One thing that I’ve been trying to do over the past few years is to always ask to take a photo of the owner with their car after I’m done documenting the vehicle. Most people are happy to do so, having a pride in ownership. And together, car and owner in one shot, a more complete story emerges. Here’s a gallery of such images.
In the opening image, a 1974 Camaro, which has been owned by the man in the wheelchair since new.
This woman color-matched her ’59 VW Beetle.
This ’56 Ford Ranch Wagon was apparently won in a contest, and now belongs to the son of the original owner.
The owner of this ’53 Volvo PV444 said he had bought it from glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Old drag racer in Abilene, Texas, named Thurston Thornton, with his daily driver, a Studebaker pickup.
Thurston with one of his drag cars.
At Russo and Steele Auction in Scottsdale, AZ. This sold in the six figures the next day.
Another fixed up ’32 Ford in Aberdeen, WA.
Matt, the Owner of Trust Salvage, in Auburn, WA. No car this time, but a tractor.
The owner of this 1913 Bugatti was the stoic type.
Gene Tweedy with his “dwarf” 1954 Chevrolet, at The Dwarf car museum in Maricopa, AZ. He also has a full-size ’54 that matches.
The owner of this Aston Martin DB2 said that he loves to go to British car meets just to upset the purists. This DB2 has a V8 and has been heavily modified.
1959 Zar Car Concept, 1 of 1, with owner.
This woman loved her Suzuki X90, thinks it’s “Cute.”
Owner named this full-size Chevy the “Sexty Eight.”
I told this fellow that I knew where there was a matching parts truck for this Republic. He thanked me for the lead.
A recent photo of Pat, with his 1948 Lincoln Continental.
And last, me, in my youth with my 1954 VW in the North Cascades.
Note: all photos by Ralf K, aka Don Kincl.
Me and my 1936 LaSalle on Acorn Street, Beacon Hill, Boston in 1968.
I love this! It’s like people and their dogs; almost all of these car owners “look” (or dress) in a way that reflects the looks or character of their cars (or tractor). Great shots, Don!
Great pictures but the last one is best!
Most owners at car shows are happy to pose I have found. Asking them first with questions about color/engine/interior usually gets a better smile and a more natural pose.
Question: Don, the last photo of you with your VW has me confused. Most 54s I have seen have a smaller oval-ish rear window. Was there a mid year change?
Matt, the tractor guy, looks like he might play drums for The Band.
Great collection of old cars with their enthusiastic owners. Thanks for the photo shoot.
Very nice, I too love pictures of unrestored oldies being enjoyed .
That 1954 #117 DeLuxe with ‘sunshine roof’ _is_ an “oval window”, the deck lid is 1958 ~ 1963 .
I still miss my 1955 #117 with the one millionth (!) engine in it, sadly when I left the U.S.A. in 1976 I had a ‘friend’ store it for me I didn’t realize he was a drunk, he sold it shortly thereafter, I wonder where it is now .
-Nate
Me and my 1978 Cadillac.
The Skylark, myself and the late Alya. 2017