What is the oldest car you own?
We truly hope everyone in the Hagerty Community enjoys participating in this series, According to You, in which we amplify the contributions of our loyal readers and commenters! Your responses to our various questions are often both enlightening and—dare I say it—heartwarming. Last week’s answers were no different, as we asked a very open-ended question that led to some fantastic answers. So, in the interest of balance, this week’s question will be far easier to answer: What is the oldest car you own?
Here’s mine. Well, not exactly, because the above image is a manufacturer press shot; I neither have a picture of my Continental Mark III, nor can I remember if it is a 1970 or a 1971. And I really should have a picture of it, considering what I do for a living and how enjoyable these cars are for Lincoln enthusiasts.
The Mark III has sat for months, mostly due to a bad front main seal on its 460 big-block, and I haven’t had the time to do it myself. I probably could, but it’s gonna require some training on my end, and I’d prefer if someone else did it. Finding someone has been harder than expected, or perhaps I am asking the wrong people. It is a very nice car, drives well, and even has a new Magnaflow exhaust with just a little rumble. Sigh.
The more words I type about my Mark III, the more depressed I get about its current state. Anyone want to teach me how to do a front main seal on a big-block Ford? Just kidding (sort of). Anyway, let’s answer the question at hand:
What is the oldest car you own?
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Mine is a baby compared to some of these, but it is a 1989 Toyota pickup, purchased new in 1989. I like the body style, size and utility. What I do not like is the lack of power from the 4-cylinder 22R engine.
1965 Mustang Fastback, bought in 1980. But I have inherited, but not picked up yet, my dad’s 1925 Model T pickup. The first pickup ever, as I understand it!
I own a ‘68 Ford F-250 with a ‘68 428 that I’ve had for several years. It is a lot of fun to drive and it’s got a lot of grunt. CobraJet cam, aluminum cylinder heads with 428 PI intake and Holley sniper setup. With a 3:70 Dana axle it loves lots and lots of gasoline but worth every penny!
1969 Pontiac GTO Convertible, all original except for the top. I inherited it from my late father who bought it new. I am 18 years older. Got my first (and not the last) speeding ticket in that car.
I have a 1984 Pontiac Sun Bird convertible with 39400 actual miles. I am 40 years older than it.
I own a 1947 Fiat Topolino. I got it in August 2018. I always like the Topolino after seeing them at US 30 dragstrip in the early 60’s. It a fairly rare car in the U.S. because they were turned into dragsters. Jay Leno owns a 1936. It has a thirteen horsepower engine(4 cylinder)
I have owned a 1956 corvette for the past 53 years. love the smiles it gets with every mile!
My oldest car I own, and have ever owned, is a 1941 Chevy Master Deluxe Business Coupe I bought 5 years ago from estate of local car club member. 46k miles, runs and drives, and a written history found in trunk indicates I’m 7th owner. This is my first 6 volt automobile, so I’m still trying to get used to the slow starter cranking…although it always starts!
Where in the US are you located?
My oldest car is a 1949 Chevy Fleetline four door sedan. I searched to find a four door rather than a two door, because I think it’s cool the way the fastback roofline affects the shape of the rear doors. Also, the rear doors have really neat vent windows. Lastly, being raised in Chicago, I’ll never forget my dad’s admonition about snow piling up on the rear window. Not a problem in Southern California😀.
I had a 1960 AH Bugeye for 29 years. Always a runner, no engine work done except maintenance. Drove it 20,000 miles in those 29 years. Bought in 1989, sold to Bugeye Guy in CT for its next life.
My old clunker is a mint 1982 Chev Corvette I bought new in 82,it has been solid until today it would not start so it is getting a tow to the Chevy dealer tomorrow.
A 1953 Studebaker Starlight Regal Champion Coupe. 3 speed with overdrive, wide whites and full wheel covers. It’s light green over dark green and a tan vinyl interior – all stock. It turned 70 in April this year. A fully frame-off restored California car!
A milestone car if there ever was one and l can’t believe she’s in MY garage!
I own a 1998 Jaguar XK8 Cabriolet, always garaged and with 14k miles. It’s a dark ocean blue with dark blue roof and light beige and brown interior. It was my dad’s car which I inherited 10 years ago now. I like most – the real wood and real leather. The design lines of the car. The positive attention and positive comments. And my own memories of my dad whenever I look at or drive it.
1931 model A. Next oldest is a 1975 Buick convertible, 1977 Oldsmobile 442 and then into the ‘80s and newer.
I highly encourage every car person to have owned a Model A at least once.
My neighbor unintentionally talked me into getting one. There’s something special about them.