During the 1960’s GTOs, MoPars, Vettes, Mustangs and even a talking VW Van paraded non-stop around Champ’s parking lot on Route 40 West in Catonsville, MD. Behind the wheel of these mostly muscle cars were characters with names like Tommy Torino, Cat Man, Lemonhead, Oil Can, Skins, Ida, Flash and Hands. (There were plenty more people who I forgot to mention and perhaps I will get some help with this.)
Occasionally sleek European models like Austin Healy or Ford Cobra made an appearance but American cars ruled during this era. The generous 55 cent burger rightfully named the Big Champ was ordered from the driver’s seat through a speaker mounted on a tray in each parking space. Night after night the same dedicated waitress with chipped red nail-polish delivered your meal often with a side order of cigarettes. It could be bitter cold and she would still tromp out to the cars and set the food on the metal tray. She kept the change in her tired, saggy apron and she also kept an amazingly good attitude. Recently a friend brought to my attention the Long Champ. As I recall it was on a sub shaped roll layered with warm ham and some sort of special dressing. I think it was around 70 cents. So for those who tired of burgers they could always order a Long Champ instead.
The best was a Long Champ on a Big Champ roll.
ReplyDeleteor was it a Big Champ on a Long Champ roll? I forget, but it came with French Fries with gravy...
ReplyDeleteThere were also guys named Mole, Shoulders and Wildcat Ernie. Wildcat Ernie would get into a car with some girls and refuse to get out. He was a little crazy so they were really afraid of him and so were the guys but Ernie was really harmless.
ReplyDeleteErnie was not harmless, Ernie hung around with Bill Engel. Ernie didn't look for a fight but could hold his own. I seen him beat up Danny Keen three times, ask anyone from paradise, and Jerry Griffin. Wildcat Ernie lives in Florida now.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place. Tons of terrific memories. I remember when I drove onto lot with a new 67 Mustang. It was the first one to make the circle
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ReplyDeleteWhere was this located ? Do you know any current landmarks I would recognize to know where this place was ??
ReplyDeleteIt was located next to the Westview shopping center in the Ingleside shopping center parking lot.
DeleteIt was on the corner of Rt40 and ingleside ave.. I was the manager of Zepp Photo Center in the shopping center and use to watch the cars drive around in circles for hours.. Does anyone remember "Kemps GTO"..How about the girl in the Corvette with the sign on the back that said " If you beat me you can e** me...
DeleteWhat about the Varsity Drive In?
ReplyDeletei have a copy of one of their ads designed by my grandmother
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ReplyDeletemy grandmother was a local artist who designed their menu. i just found a copy when looking through her portfolio.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone have a color image of the original building or could anyone tell me the colors that the building was? I'm trying to make a watercolor of it for my grandpa's birthday
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