00:00I never planned to have this car that long. It just happened. This car is very superior.
00:11It's not just any car.
00:17West Bend, Wisconsin. Home to a much loved American classic.
00:24It's one classy car with a distinguished owner to match.
00:30I am Louise. Behind me is my 1957 Bel Air hardtop.
00:45I'm the proverbial little old lady. Takes it to church, goes to the grocery store, and goes to the appointments.
00:54I've owned it since 1957. One owner for 62 years.
01:05Just over 700,000 Bel Airs rolled out of the factory in 1957. But it's rare to see one in such immaculate condition.
01:15I know how to take care of things, and this car proves it. The book says change the oil every 2,000 miles. I changed it every 1,000 miles. I have it serviced whether it needs it or not. That's how you take care of a car.
01:37And a 1957 Bel Air in this condition could sell from anywhere between $35,000 and $85,000.
01:47It's got 122,000 miles.
01:48It's got 122,000 miles now. But those were put on during my active years.
01:59What we're driving on used to be 4th Avenue. And now they call it South Main.
02:05Here's where I went to school during the war. So naturally, I'm not putting on a lot of miles now.
02:18I used to be able to look over the steering wheel. Well, no longer. I look. It's very comfortable to sit back and look under the wheel.
02:29They don't make steering wheels like this anymore. Whoops. I didn't turn there.
02:42The Bel Air was a reasonably priced attractive vehicle. And with it came some special warranties.
02:48Good job Grace kept the receipt.
02:51Midas gave their lifetime guarantee for as long as you own the car. And I'm sure they never thought
03:01somebody would keep their Midas mufflers for 62 years. But I needed a muffler.
03:10A beautiful car like this is always going to attract attention.
03:17Nice car.
03:20And sometimes it's unwanted.
03:22Someone tried to steal this car. The car was 20 years old then. It's the late 70s.
03:30It was parked on a side street. I approached the car and somebody was getting out the other side.
03:38I yelled, who are you? And he was gone in the dark.
03:43And I drove to church because that's where I was headed.
03:50This car is very superior. It's not just any car.
03:57I never planned to have this car that long. It just happened.
04:04Year after year they went by. And I was so happy with it. And everybody else is happy with it. Why give it up?
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