After unsuccessfully trying to convince the owner of a 1940 Ford Coupe to sell his ride, 16-year-old Carl Pirkle found another old car for sale—a 1939 Chevy Coupe— and worked day in and day out to save the $50 required to purchase it. After working various jobs at a dry cleaner, farm, radiator shop and other locations, the day came where he could afford his very own set of wheels. By the time he approached the seller of the vehicle, he learned that the car was given to some boys, in exchange for their lawn mowing services!  But, it was not all that long before Carl scored a sweet ride…

By the time he was 20-years-old, in 1962, Carl got his hands on a beauty— a 1954 Buick Hardtop.  He had two requirements when shopping for the car: “low mileage and old.” The Buick fit the bill, and he enjoyed his time cruisin’ around town, with his girlfriend Barbara. After a few years passed, Carl sold his ’54 Buick to buy a 1957 Plymouth Hardtop. Reflecting on this choice, he says that he did not fully appreciate the Buick. But, Barbara did. She, now Mrs. Carl Pirkle, bawled, as the ’54 drove out of their driveway.

“And, we’ve been looking for one since,” he says.

Regardless of not owning another 1954 Buick Hardtop, Carl and Barbara’s passion for collector cars continues to grow each day.  Carl says that, over the years, they have owned about a dozen specialty vehicles—one of his favorites being a ’57 Pontiac that he brought back from Puerto Rico and kept for many years.

Today, the couple owns a 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe, a mini 1934 Ford Coupe Trailer and a 1951 Ford Victoria Hardtop (Barbara’s car).  And, Carl is currently building a 1940 Chevy Pick-Up “Rat Rod.”

Carl is still as enthusiastic about cars as he was as a 16-year-old who eagerly anticipated buying his very first set of wheels. He says that when the nice weather arrives each year, he and Barbara drive their cars about 2000 miles, while hitting up car show after car show.

Often, the pictured 1934 Ford 3-Window Coupe and matching trailer go to the various events.  He says that his ’34 Ford is so special because “the 3-window coupe is the most desirable.” Carl adds that the vehicle is also “very solid” and can be driven anywhere. And, because he and Barbara wanted to drive to all of these “anywhere’s,” Carl bought his mini trailer from a company based in Texas, about five years ago.  (He says that there was not enough space for luggage in the coupe.)

“We’ve gone all over,” says Carl.

“We’ve gone to the Turkey Rod Run in Fla., the Nationals in Louisville, Ky., Charlotte, Atlanta, Knoxville… and, a lot of local shows,” he continues. And while Carl admits that he has won quite a few trophies, he says that to him, the joy he gets from venturing out to collector car events is not from winning medals.  He explains that it is about looking at all the different cars, getting ideas, fellowshipping and meeting friends.

“These [car] people are good, honest people,” he says.  “You can leave your car and no one will touch it. There are a lot of good people.”

Some of Carl’s favorite folks are his fellow members of the Road Rebels Rod and Custom car club. The twenty active members meet twice a month at a local restaurant, and the club organizes picnics and trips to various events. Carl adds that ever since the club recently elected females into the positions of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, things have been “much more organized.”  Barbara is the club’s secretary. For 19 years, the Road Rebels have sponsored a car show that benefits various charities; for more information visit: Road Rebels Rod and Custom.

Story by: Becky McLaughlin

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