CHE"
…In 1970 I purchased my first car. A
1960 Rambler, also known as the “box”. For those of you who have never seen
this particular model, I suggest looking up this piece of folk automobile
history.
The first upgrade this faded grey
auto got was an 8 track player. Nothing could be more sublime than driving down
the streets of New York City with Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, and Richie Havens
blasting out the open windows, wailing their songs of peace and anti war
sentiments.
Yes, in 1970, it was all about making
a statement! I soon felt that the music was not enough; after all, everyone
that drove had an eight track stereo and was blasting music. On a beautiful
fall weekend, I collaborated with an art student and together we attempted to
paint a huge smile on the trunk of the car. Bright red lips, stretching from
the left rear light to the right light! The bright red lips were “my
statement”. Many things come from lips, words of love…a sweet smile, or a
tender kiss!
We spent a few moments admiring our
work when I noticed how terribly faded the front of the car was. On the sides
of the front headlights we wrote in an Old English font “CHE” (Latin for “short and chubby”). Satisfied with our artwork we
decided to give CHE a test ride.
Down the street we drove. Some of
the cars tooted us and people were blowing kisses at my female companion,
others raising their fists and chanting, “Viva Che Gueverra”. Che Gueverra? I
asked, who is Che Guevara? “Oops” she smiled, I think Che Guevara helped Castro
with the overthrow of the Cuban regime. “Groovy”! I exclaimed, as I turned up
the stereo and allowed Bob Dylan’s “rainy day woman” to come pouring out the
windows. I was thrilled! In a time when people wanted to be heard, to have
their feelings made visible….I was doing it! In the following days I drove that
car and enjoyed the attention it brought…..till one day my sister needed to use
the car! (She helped me finance the purchase). "Do you know who Che
Guevarra is?" I used as my defense as she threatened to call her loan in. Screaming
back me with her high pitched voice of anger,"I don't care who he is, but
I'm sure every guy in Brooklyn that has pulled up next to me while I am stopped
at a traffic light and blows kisses at me, doesn't give a sh*t about Che
Guevarra!"
The
road of life……drive that car as far as you can!
The box car! LOL I remember them well. The lips feel right to me.
ReplyDeleteGreat first car story. Didn't expect anything less.
The freakin' captcha is till HERE....UGH
Hi Jo - I'm so glad to know your memory serves you well! It was time when cars were made with benches seats in the front, no consoles in the middle and the radio station could be changed with your toes! (teenage imagination required)
ReplyDeleteOK- The Capcha is gone- door is wide open, y'all are welcome!
My first car was a bright yellow '75 corvette:)) Fun times! But we rigged our 8-track inside our ski boat and blasted music across the lake!
ReplyDelete75 vette! You didn't need an 8 track or smiling lips on rear to turn heads! LOL
DeleteThat is so funny that you painted big lips on your car! Talk about making a statement. I believe you did it and showed the world your individuality as well! Hope you have a very blessed Christmas and a happy new year!
ReplyDeleteKathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com