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Rick & Marlene Goble

Rick and Marlene Goble relocated to Estrella in 2014, primarily to escape the harsh winters of Minnesota and to be closer to their daughter, Carissa, who lived in Los Angeles at the time. Rick had a successful career in the retail automobile business, spanning 45 years, before retiring. Meanwhile, Marlene continued to work in Community Relations with the American Cancer Society (ACS) in Phoenix until her retirement.

Within the community, Rick actively participated in various roles within the club. He served as the Secretary, Treasurer, and the was one of the club’s  Webmasters. Rick’s dedication and contributions have been invaluable to the club’s operations and online presence.

Both Rick and Marlene had  roles in organizing the club’s “Cruiz’n to the Lakes” car shows. Marlene’s enthusiasm and her experience working with the American Cancer Society proved to be significant assets in ensuring the success of these events. Her involvement likely helped foster community support and engagement, potentially raising awareness and funds for cancer-related causes.

The Gobles have had many cars over the years, and that trend seems to have continued into retirement. Here are a few of the cars they’ve had since joining the club.

1964 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu SS Restomod

Rick and his twin brother, Rollie, achieved considerable success with their Malibu SS restoration project. The Malibu received the “Cool Convert” award at the Good Guys Great Lakes Nationals in Madison, Wisconsin, in 2007. It further garnered recognition when it was awarded “Best Chevrolet in Show” at the 2012 Car Craft Summer Nationals. 

Overall, the Malibu’s journey serves as a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work invested in restoring a vintage car. The awards it received validate the craftsmanship and attention to detail put in by Rick and Rollie in their restoration efforts.

'62 Volkswagen Beetle

Rick and Marlene’s decision to acquire a freshly restored Beetle in Southern California turned out to be a delightful choice. The couple not only enjoyed owning the Volkswagen but also cherished the stories shared by previous owners.

In 2018, Rick embarked on an extraordinary journey with his best friend of over 40 years, Ron Reahard. They participated in the “Hot Rod Power Tour” and drove the Beetle over 6,700 miles in 16 days. It was an opportunity for automotive enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles and explore the open road. However, Rick’s choice of a vintage Beetle added an extra element of adventure to his road trip.

Driving a vintage Beetle on such a long journey presented its challenges, considering the car’s speed and capabilities. With an average speed of 62 miles per hour, Rick and his trusty Beetle took on the highways and byways, navigating various terrains and landscapes. The experience must have been quite different from what most people would consider a typical vacation, as Rick and his Beetle faced the open road with determination and a sense of adventure.

Throughout his journey, Rick likely encountered fellow travelers, car enthusiasts, and curious onlookers captivated by the sight of a vintage Beetle conquering the long stretches of road. Undoubtedly, these encounters led to numerous conversations and stories shared among the passionate community of Volkswagen owners.

Rick and Marlene’s ownership of the restored Beetle not only allowed them to experience the joys of driving a classic car but also connected them with a rich history of Volkswagen owners and their remarkable tales. It’s these personal stories and shared experiences that truly make owning a vintage vehicle special and create lasting memories for the owners.

'70 Chevrolet El Camino