When he floored it, I was nailed back in my seat and found it difficult to breathe. The G-force was incredible as we raced down Paramount Street in Amarillo. Then as fast as he had accelerated, he let off and slowed back down to the speed limit, which, if memory serves, was 45 mph. From the moment he nailed the throttle until he let off, time stood still. I don’t know how fast we reached, but it was well over the limit, I’m sure. Blistering fast is all I remember.
First Love
Do you remember your first love? I mean REAL love that just took your breath away? Mine was painted Iris Mist Iridescent. At least that’s what Pontiac called the color in 1965. This car still holds a special place in my heart and mind.
My Dad believed in hard work. He started working for wages at an early age, so he thought it was right for me, too. He got me a job at the Fina gas station where he traded. I was fourteen. At the time, all stations were full service.
Full Service
What is “full service?” We pumped the gas and checked the oil, and while under the hood, we looked at the belts and hoses. Then we checked the air in the tires and cleaned the windows. Not only the windshield but all the windows. Oh, and gas was .26 cents per gallon.
Dwight, the station manager, taught me well and the next summer I got an interview at a large Texaco station on Interstate 40 where it was always busy.
One of the other employees (whose name I can’t remember) owned a 1965 GTO in the light purple Pontiac called Iris Mist Irid. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. At that moment, cars became a real love of mine. I was smitten.
A Lot of Motor
Under the hood, Pontiac’s 389 Tri-power V-8, rated at 360 hp with 424 lb-ft of torque. It was a beast.
The guy who owned the GTO seemed much older, (I was only 15 at that time), but he was 19 or 20. He had worked at the station for several years.
I admired the car out loud several times, and after about a week, he asked if I wanted to go for a ride. I jumped at the chance and the only word that can describe the experience was … WOW!!!!!!
The quick ride in his car was my first experience of real speed.
I have lusted after a 1965 GTO set up the same way ever since.