According to the Urban Dictionary (www.urbandictionary.com), the term "rust bucket" is defined as “an ancient car or ship, covered in rust.”
Now this car in the picture is most definitely a “rust bucket” if I have ever seen one! If you want to take a look at a similar car in its hey-day, click on the rust bucket and check it out. About three or four times a week I drive by this particular rust bucket and every time I have driven by it, I have wondered what kind of car it was. I had always figured that it was a PT Cruiser but I was not sure. I also wondered as to what type of life it had “lived.” It could have very well rolled down Colborne Street during the parade that celebrated the end of World War 2. It could have been around when the Queen of England visited my home town. It could even have been decked with Canadian maple leaf flags during Canada’s 100th year celebration in 1967. Either way, it was still here and in pretty much one piece. I have no doubt that it’s metal surface is a heck of a lot thicker than today’s automobiles and I know that it probably lasted years beyond what an average car would last today but I also wondered what it went through before it was deposited onto this vacant car lot. Well, today was going to be the day I ventured out of my car to investigate my queries about this car!
I rolled off the Garden Ave Bridge, across the median and onto a muddy driveway close to the vehicle. Getting out of the car, I ventured close to the vehicle and snapped a series of photographs. I wanted to look inside the car but I was unable to do so due to the “No Trespassing” sign that hung by a solid metal chain hanging across the gateway effectively barring me from getting closer. Glancing around as people drove by, I couldn’t help but notice their stares as I ventured near… I didn’t care what they thought…I just wanted my photographs!
Finishing off my task and getting back into my car, I drove off satisfied that I had begun my investigation of the abandoned car.
When I got home, I spent a fair amount of time searching the Internet until I finally identified the model of the car and the approximate year it was manufactured. It was a 1940s Hillman probably built in England. This car was almost 70 years old and it was still sitting on its tires! Impressive!
If I had the money, I would have considered picking up this relic and restoring it. I don’t know everything there is to know about cars, but, if given the chance, time and opportunity, I would relish such an adventure. One day, I am going to find myself a car to do just that. By the time I arrive at that time in my life, I have no doubt that this car will have disappeared off the lot but I am sure that there will be others to take its place. This is just a dream I have but I am sure that one day it will become a reality!
Dreams are made to be lived!
Now this car in the picture is most definitely a “rust bucket” if I have ever seen one! If you want to take a look at a similar car in its hey-day, click on the rust bucket and check it out. About three or four times a week I drive by this particular rust bucket and every time I have driven by it, I have wondered what kind of car it was. I had always figured that it was a PT Cruiser but I was not sure. I also wondered as to what type of life it had “lived.” It could have very well rolled down Colborne Street during the parade that celebrated the end of World War 2. It could have been around when the Queen of England visited my home town. It could even have been decked with Canadian maple leaf flags during Canada’s 100th year celebration in 1967. Either way, it was still here and in pretty much one piece. I have no doubt that it’s metal surface is a heck of a lot thicker than today’s automobiles and I know that it probably lasted years beyond what an average car would last today but I also wondered what it went through before it was deposited onto this vacant car lot. Well, today was going to be the day I ventured out of my car to investigate my queries about this car!
I rolled off the Garden Ave Bridge, across the median and onto a muddy driveway close to the vehicle. Getting out of the car, I ventured close to the vehicle and snapped a series of photographs. I wanted to look inside the car but I was unable to do so due to the “No Trespassing” sign that hung by a solid metal chain hanging across the gateway effectively barring me from getting closer. Glancing around as people drove by, I couldn’t help but notice their stares as I ventured near… I didn’t care what they thought…I just wanted my photographs!
Finishing off my task and getting back into my car, I drove off satisfied that I had begun my investigation of the abandoned car.
When I got home, I spent a fair amount of time searching the Internet until I finally identified the model of the car and the approximate year it was manufactured. It was a 1940s Hillman probably built in England. This car was almost 70 years old and it was still sitting on its tires! Impressive!
If I had the money, I would have considered picking up this relic and restoring it. I don’t know everything there is to know about cars, but, if given the chance, time and opportunity, I would relish such an adventure. One day, I am going to find myself a car to do just that. By the time I arrive at that time in my life, I have no doubt that this car will have disappeared off the lot but I am sure that there will be others to take its place. This is just a dream I have but I am sure that one day it will become a reality!
Dreams are made to be lived!
6 comments:
I love your thinking about what was going on in your town and the world when this car was going strong. That's exactly how my brain works, too.
Hey! That's neat... the trick with the link :)
Too bad the car had been abandoned like this. It's definitely worth a restoration. I regularly pass along this car when I walk around my town.
Marie
PS: here is my definition of a Rust Bucket :)
It was a beauty in its day for sure. Its amazing that though there is a coat of rust on it, a good sanding & you could have a thing of beauty once more. All the chrome is in tip-top shape.
My father-in law has MANY rust buckets sitting on his property, begging to be restored, some with trees growing right thru the hood. Its a shame & yet while I was there I took dozens of photos too, curious about their pasts, skeptical about their futures. ;)
Dave, I have always loved old cars like this. They don't make them like that anymore, do they?
Restore the car and put it next to an SUV, and see which one is the most beautiful. No contest.
Cheers,
Josie
A delightful and enjoyable post Dave...I hope your dream comes true...I know someone who restores old Volkswagens. The smile on his face and gleam in his eye when a piece is finished is a joy to behold.
Hi Jocelyn! I have always wondered what things would be like years ago... Just the way I am I guess. :-)
Hi Marie! You like that trick huh? lol. Now THERE'S a REAL rust bucket! :-)
Hi Becky! ABout thirty years ago, I once read a story about hundreds of these vehicles dumped in the forsts of B.C. for some reason, I have never forgotten it.
Hi Josie! You are right, they don't. And "yes" there is something to be said about the classy cars of yesteryear.
Hi Janice! I remeber my old Volkswagen... Had a nice big hole in the floorboards! I understand why he would have a smile of satisfaction.
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