Car of The Month ~ Gary Grover’s 1963 XKE OTS
After some ten years of living
with a 1963 XKE Coupe .. fondly referred to by club members as 'The
Roach', I approached Fred Winn about acquiring the red convertible 1968
he and his son had restored to nice driver condition. NO DEAL. So I
looked for about a year at several alternatives that were either too
expensive or not good options. As many others have, I became discouraged
and frustrated with the prospect of getting the car I wanted, then one
day Fred called and said he and his son had decided they might take my
offer if I was still interested. Cynda said go for it and I called Fred
back to say I'd take it.
He refused saying he wouldn't sell it to any fool that hadn't driven it
first. So we arranged to go to his son's garage where it had been
sitting for a long time. After charging the battery we started it up and
I think the red car and I bonded immediately after pulling out on north
Lewis Ave. Seems the “Roach” really didn't run right and I almost red
lined it in first gear!
Drove right back with check in hand and handed it to Fred . I think I
saw a tear in his eye as I drove off for home. After some 25 years,
60,000 miles, and a few maintenance projects, the red E sits in the
garage hoping I'm not too old to undertake her restoration. I've always
done the maintenance with my own hands but I'm afraid I will have to
defer to others this time old girl. My son Cason is now restoring an
early 280Z and has voiced interest in her. Maybe she's going to have
another 25 years in the family?
Gary Grover
Past Cars Of The Month
