Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Events
    • Shop
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
Escape Artist
  • Features
    • Interviews
    • News
    • Field Notes
    • Trending
  • Your Escape Plan
    • Finance
    • Real Estate
    • Second Citizenship
    • Events
    • Shop
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Portugal
      • Scandinavia
      • Spain
      • United Kingdom
      • Rest of Europe
    • Central America
      • Belize
      • Costa Rica
      • El Salvador
      • Guatemala
      • Honduras
      • Nicaragua
      • Panama
    • Others
      • Africa
      • Asia
      • Australia
      • North America
      • South America
  • Travel Tips
    • Know Before You Go
    • Packing List
    • Food + Culture
    • Health + Wellness
  • Subscribe
👤

THE NUMBER ONE SOURCE FOR EXPATS, DIGITAL NOMADS, AND DREAMERS.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • Your Escape Plan

Classic Cars – Colombia

  • BY David Steckenreiter
  • January 24, 2012
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

Hidden away in homes and the parking garages of many apartment buildings in Colombia are a surprising number of ”beauties”. Of course, Colombia is known for its beautiful people but some of these ”babies” are kept under wrap and only see the light of day every August, as part of the parade of antique and classic cars in the Feria de las Flores.

A number of these collector’s vehicles have spent much of their entire lives in Colombia. The very first apartment that I lived in Medellin, had one such classic carefully concealed in the underground garage.  If curiosity could have killed the cat, I would have been a victim. It was all that I could do to keep myself from lifting the tarp to see what treasure was being guarded against prying eyes.  Fortunately the Feria de las Flores was not far off and within a few weeks, I was finally graced in seeing an original condition 1927 or 28 Oakland touring sedan. It had originally been located in Barranquilla and I can imagine the status this unique auto brought to its original owners back on the coast 85 years ago.

There was a time that cash was king in Medellin and a select group of individuals needed to invest or perhaps that was, divest themselves of cash. The ”capo” of this group took a liking to Bonnie and Clyde. He began to collect vintage cars. Nothing in particular, but whatever took his fancy.

In the early 1990s, Don Francisco (not his real name) had his 1962 Willy’s stake truck beautifully decorated and entered it into the vintage car parade. As he finished and drove off the parade route, he was cut off by a large car with tinted windows. Two large, rather surly individuals stepped out and walked over to his truck. He was informed that the ”patron” would like to speak with him. Getting out of the Willys, Don Francisco walked nervously over to the limo. He could not see in the back seat but there was no doubt who was waiting inside.

Hesitantly sliding into the back seat, he found himself face to face with Pablo Escobar.

”That’s a nice truck you have,” said Escobar. ”I want it.”

Now based on the reputation, most of us come to know, what would you have done? I think probably we would have given him the keys and left the car happy to be living.

Don Francisco, who also happens to be a lawyer, had a case to the state.

“Patron,” he said. “It’s not for sale.”

Escobar, reached over and handed him his cheque book and said, ”Fill in any amount you like, but I want the truck! ”

Knowing that you were still breathing at this moment and had a retirement package sitting in front of you, how much would you have asked for?

Don Francisco continued, ”Patron, I am sorry but I can’t put any value on this vehicle.”

He handed him back the cheque book and emotionally made his presentation.

”You see, I have had her longer than my wife. I bought her when I was 18 and my family grew up in this truck. We have travelled all through Colombia and Ecuador with her and she is very much a part of our family.”

There was a deathly silence in the limousine or so it seemed and then finally Escobar spoke.

“Look, you have had the courage to speak your mind. Get out. You can keep the truck.”

Don Francisco scurried from the limo, jumped into his beloved Willys and sped off.  He hid the truck for months and months worried that the patron would change his mind and come and claim his prize.

Escobar continued to collect vehicles and motorcycles. Unfortunately in the bombing of one of his properties, a number of vehicles were destroyed. If you have the opportunity to visit his former hacienda Napoles, you can view the rusted out shells of some of these cars on display.

As for Don Francisco,  within a short time thereafter, the patron met his demise and the Willys was safe. He remained the proud owner for another 20 years, before parting with her on his own terms. The ”one that got away” is pictured below.

 

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Previous Article
  • United Kingdom

Running Towards or Running From

  • BY staffwriter
  • January 24, 2011
View Post
Next Article
  • Your Escape Plan

Medellin is a winner !

  • BY David Steckenreiter
  • April 22, 2012
View Post
You May Also Like
What Is an Expat? Definition, Challenges & Other Key Insights
View Post
  • Plan B
What Is an Expat? Definition, Challenges & Other Key Insights
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 15, 2025
Costa Rica Homes for Rent: Best Areas, Prices, and Tips for Expats
View Post
  • Costa Rica
Costa Rica Homes for Rent: Best Areas, Prices, and Tips for Expats
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 15, 2025
Starting a Business Abroad - A world of new markets and global possibilities
View Post
  • Business
The Beauty of Starting a Business Abroad
  • BY Aneesa Marufu
  • October 15, 2025
7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle
View Post
  • Mexico
7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 15, 2025
How to Legally Pay Less Tax Abroad
View Post
  • Plan B
How to Legally Pay Less Tax Abroad
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 15, 2025
Great Places to Live in South America: Top Cities & Tips
View Post
  • Your Escape Plan
Great Places to Live in South America: Top Cities & Tips
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 14, 2025
Find Your Next Chapter: Top Countries with Retirement Visa Pathways
View Post
  • Your Escape Plan
Top Countries with Retirement Visa Pathways
  • BY Carla Rodrigues
  • October 14, 2025
Thailand Apartments for Rent: Prices, Best Cities, and Tips
View Post
  • Thailand
Thailand Apartments for Rent: Prices, Best Cities, and Tips
  • BY EA Editorial Staff
  • October 13, 2025
Trending Posts
  • Buying a Property abroad 1
    • Your Escape Plan
    Why More Investors Are Buying Homes Offshore
    • October 8, 2025
  • Expat Child Syndrome 2
    • Wellness
    The Untold Story of Expat Kids
    • October 6, 2025
  • Every relocation begins with intention: a checklist, a map, a plan, and the clarity to choose the country that fits your next chapter. 3
    • Plan B
    Where to Move Next: The Best Expatriate Countries in 2025
    • October 7, 2025
  • Abkhazia jewel of Soviet summer escapes 4
    • Field Notes
    Secrets of the Soviet Riviera
    • October 3, 2025
  • Best Places to Live in Spain: A City-by-City Guide for 2025 5
    • Spain
    Best Places to Live in Spain: A City-by-City Guide for 2025
    • October 8, 2025
Know Before You Go
  • What Is an Expat? Definition, Challenges & Other Key Insights 1
    • Plan B
    What Is an Expat? Definition, Challenges & Other Key Insights
    • October 15, 2025
  • Costa Rica Homes for Rent: Best Areas, Prices, and Tips for Expats 2
    • Costa Rica
    Costa Rica Homes for Rent: Best Areas, Prices, and Tips for Expats
    • October 15, 2025
  • 7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle 3
    • Mexico
    7 Best Cities to Live in Mexico for Safety, Cost, and Lifestyle
    • October 15, 2025
  • Great Places to Live in South America: Top Cities & Tips 4
    • Your Escape Plan
    Great Places to Live in South America: Top Cities & Tips
    • October 14, 2025
  • Thailand Apartments for Rent: Prices, Best Cities, and Tips 5
    • Thailand
    Thailand Apartments for Rent: Prices, Best Cities, and Tips
    • October 13, 2025
Learn More
  • About us
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
Why Subscribe

The newly imagined Escape Artist brings you fresh content with a global focus, and sharp, up-to-the-minute coverage of the joys, challenges, and opportunities of life abroad.

For a limited time, we’re offering a special discount on all subscription deals, so be sure to lock-in these incredible savings and start receiving top-notch travel and expat content today!

Sign up for the EA Newsletter

Get important news delivered directly to your inbox and stay connected!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Escape Artist
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Disclaimer

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Newsletter Subscription
Our Spring Sale Has Started

You can see how this popup was set up in our step-by-step guide: https://wppopupmaker.com/guides/auto-opening-announcement-popups/