Spotting classic cars in the wild is one of the most delightful surprises that the world can send your way.

Yesterday found me at a function with some extended family I don’t often see. As we were leaving I was thrilled to spot this convertible in the parking lot and even more so to see my cousin Allen climbing in behind the wheel.

It’s a Mercury Comet and I think he said it’s a 1965. She’s the kind of car that songs are written about. This car purrs like a kitten and looks just as sweet.

My day was made.

Check out the stacked headlights and the grill. If you like midcentury design, please pause a moment to admire that script.

You have to understand that Allen is just a regular guy. A logger and a man who works with his hands, Allen has a great sense of humor and his stories are entertaining. Yet, he doesn’t strike you as a guy who would have the flashiest car in town. Guess I’m wrong about that!

Allen told us about some of his travels, his love of tunnels and his philosophies that sound really close to my own. “I’m just a few minutes from Arkansas, let’s go see what’s there” sounds like something I would say.

So it was great hearing some of his stories but it was even better to see how proud he is of his gorgeous car. He joked that he drives it when he doesn’t want people looking at him.

Imagine driving this down the Blue Ridge Parkway! Here’s one last look as he waved goodbye and headed home!