And then we saw this car and trailer.
The car, owned by Louie Mattar, is a beautiful 1947 Cadillac with a V-8 engine. The trailer is a one-of-a-kind design made by Louie. Not long after purchasing the car in 1947, Louie began modifying it to bring a dream to fruition.
The modifications took several years and in 1952, he and two buddies were ready to fulfill his dream: to drive from California to New York and back (6,320 miles) without stopping. At all. Ever.
How could they do that?
Three drivers took turns driving five-hour shifts.
The car holds 50 gallons of water (with an additional 30 gallons in the trailer). They refueled from a moving gas truck three times during their trek. Amazingly, the car automatically refills the radiator and changes the oil while running!
The trailer also holds 230 gallons of gas and 15 gallons of oil. At the rear of the trailer is a dining area with storage under the seats. And did you notice the nation-wide mobile telephone and electrical outlets?
Clear panels in the hood allow the car to be driven while the hood is open for adjustments or repairs. The axels are drilled which allows the tires to be inflated with turning. Hydraulic jacks allow the tires to be changed from a removable platform that attaches to the car. And notice the tiny tires? They move down while the flat tire is jacked up to be changed. The engine bearings, tires, breaks and hydraulics are automatically cooled.
In addition to the usual dials and knobs, the front seat area of the car has many comforts of home - a tape recorder, bar, public address system (with speakers on both the trailer and the hood of the car) and a Turkish water pipe.
But it was the back seat area that was most impressive to me. An electric stove, a refrigerator, a washing machine (very compact!), a chemical toilet, ironing board, medicine cabinet and a kitchen sink can be stored under the back seat cushions. On the right running board is a shower (swim trunks were not optional!) and at the rear taillight is a drinking fountain!
In 1954, he and his team made a goodwill tour driving nonstop from Anchorage, Alaska to Mexico City (7,482 miles).
So what would motivate a person to spend $75,000 of his own money (no sponsors!) to modify his car and then embark on such an adventure not once, but twice?
According to Louie, he wanted to see if he could figure out how to do it and he wanted to meet interesting people. He accomplished both. Although he had offers for his car, he never sold it and it is currently owned by a family member.
I am thankful God gave us the ability to wonder, to be creative, to use our imaginations. Where would we be without those things?
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