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Dago_Red

Lake Barrington, IL

I collected Hot Wheels cars as a kid. Now I Collect real Cars, Trucks & Motorcycles. Storing Hot Wheels was easier!

Vehicles(6)

Story

I was a young boy in the mid 60s. I recall being 6 years old, sitting in the back seat as we drove around, constantly pestering my father asking “Dad, what kind of car is that?”

Back then in addition to having multiple jobs, my father bought and sold cars. I began detailing them for him at age 10. There’s a few I think about and would love to own today: a 1968 Impala SS Convertible in triple black and a 1967 Jaguar XKE, black with red leather interior. That e-Type was just gorgeous. I remember my father telling me if I did well in school and worked hard, that some day I would be able to buy a car like that XKE.

Well, I did work hard. I began an auto detailing business at 16. At 17, I bought my first car, a 1972 Mercury Montego MX. Soon after, I found a 1960 Cadillac Coupe De Ville, then a 1965 Corvair Convertible and a 1950 Chevy Coupe Hot Rod. My car collecting hobby had begun!

By the time I was 22, I had married my wonderful wife. We will celebrate 41 year in a few months. She has been a great sport and VERY patient. I had my first Harley at 22 and by 23, my own Jaguar XKE and also a 1965 Corvette convertible. I always liked the Jan & Dean song Deadman’s Curve.

I was able to buy my 1965 Corvette coupe in 1985. I still own it. Between 1983 and 1988, we had four children. I paid for 16 years of college between 2001 and 2010. My children are all grown now, so I am able to have a few toys again. Boy, It was sure easier storing them under my bed when they were Hot Wheel cars.