#53 - The 9/11 Berger SS

2ndOwnerSS53 · Post by **2ndOwnerSS53** » Mon Dec 17, 2012 3:37 pm

I was the second owner of 2001 Berger SS#53 from 2005 to 2010. This car has a unique history.

Berger SS was originally purchased at 11 o’clock in the morning on September 11, 2001. The original owners were from a town in the Grand Rapids area, had seen the car at Berger, and were headed there on the morning of September 11th to make the purchase. When the news of the attacks hit the airwaves, they talked about whether they should go ahead with the purchase.

The decision was made to go ahead, and they made the trip to Berger as planned, a testimonial to their faith in the USA. I doubt if there were many cars being purchased at 11:00am, September 11, 2001.

I didn’t realize the history of the car until after I had purchased it and took a look at the original paperwork. In honor of that history, and as a US Navy veteran, I added a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag (First Navy Jack) decal to the rear window for the duration of my ownership. The First Navy Jack has been flown on all US Navy ships since 9/11/2001.

When I told this story at car shows and cruise nights during my ownership of the car, it usually brought a gasp or pause from the folks at the event.

02WS6 · Post by **02WS6** » Mon Dec 17, 2012 5:33 pm

Wow, thats an awesome history. Ever consider selling it? I could only imagine the reactions of people after hearing a story like that.

2ndOwnerSS53 · Post by **2ndOwnerSS53** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 5:59 pm

"02WS6", thanks for the comment. I did sell the car to a collector from NC in 2010 and I do regret it now. I could buy another Berger car but probably none with that kind of history.

02WS6 · Post by **02WS6** » Tue Dec 18, 2012 11:07 pm

@2ndOwnerSS53 wrote:"02WS6", thanks for the comment. I did sell the car to a collector from NC in 2010 and I do regret it now. I could buy another Berger car but probably none with that kind of history.

Yeah, that history is crazy. As if these cars weren't cool enough, you add that, and you have one hell of a car. Its a shame you sold it, but at least you preserved it with these pics. Thanks!