Originally from Minnesota, then Iowa, Carl's parents moved to the Valley in 1961 when he was 14 years old.  He attended Lamar Jr. High School, graduated from McAllen High School, and attended Pan American College (yes I mean college, it was not a university yet).  While attending Pan American, he met the woman who would steal his heart and end up becoming his wife.  At the time, Carl had a 1957 Ford Custom 300 which he sold in order to buy her wedding rings.  She told him that when he turned 57 years old, he could go and get another one.  We all know that is of little comfort to a true car guy.  Carl and his wife lived in Harlingen, where they raised a son and a daughter.  Unfortunately, in 1999, Carl lost his wife to liver cancer.  While this is no doubt hard in itself, Carl also lives with Alpha 1 Antitrypsian Deffiencey, a genetic liver/lung disease, which makes it difficult for Carl to get out and spend time with the people and cars which he loves so much.  He is presently on a list for a lung transplant in St. Louis, but plans on transferring to a hospital in Houston this summer so he can be closer to family and friends.

     Despite the hardships, and what many would consider set backs, Carl has never let anything dampen his love and interest in old cars.  He grew up servicing cars at Charlie's Texaco in McAllen and always enjoyed working on old cars and admired their distinctive styling.  In his high school years, he shared a 1957 Ford with his mother.  While he no longer has that particular car, he does hold onto his memories and his love, especially for the old Fords.  Carl states, "There's just something about an old car that keeps the youth in me alive, and dreaming of the next car show."

     My family and I have had the privilege and honor of knowing Carl for a number of years now.  I can remember when he did not have an old car to bring out and join us on old car outings, however, he was always out with the old car guys willing to share a smile, a handshake, or a story.  He is truly one of the  good ol' car guys.  In 1999, Carl happened across a friend who had a car which he had lost interest in and offered to sell it.  Carl, couldn't pass it up and got himself behind the wheel of his current classic cruiser. 

     Carl's "new" old Ford is a 1964 Galaxie 500XL Fastback.  It is powered by its original 289 and 3 speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission.  The car needed some work when he got it, so first thing he ordered a passengers side frame from Arizona. He then enlisted the help of friends, Jack Villareal and Jr. Vela of Raymondville to help install the new frame.  When that was complete, Tommy Liemon's Auto Body Shop in Harlingen fixed a few rust spots and sprayed her in primer.  Carl and his friend, Jack, worked hard to fix and repair other items the car needed.  They installed a new headliner, carpet, and interior.  Then David Rangel of Raymondville layed down the final coats of Emron medium graphite metallic.  The car then was fitted with lake pipes, new shocks in front, air shocks in rear, re-arched springs, and he added a continental kit to give it that period correct, cruising height and appearance.  Joe Ramirez of Valley Custom Aire installed an air conditioning unit for the car, and the windows were tinted to help "keep the cool in."  Either the cool of Carl or the cool air temperature. 

     Now that Carl has her all ready to go, there aren't many places around that stand in his way.  He can be found at any and many old car outings all across the valley.  If you have never had the opportunity to stop and visit with Carl, be sure to look for him at the next outing and say hello.  I guarantee you will be glad you did.  He is certainly one of the good ol' boys with a heart of gold and a true passion for people and old cars.  To sum things up, I could think of nothing better than another quote directly from Carl.  Carl states, "This old Galaxie is just too much fun.  It doesn't seem right an old guy like me should be so blessed with good friends, and a neat classic too!!!!!"  Well Carl, I for one would have to disagree, I think it does seem right that you are blessed with good friends and a neat classic.  You are a true friend and a blessing to the old car hobby.  See you at the next outing.   -L Olsen