Classic Recollections turns 5: For a hobby steeped in history, a look back seems appropriate

This weekend's feature marks Classic Recollections' five-year anniversary. Throughout my travels, I've come across owners possessing a wide range of vehicles. Despite this four-wheeled diversity, one thing remains true: every car has a story.

For a fun look back, I reviewed my archives and picked my favorite tale from each year.

2010

Halloween Special, Oct. 31

In the more jovial spirit of Halloween, I rounded up a bunch of vintage vehicles coated in that distinct pumpkin-inspired orange paint and featured them together.

This inaugural piece featured a truck, a wagon, a custom street rod and two brash muscle cars. The tradition has lived on and is one of the most popular features that readers look forward to each fall.

2011

1939 Ford pickup, Stephanie Shirkey, St. Charles, June 19

The story behind Stephanie Shirkey and her 1939 Ford pickup was particularly moving. The restored hauler she drives belonged to her gearhead father, George.

George enjoyed taking his daughter out to cruise nights and on ice cream runs. That changed in 2006 when George, while riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, was struck and killed by a drunken driver.

As part of the grieving process, Stephanie started showing the pickup in his honor. The piece was featured on Father's Day as a tribute to George and all the other dads who share a love of motoring with their kids.

2012

1975 VW Beetle, Fernando Martinez, Crystal Lake, March 25

Fernando Martinez's 1975 Volkswagen Beetle was purchased new by one of his uncles, who bought it through another uncle who worked at a VW dealership in Monterrey, Mexico. During family get-togethers, Martinez got plenty of seat time riding with relatives and fell in love with the adorable commuter.

In 2010 he purchased the VW from his uncle. It was imported to the States and completely overhauled.

2013

1996 HME Saulsbury, Sept. 11 rescue vehicle, Schaumburg, Sept. 7

Few vehicles struck a cord in readers quite like the 1996 HME Saulsbury rescue vehicle. The truck was driven to the World Trade Center during the terrifying events of Sept. 11, 2001.

In the years leading up to that fateful day, it had been in use by a rescue company in Staten Island. After enduring a beating on 9/11, it was repaired and soldiered on, continuing to serve New York City until 2011. It was headed for the scrap yard but was rescued and restored by a Schaumburg organization, the Remembrance Rescue Project.

2014

1967 Ford Mustang, Lou Vassos, Mount Prospect, Aug. 3

I'm particularly drawn to original-owner cars like Lou Vassos's 1967 Ford Mustang. After seeing his brother's '66 Mustang coupe, Vassos ordered his pony new from a dealership right here in Chicago.

Lou admits he's a “practical guy,” and shared how he picked the sedate Pebble Beige paint because “it didn't show dust.” He recalls cross-country trips, years of use and many family memories.

Through it all, Vassos hung onto his steed. He represents one of those rare few whose love, and ownership, of their ride spans dozens of years.

Classic Recollections fun facts

• To date, the vehicles featured in Matt Avery's column include 304 cars and trucks, 18 motorcycles, three wooden boats, one bicycle collection, one monster truck and numerous museums, collections, events and car shows.

• Total images taken: Roughly 13,500 photographs

•  Avery grew up outside of Annapolis, Maryland.

• Avery formerly worked as a repair technician for both BMW and Mercedes-Benz

• Avery is hoping to find and buy a late 1960s VW Squareback, similar to one his parents owned while dating.