Carl and his friend (also his roommate and co-worker) purchased this classic car – a 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme – which taught them both valuable life lessons about accountability, respect, and financial responsibility. The two mutually purchased the car and arranged a split custody agreement where one would use the car for one half of the week and the other would have it for the second half. Unfortunately his roommate failed to uphold his part of the agreement, failing to assist with car payments. The vehicle soon became unarguably Carl’s sole responsibility. 

The Cutlass was the first car Carl ever bought, and it taught him important lessons about money management and vehicle upkeep and maintenance. But Carl learned in the hardest way possible, by way of repossession notices and late fees, to “never go in partnership with a friend” while making a large purchase.

Listen to Carl’s story in his own words:

This object is part of the “Unconventional Wisdom” section of the Artifacts of Experience exhibition designed by University of Cincinnati students in the “Introduction to Public History” course in 2023.
We encourage you to explore the other objects in our collection.