Texaco tanker

 

Memories from 1965

Some events are etched on a person's memory. This is one of mine. I had wanted a motorcycle for several years. My parents were reluctant to approve. At the time I had a 1961 Chevrolet convertible. Once again I brought up the idea of having a motorcycle. They pointed out that I couldn't afford to purchase a motorcycle. They were, of course, correct. I countered with "I could sell my car". They agreed that if I sold my car I would have the money to get the motorcycle. I am sure they thought that would convince me that a motorcycle was not in my future. The car was gone within a week. Then inside of another week Al Golan delivered the CL72 Scrambler. Al was the Harley dealer in Youngstown, Ohio who had recently included Honda in his line up. He delivered it late one day and he spent thirty minutes or so familiarizing me with the bike. Dad told me I had to wait until morning to take my first ride because it was getting dark. After going to bed I could not sleep. I got up and spent an hour with that new ride. I read the owner's manual. I spent some time waxing the tank and then simply sat on it. I got up the next morning and it was raining. I couldn't have cared less. I put a lot of miles on the bike that day in the rain.

Pontiac Streamliner

Pontiac offered the Streamliner from 1942 until 1951

Free parking

 

1953 Buick Skylark

 To celebrate their 50th anniversary Buick created the Skylark. It was not an inexpensive car and was priced at $5000. They sold 1,690 units. Proud owners had their names on the horn ring along with the 50th anniversary emblem which was also added to the caps on the Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels. Read more about the 50th Anniversary Skylark at throttlextreme.com.

Phoenix minibikes

 

The Phoenix minibikes are available as 50cc, 100cc or 125cc powered minibikes. They are made in Thailand and as far as I can see they are not available in the US. One article suggested that the equivalent price for the 125cc model (Gunner) was $2550. The styling falls a little short for my taste. Read more here. 

Remembering that Badass Samuel Whittmore

It was 251 years ago today that Samuel Whittemore showed the world what he was made of. He is believed to be the oldest combatant in the American Revolutionary War.  He ambushed a relief brigade during the Battles of Lexington and Concord. He used his musket and two pistols to kill three British soldiers during their retreat from the battles. He in turn was shot and bayoneted. He survived the attack.