Call it mid-life crisis, or perhaps a re-igniting of a life long love of sixties muscle cars, but about 3 years ago I made the decision to acquire a muscle car. Back in 1970 I owned a 1969 coronet R/T with a 440 magnum and a four speed, and then a 65, 389 4spd GTO. Obviously these two cars were my favorites, but a 68-69 fast back Mustang would have done just fine as well.

My search started, but every time I inquired about one that was advertised, it was already sold or out of my price range. Then in March of 2001 I purposely went down to the local store at 7:30 A.M. on the morning the old car trader came out so I could have first crack at anything new. Lo and behold my 69 charger was advertised in Whitecourt Alberta.

I immediately phoned and got the seller out of bed at 6:45 Alberta time. Being the first caller I was able to get him to hold the car until that evening. In the meantime I conned my niece’s fiancé to drive out take some pictures and e-mail them back to me.

When I phoned back that evening he said he had had at least 20 calls and that a potential buyer was flying in from B.C as we spoke.

Realizing that my bargaining power was zilch, I purchased the car that evening sight unseen, and the following night my wife Sharon and I set out trailer in tow for our two day holiday to Whitecourt Alberta. Arriving Saturday night we loaded up along with a truck full of parts, had a short night’s sleep and were home by Sunday night, two days and two thousand miles later.

I was not disappointed when I saw what I had bought. The seller had not misled me, and I soon realized that what I had was a very solid piece of mopar muscle. The balanced and blue printed 440 magnum, with a lumpy cam and forged pistons was bolted to a hydraulic clutch, scatter shield housing, and an after market 5spd Richmond tranny which was tubed to a 410 Dana 60 track pac rear end.

The next two months were spent hunting down parts, decals, a paint job and many hours of tinkering, cleaning, and repairing to get it ready to at least drive this summer. Once the work was done it was registered and ready to go, or at least I thought. The first day I had it out, pardon me, the first hour I had it out it backfired and caught fire. Had the store I was parked in front of not had a fire-extinguisher we would have lost the car, but as it was severe damage was done to the engine compartment and the hood. Back in the shop it went for a new carb, wiring, and some fresh paint. A month later with a fire extinguisher in tow and the nitrous removed it was finally decent enough to drive and enjoy. And enjoy it we have!