Mike and Lupita Lopez say goodbye to a car that has been with Mike-in La Mirada-since 1954.

La Mirada~ Mike Lopez of La Mirada summed it up in a few words, "Boy, I sure hate to see her go."

The "her' he is referring to is his beloved 1951 Studebaker Starlite, which has called Lopez' La Mirada garage, home, for 55 years.

Lopez says he literally, "bought the car from a little old lady in Pasadena. I then drove it to work and back for the next 20 years."

After purchasing the automobile in 1954, Lopez bought his then brand-new La Mirada home in 1956, and the car has been with him every step of the way, until now.

The car with its legendary "panoramic view" back windows, has been a  familiar sight in this La Mirada neighborhood for many years,especially when it was in its prime.

"She never once broke down on me during all of these years", Lopez said.

It has had a few paint jobs over the years, and remains in excellent condition; and it still runs.

However, the last 10 years or so, the car has mostly had garage duty, with only occasional outings.

Now, his daugter Marcy and her husband Richard of Corona, have purchased the car and it's time for it to move on to a new generation within the family.