Company offers fast lap around memory lane
There's nothing quite like the experience of driving a classic American muscle car. Getting one out on the open road and hearing the burble of exhaust and the rumble of a V-8 engine is a total delight for the senses.
That one-of-a-kind opportunity was extended to area residents who, many for the first time, got a taste of what it's like to pilot the best of vintage Detroit steel. Golden Era Motors Driving Experience, a Jacksonville, Florida-based company, brought its traveling roadshow to the Volo Auto Museum both last weekend and again this weekend.
For a few hundred bucks, enthusiasts are offered the chance to pilot one of the company's five vintage vehicles for a 15- to 25-mile loop around the winding back roads of the Volo area. In the company's eye-catching fleet are a 1966 Mustang, 1971 Challenger RT, 1972 Corvette Stingray, 1969 Camaro SS and a 1968 GTO. For many who participated, it was chance to live out their road-going fantasies.
David and Patti Haworth of Libertyville took a spin last weekend in the tuxedo black 'Vette.
“We've always dreamed about owing a Corvette,” Patti Haworth said. “I kept saying I would have one by the time I turned 25. Now, years later and grown, I still don't. Driving this one was a great experience and a small way I could live out my dream.”
For others, it was a unique chance to “kick some tires” in preparation for a possible future purchase.
“Our kids are getting older so we're thinking about buying a classic,” said Britney Marsh of Libertyville. “This allowed us to really see what one feels like firsthand out on the open road. The hard part will be choosing what kind to buy!”
Still for others, the experience allowed an older and younger generation to share a common love of rolling history. Terry Brady of Oakwood Hills brought his grandson, Seth, for a cruise together.
“I owned a '65 Mustang convertible years ago. Seth and I come up to the museum regularly and enjoy seeing all the vehicles. When I asked Seth what car he wanted to go for a ride in, his first response was the Mustang.”
Going for spin with grandpa in the candy apple red fastback was more than enough to get the youngster dreaming about his own driving days.
“I had seen cars like this but had never ridden in one. I really like the style of it and the fact that's its old,” Seth said. “I'm definitely going to buy one when I grow up.”
About 30 to 40 customers are able to drive each day. For more information, visit goldeneramotors.com.
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