Words & Photos: Gary Rosier
Renee Hanson owns this beautiful 1964 Plymouth Barracuda Fastback. It’s powered by the 273 cu inch V-8 that was its largest engine option that year. Painted a Chrysler Anniversary Gold with that racing stripe running down the middle, it really make a statement and gets a “Thumbs Up” everywhere she goes. While it does have some upgrades, it’s a largely stock, 28,264 mile example of when the “Pony Car” wars first started. While a new aftermarket radiator replaces the old stock one and updated Halibrand style wheels shod with 215/45ZR17’s (front) and 225/45ZR17’s (rear) lend a bit of reliability and safety/drive-ability to the car, there is a much bigger story here.
Renee and her husband Russ had started dating in December 2011. They both really enjoyed car shows – talking about them and comparing what each one of them knew about each car. His favorite was the ’57 Chevy, hers a 1965 GTO. It was a match made in heaven, as they say – two car enthusiasts who enjoyed each other’s company and whose dates centered around cars, car shows and events.
This romance quickly turned serious, as dates consisted mostly of car shows and dinner together. They even traveled to the West Palm Beach Barrett Jackson show and watched (and wished!) as all the cars rolled through the auction block. They loved being together, holding hands and discussing about someday owning their own vintage vehicle!
They were married April 20th, 2013. They even went to a car show on their honeymoon! They would talk to the various owners who had for-sale signs in the window, even taking a ride in a few, always dreaming of one day owning a vintage ride. Russ would read all the car magazines, watch the classifieds, even stop at any lot where he saw a vintage car for sale.
Then, tragically, on Dec. 24th, 2014, Russ was diagnosed with cancer. He went through seven chemo and 35 radiation treatments and never complained. He would work out on Fridays, treat himself to a big breakfast and go to a few rummage sales. They would always have a date on Saturday, mostly to attend a car show, and get dinner afterwards.
Russ was cleared of cancer for a few months from May to Sept 2015, but it returned with a vengeance. It was now in his lungs and sternum. He had to stop working in November of 2015. More chemo, and even another treatment called Opdivo wasn’t working. Returning from the Mayo clinic in Jacksonville (early 2016), Renee said to him, “Russ, if there is anything that you would want to do, now is the time to do it!”
On April 1st, 2016, Russ called her while at work and told her he had found a car – a 1964 Plymouth Barracuda! It was a similar car to his “Nana’s” that she once owned. Soon it was theirs. On April 9th they rolled out of their garage, headed to the local car show in New Smyrna Beach. God had answered their prayers. they said! They were both so happy. Russ had such a big smile on his face and talked to everyone and anyone who took an interest in their car.
Renee said, “I was so glad that we got to that one car show. That was the only car show we attended in the ‘Cuda. May 16th, 2016 at 12:34 pm Russ passed away in my arms in the hospital bed in our bedroom. The ‘Cuda was parked out front of the church for his memorial service. Russ left me a legacy of love, his family and the ‘Cuda. I really believe God gave me Russ to show me true unconditional love and to be with him on the cancer journey. Russ has been my greatest teacher through our fast-paced life together, and now in death. I drive the ‘Cuda to honor my husband.
“It’s been eighteen months since my sweet, handsome husband passed away. This has been the hardest thing I have ever been through in my life. I live my life ‘one day at a time’ and pray for God to lead, guide and direct my path. I have a big void in my life and a large resevoir of sadness. With the help of family and friends and my church family continuing to pray for me, I’m moving through my grief journey and slowly feel like God is putting me back together one feeling at a time. If you’ve never loved, you would not feel the pain that comes with losing the one who you cherished and loved!”
One day at a time… Thanks for sharing Renee, both your story and your car; our thoughts and prayers go out to you!
