"Old Ger"
1977 Ford Granada Ghia 2-door
Here is Jessica's (Chris' wife) story about their Family car:
Chris has a huge story about his heirloom
Granada to tell and I am here to help him...
In 1977 (when Chris was the ripe old age of 4) his father bought this car, a
1977 Granada Ghia Brand New from a dealer. We still have the original
paperwork, sales brochure, window sticker and records upon records of oils
changes, gas mileage and repairs. And many family photos and home movies
with "her" in the background. Her nickname is "Old Ger".
Chris' father was in the military. This meant he traveled the world in this
car, grew up with this car. He was stationed in Germany for 4 years. He
toured Europe in this car. He spent countless hours and seen more miles and
sites than I can even imagine... in this car. We have memories together in
this car. We brought our second son home in this car.
His father passed away 12/17/97. His sister returned the car to my husband
in hopes that he would be able to restore this family time capsule.
The car looked good from the outside, but the interior was in deperate need
of attention. His sister used it for daily driving but let it's care go
wayward.
My husband is disabled. He has Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as other degenerating
complications. At 32 he is lucky just to be able to walk. This car is more
than just a car it is something special and dear to him. It's a family
member and it reminds him a lot about his father.
We have 2 children and have suffered many set-backs since he received the
car. As a result just keeping tires on it has been a challenge (we had 5
other cars-now down to 3). But the car has been good to us, always there for
us and good on gas at the same time.
9/25/05 my husband was out cruising to the store. The front driver's tire-
balljoint, tie rod (EVERTHING) snapped. He ran into a telephone pole. The
driver's side of the car has been wrecked.
Old Ger has survived hurricanes (last one a tree fell on her- didn't hurt
her). A freak hail storm had it's way with her. All the while waiting for
the restoration that was to come. He has done little things here and there
to her, updated somethings inside and added a few things she didn't have.
He tried to find a leak that has plagued them from day one, so that the
interior resto could be started.
He is hopeful that it can be fixed. Repairs are one thing- parts are nowhere
to be found in this area or seemingly anywhere! Along with all of his grief-
he hopes there isn't any structural damage. He has the determination to keep
her out of the bone yard. Ultimately he hopes to return her to the pristine
condition she so deserves.
She's not just a car - she's a family member and friend. Hopefully someone
here can help Chris bring this to fruition. We are so happy to have found
this special place! Thanks for your time!
I beg you...if ANYONE can and will help him save Old Ger - you'd be a Saint
of Saints. She means so much to him (and THAT means alot to me). He doesn't
have much enjoyment anymore, some days he can't get out of bed. He will sit
in that car and armoral her cracked dashboard and seats, just to spend time
with her. PLEASE HELP! I don't think that if he can't fix her he could
find the strength to send her away. And seeing her like this is killing him.
Thanks again for everything! The Loyer Family.
P.S. The picture where Chris is asleep under the hood - is a pure moment with
him. He was so tired but determined to find that vaccum leak....
If you can help, please contact Jessica Loyer at: jessical330@hotmail.com