Long ago when I was in my pre-teen years, “older” people would celebrate financial growth by buying a Buick. Chevys, Fords and Plymouths were okay but to demonstrate you could afford something better, you bought a Buick. I’m told that the color burgundy goes with the image but that is a more modern color. In the late 1940’s and 1950’s black was predominent.
During World War II you couldn’t buy new cars because all the auto plants had been turned into war production (tanks, armored cars and even the famous jeep). My Grandpa Chalk bought his Buick in 1941 and it was in the family until 1950.
Grandpa Chalk had two boys. One was Bob, a pilot during World War II. His dream was to own a Buick like his Dad. He did. It was a 1959 with large “wings” in the back. It was ugly. Bob hated it. He had “exorcised” the Buick fetish from his system. Never again.
My Dad actually drove the family 1941 Buick after the War (Chalk had passed away). He must have satisfied his need for a Buick during that time. After that it was used Cadillacs preceded by a 1938 Chrysler Airflow.
Your Mom’s parents (George & Lyla) bought their first new car in 1954. It was a big, long two-tone green Buick Roadmaster 4 door sedan that floated over bumps. That Buick was like driving your living room down the highway. Alas, it was the last Buick they owned. After that Pontiacs and a used Cadillac.
Well, it is time. There is this long history of Buicks in the family. I remember the slogan “wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick”. I have decided to shop for a Buick for myself. Then I will have completed my obligation for my generation to carry on the Buick tradition. Besides, I would feel “right in vogue” as I pull into a McDonalds restaurant in the morning and join all the other retirees who also own Buicks.
Grasshopper No.3 has offered to tag along as I look for a different car. Wait until I tell him my choice is a Buick. He will be really surprised. Really surprised!
Thank you the Birthday Wishes.
Love,
Dad