Driving 45 on the Interstate in a huge Cadillac. Keeping the left turn signal on for 10 miles. Running into crowds and store fronts. These are all common associations we relate with the elderly when it comes to driving. But what if there was someone out there who was older, drives a classic car, and works on it themselves?
As it turns out, Margaret Dunning of Plymouth, Michigan does just that. At the age of 102, Margaret has been around the block once or twice. During that time, she’s seen the rise and fall of the World Wars, man walking on the moon, and the invention of the internet. But what makes her really awesome is the fact that not only is she still driving, but she daily drives her 1930 Packard 740 Roadster!
Purchased in 1949 as a project, Margaret was solely responsible for the entire restoration of the Packard. With pep in her step she tells everyone proudly how she still changes the oil every 3,000 miles, and how she’ll be more than happy to break out the socket wrench and change the plugs on the Packard’s 320ci V-8 that makes a paltry 90 horsepower. And while to most of us those 90 horses are severely underwhelming, for Margaret; it’s just enough. “I thoroughly enjoy driving the car; I’ll have to admit I do. I love the revving of the engine, it’s very exhilarating.”
Margaret also has a mechanic for bigger jobs that she can’t accomplish herself and he’s a spry 90 years old. So, for those of you who think that cruising has to stop when you get too old, just think of Margaret and remember that you’re never too old to enjoy the drive.