Ritchie Valens
Well-Known Member
Hey everyone!! My name is Ritchie and I actually joined a year ago but I had been diagnosed with cancer shortly before becoming a member and then the chemo side-lined me. My dream had always been to own a classic MOPAR. And after my cancer diagnosis, my wife said screw it, go out and find your dream car.
I got pretty lucky and I found a very clean and beautiful '71 Roadrunner (pics below). She has a 383 4-Bbl, 4-speed with Hurts pistol grip, has the Air-Grabber hood, color is In-Violet with white vinyl top and white seats. Nothing rare or fancy, but it is perfect for me! It was ready to be driven and I DRIVE IT guilt free!!!
Let me tell ya, these are not just cars. We all have the special childhood memories that led us to love these cars. My wife, family and friends have been been there for me during my battle. But somedays, when I was really feeling sick and down, I would go into my garage and just sit in my Roadrunner. The smell of the old vinyl bucket seats, oil and gas took me back to better days. The feeling of the steering wheel and the pistol grip around my fingers was better than any medicine. It put a big smile on my face and although I couldn't drive it then, it gave me motivation to fight for the day I would take her out for a long drive.
I continue my fight... but I'm able to drive my car these days. I've even started working on little projects I've had plan for over a year. I'm glad to be here and I look forward to getting the help from all of the experience and knowledge you all have. I'm happy to meet all of you and I look forward to seeing all the pictures of everyones cars!!
~Ritchie
I got pretty lucky and I found a very clean and beautiful '71 Roadrunner (pics below). She has a 383 4-Bbl, 4-speed with Hurts pistol grip, has the Air-Grabber hood, color is In-Violet with white vinyl top and white seats. Nothing rare or fancy, but it is perfect for me! It was ready to be driven and I DRIVE IT guilt free!!!
Let me tell ya, these are not just cars. We all have the special childhood memories that led us to love these cars. My wife, family and friends have been been there for me during my battle. But somedays, when I was really feeling sick and down, I would go into my garage and just sit in my Roadrunner. The smell of the old vinyl bucket seats, oil and gas took me back to better days. The feeling of the steering wheel and the pistol grip around my fingers was better than any medicine. It put a big smile on my face and although I couldn't drive it then, it gave me motivation to fight for the day I would take her out for a long drive.
I continue my fight... but I'm able to drive my car these days. I've even started working on little projects I've had plan for over a year. I'm glad to be here and I look forward to getting the help from all of the experience and knowledge you all have. I'm happy to meet all of you and I look forward to seeing all the pictures of everyones cars!!
~Ritchie
