Well, it was 1973, and I was getting ready to get married. The price of gas was getting higher. It went from $.33 per gallon all the way up to $.55 per gallon, and I was going to become a family man.  There were gas shortages, lines at gas stations, and rationing of gas.  I was going to have responsibility. I needed to be able to support my family. How could I be so immature and irresponsible as to keep my sports car. Well, actually, my pride and joy. Yes, my 1970 Red Cuda with a black hood, a 6 pack, hood latches, and black stripes down the side. Not to mention a 4 speed. This car was beautiful. It made everyone’s heads turn when I drove by.  It looked and sounded awesome.  I loved that car. I was somebody when I drove that car. It is probably part of the reason I was engaged to such a pretty girl. But, I was getting married, and a 1970 Cuda was not really considered a family car. Plus, you need to remember the price of gas was going up!! So, we decided that maybe we should sell the Cuda, and buy a more economical car. So, one of my last acts as a single man, was to sell the Cuda to a neighbor kid down the street; and I bought a very practical, economical Pinto. Ahhh, but it was a red Pinto, with a black vinyl top, to somehow remind me a little bit of the good ole Cuda….

 

If I had only known what that Cuda was going to be worth 30 years later!! Well, my wife and I always get a real laugh whenever we see a $80,000 Cuda sitting in a fancy car show. A little tear comes to my eyes as I think about how practical I was, selling that gas guzzling sports car for a nice little economical Pinto… Oh, the stupid thing we do when we are young.

Neil
www.CarShowCentral.com