After an intensive three months labor of love, Brent and his Dad put the final touches on the old Merc. She has seven coats of paint and has been allowed to dry for a couple weeks. "Gee, Dad! I never thought a car could look so good! Especially one as old his she is!" exclaims Brent. "Well, you put a little bit of your soul into her son and it shows!" said his Dad after good naturedly nudging him on the shoulder. "I think Mr. Olgilvie is going to be pleased. Don't you?" asks Brent. "Oh I'm sure he will be!" says his Dad. "I just hope he doesn't have a heart attack after seeing how beautiful she turned out!" Brent and his Dad give the old Merc a final rub down with soft cloths to make her shine. Then they hop in and drive out to Mr. Olgilvie's. He greets them as they drive in his yard, wearing a grin from ear to ear. "I don't think you can wipe that grin off his face with anything!" exclaims Brent's Dad. "I thing you have got your answer, Brent!" "My stars, guys! I hardly recognize the old girl. She never looked prettier! I love the color you chose. Much more alive than the original dull green. And that engine doesn't quite sound like an old flathead V-8. What did you do to her?" asks Mr. Olgilvie. Brent's Dad pipes in and says, "I had an old Thunderbird V-8 just sitting around in the shop. I had been wondering what I would do with it. Brent came home with your old Merc and an idea entered my mind. Brent went crazy for it. We did a few other modernizations on her but tried not to make them noticeable. She still starts like she did in 1949 but she has the Thunderbird engine and automatic transmission. The column shift looks like the original but is hooked up to work with the automatic. And several other little enhancements too numerous to mention right now." "Come on, Mr. Olgilvie! I'll bet you would love to drive her, wouldn't you?" asks Brent. "You don't need to ask me twice!" exclaims Mr. Olgilvie as he slides behind the steering wheel. He turns on the key and presses the starter button to the left of the steering column and is rewarded with the slow solid rumble of the Thunderbird V8. Brent and his Dad get in on the passenger side and soon, Mr. Olgilvie engages the transmission. He isn't quite prepared for the change in torque from the old flathead V-8 to the newer 64 Ford Thunderbird V-8. As he pressed down on the foot feed, gravel sprayes out behind them. He quickly lets up on the accelerator and another big smile crosses his face. The guys tour around the country roads for about an hour before Mr. Olgilvie drives them back into his yard. "Well, boys, you done the old girl proud. Come on in. I have a couple more items I found just the other day. I want to give them to you." says Mr. Olgilvie Once inside, they see an envelope on the dining room table. Mr. Olgilvie gives it to Brent with a smile. Brent opens it up and inside is the original owners manual along with the original title. "Wow! This is incredible!" says Brent "I'm so happy to get these. Thank you so very much, Mr. Olgilvie!" "You are very welcome, young man. I just hope the old girl treats you right and you do the same for her." says Mr. Olgilvie. "You can count on it!" exclaims Brent. Over the course of the next couple months, Brent, his Dad and Mr. Olgilvie take the old Merc to several car shows. She turns heads wherever she goes and drives away with first prize every time! M4 characters. Rendered in Poser Pro 11.1. Post work in Photoshop 7. Thank you for taking a peek! Your support is greatly appreciated!