A Journey Through Family Cars: From Soviet Classics to Irish Travellers’ Fortunes
My parents, born in different cultural contexts, owned a variety of cars throughout their lives, each with its unique story and significance. From the challenging times of the Soviet Union to the Irish Traveller lifestyle, the vehicles in our family gradually changed, reflecting our changing circumstances and adventures. This journey reflects the rich tapestry of our family memories and the challenges we overcame.
Soviet Times: Dream Car of My Dad
My father, despite being a chemical engineer, never dreamt of owning a car due to the economic constraints of the Soviet Union. In 1971, the USSR surprisingly boasted more than 1.5 million private cars amidst a population of 240 million. My father, however, had a few lovingly maintained Porsche sports cars, but the most exotic one for me was the Alfa Romeo Montreal. Although it was mechanically flawed in some aspects, its design was simply wonderful. My father’s love for this car was evident, but a crash and resulting one-year revocation of his license ended his dream of driving it regularly.
Irish Traveller Diaries: Dad's Van and Mum’s Truck
As Irish Travellers, my parents did not possess much wealth or luxurious items during my upbringing. Nevertheless, they managed to provide for their family. My father, a commercial vehicle and heavy plant mechanic, had a 1990s-era Ford Transit van. This vehicle served a dual purpose: he used it for his work and also to tow around our family's Elddis Mistral XL caravan, a mobile home that was a vital part of our lifestyle.
On the other hand, my mother inherited my father’s previous work vehicle, a 1980s-era Bedford CF crew-cab truck. This truck was mainly used to transport us, the children, around. Additionally, it served as a horse box for our Irish Cob horse, showcasing how they made do with what was available, even when it came to such sentimental purposes as our beloved family equine.
Legacy and Disappointment: The 1968 Mustang
My grandmother owned a 1968 Mustang, which she eventually gave or sold to my parents. Unfortunately, I have no clear memory of the car functioning properly. My father attempted to bring it back to life but, as with many cherished family heirlooms, it remained a mostly static presence in our driveway. My memories are tinged with frustration and disappointment, as well as adventure, as a child I would climb on it or sit in it with my sister and a friend, fantasizing about driving it.
The car's final fate is shrouded in uncertainty, with possible scenarios including donating it to Goodwill or trading it in a Cash for Clunkers deal. All I remember with clarity are the attempts to start the engine, my father's frustrated swears, and the car's static presence, a reminder of better times that never came to fruition.
Modern Family: Red Ford Windstar Minivan
My teenage years brought a new family vehicle, the red Ford Windstar minivan. This minivan was much more than just a means of transportation; it was a transformed family cinema, complete with a VHS player. Every day trip or road trip became an event, and we would watch movies like Dances With Wolves as we drove through the Kansas plains. The memories of those journeys are cherished, reflecting the joy and the sense of adventure that this vehicle brought into our lives.
From the exotic Alfa Romeo Montreal to the functional Ford Transit van and the static 1968 Mustang, and finally the minivan that became a movie theater on wheels, each car in my family reflects a different chapter of our lives. These vehicles, in their own unique ways, are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of my family through challenging times and the good times that followed.