Alan and Jeanie Marsden

1949 Olds 88 Convertible

Big Red on it's first day of ownership by the Marsdens.

Alan Marsden and Big Red!

Alan had just retired in 1996 and had a chunk of change that was earmarked for a turnkey classic car for his wife, Jeanie, and him to enjoy in their golden years! A work buddy of Alan's called one day and said that he had a nice Jaguar to sell. Jeanie had told Alan earlier that she liked the looks of the Jag, so Alan called her at work and they agreed to meet at the buddy's house and take a closer look.

When they arrived, a red 1949 Olds convertible was also parked in the driveway along with the Jag. Jeanie took one look at the Olds, turned to Alan's buddy and asked if it was for sale? He said "yes" and she simply said "how much?" He told her a price and she said “we will take it!”

Alan nearly fell over! When he recovered, Alan was so excited that Jeanie wanted the Olds because he wanted it too! Alan told his buddy that they would get the cash and the car was delivered to the Marsdens the very next day.

The odd thing about the car was that when they had worked together, his buddy had shown Alan the car and noted that it needed new upholstery. His buddy had asked Alan what would look good in the car. Alan sketched a plan for the new interior and his buddy took care of the details, executing Alan's plan. At the time, Alan had no idea that he would eventually become the owner of the car!

Big Red during restoration (left) and when complete (right).

Owning the Olds and belonging to the Olds Club has changed the Marsdens' lives. They started going to car shows and won a lot of trophies in the first year! In the 2nd year, they undertook a serious restoration that lasts about 7 months. They lifted the body and straighten the frame, then board sanded and repainted the body. They installed a new convertible top, new carpeting, a new wiring harnesses, a new trunk lining and new tires. As anyone who has been involved in the restoration of an old car knows, the Marsdens invested a whole lot of money, effort and love, but the result was well worth it.

Big Red with Marilyn (left) and at a car show (right).

One of the times they were at the Horizon Car Show, in Lake Tahoe, they decided to bring a cardboard cut out of Marilyn Monroe which they stood next to the car with the drive-in tray on the window. It seems like 200 people wanted their picture taken with Marilyn and our car! The Marsdens won the Best of Show award that year, too.

No matter where they go, a big red convertible is pretty showy and catches everyone's eye. The Marsdens affectionately call their car Big Red. They have a dedicated garage just for her in which they also display her trophies and pictures.

This car was really meant to become Alan's car. Back in the days when it was being built, someone at the factory left a pencil stuck up inside one of the cross members. When Alan found it, the pencil was thoroughly covered in grease. When it was cleaned up, it had the football schedule for Alan's high school in Michigan in 1948! This was too eerie! No other owner had found it after all these years.