From Boyhood to Manhood
Incorporating model designs from 1931 to 1951, it follows the obsession of one youngster with his first car, a 1930 Ford – Model A Cabriolet that he saved from the junkman in 1954 when he was twelve years old, lovingly restored it until he was old enough to drive it, and the story continues up until his purchase of a 1933 Auburn Boattail Speedster in 2021. Along the way, Mr. Hiller acquired five Buicks, another Ford, and a Chrysler.
The uniqueness of this exhibit is in the details: how young Gary got his first car, free as a gift, from his Aunt Fran, stored it in his grandmother’s backyard for four years, working on it until he was old enough to actually drive it. And how he purchased a 1936 Buick Roadmaster, “Old Blue,” in 1965, which started Gary’s love for Buicks. When he purchased this car (for $32) in Hempstead, NY, it had 55,785 miles on the odometer. Today, “Old Blue” has 60,360 miles on the odometer. The car had been in a garage for 24 years. The oil had not been changed since October 14, 1941 – he left the original oil change stickers on the door.