In August of 1979 my grandfather purchased the car as it was a leftover on the lot (new not used) in Daytona Florida. My grandfather passed away in 1984 and my grandmother moved up to New York State to live with us. The car had 48,000 miles on it at the time. It was stored every winter and my grandmother and I drove it a total of 300 mi/ year until 1995.

I would visit my grandmother after work about 2-3 times a week. She would tell me the stories of the adventures she and my grandfather had in the car (they went cross country in it in the early 80's). Our favorite story was of the time they were traveling through Montana. My Grandfather was sleeping and Grandma was driving down a long stretch of highway. My grandfather woke up and looked at my gramma and said "are you feeling ok?", she responded, "Yes fine, why do you ask?" Grampa said "Nothing important, I was just wondering why the speedometer is pegged over 85 mph?" My gramma was enjoying the cruise so much that she didn't have the cruise control set and she wasn't paying any attention to her speed.

In 1996 my grandmother passed away and she left the car to me. She felt that I was the only one who would keep the car and its memory alive. I consider it a family heirloom. I have cleaned it up and taken it to car shows in the summer. I know that my Grandparents are watching and enjoying the shows with me!

The only addition to the car that I would like to make this year, (if I can get one!) is a plaque to place above the glove box. (like the one on the Diamond Jubilee of that year).
"IN FOND MEMORY OF HARLEY AND WINNIE STRICKFADEN".

If any one can help me with this, please e-mail me at: rodschmitz@msn.com

Rodney's '59 T-Bird

PROUD NEW OWNER!

"Does he know he has
his work cut out for him?!?"

..."taking the
T-Bird away"...

Sign My Guestbook View My Guestbook