Palo Duro HS Class of 70: Doyle's '57 Chevy

The summer of ’69, Doyle was doing some high school summer work for his uncle near Jett OK. His grandmother lived nearby in Nash (GM came to OK in 1890’s). Back then Doyle was a car lover and still is (he and Clinton C go regularly to car shows). One day Doyle and his uncle were tuning one of their farm trucks and needed some parts, so Doyle headed over to the local parts store. The store had kind of a car storage/display area that you could see from the order counter. Doyle spotted a factory fresh ’57 Chevy in the bunch (if you’re a car lover ’57 Chevy’s are one of the most desirable of Chevrolet collectables). Doyle got his part, then asked the attendant (shop owner) if he knew much about the Chevy. Why yes, said the attendant, that’s been here years, owned by a very old lady nearby who pays her storage regularly.

Doyle left, wrapped up his work with his uncle then headed over to have lunch with his grandmother who he hadn’t seen for a while. During their lunch Doyle asked his grandmother if she knew anything about the ’57 Chevy at the parts store. Why yes, she exclaimed, that’s owned by my best friend whose husband passed away about 10 years ago. I haven’t seen her in years. That was his car, but I don’t think she cares anything about it. Do you want it, she asked. Doyle didn’t hesitate, yes, by all means! Doyle’s GM was still pretty sharp. She said… drive me to her house and I’ll put in a good word for you and who knows, maybe she wants to get rid of it.

So they headed over, grandma and her friend embraced and were ecstatic to see each other again. After a while grandma steered the conversation towards the car and if it might be for sale. Her friend, filled with joy of their reunion said, I won't sell it to just anybody, but I’ll sell it to you for (cheap) bucks. Doyle was flabbergasted, made sure she was fine with the deal, then graciously accepted the offer (that was quite a deal).

Doyle paid the lady friend, got the title, dropped GM back home and headed to the parts store. He got to the counter, wiped out the title and told the attendant he was there to pick up the car. The attendant about fell over. Over the years, the attendant was in hopes of claiming the car as storage rent once it’s owner passed away.

Doyle had just transacted a car lovers dream.

The car had 1900 miles, was a model 110 with a 6 cylinder and 3 speed. Doyle later did some trim repair, added a radio and converted the vacuum windshield wiper to electric (this was around the same time Doyle married Ruth S, we shouldn’t forget that:).

There’s more… time passed... Roger S (from PD) was married to Doyle’s sister Becky (also from PD). Roger also loved cars, and asked Doyle if he could drive the car for a while, sure agreed Doyle. Well, one day in Amarillo (~fall of ’71), while Roger and Becky were stopped at a stop light, a drunk driver crashed into the rear of the car, totaling it beyond repair.

Doyle had a car lovers nightmare.

Remember those Cars