Life in the Brazos.com

Ric Ploeger
College Station, Texas

More articles by Ric Ploeger

Cruzin' the Brazos

Tale of Two Chevys

One of the more interesting things about the car hobby are the great stories about the history of a particular car. How cars are found, the condition and the unexpected are normal topics of discussion between car lovers. Most cars are not purchased with the expectation that they would one day be prized collectables so often few records are kept pertaining to their history. History and authentication gain importance as the value goes up. Bryan residents Ron and Rosalie Glenn own two outstanding classic Chevrolets, each with a unique story.

The 1964 Impala is a true found in a barn storyť. It seems that Ron was in Somerville for a meeting about seven years ago when the conversation turned to classic cars and an elderly woman said she had an old Chevy she wanted to sell. After some discussion Ron soon realized that it was worth investigating. Sure enough he was led to an old barn seemingly out in the middle of nowhere.

Located behind a plane, tractors and a host of other treasures the car had sat for over ten years. Under a thick layer of dust the car was worn but more importantly in tact, and seemingly not molested like so many of these cars have been. For many years these old cars were of little value and it is rare to find one stored when its usefulness seemingly ended.

Negotiations were not successful however and Ron thought the deal was off. About a month later the owner called and more talks were successful and the car made its way to Bryan. Over the next three and a half years the Impala restoration was a family project. Rosalie and the couple™s daughters helping with disassembly, labeling parts and many of the other tedious chores associated with such a significant undertaking. The original 283 V8 and Power glide automatic transmission were rebuilt and reinstalled. The car was repainted the original color and as many of the original parts as possible were used. Other details included matching the original headliner and interior cloth. The car is a beautiful example and the effort involved in its restoration is apparent even to a casual observer.

A few years ago Ron and Rosalie were in Dallas attending a car auction. Late in the day a beautiful 69 Camaro was on the block. Now Rosalie is a self described Camaro lover and it just happened to be her birthday. The bidding was lower than expected and even though they were not looking for a Camaro at the time they decided to bid. To their surprise they had the high bid but it was quickly announced that it did not meet the reserve. Then just as quickly it was announced that the seller accepted the bid. Right place at the right time. What a great birthday present for a Camaro lover.

Like the Impala the Camaro is a great example of a very popular car. Unlike the impala the Camaro was in great condition when the Glenn™s made the purchase. The bright red 69 is a true rare, original combination of the R.S. ( Ralley Sport) and S.S. (Super Sport) option packages that were available that year. The car is equipped with the 350 Cu. In. engine and the 350 turbo hydromatic transmission. The hounds tooth interior is also a classic 69 Camaro feature. The Glenn™s also received the original Protect-O-Plate with the car. This is the original warranty card issued to the original buyer. This is a great piece documentation that is difficult to come by. These original heavy plastic cards normally have a statement on the back from General Motors requesting the original owners destroy the card when they sell the vehicle. Not many have survived. If you like Camaros this is a must see that wins many awards at car shows.

Ron and Rosalie and their classic Chevy™s are very much a part of the Brazos Valley car culture. If you get to one of the few car shows in the local area you may get to see them.

- Cruzin' the Brazos -