Full Circle: A Classic Wagon’s Journey Back Home
For a true car lover, revisiting memories through a specific set of wheels is just about as good as it gets. Steve Plunkett not only has the make, model, and year of car he learned to drive in, it’s the exact vehicle his family owned more than 50 years ago: A 1969 Pontiac Safari Estate Wagon. “My Dad bought it new from LMP in 1969 for my mother”, Steve explains. “This is the car I took my driver’s test on 55 years ago.”. Only 630 of these cars were made in Oshawa. This vehicle had the power
Joe and Steve, the children of the two owners.
“I would see Joe from time to time as the car remained under a tarp on Boler Road,” recalls Steve. “I always said I’d love to buy it back if he wanted to sell.” That day eventually arrived and Steve purchased the car. He remembers that it was complete and in pretty good shape. He gave it a full restoration and, like his other vehicles, it goes out for a stretch on a regular basis. “In 56 years it’s only been in two families, generating many memories through the years,” says Steve. For 15 years, Steve Plunkett turned his love of cars into the Fleetwood Country Cruize-In, an event that supported local charities and raised over $1.7 million. “Taking a passion that I love and creating an event that benefits so many people has been a blessing,” says Steve. The event attracted thousands of people and cars from across North America. When not at home on his estate on the outskirts of Byron, Steve tours invitational car events and shows across North America, showcasing his classic cars.
to move everyone and their dog to Grandma’s house or on a summer road trip. It came with a 350 cubic inch engine, a four- barrel carburetor, and 380-foot pounds of torque. The Plunkett family used the wagon as a “family hauler” until 1973. This was, of course, in an era long before minivans and SUVs. They sold the wagon to a local family, the Walshes. It became their family transportation until the parents passed away and their son Joe acquired it. However, he didn’t put it on the road. The vehicle remained unlicensed and moved around to a couple of Byron properties among other locations.
Welcome to our Meet and Greet Sunday, March 23 rd from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Presentation of our resort style living at 2:30 p.m.
Opening Spring 2025 Now Leasing!
We look forward to meeting you! StarTech.com Community Centre, YMCA, & Library 501 Southdale Road West, Room 1 (level 2) 519 521-2859 • london@bloomretirement.ca • BloomLondon.ca
Several residences across Canada CogirSeniorLiving.ca
To advertise here please contact Barb@villagerpublications.com
Byron Villager
Page 6
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs