Photos from the Cohort by Roshake.
(A random memory; sparked by this Chevy Van sighting in Budapest. One more chapter in the ongoing saga: The American full-size van, the vehicle for the youth of the ’70s to crisscross America, haul stuff, and commit the occasional crime –as shown on countless TV shows of the ’70s and ’80s).
It was the closing days of April 1992 and the school year had ended, a few days earlier than usual. I was on my way to LAX that mid-afternoon to take my flight back to Puerto Rico, where I was to spend the summer with my family.
As it had become the custom that year, I was being taken to the airport by my Philipino friend; Jerry. The poor fella whose new 1991 Corolla had become the default ‘taxi’ among my pals, as he was one of the few car owners of the group.
We exited 405 and entered the surface streets when I saw it in the distance in the passenger’s side rearview mirror. A full-size Chevy Van, speeding up and driving frantically, moving recklessly around traffic. I figured it would pass us… Instead, it came to our side, moving erratically next to us. The bald hefty guy in the driver’s seat, shouting something to us.
The ’91 Corolla may not be known for being as silent as a Lexus, but was soundproof enough. “What’s he saying?” asked Jerry. I shrugged my shoulders. “Find out… maybe something is wrong…” he continued. “Okay… Jerry…”
I lowered my window, and the guy bellowed; panic in his voice:
- You guys!!! Want a NEW stereo system??? For FREE??? You just gotta pull over… QUICK! We’ll just hand it to you!
Sorry pal, you found the wrong gullible youths; whatever your plan/emergency was, we weren’t into it. Immediately, Jerry shook his head and I rolled up the window, with a “Come on please…” dismissal on my face.
The van then sped up ahead of us, with its V8 just roaring. Its shape swerved dangerously in traffic until getting lost.
A day after landing in Puerto Rico, the news came of rampage and looting in LA; the ’92 Riots had started.
I may be overthinking it, but traveling/moving and I do cross paths with such events somewhat often. My 10-day visit to El Salvador in 2001 coincided with a major earthquake; which hit us just as I was boarding the plane back to the US. Talking about the former, the country I moved into in 2003 just as it was entering its worst period in crime… ever. Then, while waiting to board my plane at Heathrow in Feb. of 2005, the news came of Charles’ engagement with Camilla. (Make of the last, whatever you wish).
Not that I really think that disaster follows me when I travel, but just in case, maybe I should give a warning on this site about any future travel plans.
Related CC reading:
CC Capsule: Third Generation Chevrolet G-Series – An Ode To The Chevy Van
I must be getting soft in my old age because these photos are not stirring up the visceral dislike they once would have. But then I was traumatized by driving a rusted, rattly, worn-out version which a little auto parts warehouse used for deliveries. I looked forward to driving Dodge and Ford vans but could never stand the Chevys.
Now I can look at this and notice how handsome it is. But probably best to not drive it.
My dad came home one day just before my 16th birthday, and before we left Ohio. He told me that if I ever wanted to use a van to take several friends to say King’s Island or Cedar Point, he could hook me up!
Puzzled, I ask how this was.
He had entered into a business deal back in 73/74 where he had a good friend who’d lost everything after his business went belly up. He couldn’t get a car, so my dad would just buy what he wanted, and he’d lease it back from my dad! Apparently it was somewhat lucrative since my dad bought a Town Car, a dark green Sedan de Vile and apparently a Chevy Beauville van!!
I never drove it and when we left the gentleman just bought it off my dad.
Hadn’t thought about that one for a long time
I like these vans, I think they’re well desined and useful .
I remember that day vividly ~ I took my new Jamaican lady friend out to the beach , for some odd reason all the white folks scattered when we’d walk near them .
Then I turned on the news, oops .
-Nate