Car Story

Had a request for another car story.

Before the Big 3 started their own finance companies in the late 50's-early 60's, your friendly local bank wanted a minimum of 1/3 down or more. GMAC had lower requirements. Most dealers would "spot deliver" a new car and then sweat the financing.

My friend Gene had a nice clean Chevy. He would trade it in on a new car and drive the new car until the dealer would call to tell him the financing failed. This was usually a week to ten days. Gene loved the program and got to drive four new cars for a few days.

He then got a 1962 Turbo Corvair. He decided he didn't like it. After two weeks went by, he called the dealership and asked them when he should bring it back. Their response was along the lines of, "Why, Mr. K? Your financing was approved and YOU OWN THE CAR".

The Corvair had a ninety day warranty. On the ninety third day, the turbo went out. In the three years it took Gene to pay for the Corvair, repairs were needed monthly. Thanks in part to Mr. Nadar, he couldn't sell or trade it. His friends were properly sympathetic.

He always had me to laugh at. At various times I had a Fiat, a Hillman, a Renault 16, an AC Bristol, Springer Harley, Airel Square 4, Norton 750 and a 2 cycle Saab. Ah, foolish young men and motor vehicles.