PO Box 2453
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729
CAL-RODS FEATURED CAR FOR JANUARY 2025
Written by Terry Lowe
OWNER: LAURA DIAZ A Family Legacy: Laura Diaz's 1954 Chevy Truck This month, the spotlight shines on Laura Diaz and her stunning 1954 Chevy truck—a cherished family heirloom that has been part of the Diaz family for over five decades. With its eye-catching champagne and dark brown exterior and a light brown and beige interior, this truck is more than just a beautifully restored vehicle; it’s a testament to family bonds and shared memories. The story of this truck began in 1970 when Laura's father, Lorenzo Diaz Sr., spotted it while leaving church. The truck, then a workhorse filled with gardening tools, caught his eye. Determined, he approached the owner and offered $400 to purchase it. The deal was struck, and the Diaz family’s journey with this truck began. As the only vehicle for their family of five, the truck became an essential part of their lives. Laura fondly recalls bouncing along in the front seat with her parents and two brothers as they traveled to countless destinations. Over the years, the truck went through several transformations, changing colors from dark green to blue, then black, and eventually its current two-tone finish. In 2016, Laura decided to surprise her dad by restoring the truck as a special birthday gift. She asked him to choose the colors and interior, wanting to preserve his vision for the vehicle. But in a heartwarming twist, a few years later, Lorenzo Sr. gifted the truck back to Laura. With a license plate reading “Laura54” as the ultimate gesture of love, he passed the torch, saying, “It’s now your truck. I love you!” Today, Laura and her family proudly drive the truck to car shows, weekend outings, and even work on Fridays. Alongside their 1954 Chevy, the Diaz family also owns an impressive lineup of classics, including a 1957 Hard Top Bel Air, a 1950 Mercury, a 1962 Nova, and a 1974 C10 Chevy pickup. The 1954 Chevy truck stands as a symbol of the Diaz family's shared passion for cars and their deep-rooted love for one another. With its custom side pattern crafted by a neighbor and parts sourced by Laura’s uncle, this truck truly embodies the spirit of family collaboration and tradition. Here’s to Laura Diaz and her 1954 Chevy truck—proof that the best restorations are the ones filled with heart and history. |