Dear IML Friends:

I tracked down Nancy Wise, Christopher Rhinehart's mother, this afternoon and had a long and enjoyable talk with her on the telephone. She is a very, very nice lady, and quite sharp. She was grateful to know that we had heard about her son's death as she knew he belonged to various car clubs and had friends throughout, but she had no way of contacting anyone when he died.

I offered condolences, of course, and took the liberty of expressing those on behalf Chris's IML friends. I also explained the secondary purpose of my call: to see if she needed any assistance in dispensing with Chris's cars. It turns out she sold all of the Chryslers to a single collector who approached her shortly after Christopher died. She was worried, I could tell, about whether she got the right price, etc. I did not press her about any details in that regard, but indicated how glad I was to know that someone who appreciated them had purchased them, that they stayed together, etc. Apparently this fellow bought them and immediately stored them. I can only assume he got a good buy! She was aware that his cars were featured in a magazine this month, and that he had greater hope for the coverage than what actually came out.

She talked about Chris's deep interest in Chryslers and other cars starting from an early age, and laughed about Chris's purchase of her uncle's car for $500, Chris's first vehicle, and the trouble he had with it when he drove it to college. I think it was a '69 Pontiac, and Chris complained to his parents when he came home for his first break from school that he felt like a cab driver: that everyone bummed rides because he had a huge car, but no one offered to pay for gas! I think we've all been there.

She had one concern: Christopher's '62 Thurnderbird. She had located the title and other papers on the car among his things, but wonders what became of the vehicle itself. She is left to assume that he sold it, but really doesn't know. If anyone happens to know if Christopher sold the Thunderbird, which I believe he used as a daily driver, please drop me a note off line and I'll call or write her and let her know. (pnkmoore@bellsouth.net)

I did not ask her about the cause of death, but she said it was very sudden and made mention that he developed blood clots and that one "dislodged." I assume a heart attack or stroke resulted. I hope it was quick.

I told her that I would write the IML and let anyone acquainted with Christopher know that she and I had spoken. Though she didn't express this precisely, I could tell she wanted everyone to know that she was grateful to his friends.

Like I said, she was very nice and I'm glad I had the opportunity to speak with her.

Sincerely:

Patrick Moore
Covington, LA
'58 Southampton project