29 years of muscle and memories
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| Currens displays the article in Muscle Car Enthusiast about him and his Z28. |
Article features classic cars with their original owners
BY ANDREW WALTERS
SVN REPORTER
awalters@svnmail.com
DIXON - If you see Gregory Currens rambling around town in his 1979 Chevrolet Z28, be sure to compliment him on its show-room condition. Know this, though - this red hot rod isn't for sale.
In February 1979, when Currens was 21, he paid $7,800 for his brand new Z28 at Vaessen Brothers Chevrolet in Sublette. Since then, he and his Z have racked up more than 126,000 miles and a lot of memories.
"It is very sentimental to me. It means something special. I have had it from day one," he said.
Currens, now 50, is featured in February's issue of Muscle Car Enthusiast, in an article about five classic cars that still belong to their original owners.
He was approached by a photographer for the magazine last summer at a car show in Carlisle, Pa. He was surprised and flattered by the attention, although accolades are nothing new - in the seven years Currens has been taking the car to muscle shows, mostly around northern Illinois, the nearly pristine T-top convertible has amassed about 30 trophies.
"When I first bought it, it was more of a 'wow' car. Since then, I have enjoyed the recognition of being one of the few people who hang onto a car like this for so long," Currens said.
With its fresh paint job and meticulous care, the Z that cost $7,800, now is worth $25,000, Currens said.
Always more of a plaything than a mode of transportation, the Z28 spends its winters comfortably in a garage and has seen snow only once in its life, which has contributed to its condition, Currens said.
Since 2000, when he had it repainted, he's been making the muscle car circuit and enjoying the attention it receives. "I have always enjoyed the recognition. Not many people buy a vehicle like this and hang onto it," he said.
Reach Andrew Walters at (815) 284-2222 or (800) 798-4085, ext. 522.
