When he was just 10-years-old, something sparked an interest and love for old cars, in David Harutunian.  He recalls meandering down the road, as a young boy, observing all the old cars, one by one; he was especially fond of Model As, fascinated by how the cars started by the crank on the front end of the vehicle.

“The cars were really made, way back then,” says David.  “Real steel…real cars.”

His appreciation for old vehicles grew throughout his adolescent years, and, in 1972, at age 16, David purchased his first car ever: a 1930 Model A Ford that he still owns it today.  Along with the Model A, he also now owns a vast variety of collector vehicles.  In order, by production date, he has the following rides: a 1937 Chevy Sedan Delivery, 1947 Pontiac Torpedo, 1948 Ford Panel Truck, 1956 Thunderbird, 1967 Chevelle, 1967 Buick Skylark Convertible, 1972 Corvette Convertible 454, 1979 Chevy Truck and a 1986 Monte Carlo with T-tops.

Throughout the years, David says he has owned “at least 40” collector cars since his first purchase, in ’72.

And, along with his ownership of all those collector vehicles, David also established a career in the automotive industry. Twenty-one years ago, David started his own business of (unsurprisingly) selling automotive body supplies. 

Now, in addition to maintaining 10 collector vehicles and continuing his career in the industry, David stays plugged into the hobby by attending about 30 car shows each year.

“I go to Carlisle and Englishtown; both Spring and Fall,” says David. “And the rest are local shows.”

The last show that this Connecticut resident attended was a local one, but he says that the next show he’ll attend is Grundy-sponsored Spring Carlisle. 

Both the Model A Ford, that he bought 35 years ago, and his 1956 T-bird have been awarded Best in Class, at car shows, throughout the time David has owned them... and, surely, more are to come.  However, David says that his favorite parts about the hobby aren't the awards, but rather the people he meets.

“People just bend over backwards to help you with information,” he says. “Car enthusiasts are just genuine people.”

Story by: Becky McLaughlin