Florida Woman, 93, Reached End of the Road After 567,000 Miles in Her 1964 Mercury
Florida Woman, 93, Reached End of the Road After 567,000 Miles in Her 1964 MercuryThe headline might sound like a sensational story, but it’s absolutely true. Rachel Veitch, a remarkable 93-year-old grandmother from Orlando, embarked on an incredible journey spanning more than 567,000 miles in her beloved 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente. However, the road eventually came to an end due to age-related issues.
Rachel Veitch acquired her faithful “Chariot” at a time when a gallon of gasoline cost just 39 cents, the song “The Little Old Lady From Pasadena” was a chart-topper, and Lyndon B. Johnson was serving as the President of the United States. In February 1964, she made the decision to purchase this enduring vehicle from a dealer in Sanford, Florida, for the sum of $3,289.
Over the decades, her Mercury Comet Caliente outlasted three marriages and underwent numerous transformations, including 18 batteries, eight mufflers, countless oil changes, and three sets of shocks. Through all these changes, Rachel referred to her cherished vehicle as “she” or “her,” describing it as her most reliable companion.
“My Chariot has never lied to me or cheated on me, and I can always depend on her,” Veitch fondly recalled. “My last husband and I divorced in 1975, and he took the 1972 Pontiac we had, but I kept the Chariot. I’ll bet he’s traded cars half a dozen times by now, and I still have my Chariot, my faithful pal.”
Rachel Veitch’s beloved classic car boasted frosty air conditioning, automatic transmission, and admittedly “lousy” gas mileage at just 15 miles per gallon. Nevertheless, it accompanied her to several car shows across the country and even made the journey to Pennsylvania in 2007 for her 70th high school reunion.
The dream car of this extraordinary lady underwent a renovation in 2002, prompted by a speeding ticket for going 92 mph in a 55 mph zone. But the main reason for Rachel’s nearly obsessive devotion to the vehicle was the fact that she had cared for it for almost half a century.
“People don’t want to talk to me anymore,” Veitch humorously admitted. “They’re tired of hearing about my Chariot.”
Her dedication even extended to meticulously recording details of her gas purchases, including the mileage, date, and miles per gallon achieved. She proudly declared herself a responsible caretaker of her possessions, except, of course, when it came to her husbands.
Rachel Veitch was an active member of various organizations, including the National Association of Antique Car Clubs, where her 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente, affectionately nicknamed “La Chariot,” held a special place.
Rachel’s remarkable journey finally came to an end when she passed away at the age of 98 on May 11, 2017, in Orlando, Florida. The video shared here captures a glimpse of her life when her Mercury’s odometer read “only” 540,000 miles—an extraordinary testament to a lifelong bond between a woman and her beloved Chariot.
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