We Often Hear Use of the Phrase

“A Walk Down Memory Lane”

Well, a cavalcade of memories is precisely what lay in store, for visitors and locals alike, at one point along the highway running through the bustling town of Delta, Colorado

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Perhaps it was that I simply found myself a tad fortunate on the day I returned to Delta in order to check in on the progress of the new nearby marble fabrication plant (see my recent post), and that this amazing assembly of sturdy vintage cars was there to be whisked away pronto the moment I turned my back.  But all I can say is that for some reason these rusty old beauties were to be found parked in two neat rows by the roadside on Sunday, June 14th 2020. But as there was also a classic car showroom located directly across from the dusty lot I get the feeling that this is part of an ongoing arrangement.

I think that the high desert air along with the proliferation of mysterious ancient barns has combined to make this area rich pickings for the automobile restoration industry.  But whatever the reason they were here or the fate awaiting them I hope you enjoy the pictures and that they set free some wonderful memories.

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Now, before we get started, I have to confess that few if any of the vehicles you are about to see directly played a part in my past because I was born and raised in England, where nothing of this magnitude roamed our roads. BUT, from a very young age (I’m talking five or six) I was a huge film fan, and seeing these huge land boats cruise their way across giant panoramic movie screens brought them to life for me in full color, dramatic fashion and maximum impact on my impressionable young mind.  And so I can well share the universal admiration for such artistic licence and creative genius went into these lovely beasts.

No doubt having made it this far, all of these lovely personable cars will be breathing a collective sigh of relief as they peer around for a glimpse of the dreaded scrap yard.  No, for these lucky so-and-so’s I am sure a much more noble fate is in store.  Restoration is just around the corner as each one is surely now safe from the knackers yard.

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Of course, many of these highly personable vehicles were off the road well before Kris even arrived on the scene, but she spotted quite a few that her family had driven over thousands of miles across the Western states.

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Far from being wildly extravagant luxuries, many of the cars displayed here would be everyday common or garden models aimed squarely at the middle-class market – or why else would they be out here baking under the hot Colorado sun if not?  Chances are however that, once these magnificent beasts are fully restored they will be pricey indeed, well out of the reach of most people’s budget, and each one snapped up at who knows what cost by eager classic car collectors.

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Clearly the Plymouth team of hood ornament design had something in mind here – hmmmn, I wonder what that could be?  Kidding. If that’s not a flying saucer than I’m an floating astronaut.

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Can you see them? Yes? no?

I see them – a weird gathering of, unless I’m mistaken, highly animated aliens, or a water stain.  I guess it’s just the pareidolia in me. But I digress.

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I was actually rather surprised to realize that a great deal of original glass work remained still in place and intact.  Many windshields, classic wing windows (oh, how I miss them) and headlights were not only still there but in remarkable good nick too.  The headlight above looks as though you could just pop it out, replace the bulb (if necessary!) flick the switch and they’d be on.  And look at how intricate it is, with so many little reflecting ridges and planes to focus the light purposefully down the road.

I’m no mechanic but look at the hood below. Such a tiny access for what must have been a quite whopping engine.  But what a beautiful ride those giant attention-grabbing fenders would provide – I’m sure you could call the experience of steering it a Fluid Drive.

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Many of the interior features of some on the newer versions brought back strong memories of am/fm radios, clunky buttons, slide controls, center wheel horns, massive hoop-like steering wheels and yes, those oh so lovely wing vent windows.  What I would give for a car that came equipped with those.  I remember how nice it was to get up to speed and then turn the little triangle so that the fresh air hit you in the full in the face, cooling you down immediately.

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Next Time You Visit Aspen – The Roaring Fork Valley – Beyond

Discover The KMJ

A Family Owned Studio Gallery

Fine Art Marble Sculpture, Hand Carved Gifts and Unique Collectibles

KMJ COONEY STUDIO SCULPTURE GALLERY

111 Aspen Airport Business Center, Suite D, Aspen 86111

PLEASE CLICK ON A MAP TO ENLARGE

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Beautiful Old Rusty Vintage American Cars Adorn Highway in Delta, Colorado

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thanks for visiting martincooney.com

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