A Reluctant Classic Chevy Owner

Story By Ron Wolf

Tommy Britt of Mobile, Alabama had no intention or even interest in old cars back in the 60s when he first saw this ‘58. Down the block from his home, some neighbors owned a 1958 Chevy Impala convertible and Tommy remembers watching them drive past his home on a regular basis. He moved to a new home in another part of town a few years later and never thought about the ’58 after that. He said, “I never dreamt I would own their car someday.”

That day came around in 2001. Tommy is in the plumbing repair business and he received a call to his former neighbor’s home for an estimate on some plumbing repairs. Upon arriving, he discovered they still owned the ’58, but that it was now for sale. Still not interested in old cars, he called his brother who is a car buff and suggested he buy it and restore it. At the time, his brother couldn’t afford the car and suggested that Tommy should purchase it because it was going to be a collectible car someday soon. Tommy took his advice and bought the car.
 
While talking with his former neighbor, he found out that the car had been stored for the last several years in a garage with a dirt floor. The amazing thing about this car and where it had been stored is that it basically had no rust; this was quite unusual for a ’58 because they were prone to rusting with very little encouragement. The seats were in good condition and just a bit faded, but there were no holes or tears in the upholstery. There were 42,000 original miles on the odometer.
 
With his brother’s help, Tommy began restoring the car. He had the transmission and motor rebuilt, new upholstery installed and a new top added. A new paint job followed along with refinishing of all the chrome trim. Once the restoration was completed, Tommy became the car’s second owner. He has the original bill of sale!
 
Although Tommy had to be talked into buying the car by his brother, he has now gotten the bug. He and his wife have joined a local classic car club. As club members, they help raise money for different charities. They also drive the ’58 in local events, such as the Veteran’s Day parade, GMAC bowl, Junior Miss competition and the Christmas parade.
 
Tommy’s parting comment was, “Who knew how much fun it would be to own a Classic Chevy like mine? I’m sure glad I listened to my brother (don’t tell him I said that).”