June 01, 2007

Interesting Friday Fact

If you live in the Birmingham metro area, you know who The Suzukiman is. For those of you who don't, here's a primer.

Interesting Friday Fact?

The guy lives in my neighborhood.

And oddly enough, doesn't drive a Suzuki, but rather a new bright red Corvette convertible.

For which I'll wager he didn't have to pay ZERO down, and $99 a month.

Posted by Terry Oglesby at June 1, 2007 03:35 PM
Comments

That reminds me. Does anyone here remember a guy from the mid-80's known as The Batman? He was a black man who drove a very-highly customised Cadillac (I think it was.) around the Interstate system, helping people out. He carried all kinds of tools, emergency supplies and replacement parts. He also had a portable television and small refrigerator inside, powered by a massive battery setup in the trunk, to entertain people while his fixed things.

He wore a costume as well. I worked at a fast food restaurant off the Interstate and he used to stop in a lot while "on patrol." He was always a hit with the kids (his car was lit up like crazy) and -- when he started putting stars with girls' names on his car -- teenagers.

He passed away unexpectedly and his daughter donated his car to a local museum. Is it still available to see? Man I miss that guy. He was as nice a man as you'd ever meet, unassuming and a little shy.

Posted by: mike hollihan at June 1, 2007 09:01 PM

I've been debating getting another 'Burban 4X4 & a boat like I had down in NOLA but I really just don't care for fresh water fishing & diving that much. Anyway after getting stuck this last winter I'm thinking "Yeah FWD is fine 99% of the time but, Geez Tony you live in Minni Snow Tah and that 1% gets real awful real quick after 12 inches or so." This might just be a answer, 4X4 & good mileage.

http://www.suzukiauto.com/sr_07/sx4/

Posted by: Chef Tony at June 2, 2007 02:50 AM

I remember that guy, Mike; his name was Willie Perry. I'm not sure which museum got his car, I think it might have been the Southern Museum of Flight. Here's a nice article about him from the Black and White.

And Tony, I like Subis. Even when they were junky back in the early '70s, they still had a anvil-like quality to them.

Posted by: Terry Oglesby at June 4, 2007 09:16 AM

The Southern Museum of Flight! That's it. I remember because it always sounded odd they'd take the vehicle, but the city of Birmingham had no interest at all.

Like I said, I got to meet him while he was doing his thing and a nicer man you couldn't ask for.

Posted by: mike hollihan at June 4, 2007 01:25 PM