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“When I first got the '55, I wanted it to be a driver and just cruise around town. Later, I decided to build a show car. The more I drove it and regularly participated in street races with Mustangs and Cobras, I decided I wanted a race car. Nine years later, I have them all,” declared Poteet.  Sonny’s a hands-on guy and played a large part in bringing his dream to reality.

“While sitting at a car show for hours, I'm constantly thinking of different things to do with it. You have the opportunity to get so many great ideas to improve upon your own vehicle. One of my latest additions…was a custom designed [Bow Tie shape] fuel cell made out of polished stainless. As I proudly removed the old red plastic fuel cell to install this beauty, I never would have guessed what a hazard I was creating. Several weeks later at a car show, the sun’s reflection off the fuel cell proceeded to burn one of the leather inserts inside the deck lid. I have since made a leather cover for the l tank to use at car shows on sunny days.

“I have always wanted a car or truck with a blower. A couple of years after I got the '55, I replaced the 454 with a 502 and cut the hole in the hood for the blower. You should have seen Nancy’s face when she saw that. Later, I added the roll cage, just in case I ended up at the drag strip,” said Sonny. He insinuated things that would make his piece a loving street car instead of an ornery, uncomfortable sweat hog. To wit: Gear Vendors Overdrive, Vintage Air HVAC, Be Cool cooling system, and how about a 5-inch TV and DVD player? Yes, yes, but to us, the most striking thing about Sonny’s Chevy is a completely original exterior, one that lets me see my old car with renewed brilliance.

Sonny’s a firm believer of using your car to the fullest. Driving it is key. “My best memories would have to be the 2003 Hot Rod Power Tour (from start to finish), three Cruisin' the Coast tours to Mississippi and also the Lone Star Classic Chevy Conventions in Texas. I also enjoy spending time with my friends in the Houston Classic Chevy Cluband Dallas Area Classic Chevys.”