Leonard Tartaglia

1959 Chrysler 300E
There were 690 of these 1959 Chrysler 300 hardtops made with 140 of them being convertibles. I bought this car from a Chrysler Dealership on 4th Street in Albuquerque in late 1959 off the showroom floor when I was 18 years old. It holds a 413 Wedgehead dual quad with 375 hp, automatic cast iron torque flight, all power windows, brakes, steering, inside hood release, and swivel out seats. She raced at many dragstrip in her day including Mel Larson's in Phoenix where she was named Big Red by the Phoenix newspapers and retired from the track undefeated. While living in California, the car carried my friends the Big Bopper and Buddy Holly many times. Also clocked at 171.5 mph by the CHPD'd helicopter. Cost me $240 and 60 days in jail.

1956 Royal Lancer
This car, which is now considered to be an antique, originally retailed for $1900 to $2100. I bought it 10 years ago for $1500. At that time, it was Pepto Bismol pink which I quickly got rid of and painted it two-tone blue. I am the third owner.

The engine is a 315 wedge head 2 barrel. The car has power steering, power brakes, 2 speed automatic transmission with cast iron torque flight and highway gears. It’s a 2 door hardtop, am/fm radio (with dual antennas on the rear fins), original factory record player with 16 1/3 records which I still have and believe it or not, it still works. And to one of our sponsor’s delight, the car has the original Auge’s metal tag on the trunk of the car. The interior is still in decent shape. The front seat is a little rough but the rear seat, door panels, headliner and dash are in excellent condition.