over this christmas break, my father and two unkles celebrated a once in a life time event, known simply as "180 Years of Excellence" - which was basically a showey title for the fact that all three of them would be turning 60 that year. as part of a gag gift for the trio, my mother and i got them each hot wheels cars that we thought suited them best. once my father received his - a '55 chevy (bel air) - he was immediatly made the most popular kid on the block (or, at least with the 50-and-ups). amongst the lengthy nostalgia discussions, was the quote, "man, i wish i could have the first THREE cars i ever owned!"

it then occured to me that i had no real visual clue on what these cars looked like exactly, so i asked him if he could get some similar photos, just so i could get the gist. randomly, there was a locals' car show, where he randomly recently popped these shots. pictured is ~1933 5 window coupe, that (save for the aftermarket wheels and a rumble seat intead of trunk) is exactly the same as his. his first car.

and what a looker...

heres to hoping that both of us, in the years to come, can have a sick old school "project car" that will keep us sane, amongst other things...