"I was born Nov. 22, 1919, on a farm near Locheil, Ont., and through my 88 years I have owned many cars. None have brought me more pride and joy than my 1930 Model A Ford Deluxe roadster.

"It all started back in 1942 when for the hefty price of $135 I purchased a 1929 Model A Ford phaeton converted into a truck. My brother and I used it around the farm to bring milk to the cheese factory every morning.

"I then gave it to my younger brother Emilien and purchased a 1931 Model A Ford four-door sedan in Montreal for $200."

Real farmed with his dad until 1950, when he married Simone Diotte (the girl next door) and moved to Oshawa. "I worked for General Motors all my life, but for years I longed for another Model A.

"Finally, I purchased a coupe in rough shape in 1966. However, my heart was always into a roadster. The coupe frame was in very good condition, and because coupe and roadster bodies are interchangeable, I located a roadster body seven years later and began the restoration.

"I did all the running gear, axles, and brakes myself. It was a complete off-the-frame restoration, and in 1982 she was all done

Drive it everywhere

"My wife Simone and I go everywhere in it. We drive it in parades, give rides to senior citizens, attend functions at the U.S. Embassy and the Governor General's home, to name just a few. Since its restoration, we have driven it over 33,000 miles.

"Last year we toured with the Capital 'A' Club to Boston, Massachusetts, where we met with over 500 Model A's from all over the U.S. This year we toured around Vermont and climbed many steep hills. I had to use second gear to make it to the top, but the old Ford did it in fine style. For Christmas 2006, we put the side curtains on and drove to mass on Christmas Day.

"My daughter says we are an inspiration to all. However, we feel we are just having fun doing what we love-- touring in our Model A."

Daughter Louise and her husband Richard are also car buffs. They own a 2002 Chrysler Prowler (a "factory hot rod") and a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible.

On Nov. 22, 2007, Real, Simone, Richard, and Louise flew to Daytona to attend the Turkey Rod Run, a 5,000-plus annual car show inside the Daytona Speedway.

Real wore a necklace that said, "It's my birthday" and had fun telling well wishers he was born in 1919. "Guess how YOUNG I am!"

We want to say thank you to our readers who send in their stories. When a reader's story is published in CarStory they receive a copy of Bill Sherk's book "60 Years Behind the Wheel: The Cars We Drove in Canada 1900-1960". To share your stories or photos e-mail bill@carstory.com or write Bill Sherk, 33 Oak St. E., P.O. Box 10012, Leamington, ON N8H 2C3.