$635 for 16 hp. 12/20

In 1953 you could walk home carrying an Evinrude Fast Twin outboard for a few bucks. Just think of screwing the new motor onto the transom of your Thompson 14’ Tomboy and ripping across the lake.
It had taken the 2 of us, my brother and I, three years talking Dad into 'investing' in a new boat-motor that would keep his kids off the streets of Minocqua Wis.

In 1963 I purchased my first car for $950 bucks about the same price as the outboard engine.
I still had to hit Pop for a small loan to get my first set of wheels. The car was a 1957 VW with a rubber band motor that would peg the speedometer at 55 mph. That’s going down hill going with a 50 mph wind assisted under full sail (both doors wide open.)

I some how have a nick for winding up with either a boat, car or motorcycle that were well under powered. Another example was a Mercury two-door hardtop that yelled from the car lot, " BUY ME!" It was bright red with a ton of chrome. What a hustle car! So I signed the papers without a test drive nor looking at the sticker.

If I had, I would have noticed that this great looking car only had an inline 6 cylinder engine and an automatic tranny. I did look good driving off the lot and rolling down the street at 35 mph. Also you had to push down the highway. The only cars that I could over take on the roads were old Buicks driven by elderly white hairs.

I first time I tried to pass another car I pull out, pressed the pedal and the tranny downshifted. Due to the lack of horsepower the car would slow down. Now years later I still drive slow motion cars but look good behind the wheel, I wear a mask. However, I have a friend who just purchased a rocket ship and has a kick burning rubber. I have vowed to do the same on my next set of wheels... miles per gallon be damned.

Today's thought...

" It you want your track team to win the high jump, you find a person that can clear 7 foot not seven people that can clear one foot."