I recently attended the Greene County Cruisers car show in Cairo, NY where my husband, Luke, showed his 1968 Camaro. Cairo is right next to the town of Greenville where I grew up. I’m often in Greenville visiting my sisters but never had been to Angelo Canna Town Park. Definitely worth visiting as it has a dog park, walking paths, and nature center.

There were over 100 cars—all makes/models, years, and styles as well as a few vintage motorcycles. The majority of the drivers/owners were male probably averaging around age 65. They come with their partners and families. Their grandchildren run around hoping to get permission to sit in some of the big trucks.

Second generation Camaro Z28 from the early 70's bright orange. Hood open and has a cut out for the engine — Second generation Camaro Z28 from the early 70s

This reminds me of when we used to attend car shows with my father. He had a burgundy 1967 Mustang convertible. My siblings, nieces, and nephews loved driving to the car shows with him. We’d bring food, hang out, play games, and walk around while my dad pointed out something specific about a car.

Now I walk around with Luke as he does the same. It’s a wonderful way for us to spend time together, meet people, and see how car enthusiasts imprint their personalities on their cars.

Some owners have photos of the cars when they originally purchased them and you can see the journey the car took to get its current condition.

mid 60's GTO blue Chrome front, open hood. — mid 60’s GTO

As I sat in the shade of an oak tree, I noticed a man sitting next to his girlfriend in chairs covered by umbrellas. It’s a hot sunny day in the upper 80’s. He’s dressed in jeans and a purple t-shirt. A young man knelt in front of him like he’s a mafia don. The man tells a story of how he bought his black 1969 Charger R/T, sold it, and eventually got it back. His story intrigued me.

Luke has a 1968 blue Camaro that he found in our town. He wanted this particular car because he wished he had it in high school. It only had three previous owners and was originally from Colorado. Then it found its way to Ohio, and finally Clifton Park. It’s in fabulous condition and mostly original. He’s updated some parts like the brakes and power steering so I could turn the steering wheel. Yes, he’s fine with me driving his car!

Knowing our Camaro’s history and hearing this story, I wondered about the stories behind the owners and their cars. How did they get it? What drew them to this particular car? What shape was it in? What outings have they taken? Who has shared this love with them?

How wonderful it would be to have the people who own these special vehicles to write the unique stories of their cars/motorcycles, especially if they pass it down to family. Often we don’t know where to start or what to write about.

If you own a classic car or motorcycle (modern stories are intriguing as well!) maybe you’ll be inspired to write about them, keep the story with the vehicle’s papers so it’s passed down to whoever is the next owner.

Here are some prompts to get you started. Remember it doesn’t have to be a classic car or motorcycle. It can be your first car, your current car.

You can also keep a visual log.

What type of vehicle (make/model) do you own?

What’s the year, engine, original color?

When did you get it?

Why did you choose this particular vehicle?

What’s the vehicle’s journey? (number of owners, where did it come from?)

What condition was it in?

Was it original/stock?

What have you updated on it? (a photo journey would be a great addition to pass along with the story.)

Are you from a family of collectors?

What other vehicles have been in the family?