I turned 16 a couple years ago, and set out to find my first car. My dad had always collected antique cars, everything from a 46' Jeep CJ2A, to our 66 Lincoln Continental Convertible. Naturally, having grown up working on and being around classic and antique cars my whole life, I wanted something on the older side- I had started saving when I was 5 to buy myself a car, and had amassed a few thousand dollars to buy something with, keeping aside enough for insurance (which is almost as much as an Eagle for a highschooler!) My parents had no problem with me sending my own money on a car, so they told me to make a list of what I was interested in- well, after reading the first few cars on the list (23' Franklin, Citroen DS, ect) I was told my choice had to meet 3 criteria- have 3-point seatbelts in the front, disc brakes up front, and have less than 300 horsepower- I had seen my first eagle downtown, a red 80' with mismatched wheels, and went to take a look at it. It had sold just hours before I went, but I had made up my mind what kid of car I wanted! I found my baby on Craigslist in the Bronx, NYC for 3k- just below budget, and it looked pretty good! I took the train into the city and met up with my dad at work, so we could go look at it. The car was in very good shape, with only a little rust on the lower doors, and a poorly executed clear coat job done to the hood. I purchased it for less than the asking price, in what may be the most easy going car purchase in history! I've had it for almost 3 years now, and have learned a lot working on it. I've replaced the cooling system, rebuilt the miserable Carter BBD twice, replaced the distributor, all the front end bushings, brakes, rear springs, pretty much everything you can do to a car (except remove the emissions systems... next on my list!). I had her repainted by my teachers friend about 2 years ago, and paired with the sport wheels I got on craigslist I think she's perfect! I even got her featured on one of Rock Auto's magnets, which I'm super proud of! The Eagles Den forums has really helped me out so many times, and I hope to start answering other peoples questions now! Here are some pictures of it, one when I first went to pick it up, and one from over the summer, as well as the magnet!
Also, going back through the forums, I found a post by 83Eagle! of my car before the previous owner owned it- id recognize that rust, hitch, and Jesus fish below the tailgate key anywhere!!!
http://forums.amceaglesden.com/index.php?topic=36139.0
Great story! Thanks for sharing and welcome to the Den!
awesome story and beautiful car!
Thankyou guys so much! I'm glad to have the approval of fellow Eagle owners!
Of course you have approval from fellow eagle owners. Welcome to the den
Good looking Eagle. Welcome to the group.
Loved your story and love your Eagle. Can't beat original Eagles as there getting harder and harder to find these days. Enjoy your ride and welcome to the Den!