Over the weekend, The Spirited Drive team attended its first car show in an official blogging capacity. As we made our way around chatting with the owners, we were intrigued and moved by some of the stories about the cars. It was then we had the idea to create a spotlight article on the vehicles that had special stories that moved us. So expect to see one or two spotlight articles for each car show we visit.
This spotlight features a 1970 Pontiac T37 Tempest, owned by Louie and Kathy Henson. The vehicle (seen below) is featured in a color called Palisade Green and still has the original 350 cu. in. engine, putting out 325hp. This vehicle, as was told to us by Kathy, was developed by Pontiac in the late 1960’s as an alternative to the Pontiac GTO. It could be ordered with many of the same options as the GTO, but the insurance was significantly less.
This vehicle is not only special because of its rarity; it also holds great sentimental value for the owners. Only 1,419 T37s were produced in 1970. On a more personal note, this is the same year and model that Kathy drove when the couple was married. I’m sure having this vehicle brings back many memories for both of them. In the glove box were papers documenting the car’s journey from the plant to its first owner were found. This always makes a car special as it gives a greater feeling of connectedness to the previous owners and really tells the story of that individual car, not just the model.
It is a truly beautiful thing to see car owners with so much pride for what they’re driving. Kathy and Louie were incredible to talk to, and from the first minute of conversation we couldn’t help but be drawn into their story. Their story proves that every vehicle, ordinary or exotic, has a special place is someone’s history.
Written by:
D. Fowler, Production Editor
J. Hamlin, Production Editor
J. Potts, Automotive Contributor
Edited by JRB, Editor-in-Chief
The Spirited Drive 