My favorite car : 1952 Chevrolet 2-Door Hardtop Deluxe

Name: Carol McAdams, 56, Spokane.

Purchased: August 1974.

Why I love it: It was a gift from a college roommate, in Cheney, Wash. She had a 1956 Thunderbird. My passion for antique cars began then. I named her Bonita Brown. For a long time she was my only car. I restored her, and now I love to take her out for special occasions, and shows.

Favorite experience(s): Two of my great experiences are when she took first place at the Cruisers’ car show in Colville, Wash., in 2001; I am holding her victory trophy in the photo (above). And when Mount St. Helen’s blew up on May 18, 1980, Bonita forged through the ash storm to get me home. I have had many classic cars. I also have a 1956 Lincoln Premier Coupe. I am restoring a 1974 Mercedes 450 SL Roadster. Bonita remains my favorite.

My next car will be: Only when I get a bigger garage, sell one of the others, or marry a mechanic! A muscle car would be next!