Great story Steve. The Opel was "my own" first car but the actual car I first drove when I got my drivers license (also in 1972) was the family hand-me-down 1964 Impala station wagon that I had to share with two older sisters. As far as wagons went it wasn't too bad: my dad special ordered it in '64 with the highest performance 327 available which included a 4BBL, powerglide trans and a true dual exhaust system. It even came with the crossed checkered flag V emblems on the front fenders and wire wheel style hubcaps. Was good for a solid 125+ mph on the flat straight farm roads near where we lived (yikes, can't believe I did that and lived to tell about it!).

69 Nova SS. 396/375 hp factory bucket seat 4speed car.

I'm jealous! ;)

Currently trying to find it....but have found a duplicate car in Canada that may be coming to Ohio. 🙏

1969 Nova SS with 396 and 4 speed. A great car, what an incredible first car. Good luck finding one!

The best thing about the wagon is the drive-in movies. Back in toward the screen, roll out some sleeping bags or blankets in the back, and enjoy the movie. Of course how much of the movie you actually see depends on who you are with...:D