An Amazing Journey by Danny Calton

November-December 2025

I’d like to share what I consider a unique 1955 Ford Sunliner story with you. It begins when I was in my teens. I attended a local car show where I had heard that The Great Race was coming through town. At that event is where I met Mr. Harvey Hodges.

Mr. Hodges was the owner of a beautiful 1955 Ford Sunliner that immediately caught my eye. Me being the outgoing person I am, I approached him about his car. We struck up a conversation and remained friends since then.

The highlights of the Sunliner’s brief history as told to me by Mr. Hodges follows. In 1955 he purchased the Sunliner from a dealership in Minonk, IL. It was the very first Sunliner ever sold there as the area was a farming community. At the time they didn’t even have books on the car.

After Mr. Hodges made the purchase, on a cold snowy night in March, he picked up his soon to be wife Adella Engle. They were married in 1956 and had some of their wedding pictures taken in the Sunliner.

In 1957 they drove the Sunliner on Route 66 to California and on up to Seattle. Later they made a second trip on Route 66.

In March 1960 the Hodges brought their only child home from the hospital in the car. A baby girl they named Brenda.

Mr. and Mrs. Hodges were very active in their travels in part because of their club affiliations. They were the originators of the Route 66 chapter in Illinois. The Hodges made many trips from Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri during the early period of Route 66. As life progressed they experienced numerous adventures traveling around many states. The Sunliner was kept in pristine condition. If only cars could talk, what a unique story this one could tell.

Mrs. Hodges named the Sunliner ‘Jitney.’ She said it was not just a car, it was a family member. The Hodges bought the Sunliner new and it remained with them for 65 years. Just imagine, 65 years of AWESOME!

In 2020 I received a call asking me to come and look at the Sunliner. The Hodges were no longer able to keep the car up due to health reasons. I felt so honored to be the person given the opportunity to buy the Sunliner. The Hodges know of the love I have for these old Fords so they were comforted in knowing I would take care of it.

My love for old Fords developed at around the age of four and it continued to grow. My dad had a tropical rose and snowshoe white 55 Crown. He would put me in the back seat as he went on his regular errands. My imagination would run wild. I have many great memories of those times. I am blessed to still have that Crown.

Although Mrs. Hodges is no longer with us Mr. Hodges made the comment that his love for his wife and the Sunliner has never faded.

I have been the owner/caretaker for the past five years and my family and I really enjoy it. Although the Sunliner is in my care it will always be the Hodges car. It continues its exciting journey with me behind the wheel. We recently drove the Sunliner to attend Mr. Hodges 100th birthday celebration. What a wonderful time we had!

Soon after I acquired the convertible the Hodges would visit and drive my son, Levi and me around. As we took short cruises down our local country roads my mind wandered back to the precious memories of my youth with my dad.

The Sunliner was in attendance at the Detroit, Michigan and Bettendorf, Iowa conventions. At Bettendorf I took a few close friends for a late night cruise along the Mississippi River. What an awesome time and view we had! The passengers on the cruise were Jenny Snyder (like a mom to me) and my son's Godparents. A picture was taken by Rhonda, CVA member and friend from Detroit, MI. Much to my surprise, I received a package from Rhonda and her husband Tom in September. They had a shirt made for me with the picture printed on it she had taken, graphics of Route 66 are in the background. What a unique gift! Many friends and memories are continuing to be made as the Sunliner resumes its journey in our lives. My son Levi has renamed the convertible Snowshoe.

We all know how it is when Ford people meet. We are instantly friends for life.

We have four sons and two grandsons. The time we spend together cruising and going to our local ice cream shop is priceless. My hope for you is that the time spent with your cars and families is as rewarding as mine is.