Antique Autos

Antique automobiles have got to be one of my favorite things on the planet.  There are only two things I whistle at:  my Hunky Honey and classic cars!

Awhile back I started searching for a 1957 Chevy to use for my personal branding session.  East Texas has some car clubs. There's also the coolest auto dealer who sells gorgeous antiques.  I phoned the club and asked specifically for a vintage blue '57 Chevy Bel Air.  The guys did a little research and were only able to find other colors.  They were so kind that they even gave me a number of an insurance agent who covers several classics.  He too, could think of no blue '57 Chevy's.  However, the car club referred me to the Whataburger Cruise Night on Gilmer here in Longview.  

The first Thursday of good weather season beginning at 4:00 p.m. anyone can park and share their fabulous rides with those of us who like to peruse each and every vehicle that is displayed.  My oldest son isn't a fan of vintage as much as autos in general.  He escorted me to our first cruise night.  He walked around several times after the first we walked together.  Looking under the hood was his favorite part.  Everyone keeps the motors clean and some will be so kind as to start them up so you can hear them rumble.

Whataburger has hosted this neat event for twenty-seven years now.  The night we went it was a family affair.  Adults showed their children what times past had to offer.  The young ones were given balloon animals made by the colorful clown who stood by the sound system.  It was under an orange tent where staff gave out free tickets to the snow cone truck that was parked beside the drive through.  

The vehicles were wrapped around the restaurant and even spilled over into the parking lot beside the restaurant this particular night.  All different years, makes, and models showed up.  In my hopes to find the vintage blue '57  Chevy Bel Air, I walked with my son once around.  While she wasn't there that night, I did spy some eye candy.  This sparkling emerald green 1935 Dodge caught my eye.  My logo colors are green and navy, so even though it wasn't what I was looking for, she was an attention getter on her own.

Her owner, Danny, stood proudly beside her talking to people who stopped by.  A young boy reached out to touch the grill when his dad pulled his hand back, but Danny assured him that it was okay for the young boy to handle the car.  He didn't mind at all.  When I asked about it, I got the back story of how he came to find it.  That's something I really enjoy knowing.  Every person has a story and like "If These Walls Could Talk" every vehicle does too.

When I explained that I was on the hunt for something to be photographed with, Danny said he'd be willing to let me use the Dodge or he had a 1952 Ford pick-up that I could use.  (He's a genuinely nice guy)  We exchanged contact information and I was on my way to find my son.

The image of me walking away from the Dodge is on the front page of my website.  Not long after, I reached out and connected with Danny to photograph the vehicles alone.  He was a trooper; it was h.o.t. hot the day we met.  The sun was bright and the skies were lovely.  It turned out to be just the right time for the sparkle to shine.  And the Ford?  It speaks for itself against the woods.  Brings a smile to my face every time I look at these images.

Danny has offered these lovelies to be used for other portrait sessions and events.  If you're interested in reaching Danny, feel free to call or text him at 903.738.0912.

Thank you so much, Danny, for sharing your pride and joys with me!

Blessings,

Zoe

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