Beginning at noon, rain threatened the Centerville Americana Festival and Car Show, and by 4 p.m. the rain became steady and rather heavy. And while the weather kept the number of cars down at the show, several interesting cars were present, inlcuding my favorite, this 1963 Plymouth Valiant station wagon modifed to a California beach cruiser. A nice thing about the car hobby is that not everyone has to like the same automobile -- we respect the cars of others, but some just touch us in ways personal and unique. The Valiant was introduced in the fall of 1959 as an import fighter, to counter the likes of the VW Beetle and other foreign makes that were suddently gaining acceptance. It featured a slant six engine, unitized body, and alternator, and according to many contemporary accounts a rugged and economical vehicle. This car is adorned with uncoventional paint and upholstry to say the least, but refects a drive for individuality that is often expressed in our cars. This was particualrly true during the 1960s, when Cold War conformity choked our freedoms; yet, despite the insidious and invisible cultural restrictions, many Americans found personal expressions in their cars, and thus this one touched me. It says "get to the Beach, and forget about all the trifles of the day that take away from your joy and well being."
Beginning at noon, rain threatened the Centerville Americana Festival and Car Show, and by 4 p.m. the rain became steady and rather heavy. And while the weather kept the number of cars down at the show, several interesting cars were present, inlcuding my favorite, this 1963 Plymouth Valiant station wagon modifed to a California beach cruiser. A nice thing about the car hobby is that not everyone has to like the same automobile -- we respect the cars of others, but some just touch us in ways personal and unique. The Valiant was introduced in the fall of 1959 as an import fighter, to counter the likes of the VW Beetle and other foreign makes that were suddently gaining acceptance. It featured a slant six engine, unitized body, and alternator, and according to many contemporary accounts a rugged and economical vehicle. This car is adorned with uncoventional paint and upholstry to say the least, but refects a drive for individuality that is often expressed in our cars. This was particualrly true during the 1960s, when Cold War conformity choked our freedoms; yet, despite the insidious and invisible cultural restrictions, many Americans found personal expressions in their cars, and thus this one touched me. It says "get to the Beach, and forget about all the trifles of the day that take away from your joy and well being."
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