Mitch Thompson: “When I was in high school, I was “that” gear head. Now, I drive around loud and proud my ‘65 Impala SS.”

When I travel, I get to meet a myriad of friendly and interesting people. Inevitably, while we’re discussing car stuff, the conversation will turn to someone asking me, “So, how did you get hooked on classic cars?” After I explain how I became infected with this automotive affliction, I learn that many enthusiasts have the same story.

Steve Jones: It was passed down from my father. This is my daughter in front of the ‘69 RS my father and I restored when I was a teenager.

Many of us can attribute our love of cars to those little 97-cent toys we all gathered when we were children. But, when it comes to a specific vehicle brand, typically, the answer is simple: family. Be it a grandfather, dad, mother, or the crazy uncle that did unspeakable things with his car. More often than not, a family member influences what brand of automobile people happened to revere.

Jim Collura: I bought my first car – a ’55 Chevy Bel Air for $25 when I was 14-years-old. I’m now 70-years-old. Next was a ’59 Impala, then a ’67 Nova SS when I came home from Viet Nam. After that was a ’69 Chevelle wagon, a the 1950 Chevy pickup that I still have.

But, whether it was a moonshine delivering grandpa or that crazy uncle that your mom wouldn’t knowingly let you ride with, eventually, we all have to decide for ourselves.

Anthony Carrino: In 1969, when I was 5-years-old, I ran out into the street. As I got to the middle of the street I looked to my right and saw a brown 1969 Chevelle 396 SS with black stripes. Before I knew it, I was looking at the front point of the bumper, which sent me towards a 1964 Chevy Biscayne.

Not too long ago, we asked our Facebook community to tell us how they got hooked on cars, and to show us what their current classic ride happens to be. Again, family influence was the operative word, and we thought we would share a couple of those responses with you guys.

Patrick Manners told us, “I grew up going to the drag strip with my dad when he used to race. I always wanted to race cars, and when I bought my first car, I took it to the drag strip and raced in the street class. That car only ran 18.20 at 75 mph in the quarter-mile, but I was hooked. I’ve always loved Chevy’s, and 7 years after my first time down the track, I now own my pride and joy –  my 1973 Chevy Vega. It runs 10.80’s at 120 mph in the quarter-mile.”

Logan Oldenburg: I just always thought tuner cars were lame, so it was an easy choice. Here’s my ’67 Acadian.

So what did it for you? How did you come to the realization that you need to spend all of the spare money you have to build your dream ride? We want to hear from you, so comment below, and let’s hear those stories.