On Good Friday in 1965, Dennis Carolus, now 82, purchased this new 1965 Oldsmobile 442.
Jim Krumel | For The Lima News
LIMA – He was 24 years old, had some money in his pocket, and was looking to buy a new car.
His eyes were trained on a 1965 Starfire, a top of the line vehicle from Oldsmobile that was the manufacturer’s entry into the luxury car market.
But after visiting Olds dealers around the area, Dennis Carolus couldn’t find a dealership that would agree on a price. “They wouldn’t budge and I wouldn’t either,” recalled the Lima man, now 82 years old.
However, a dealer in Wapakoneta began talking with him about the muscle car market and the new Oldsmobile 442. On Good Friday in 1965, they worked out a price, and 58 years and 120,000 miles later, he’s still driving that car.
“I never dreamed he would keep it this long,” said his wife, Janice.
That’s been a good thing, she added.
The car is now extra special to Dennis, who enjoyed working on classic cars with his son, Eric.
Eric was known to be a good mechanic, having graduated from the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. Together, father and son made the Olds 442 one of their more recent projects, doing a complete frame-off restoration, including a four-speed, 345-horse power, 400-cubic inch engine.
“We made sure everything was original, just like the day I picked it up,” said Dennis. “It has power steering and brakes, but no air-conditioning. When I ordered it, air-conditioning was an option, and I couldn’t see the need.”
Dennis planned to leave the car to Eric, but Eric passed away from cancer five years ago at the age of 51.
In August, Dennis had his car at the Heartbeat of Lima Charity Car Show, sponsored by the Tom Ahl Family Dealerships. He said he has no regrets in buying a 442 instead of a Starfire.
“I’ve been satisfied with it,” he said. “Yes, I have.”
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