Driving Imps during the oil crisis

[SpicemanII@xxxxxxx]

In the first oil (created shortage) I had a 67 Charger, 68 ChargerRT, a 69 Daytona. I did not have a Imperial yet. I was asked, "How could you drive such a car when there is a oil crisis?" I answered. "Because I can." This eliminates an argument. In the 73 crisis I and the wife, 2 children, 2 1/2 and 6 months were traveling on vacation in the 69 Daytona from Calif thru Alabama, then Indiana to Missouri, then North to Minnesota. When we hit Fargo, North Dakota, there it was, $.49.9 for a gallon of gas. Wow, this is high. 
   When I got home, I had a few calls, Would I like such and such cars as they were giving them away. I picked up for free a 59 Impala with the 348, a 59 Rambler wagon, a couple Charger RT's and a 69 Hemi Charger 500 for $60.
   Then, in the 1978 shortage, I had seven muscle cars, all accidentally full of fuel. I did not not need to buy gas during the 78 crisis. I drove 3 1/2 miles to work and my wife drove the Hemi 500 2 miles to work. 
   I missed out on having an Imperial during the shortages. But, back then, we both, the luxury and muscle old cars all got the same remarks about gas guzzlers. I answered then with, well, you stupid people want to drive 40 miles to work, while I drive 3. So, now who is the wastful gas guzzler car owner. It did not matter how many miles per gallon a car got I owned because back then I never needed it. I still will not own an econo box because I feel that gas is cheaper than blood. I want lots of metal around me for protection when a small (hot stick, not hot rod) hits me while he thinks his big pipe exhaust car is a race car on the freeway. 
   I guess I am one of the few here on IML that has both, luxury Imperials and some muscle cars. I am a mood person when it comes to cars. I like luxury moods, performance moods and convertible moods. Each has a totally different ora when you drive. These cars for some reason have a way of sending a message on how they want you to drive them. I love a conv on a one lane, not the freeway where everyone wants to get by as if we were in a race. When I am in the Daytona, which is 545 horsies, then I am that hard charger, but I do not draft the other cars, (tail gate) to make you move your large car over. I am a patient person, and at 58, I do not heal as fast any more. I have been asked, "Are you going thru your second childhood having such powerful cars?" I answer, no, I have always had muscle cars since 1968 when I was 23 and could afford it. 
   I notice some of you put your currently owned cars, so here are a few of mine: 8 Imperials, 59 thru 68. Chryslers: 59,60 and a 2002 300M. DeSotos: 56,58 and 61. 69 Daytonas: 3. 69 Charger RT/SE w sunroof. 2 70 Chargers, one a RT. 60 Dodge Polara D500 conv, 71 Cuda 440 6-pac, 70 Challenger conv, 68 Road Runner, theres more, but thats enough. I just love a variety. Like I said, its a mood thing. Sometimes you need your fix, I guess like drugs, to drive something else, a change. 
   Happy Holidays, from the Machado family you all from sunny Palm Desert, Calif. where you can drive an Imperial all year long in the sunshine.