After about thirty minutes of scrolling through my camera roll I finally found these pictures!
This '69 Charger R/T (440, six pack) was my Dad's pride and joy. His eyes still light up when he talks about driving it off the showroom floor. My parents brought me home from the hospital in it. I remember climbing up into the front seat to go with my dad to pick up pizzas. He used to do burnouts and I remember the smoke rolling into the car. I'll never forget how this car sounded. These old hemis had such a deep growl when idling (especially with glass packs). I credit his wild driving as part of the reason I'm a thrill-seeker to this day.
Dad eventually had the car repainted around the mid-70's, the painter didn't take care of the small rust spots properly, and it was never the same after that. The car rusted out completely a few years later and he sold it for a couple hundred dollars.
I always hoped I could have "made it" as a writer while my Dad was still able to drive. My plan was to buy him another '69 Charger, but it just wasn't meant to be. He had to give up driving right around the time my career was getting traction. He owned many cars in his lifetime but this was his favorite. I think we all have one special car that stands out like that. Your life changes a little when you get rid of them.
The second picture is me in the driver's seat. That picture must've been taken around 1971 or so.
Thank you, Sult for sponsoring this contest! It was a great trip down memory lane.
That is a terrific story and a great car!
Thank you @bigtom13! One of these days, when I have the garage space, I might just try to find one.
Congrats Eric on finding the photos and the great story. You won both second and third place in the first SnP National Hemi Day photo contest.
I really appreciate it @sultnpapper! That's very kind of you. Thanks again for sponsoring it!