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  • This 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air, owned by Stillwater native Dean Bartlet, has 159,000 miles on it, far more than any other vehicle on hand at last week’s Survivor Collector Car show in suburban Chicago. Provided

    belair2.jpg

  • Dean Bartlet drove his 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air to Tulsa to meet his son, Del. From there, Del took over driving the 1,600-mile round trip to suburban Chicago for last week’s Survivor Collector Car show. Provided

    belair1.jpg
July 1, 2011

Stillwater father-son duo travel in style to Chicago-area auto show

By Joe Lanane joelanane@stwnewspress.com

STILLWATER, Okla. — What better way to travel more than 1,600 miles round trip than driving an original 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air?

Father-son duo Dean and Del Bartlet made the trek to suburban Chicago last week to compete in the Survivor Collector Car challenge, which recognized 60 true original automobile classics.

“We only passed one vehicle the entire trip,” Dean said. “Every one else was driving past us.”

Despite driving 55 miles per hour without air conditioning, the two successfully made it to St. Charles, Ill., to participate in the invite-only event. They were among the few car owners who drove their vehicles to the show.

“People really couldn't understand why we would drive the car up there because the rest of the people hauled their cars in a box trailer,” Dean said. “Some of them didn't even have 20,000 miles on them.”

His classic car earned the Fingerprint Award, the second-highest honor given, for the Bel Air’s originality and preservation.

Dean's Chevy Bel Air cost him only $1,701 when he bought it in 1955, he said. Rather than keep it stored or trade it away, he held onto the classic ride, which now has nearly 159,000 miles on it.

“A lot of people up there thought we were a couple of crazy guys up there for just the fun of it,” he said. “They didn't realize a car that old could even be driven on the road still.”

The car was tied for the second-oldest vehicle showcased, and it is even two years older than Del, who first rode inside the Bel Air after being born.

“My dad says, 'What's the use of having a car you can't drive,” Del said.

The four-day road trip was a great chance, he said, to spend quality time with his father as Del drove the entire way.

“He did a really great job, and I have a lot of respect for that kid,” Dean said. “If you haven't done that with your dad before, make sure you do.”

While the Bel Air's wasn't as in as pristine shape as the rarely used showcased cars, Del said his father's car just goes to show how much value cars retains with proper care.

“If you have money you can buy anything you want, but it takes real care to keep something in outstanding shape for 57 years,” he said.

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