Remember when Tommy surprised his parents by restoring their 45-year-old Ford XA Superbird? Oh, what a moment that was! For us, a car is more than just metal and an engine. They are memory capsules that transport us back to beloved places and cherished moments.
This lime green Ford Falcon XA Superbird that Tommy’s father purchased in 1973 was more than just a car. He was part of his family.
Ah, 1973! The disco craze was just starting to pick up and bell bottoms were all the rage. Can you hear the hiss of a vinyl record when you drop the needle on your favorite album?Saturday mornings were all about cartoons and sugary cereal.
Imagine Tommy’s father driving down a Melbourne road with the windows down and the mix of fresh air and the faint smell of leather seats.
Now, let’s sit back and take a look at Tommy’s journey. His father bought the Superbird as his first car in 1973 and it quickly became the family’s faithful horse. They took them to school, family events, shopping trips, etc. After an unfortunate run into a ditch and rendering it unusable, the car remained on the farm, a quiet but constant reminder of happier times.
This car was little Tommy’s playground. One of his favorite memories is of sitting on his mother’s lap, hands on the big steering wheel, and driving down the long driveway to the farm. Superbird was more than just an object. It was a treasure trove of emotions filled with moments like this.
But like the pages of a flip book, the years passed and the Ford XA Superbird remained intact. Tommy had to wait for the right time and resources to begin his recovery, but his dedication never wavered.
Then, one day in 2013, Tommy realized that if he didn’t start the project soon, there was nothing he could restore.
Unlike your average restorer, Tommy was not an experienced mechanic or draftsman. He played the role of his loving son and passionate project leader. Through social media and automotive forums, we connected with like-minded enthusiasts who helped us find hard-to-find auto parts.
And after years of careful planning and car building, the Superbird was born again. When my parents saw the restored Ford XA Superbird, their faces lit up like the summer sky on Independence Day. It was as if time had turned back and I was back in my youth.
No words were needed. The pure happiness and mutual respect between Tommy and his parents spoke volumes.
To hear more heartwarming stories, watch the video above. We feature more unforgettable food stories that will fill your senses with great nostalgia. Don’t forget to like and share because revisiting these precious memories is what keeps our hearts young.