By the time the early 1970’s rolled around, Grampie retired from IBM after 40 years of dedicated service. Some IBM Technology that he contributed to and/or received patents for included the Vehicle Data Travel Recorder that mapped turn-by-turn and distance-tracking on a linear seismic type sheet data recorder, put in use by the military in remote desert operations. He also developed the technology for Industrial IBM Time Clocks to remain synchronized with the World Atomic Clocks, through Radio Frequency Modulation signals. There were many other things he did involving patents, but one of his final projects was the IBM High Speed Printers and Typewriters utilizing the golf-ball sized floating printer head with type-embossed characters. That idea had revolutionized both industries overnight.

He still had his ’55 dream car and life could not be better for he and Nana. There were still Fords in the driveway, just as there always have been over the years. But fortunately no more clunkers like dad and Al would drag home. The ‘60’s had come and gone, all the kids were grown with their own families, and the 4th Generation was well on its way. Grampie stayed busy with his HAM Radio hobby in his Radio Room, and meticulously caring for his ’55 Bird. Over the next few years, he attended numerous local car shows with his Thunderbird, proudly showing it off. My dad and I, and sometimes uncle Al and my cousin Dougie, would also be there in support, and to check out all the cool cars. Doug and I were less than a year apart and definitely being groomed as the next round of car guys in the Young family.

In early Feb. of 1976, Carl T. passed away unexpectedly. He had just arranged for safe transport of a Base Crew and some civilians from the earthquake-ravaged country of Guatemala. All the communications were knocked out, but through his international Ham Radio contacts he was able to make the necessary arrangements. He was interviewed by the local news affiliates, and on the CBS Evening News that night. But unfortunately, he never got to see it. Apparently, his heart couldn’t handle all the excitement; he was 63. At the time, Doug was 11 and I was 10, and we were all devastated, to say the least. But, as time would show, he left a lasting legacy behind, just like his patriarch car guy father, Homer! Even after Grampie’s passing, Nana still loved her Fords and drove another Maverick -- and later a fully optioned Crown Victoria.

My uncle Al got the ’55 after Grampie had passed and my dad stored it at our house until he was ready for it. I remember sneaking out as a young teen and secretly starting it up and pulling it in and out of the building when my dad was still at work. I guess it was technically the first car I ever got behind the wheel and drove – though it was only for 30 feet or so! Al finally came and got it about 1990, when dad’s car business (R.L. Young Auto Sales) was in full swing, and I had just purchased my first and only new car back in North Carolina -- a Bright Red 1990 Mustang GT. But that was a whole new beginning for this car guy . . .



FORD PERFORMANCE PHOTOS / COURTESY THE YOUNG FAMILY