39 Buick

I dreamt I awoke in a 1939 Buick as it sped into the 40’s, a decade depleted of running boards. I wondered how could tommy-gun wielding gangsters appear historically relevant without running boards? Running boards mark an era the way hats do. Then I thought, what the hell I’m in a 1939 Buick so every tommy gun toting punk better watch out running boards or not. Some classic cars do that, you take on their vintage persona. The 39 is a cool car, Humphrey Bogart drove one. He had a 38 special also and knew how to use it. When you get to where Bogart has gone (a star in a greater Hollywood story) the right car is important. You must drive the 39 like you’re in a movie where monochrome fog makes the hill roads and their hairpins tricky. When the road ends stand with one foot on the running board until a camera flash goes off with a flare and a pop. Pose while you light a cigarette tip your fedora at a slant, and grin like a tough guy.