Last week, I made a sound financial decision. Finally.
My history with money is worthy of a Shakespearian play, both tragic and comedic. Never have I lived high on the hog, and stewardship in terms of sharing and caring has been paramount. Nonetheless, budgeting and money management and I have not been steady partners. That is until November 1, 2024, when I became officially and finally debt free.
And then wouldn’t you know it, those darn marketplace algorithms stared at me like the Tree of Knowledge in the Garden of Eden. There it was: a rebuilt, show-ready, 1985 hunter green Chevrolet El Camino for sale at a price I could afford. I confess, I was tempted to take a bite.
I cannot explain it, but El Caminos and I belong together. The 1977 I bought twenty years ago was a force of nature but required more attention than I could give. It did serve a purpose, getting me through my younger daughter’s college years when I gave Emily my Honda to use at Aggieland. The El Camino was for short rides to town for groceries. When longer trips were needed, I simply rented a car or borrowed from a kind neighbor. I sold the ’77 after four years because, well, I needed the money.
AfewyearslaterwhileIwasatacarwash in Lubbock, an El Camino went through the bay. The older gentleman to whom it belonged struck up a conversation, probably noticing that I was coveting the vehicle as it passed through the wash. He told me he had two more El Caminos sitting at his house that were for sale. My translation of what he really said, “Hey, I have a litter of cute puppies, come get one.” I did, a 1986 black and silver SS Conquista that was in even better shape than the Green Ghost.
For seven years, this sweet ride and I took many trips. She was a bit more durable, and I had access to more funds to take better care of her. Then I retired, discovering that a teacher’s fixed income does not mesh well with classic cars. I sold the ’86 El Camino to some guy who told me it was headed for Arkansas to be rebuilt, repainted, and no doubt re-enjoyed.
Which brings me back to the beautiful El Camino whose cream-colored leather seats I sat on last Thursday. Even before I went, I knew I would not make the purchase. The seller was gracious and gave me the chance to look, to savor, and to gush over its 383 Stroker engine and BMW paddle transmission. The air conditioning, AM/ FM/CD, and Foose design were just polish on the pristine chrome.
Even though my mental vision board still has an El Camino driving me around the country on my 70th birthday in 2026, it won’t be this one, the one that got away. I’d love to see the USA in a Chevrolet, but it’s best I don’t go into debt ever again. That’s a worthier goal, especially at my age.
However, if you are interested, give the delightful Margaret-in-the-Lubbock-area a call (she gave me permission to share her info) at (432) 661-5202. I promise you won’t regret a Sunday afternoon drive in an El Camino with the windows rolled down.
Tell her Sue Jane sent you.
Snyder, Texas, native Sue Jane Sullivan is a retired schoolteacher whose thought-provoking commentary appears occasionally in several West Texas newspapers, including The Texas Spur and The Caprock Courier.
