Motorcar Monday
The vehicle I loved that didn't love me
Growing up outside Toledo, which is an hour’s drive from Detroit, I was definitely raised in the car culture. In addition, two of my dad’s best friends were in the auto business, and I often tagged along to the dealerships when I was little. How I loved sitting in the shiny new cars and playing with models. I always got to take one model home!
With that background, I could hardly wait to drive. To say I was excited about turning sixteen would be a gross understatement. I got my temporary license on my sixteenth birthday, started driver’s training the next week, and took the big test only a few days after the class ended. When the tester said, “Take it around to the front. You passed,” I nearly yelled with joy—and I have always been even-keeled. But getting that license. Pure Heaven. That night, I took our dog to pick up dinner—burgers and shakes.
At that point, I didn’t have my own vehicle, but we had a darling red Jeep that my dad used for work tasks. He said I could have it…if I learned to drive it. Sounds simple, right? But it was a stick-shift. Despite its cuteness, that car drove like a basic army vehicle, and it was patterned on the World War variety—made right in Toledo. There was a lot of the vibration in the steering wheel and a tricky gearshift. Both were challenges, but coordinating the clutch with the accelerator or brake tested my capabilities. My dad was the soul of patience, but the phrase, “Shove in the clutch” became what I heard most often for weeks. Finally, I had to admit that I wasn’t going to be driving that adorable Jeep, top down, around town and to school.
Nevertheless, I still think about that car. Eventually, Dad sold it to a young guy, and I’d see him driving it. Jealous, yes!
Jeep is synonymous with Toledo, so I still see plenty of them on the road. Several of my neighbors and friends have Jeeps, although only one has a model similar to ours. I’ll admit to a tug of envy! Most of today’s Jeeps are a lot fancier, but the iconic Army workhorse holds a place in my heart.
Up until now, I’ve always had a General Motors product, and I love my Buick Encore. But red Jeeps still call my name. Maybe one of these days…
Photo from my dad’s collection.
