In the late 60’s, as a high school student, Sheriff Terry Box fell in love with his first car.

He owned a 1957 Chevrolet that originally came equipped with a six-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission. And, with some help from his family, he was able to install a 301 V-8 engine, four-speed transmission and dual exhaust.

“It was a high school kid’s dream,” says Terry.

And, since his days with that ’57 Chevy, Terry says that he has always kept his cars immaculately clean, had wishes of owning another special car and has attended collector car shows from time to time.

Yet, Terry was never in the position to buy his own classic car—until recently.

For years, Terry belonged to a country club in Collin County, Texas— the county where he both resides and works. When the club’s property was sold to a developer, a handful of years back, all of the members were given a share of the profit, says Terry.

And, he knew just how he’d like to spend that money.

Terry’s dream of once again driving a suped up Tri-Five Chevy never seemed to vanish, and now his dreams could become a reality. He found himself searching for a ‘55, ‘56, or ‘57 Chevy for a while, scouring through classified ads and attending car shows and auctions in search of just the right car.

Terry says that he thought he had found the perfect car and headed out to a June 2007 auction in Tulsa, Okla. to see this dream car. Unfortunately, he says that when he got up close to the yellow and white ’55 Chevy he planned to buy, he noticed that it was a bit rough, and the interior was worn.

But, the trip was well worth it…

While at that auction, a beautiful purple ’55 Chevy caught Terry’s eye. The quality of the vehicle was top notch, and he didn’t think he could afford a car that nice. But, as things always have their way of working out, the reserve on that car was not met, Terry was able to work out a deal with the person selling the vehicle, and the car became his!

He says that the previous owner had worked for a number of years on the frame-off restoration. The car was built to perfection, but shortly after finishing the Chevy, the owner passed away and his wife was left with a car she would not use. The car then found its way into that Oklahoma auction…

“I’m not a mechanic. I can’t build a car, but I can clean them up real well,” says Terry. He says that he needed to make sure he bought a car that was already in great condition, so his new car was just the right one for him.

“I’ve only added the fuzzy dice in the rearview,” he adds, with a chuckle.

With his dice in place, Terry began heading to car shows. And, at the very first show to which he brought the Chevy, he took home Best of Show.

“I was quite elated,” he says.

Terry says that the Chevy has won several such Best of Show and Best of Class awards at the shows he attended.

“But, the best part is what my wife and I always talk about… how nice the people are,” says Terry. “They’re all-American and have family values; and, the car is the medium to meet them. It’s such a pleasure meeting the people. We are always saying ‘Aren’t these people really nice?!’”

In addition to meeting new people at collector car events, Terry also surrounds himself with other enthusiastic hobbyists as a member of two car clubs.

He is a member of the Dallas Area Classic Chevy Club (a Tri-Five club), the Morning Maniacs club and the Texoma Vintage and Classic Car Club. Terry says he is quite active in the Texoma club, attending monthly meetings, suppers and holiday parties.

Story by: Becky McLaughlin

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