> EYE CANDY: 1978 DODGE MAGNUM
> THANKS DAD AND DODGE FOR ALL THOSE ROAD TRIPS
The car: 1978 Dodge Magnum The owner: Patrick Chan The story: My brother was born in 1978 and I came along in 1980. Starting a family marked quite a change in my parents’ lives. Meanwhile, in late 1977, my dad bought a brand new 1978 Dodge Magnum. It was red with a white leather interior. We still have it — and dad. They are awesome.
This car became a centrepiece of our family, a key part of our experiences throughout childhood and now into our adult years.
They say the family road trip is extinct. The introduction of child car seats and seatbelt laws may be part of it. The decreased attention span of the new generation and the need to be connected to devices may also be a reason. Whatever the case, it is rare to hear about young families making cross-country treks in search of adventure and sights.
Our trips allowed us to spend quality time together as a family every summer. We laid out our bags by our feet; we got comfortable. My dad was a great driver and our mom, Lily, a great navigator.
In the Dodge the family visited all 10 provinces and 49 states. I’ve never met anyone else who has done that — my dad is especially proud of the accomplishment. We have been coast to coast to coast, to small towns to big cities and to literally everything in between.
It has helped the Dodge that my dad has always had two cars, so the Magnum has never seen winter. He has fixed and rebuilt every part by hand, in his terribly unorganized garage. The Magnum maintains its original V8, original paint, original rust free body and now slightly worn white leather interior. Dad purposely runs the engine until it’s hot, so it burns off any moisture in the exhaust. He is an engineer and put some sort of supercharger on the A/C — it’s the coldest air conditioning ever, it allowed us to survive wrong turns and slow drives through the cruel heat of the Nevada desert.
Into our adulthood, the Dodge continues to make celebrity appearances. It was getaway car at my wedding and my brother’s. We show it off to visiting relatives. It is never more than a quick wash away from cruising the streets of Scarborough.
Having successfully raised two boys, my parents have had to sacrifice a lot. A lifetime of hard work and dedication has resulted in four beautiful grandchildren and a life they can be proud of.
The Magnum was relaunched by Chrysler a few years ago. An original sits in my dad’s garage and in our hearts. Show us your candy: Do you have a beautiful original, restored or customized car? Send us your words, and pictures, which are especially welcome if you or yours are in them. Email wheels@thestar.ca and be sure to use “Eye Candy” in the subject line.