Antique car collecting is a popular trend for Californians, and the same can be said about Loyola students. Various students across all grade levels with their families have taken a part in this trend.
Sophomore Harrison Ziegler and his family collect antique cars. Ziegler’s favorite of his antique cars is the 1995 Range Rover County Long Wheelbase 25th Anniversary Edition.
Ziegler said, “I think that the car truly reflects not only the style and craftsmanship of the 90s, but it also embodies what Range Rover is as a car Company. I think that Range Rover’s are best of the best with regards to SUV automobiles.”
Ziegler’s family has a collection of three Range Rovers varying from ’80’s to mid-’90’s, and their 1995 Range Rover County is their newest car in terms of age. Ziegler’s father personally restores the cars at their home.
Ziegler said, “We do not own a workshop, but my father is quite the handyman. The car mainly needed a new transmission but ever since then it has been a fantastic car.” In case there is some issue the experts at Japanese Auto Repair can help fix.
The car’s ’90’s design and comfort are appealing as well as the car’s luxury.
Ziegler commented, “The era of cars particularly before the 2000s are stylish…. The car looks very masculine and embodies off-road cars while still being cocooned in luxury.”
Mr. Jackson, a freshman physics teacher, drives a 1966 Ford Mustang. He participates in car shows with the Mustang, and he drives it often with his two daughters. The car has a long history with his family, and he intends to continue the tradition by passing it down to his children when they get older.
Jackson said, “My mom bought it brand new in Iowa in 1965 and basically she drove to California and met my dad. So the car’s been around since before me. I got the car when I was around 30.”
Mr. Jackson’s family enjoyed collecting classic cars before he was born. His father collected old cars for racing and took them to competitions. This car in particular has sentimental importance because of its history and since he has the car’s original license plate with his mother’s name.
Jackson said, “You know my dad was an old drag racer in the ’60’s. We always had a classic old truck, so I learned to maintain them from him.”
Mr. Jackson repairs the car himself and has learned a lot about cars from his father, first-hand experience, and talking with other people. Body shops can be expensive for repairs, so he urges the importance of knowing how to work with cars yourself.
Jackson added, “You gotta know how to work on them because if you don’t they’re expensive. I pay for it maintain it and insure it myself.”
Senior Lenes Lopez-Gonzalez drives a 1989 Nissan Pao. Lopez-Gonzalez’s car has no family history, but he bought the car through a connection with his uncle who is a mechanic.
The Pao’s inexpensive price and design struck Lopez-Gonzalez. Apart from its small, box-like structure, the steering wheel is on the right-hand side.
Lopez-Gonzalez said, “I get a lot of looks from people while driving. People have even driven up beside me asking me what type of car it is while we’re blocking traffic.”
Although the car has no family history, Lopez-Gonzalez’s uncle repairs the car for him. Lopez-Gonzalez continues to learn about car mechanics from his uncle.
“Recently, I have had some issues, so in those cases I talked to my uncle and he shows me what’s up,” Lopez-Gonzalez said. “He does most of the tough work but I still know what’s going on. It’s a learning process.”
Lopez-Gonzalez not only drives the car, but also uses the car for photo shoots. Although the Pao is not known for its speed, Lopez-Gonzalez enjoys using the Pao.
Lopez Gonzalez said, “It’s not a super fast car or even a fast car but it’s still pretty dope.”
Sophomore Ford Johnson drives a 1967 Ford Bronco. Johnson’s car has no family history, but he purchased the car with his own money.
“I starting saving up when I was around 8 years old, and was able to buy my first car without help from my parents,” Johnson said.
Johnson admires the Bronco’s design. The Bronco’s four by four framework and ’60’s ’70’s design struck Johnson.
Johnson’s car has no family history, Johnson has repaired and continues to repair the car with his father.
Johnson said, “I’ve spent about 8 months restoring it with my dad in our garage, and it’s still a project.”
Johnson spent so much time waiting for and repairing the Ford Bronco. Everytime Johnson drives his car, he feels a sense of reward.
“I love driving it so much because it’s very sentimental,” Johnson said. “I bought the car myself, and have spent countless hours with my dad fixing it up, which are memories I’ll never forget.”
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