In North Clark County, there is no shortage of “cool” cars around. In Battle Ground alone, there is a seemingly endless supply, stored away under covers and in garages. As summer continues to make its way, here’s a look at three interesting vehicles and their owners in Battle Ground.
See them now before they hit the streets this summer.
What is the make and model?
Vandermeer: It is a 1962 Corvette. 14,5000 were produced that year. (It was) the last year of the first generation Corvette, first year for the 327 engine.
What work have you done on it?
Vandermeer: The car has had a total restoration. New engine, transmission, upholstery, bodywork and paint.
How and when did you get it?
Vandermeer: I purchased the car in 1982 from a person in Oregon. I had previously had a Corvette but sold it to buy a business in 1972. Always loved Corvettes.
What’s your favorite part of owning it?
Vandermeer: My favorite part of owning the Corvette is enjoying driving a piece of history. I have always been interested in cars.
When is the best time to drive it?
Vandermeer: If by chance you get sunny days in the Northwest, that is the best for an afternoon drive. I like car shows.
How fast have you driven it?
Vandermeer: I have raced the car at Portland International Raceway on two separate occasions. Two years in a row we won "Thunder in the Park" competition. Winning time was 85 mph in an eighth mile.
What car would you trade it for?
Vandermeer: The car can never be traded or sold because my wife says it's holding the marriage together. We have been married 49 years.
What is the make and model?
Smith: In 1964, the Fairlane was a one-year only model. What I mean by that is the 63 and 65 models were completely different looking. This one is a Fairlane 500 Sport Coupe, top of the line. Bucket seats, console, chromed dash and extra trim inside and out. This car has a modified 351 Windsor motor stroked to 408 cubic inches with many of the hot rod modifications and a four-speed overdrive automatic tranny for better street ability.
What work have you done on it?
Smith: I've rebuilt the headers and transmission for performance and durability, installed better tires and suspension and several other modifications I wanted.
How and when did you get it?
Smith: I bought this car four years ago to replace the one I had owned since 1971 that burned in my shop fire.
What’s your favorite part of owning it?
Smith: Working on it and going to cruise-ins.
When is the best time to drive it?
Smith: Any sunny day.
How fast have you driven it?
Smith: I haven't taken it to the track yet, so not over 70.
What car would you trade it for?
Smith: Not sure I would trade it, but it would have to be a “special to me” car.
What is the make and model?
Livingston: A 1966 Chevy Caprice Sport Coupe. Original color was Aztec bronze. New custom paint is quasar yellow.
What work have you done on it?
Livingston: She has been restored pretty much all the way up. Custom paint, wheels, lowering kit and new engine.
How and when did you get it?
Livingston: Actually, I bought it from a friend who is local. He is the one that restored it. He decided he wanted another fishing boat and needed room in his shop … So I got a smoking deal.
What’s your favorite part of owning it?
Livingston: It gets a lot of looks. I like seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they see an old school hot rod. I also get a good feeling when my kids cruise it.
When is the best time to drive it?
Livingston: Harvest Nights Cruise of course! Also Wednesday nights at Portland International Raceway and any day it’s not raining.
How fast have you driven it?
Livingston: It gets babied … No more than 70 mph.
What car would you trade it for?
Livingston: A 1967-68 Firebird convertible.
