Vintage cars drive LV students to fame

photo by Adam Omernik

Dave Engle and his classic 1955 Oldsmobile have graced the cover of a number of magazines, including "Car Audio" and "Hot Rod."He has spent more than five years working on his car, adding features like a sound system, custom paint job, automatic windows and new interior. Engle says his greatest frustration is hearing catch phrases like "chromed out," because it generally denotes a lack of knowledge regarding cars.

by Amby Sarabia
Staff Writer

It is no surprise to see professors driving classic cars on campus, but recently, vintage cars have become popular with University of La Verne students. Many have been spotted driving them on campus.

Dave Engle, a senior computer science major, began restoring his 1955 Oldsmobile coupe when he purchased the car from a good friend, he said.

In the five-and-a-half-years he has owned the car, Engle has repainted it, chromed it and rebuilt the engine. By restoring the entire car, a more appealing look was achieved, he said.

"(The car) looked like an old granny car when I first bought it," Engle said.

Now, with its black paint job and flames painted throughout the body, Engle's car is far from an "old granny."

The 12-foot flames give the car an almost dangerous look; encouraging other drivers not to mess with it.

Students at ULV are not the only ones to notice his car; magazines have also taken an interest in it.

Engle made his magazine debut in 1998 when he was featured in the Japanese car magazine, "Daytona."

In 1999 his car was featured in "Hot Rod" magazine, "Custom Rodder" in 2002, and was recently featured in "Car Audio."

The Engle family's addiction to old cars started with his grandfather. Eventually, the addiction trickled down to Engle's father, soon reaching Engle and his brother.

"I just latched onto it," Engle said.

The restoration of Engle's car has been a family effort, as his brother and father have helped him turn his car into what it is today.

"We're not mechanics," Engle said. "We just know stuff."

Their innate "know-how" has helped add to the car's worth of $37,000.

Despite it's worth, Engle does not plan to sell it anytime soon.

"It's a rare car," he said. "It was a lucky find."

The car caught his interest after he learned all the features it contained.

The power steering, power windows and power brake suspension were enough to convince Engle to purchase it.

But all the hard work he has put into it has been the real determining factor of why he refuses to sell it.

"There is satisfaction in knowing I built it myself," Engle said.

Josh Miller, a senior business administration major, is another car enthusiast on campus.

Miller owns two vintage cars, a 1964 Cadillac Coupe Deville and a 1956 Ford Ranch Wagon.

Purchasing his beloved Ranch Wagon six or seven years ago from one of his grandfather's friends, Miller has chosen to keep it looking as simple as possible.

"I've kept it pretty original looking," Miller said. " I've just lowered it."

Unlike the Wagon, Miller has big plans for his Coupe Deville, since purchasing it last August.

"I plan to make it look like Dave's (car)," he said, "with airbag suspension and a kinda out there paint job."

Like Engle's, Miller's grandfather sparked Miller's interest in cars. He still remembers when his grandfather purchased a classic Mercury.

"I was 15 or 16," Miller said. "My grandfather was really big on old cars."

Since his grandfather's death, Miller has become adamant about never parting with the Wagon.

"It reminds me too much of my grandfather and how our relationship was," Miller said.

While the Wagon is not often seen on campus, the Cadillac can be seen every now and then when Miller takes it for a drive.

"It's a real gas hog," he said. "But I hate it when people don't drive their cars."

Freddy Ochoa, a senior international business major, happily admits his obsession with his car.

"I'm a car addict," Ochoa said. "(Any) extra money I have, I spend it on my car."

Ochoa's 1968 Ford Mustang has been a family heirloom. After his father purchased it in 1970 for $5,000, he passed the car on to all five of his children, Ochoa said.

Ochoa finally received the car his senior year of high school after his sister decided to purchase a new one.

Once under his ownership, Ochoa replaced the brakes, engine, radiator and tires, he said.

But that was just the beginning. After $5,000 worth of work, Ochoa plans to redo the car's interior, add new seats and have the car painted, he said.

After all his hard work Ochoa vows to never sell his Mustang.

"It was my dad's car," he said. "It has sentimental value."

Deciding to pass the car onto his children, Ochoa is helping to continue his family tradition.

His children will be permitted to use the car under one condition; they have to be responsible.

"Like me," he said.

Growing up in a family that drives old cars, it is no surprise that Ochoa prefers older models compared to newer editions.

"My Mustang's a classic, and it's cool," he said. "Besides, Honda Civics aren't appealing."

It does not hurt to add all the heightened attention the drivers receive.

"Cars like mine get more attention," Engle said.