Joe’s 37

By Joe Kozmic

It was a crisp fall day, mid-October 1975.  My little Bubba (as I affectionately call her) Nell was out shopping for pumpkins for her boys.  She stopped at Yorktown Shopping Center for something or the other.  There was a small car show going on.  There was Len Vinyard with the ’37 Coupe.  Said he was selling it as he just got his ’39 Convertible and wanted to restore it.  I’m sure Irene was thrilled to have 2 of those wonderful old Fords, PLUS a Lenny to boot.  I had been wanting an old car for a number of years and Nell got his phone number.

Lenny lived in Bensenville at the time.  Said he wanted $2,000 and to be supplied with beer at tours and events the rest of his life.  I just made that part up – but it is 90% true – right Len?!?!?!?  Anyway, I went over to see the car and liked it immediately.  I really didn’t know a Hupmobile from a Hudson or a Ford from anything.  Took it for a little drive and had to have it.  As I recall, I gave Len a couple hundred down and came back in a day or so with the rest.  That was a little over 31 years ago.  I still have my wonderful little Bubba and my FORD.  They have been quite a delight, but Bubba is still at the top of the list.

Over the years the ’37 has been on many tours and V-8 Club National Meets around the country.  Went on the first one (is this Lake Geneva??? or what?) Joey Novak organized in 1990.  I think I missed 2 in all those years.  Great fun and camaraderie is always in abundance.  Len has slowed up a little in getting beer out of my trunk, sometimes I catch him. 

About 20 years ago just before he went down south to Benton, IL, to officially retire, Chester Lawrence put a new motor in.  People say I drive it a little hard and it started using some oil, so I bought another from a guy in Indiana.  That didn’t work out, so I had Chester’s motor rebuilt and she’s pretty good now. 

 

Won quiet a few awards over the years, even at Street Rod meets, including two at the Good Guys events.  Been photographed twice in their nice magazine. 

All in all its been a great 31 years so far.  Not sure I have 31 left in me, but will try like Hell.  I can still see and hear Charlie Fabian telling Rich Doligale “you gotta drive the darn things”.  Charlie’s not with us anymore, but was a character.  Always talked out of the side of his mouth – don’t know why he never went into politics. 

See you around the bend in the road.  It’s a great car club.  Take your babies out and enjoy them (wife and car).  Like they used to say, Ta Ta for now. 

Joe Kozmic