From Silver 'Vette to Street Rod:
Dave Poppenga's 1938 Chevy Business Coupe 

For more than five decades, vintage vehicles have been woven into the fabric of Dave Poppenga’s life. Influenced by his father’s and brother's passion for classic cars, Dave developed a particular affection for a 1969 Corvette C3 Stingray that his dad helped him purchase in the 1970s. That silver beauty, featured in the October 2016 Motor Market issue, became more than just a car; it was a cherished companion he pampered for over 50 years.

But life has a way of steering us down unexpected roads. In 2018, Dave nearly lost his life. After spending 50 harrowing days in the ICU, he faced a three-year journey relearning basic skills that most take for granted, including walking and talking. Even after extensive therapy, the simple act of climbing in and out of his beloved Corvette became increasingly difficult, then eventually impossible. The heartbreaking reality set in: he would never drive his 1969 Corvette again.

In 2023, with tears streaming down his face, Dave watched as the new owner towed that Corvette down his driveway. The following months were filled with despondency as Dave grappled with this new chapter of life, wrestling with countless "why" questions.

Yet somewhere deep inside, he wasn't ready to abandon his passion for classic cars. Dave’s wife, ever supportive, suggested that he search for another vintage vehicle, one that would accommodate his disability.

After months of searching, destiny appeared in Dave’s favorite color: yellow. William "Bill" Miller from Corning, Iowa, was selling a street rod that caught his eye. Despite the 270-mile distance from his home, Dave and his wife, along with his brother and wife, made the journey to see it in person.

When they arrived, Bill Miller, a man in his late 80s, fired up the 1938 Chevy Business Coupe. Dave and his brother immediately noticed the satisfying lope of the engine as Bill backed it out of his garage. It was love at first sight, but the test drive sealed the deal.

Bill had spent 40 years transforming a tired-looking 1938 coupe into a stunning, classic street rod. His meticulous restoration included a Camaro front and back clip frame, a 355 cubic-inch engine with Competition Cam, electronic fuel injection, high-energy ignition, FlowMaster exhaust, and 350 Turbo transmission. The all-steel body featured a leather interior and plush carpet with every detail thoughtfully executed.

As it had been for Dave with his Corvette, watching his beloved 1938 Chevy Business Coupe drive away was difficult for Bill Miller and Shirley. They, too, were entering a different chapter of their lives, seeing countless tireless hours of restoration work disappear down the road.

However, their sadness soon transformed into smiles when Dave sent them a photograph showing their former pride and joy had won First Place at a South Dakota car show. Shirley looked at Bill and said, "You sold the car to the right person." Those words meant everything to Dave.

Now affectionately named "Old 38," this five-window 1938 Chevy Business Coupe has become Dave’s new automotive companion. The yellow paint and long hood never fail to turn heads wherever he goes. More importantly, its drivability accommodates his physical limitations while keeping Dave’s passion for classic cars alive.

The car's story, taking nearly 40 years to complete from a tired-looking vehicle to a show-stopping street rod, mirrors Dave’s own journey of transformation and perseverance. While his path to this car was paved with hardship, finding “Old 38” has proven that sometimes life's detours lead us exactly where we need to be. Dave’s plans are simple: drive it and show it, sharing Bill Miller's remarkable craftsmanship and keeping the spirit of classic car enthusiasm burning bright.