From Classroom to Cruise Night: Danon's '78 Firebird Journey

In Wheel Time Podcast: Your Go-To Automotive Talk Show

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Special In Wheel Time Replay - What happens when childhood dreams of muscle cars finally come true? Danon Hollinger joins us at the Lone Star Street Rod Association's 50th anniversary celebration to share her journey from Hot Rod magazine fan to proud owner of a gleaming white 1978 Pontiac Trans Am.
Unlike most girls growing up, Danon decorated her headboard with car magazine centerfolds instead of pop stars. Her fascinating story takes us from her early fascination with a high school crush's '69 Camaro to discovering something unexpected—a Trans Am with a poignant backstory. The previous owner had lovingly restored it for his son who, after a tragic accident, could never drive it. Now this beautiful machine has found new life with an owner who truly appreciates its power and presence.
The conversation takes a few detours through Danon's unique name (from an old Western film), her career as a teacher now enjoying retirement, and the modifications they've made to transform their Trans Am from drag racer to comfortable cruiser. Their upgrade to a Tremec five-speed transmission highlights the perfect balance they've struck between preserving vintage character and enhancing drivability.
We also explore the joy of car club culture as Danon shares adventures with her Houston-based Great Classics club—from "margarita meetings" to cross-country trips to shows in Reno and along the Mississippi coast. Her enthusiasm for decorating the Trans Am for Christmas parades and local charity events showcases how classic cars become more than possessions—they're vehicles for building community and creating lasting memories.
Later, Jeff presents his Car Culture segment featuring the best US cities for vintage car shows, from Detroit's Woodward Dream Cruise to the elegance of Pebble Beach. Tune in for a heartwarming reminder that automotive passion knows no boundaries—and sometimes the perfect car finds you when you least expect it.

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Chapters

1. Introduction at Granbury Car Show (00:00:00)

2. Meeting Danone and Her '78 Trans Am (00:02:26)

3. From Childhood Dreams to Car Ownership (00:09:03)

4. Upgrading and Traveling with the Trans Am (00:16:38)

5. Car Club Adventures in Texas (00:21:08)

6. Jeff's Car Culture: Best Cities for Shows (00:25:15)

1548 episodes

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