Sweet story: Guy reminisces over Z

[Darbji280z]

I was on my way to a car show last week and stopped to fill up with gas. I came back out to my car with an older guy walking around her. I greeted him and asked how he was. He immediately began to tell me his story. "Is this your car? Man, it's gorgeous. I remember when these first came out. I was 17 and I wanted one so bad. My neighbor had one and I went over there everyday to see it. I loved that car. I always wanted one but could never afford it." I could see the love and pain in his eyes. I said "be my guest if you want to sit in it." He answered, "Really?" He got inside and fell in love with it. I could have swore he was almost in tears. I could see all the years of memories come rushing back to him. All those hopes and dreams that had been lost as he'd grown up. "I bet these things are quick aren't they?" he asked. "Can you drive a stick?" I asked. He just looked at me speechless and nodded his head. "Start her up" I said and jumped in the passenger seat. The man was beside himself. We drove it around the block or so. I think there was something he wasn't telling me. Some fond memory that was almost bringing him to tears. When we got back to the gas station, he thanked me a thousand times and we said goodbye. I was late for the car show but it was so worth it.

I had no idea these cars had such an impact on the people who owned them, let alone the ones who didn't. What an icon.

[Fun_in_my_z]

With that avatar of yours he was probably trying to test out more then the car

[Darbji280z]

Oh, please. Let me have just this one cute story. . Besides, I wasn't looking my best taht day. I had been working on the car.

[Fun_in_my_z]

Greasy car babes

[Ramses]

Darbji,

I agree with fun. I have a thing for women who can hold their own or even better me when it comes to cars especially Datsuns. With that said, if your ever down south I would be more than happy to let you drive my baby around...Good story though.

[sblake01]

Well, Darbji, I appreciate the story. I'll save my comments about your avitar for another thread. Anyway, I bought a Z when I was 20, a brand new 1970 and later had a 72 for a while. I sold the 72 a couple of years later. I've owned a lot of cars, and I mean a lot, since then but the Z was always in the back of my mind. Though I took me over 20 years to get another one, I have one now and that one will probably be fought over when they divide up my estate.

[DougN]

Nice story, you earned your "kharma" points that day :classic: I have had similar things happen with my MGB. Even helped the last guy find one for himself and fullfill a life-long dream he had -- feels really good to do that! Next time, get their email address and send them a few links to other Z's for sale and maybe they can get one of their own!

[red_dog007]

Wow. Thats an amazing story. I would have never thought that any car could make someone almost cry. Even on those stupid pimp my ride kind of shows, you never see anyone cry after their $500 hunk of junk gets $40,000 worth of work.

I know myself, I would have asked a sh/t ton of questions about when?, why?, how? and why not now?

I love those kind of moments because you know that you touched someone is a special way, and it is a moment that you will never ever forget. You will remember it like it was yesterday for the rest of your life. Those are the best memories anyone could have, as long as they are good.

Lets just hope that his memories were good memories.

[albert_ey]

Damn, what an awesome story, I know these vehicles are important, but wow...

[e_racer1999]

great story! i too will refrain from comments not directly associated with said story.

[george71z]

I know a Z owner here in Fla. that purchased a Z new in '70. He got sent back for another tour in S.E. Asia, and sold the 'new' car to a buddy. Cut to now. He and his son travel to Cali to check out a truck project; and look up this old buddy. Turns out, he still had the Z, in original shape and unmolested. He sold it back to the original owner for the same price, and the guy drove it home to Fla. It is now being freshened with all O.E.M. pieces and looks as good as ever. My best Z story.

[76Datsun280z]

Nice story! I'm sure you more than made his day.