In 1965 - fresh out of high school - I visited my cousins in L.A. -
driving my TR3 from central Illinois. I ended up spending a year
there. In December I joined my cousin at her High School Christmas
party and one of the guests was Bob Hope. As we were leaving (in the
TR), Mr. Hope stopped us and asked about the car and proceeded to talk
about it and his first car which I believe was an Austin Seven. As he
was leaving, in typical Bob Hope dead pan delivery he said, "Kid, nice
little puddle jumper you have".
Almost 2 years to the day later, I was in Vietnam and was able to make
it to one of his shows. After telling the guys about the above - on a
bet - I sent a note to Mr. Hope reminding him of the earlier meeting and
thanking him for his efforts with "the troops". That evening an Army PR
guy showed up with an envelope for me. In it was my note with the
following written on the back. "Carl - thanks for your note - it was
given to me after the show. Sorry I couldn't stay in camp to visit. Do
you still have that car? God willing you will be home soon and taking
it for a spin. (signed) Bob Hope.".... Considering that I didn't
mention the car in my note, I was flabbergasted. (I also enjoyed the
bottle of Crown Royale I won)
So - as one who was touched by a very unimposing "superstar" I was
saddened by the news of his passing yesterday. Thanks for the memories.
Carl Musson
1961 TR3 "Concours d'wannabe"
Tampa, Florida
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