Author Archives: First Car

Adriana Estrada’ Toyota Corolla Liftback

In 1981, I thought I was getting a car for Christmas. During the prior 2 weeks, I had noticed my parents speaking in hushed tones (something they never did) and giving each other sly, knowing smiles (another thing they never … Continue reading

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Hisao Yatsuhashi’s Aged V

The Aged V: A Brief History On the surface it was an unassuming economy car—another metal box on wheels anonymously cruising the streets of Massachusetts. This soulless vessel would prove to be more than a way to get from here … Continue reading

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Ted Widmer’s Buick Skylark

I bought my 1966 Buick Skylark for a grand total of $300 cash the week I graduated from college, June 1984. It was by far the biggest withdrawal I had ever made from my bank account and put a major … Continue reading

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Chris’ VW Bug

During Reagan’s second administration I listened to a lot of the Grateful Dead to escape the horrors of 80’s popular culture. I became obsessed with owning an old Volkswagen, so much so that I carried a toy bug to school … Continue reading

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John Graham’s First Car was an Art Car

To most people, my first car was as mundane as they come: a 1969 Toyota Corolla station wagon. While it was the first Toyota made in America (with 30 million sold worldwide) and the most popular car line in history, … Continue reading

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Teabiscuit

She was named after that old horse in the cartoons that was always at the back of the pack in the race, bow–backed, buck–toothed, and coughing up a storm. I think Porky Pig was at the rails, ripping his betting … Continue reading

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Matt Brady’s VW Camper Van

My first car was a white 1971 Volkswagen Westfalia Camper van. A Bus. The van started its life out with my family and served 3 generations before its eventual suicide in 1998. In ‘71 my Grandparents started a European tour … Continue reading

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Robert Schwarzenbach’s first car was a Ford Anglia

Tony handed me a grease smudged white envelope containing 15 crisp five dollar bills. Reluctantly, I handed him one set of car keys and the pink slip to a 1962 Anglia, my first automotive purchase which had cost me $150.00. … Continue reading

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Mary Rhinelander’s Volvo Station Wagon

1978. A passenger in a smash Nutcase trauma from the crash* “I will never drive I want to stay alive” Became my Mantra. *Pieces of glass still work themselves out of my cousin’s scalp. 1988. “Can I go by subway? … Continue reading

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Bill Svec’s Hugger Camaro

My first car was technically my grandfathers old 4 door Comet—I was in college and basically used it as a means of transportation. After I received my Associate Degree, I started working (a major mistake—I should have continued my education). … Continue reading

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