DEFEND YOUR RIDE: Tim At The Globe Trading Company Building

Q: Hi Tim. Can you tell us about this car? What's the car and what's the dream?

A: This is a 1988 AMC Eagle, the last year they made them. I've been a fan of these since I was a little kid. It was just the car that even then, I always wanted. I was into cars since I was like six years old and always knew all the cars that were around. I told myself that when I was a grown up that I was going to get it. This is my second eagle, the first one was stolen.

Q: Are they that hard to come by?

A: They're very hard to come by, especially in good condition. I take care of it, but I do have to use it as a daily driver.

Q: How many miles do you have on it?

A: About 117,000 pretty low for an '88. Most of those miles are mine. It was really low miles when I bought it. I don't remember exactly but maybe 50,000 or so. It was 2007 when I got it.

Q: You said that you've always wanted a car like this. Do you feel it's lived up to expectations? Were there any perception versus reality issues?

A: No, I love this car. I really like taking it out in the snow. It's great for off-roading. Right now I have to use it on a regular basis, but I'd like to keep it for my lifetime and really be able to take the time to restore it and put some work into it to make it last.

Q: What's the craziest place you've been with this car?

A: There are some crazy places in Detroit that I've been with this car. Some of the alleys in this town are basically off-roading. I have some good all-terrain tires on there. They're slightly larger than what would be stock. With a few minor things under the hood, the rest of the car is stock.

Q: So when you are cruising around the bumpy back alleys of Detroit, what kind of music are you listening to?

A: I listen to everything. I really don't even know if I can answer that question because I usually just plug in my laptop and put it on shuffle. I plug it right into my stereo. I don't have a smartphone or an MP3 player. I'm kind of old fashioned, so what I end up doing usually is just bringing my laptop along and sandwich it in between the seats up front.

Q: Do you have a nickname for your car?

A: Temple of Fiends. It's an obscure video game reference, old late '80s or early '90s Nintendo. I'm going to have to no comment on why that fits with the car.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about your ride?

A: In the winter, I like to go around with a tow rope and help people who are out stuck in the snow. It's interesting too because it was made when the speed limit was 55, so once you hit that speed it really sees a drop in performance and gas mileage.

Photos and interview by John Cruz

View previous Defend Your Ride features as well as other great stories for people who love cars at CBSDetroit.com/Autos.