed out the gate, down a short stretch of the road and into the driveway where I coasted to a stop right in my parking space.

See, even practical cars can be, umm, fun?

Surely, I made up for that ridiculous practicality later in life, right?

Nope.

So far, if you count company and wife’s cars, I’ve had 4 wagons, 3 pickups, 8 sedans, 8 minivans, 2 SUVs, and 3 hatchbacks.

Lest you think those were hot hatches, they were a diesel VW Rabbit, a rusty old Tercel, and a brand spanking new 1987 Ford Escort Pony. The “Pony” in the name meant basic – no AC, no power anything, and a blank piece of plastic where the radio went.

Have I ever wanted a sports car?

When I was a kid, a drooled over the ads for Porsche 911SC Targas in my Road and Track magazines.

I’ve always appreciated the artistry and engineering that goes into designing beautiful cars.

And I’ve appreciated that other people spend money on them because I am way too practical to devote that kind of cash to transportation.

So, what does that say about me?

You might want to say it means I’m poor.

I grew up poor, and I’ve never been wealthy by American standards, but I could have bought a sports car if I wanted to.

While I don’t judge those who have sports cars or luxury cars or anything more expensive,

my priorities have always been elsewhere.

I will probably splurge a little on a classic car when I retire. I’ll be keeping my eyes open for that amazing work of art know as a VW Squareback.

They’re not too expensive (yet), they’re easy to work on and parts are readily available.

It doesn’t hurt that I could use it to promote the Wil Clarey Series (one is featured in the books).

Also, in case you didn’t know…

It’s a wagon!