You know what they say about guys and their cars sometimes: they’re inseparable. Read on and meet three guys who are, quite frankly, perfectly suited for the vehicles they drive. For each, his ride is absolutely more than just a ride.
Seth F. Adams
Age: 33
Occupation: eCommerce Manager
Town of Residence: Shillington
Car model/year: 1970 Fiat 124 Spider
How are you and your vehicle alike?
I'd say we can both be a bit temperamental. It takes forever to start when it's cold, and I have a rough time getting out of bed in the morning. It's driving down the road and its hubcap decides to fall off and I pick up a case of beer and throw my back out.
A few years ago, we had a family vacation in Maui and my brother-in-law talked me into hiking into Haleakala volcano. I didn't really bring gear to go hiking but I threw on some tennis shoes and went along. It ended up being an entire day-long excursion and, needless to say, I was hurting by the end. My brother-in-law, though, plowed through no problem since he hikes all the time. When we got to the end, he said he was impressed with how I kept up for not being a hiker. I joked about how he was an ox, methodical and could plow on forever, but I was an Italian sports car, fast but liable to break down at any moment. So when I started looking for an old convertible, that stuck in my mind, and I thought it was fitting that I go with a temperamental Italian car.
Coolest place you’ve ever taken your vehicle:
I'd have to say to Nissley Winery outside of Harrisburg. We took the Fiat down last year and, of course, it was the sunniest, hottest day of the year. It was fun, but by the time we got there we were pretty red.
Clothing item/accessory I couldn’t live without: Driving loafers.
I have a pair of Cole Haan Gunnison loafers that I absolutely wear to death year round (sockless, of course). If they ever discontinue them, I don't know what I'll do.
Favorite driving soundtrack:
Oldies like CCR, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Elvis, the list goes on. My sister and I always joke that we didn't know they made music after 1969 until we got to college because any time we drove somewhere my dad was always playing oldies.
My dream car would be:
I always go form over function, so it would have to be an old car with an iconic design. Right now I've been into really Deco, swoopy body styles, so probably a 1938 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic.
Paul Heffern
Age: 39
Occupation: Customer Service Administrator at Penske
Town of Residence: Wyomissing
Car model/year: 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
How are you and your vehicle alike?
We both love the outdoors and being in the woods, camping, hiking. I’m not afraid to get wet and dirty, especially with a soft-topped vehicle.
Coolest place you’ve ever taken your vehicle:
The Outer Banks in North Carolina, for sure. We stayed in Corolla, and we were able to drive on the beach and go where only 4X4 vehicles are allowed, into the town of Carova. There we saw wild horses roaming the beach and the "streets.” I use quotes because the streets were all made of packed sand. It was such an awesome time that we are doing it again this year.
Clothing item/accessory I couldn’t live without:
Definitely shorts. I really do wear them all year round.
Favorite driving soundtrack:
Beastie Boys anything, but if I had to pick one album, then I would say Paul's Boutique.
My dream car would be:
A newer Jeep, anything newer than 2012 because of the engine. I’d have to say a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with a 4- to 6-inch lift, 35-inch tires, a winch and a snorkel.
Jeremy Gibney
Age: 39
Occupation: Stay at Home Dad, Recruiter for All in Analytics, Director of Tennis – Borough of Wyomissing
Town of Residence: Wyomissing
Car model/year: 1976 VW Bus Transporter
How are you and your vehicle alike?
My bus and I are quite similar. We were both born in 1976. We are both quite simple and like to make people smile. We also are both happiest when the sun is shining and the weather is warm, but not too warm.
Coolest place you’ve ever taken your vehicle?
The coolest place I've ever traveled with the bus is the Wyomissing Fourth of July Parade and the parent drop-off and pick-up line at Wyomissing Hills. I love all the smiles and the peace signs people send my way.
Clothing item/accessory I couldn’t live without:
I’d have to say my wayfarer-style sunglasses.
Favorite driving soundtrack:
The Bus Soundtrack is a steady mix of Bob Marley, The Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Stevie Wonder and a little Jack Johnson.
My dream car would be:
This bus is my dream bus, but if I'm getting greedy I’d want the same bus, but 10 years older: a 66 Split Window VW Bus Transporter.
Compiled by Nikki M. Murry | Photos by Maria Stamy, Maria Stamy Photography
