Clif Winters (Da-Veep!) bought his Formula S Barracuda almost 30 years ago, when it was "just a car." He and the 'Cuda' have vigorously enjoyed well over 1/4 million miles of daily abuse, on road and off. "Back in the mid 70's I could regularly be seen leaving Burger King on Central Ave. on cruise night, fish tailing sideways. I've run off the road a number of times spinning out in the desert." And sometimes it's intentional, as well. He somewhat sheepishly admitted that he punctured a gas tank while enjoying a recent off-roading adventure.

But consider that all these photos are current. How does he keep it looking so good? "I've broken all sorts of parts with my antics. But I tenderly care for and repair the ol' cuda after the street battles. Because I enjoy doing just that!" While he has taken pains to keep it nearly immaculate, he nevertheless seems a little surprised to discover that it has become a collector's item during his tenure of ownership.

Clif can't quite figure out why people are overrating his car. "I don't want a museum piece! There are people who have told me I should be careful and not drive fast as to preserve this old classic... but it is meant to be driven pedal to the metal." Why else would someone own this car, he wonders, than to have fun with it? "I don't do this for investment, or to make money." Fun, he added, is a primary way to keep us feeling young. "When I get in my 65 Barracuda and the key turns, and the throaty sound of the Commando vibrates though my body, and my hand grasps the big ball atop the HURST shifter... I'm 16 again!"

Carpeting seems to play a big role in Clif's life. When asked if there really is carpeting on his garage floor, he said well, that's not actually the garage, that's the 'Cuda Room' behind the house. "But yes, the 'Cuda' is always parked on carpet when it sleeps. There has been many a time while working under the 'Cuda', I too have fallen asleep on the carpet!" A piece of carpeting is useful to keep the car from being scratched when lifted with a floor jack, too. And then he added with a grin, "I'm sure you can figure out what direction the soft side faces!"

Racing is likely to be a more honest sport for Clif now than it used to be. "I cheated back then," he laughed, as he recalled a 69 Dart Swinger 340 4 speed car with 273 commando valve covers, and 273 badges on the front fenders. Even with the removed rear stripe and front hood badges, when it came time for a showdown, a competitor probably didn't take long to realize there was more than just a 273 under the hood.