Spotlight: Chuck Burns
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I enjoy working with my hands, amateur woodworking, home improvement projects, fixing things, etc.
What is your favorite hobby?
Cars, of course. But anything with a motor I find interesting. I enjoy cars, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, you name it. If it moves and makes noise, I’m in.
What would it be if you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life?
That’s a tough one. Prior to moving to Sedona, we lived in a beach town on the East Coast, so fresh lobster was my favorite dinner. Having said that, I also love Italian food (veal saltimbocca, shrimp scampi) or a good steak. Sorry, couldn’t narrow that one down to just one!
What’s one item you can’t live without?
While she’s a person and not an “item”, I could not live without my wife Sheila. As my Dad once told us, we’re “two peas in a pod”.
Which car that you have owned has been dearest to your heart?
A couple come to mind. There’s the “one that got away”, a 1967 Pontiac GTO. White with a black painted top, bench seat, and automatic on the column, a bit of an oddball GTO. Bought that when I was very young and only had it for a short time, but it was so cool. I’d say a close second would be our 1970 Buick Gran Sport: red, white vinyl top, white interior, buckets, console and a 455. Woo Hoo!
When did you join the car club, and why?
I joined the car club a few months ago, as soon as we moved to Sedona (from South Jersey). Being new to the area, I thought it would be a great way to meet new people and have fun with cars. And I was right!
What car are you most fond of and why?
While I tend to lean towards American muscle cars and Corvettes, I’ve always admired E-Type Jaguars, especially the coupes. The overall design is just spectacular, and the early engines are like jewelry. Maybe someday we’ll have one in our garage.
What do you like most about the car club? What do you like the least?
The people are great! Everyone has been so warm and welcoming. I enjoy the monthly meetings and guest speakers, and I like that we have an event each month (thanks, Jim and Claudia!). I’m new to the club, so this may be premature, but I’d like to see a little more focus on driving, performance, and technical aspects of the hobby.
What is your most memorable road trip or vacation from your childhood?
Growing up, we lived about 1.5 hours from the New Jersey shore (nothing like that stupid TV show of the same name!). We would take day trips to the beach (mom, dad, and my sister). Mom would pack lunch for the family, Dad would pack up the trunk of our 1963 Impala with the beach chairs, umbrella, blanket, and cooler, and off we’d go. The way home would usually involve stopping at a farm stand for some fresh Jersey corn, then on home for baths and supper. We always took the back roads, through the farm country and small towns. Riding in the back of that big Impala with the windows open and the warm summer air blowing in (no A/C) either stretched out on the seat or standing “on the hump” looking out the windshield…it was heaven for a little kid.