Posted on 01/04/2015 4:53:02 PM PST by upbeat5
Normally when you buy a pickup you worry about things like depreciation, operating costs, and how long the truck is going to last. Not this guy — he more than got his moneys worth with this one.
Back in 1976 when Bob Sportel was 24 he bought a used, rusting 1957 half-ton Chevy pickup for $75 because he needed a way to get to work. He just retired from his job after 38 years — driving the same truck.
According to KARE-TV in Minnesota, Sportel originally tried to buy the truck for $50. His only “extravagance” as he puts it is four oil changes a year. We’d say he changes them with the seasons but Minnesota only has two: winter and mud.
Sportel has applied several layers of duct tape to the truck’s upholstery. Bondo holds the front lights in place and rust holes provide portholes to the truck’s underside. He guesstimates the truck has more than 300,000 miles on it because the odometer hasn’t worked since he bought it. And, in spite of his wife’s pleas, he has no plans to replace it
Maybe the best line of the news report? “Soundtrack provided by Chevrolet.” Sportel has no plans to sell the truck. Then again, who would buy it at this point?
Nissan stepped up and fixed an Altima advertised on craigslist. Maybe Chevrolet could do the same thing for Sportel’s truck? We’ll reach out to Chevrolet to see.
Pics at link.
But that truck is environmentally unsound!
Wouldn’t pass our state inspection. too bad. Lots of good vehicles wont pass state inspection.
Not only that, no heated seats, electric windows, USB port for the sound system, or 10 mph bumpers!
We just got rid of our 1996 Explorer with 190 on the clock. Engine, tranny, and drive train were in great shape. All 3 kids learned to drive on it, but our youngest just smashed it. Grrrrr....
Let’s tell the truth. The guy’s a miser. I pity his poor wife. I would hate to see the condition of his underwear.
...and it’ll run with one wire...
Built Chevy Tough.
I’m amazed he’s kept it 38 years. No need to upgrade.
That’ll rub out. Most odometers back then into the 1960s would roll around to zero after 100,000 miles. No way of telling how many times it went over 100 grand.
Dang, the UAW did do something right.
Yeah, but he’s probably put more than $75 into the truck to keep it running. Sounds like a losing proposition.
There must be a bounty on it from the ‘Kash for Klunkers’ crowd.
Before someone else says it, “it’ll buff out”.
“Maybe Chevrolet could do the same thing for Sportel’s truck?”
What? Gov’t Motors? Pffft! Right. They’re about themselves.
Some people recognize value when they see it. It got him to work.
What more does a guy need?
Unfortunately, it wouldn’t pass inspection in Vermont. Nanny State, when it comes to cars.
I bought a 1984 Mercedes 300D in 2004 for $100. I’ve **maybe** put $1,000 into it since than. I’m still driving it.
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