My First Car: '46 Crosley two-door sedan, Rodney Jurist, 75, Aubrey, Texas

'46 Crosley two-door sedan

My father bought me the Crosley in 1951. It was light blue with a stick shift and no air-conditioning. I repaired the motor and traveled more than 250 miles from Pittsburgh to Crystal Beach, Canada, on less than 6 gallons of gas. It was a very fragile car, and I eventually sold the Crosley after it broke down on the Point Bridge in Pittsburgh during rush hour. I was going to Duquesne University, and my girlfriend wanted to go to the Homecoming Ball. I found a beautiful 1950 Jaguar XK-120 and wanted the car to take my girl to the ball. I promised my sister (Jackie Smith of St. Petersburg) that I would let her drive if she would help a little in the transaction. She agreed but only got to sit in the car one time. My girlfriend wore a gown the same color as the car. My sister said it was worth the investment as she now has a lovely sister-in-law and great nieces and nephews.