Gil Cota was born in Whittier, CA in 1910.  His parents emigrated from Spain to Los Angeles, CA.  Gil is on of seven children, five boys and two girls. 

Gil attended elementary school in Los Angeles on the corner of 25^th Street and Figueroa and continued on to Jr. High at McKinley Jr. High and graduated from Jefferson High, which was on the corner of Central and Vernon in Los Angeles.

 At the young age of 13, Gil’s first job was delivering newspapers and he did that for two years.

 One Saturday while sitting on his porch, a neighbor lady who lived catty corner whistled and waved at Gil trying to capture his attention.  Gil proceeded to walk over and to his surprise, this neighbors husband, Dave offered Gil one of his cars, which was a 1921 Model T Touring with one condition attached, to be careful while driving this car.  This was Gil’s first car and he was only 15 years old.  Occasionally Gil would drive down his street and beep at Dave showing him how much he enjoyed this car.

The same year, Gil spotted a 1926 Model T Touring, which was for sale for $25.  At that time, Gil only had $20 dollars and he got the other $5 dollars from one of his brothers.

One day Gil was pulled over by a police officer for racing through an intersection and received a ticket and a fine for $10 dollars.  The police officer asked him if he had a license and he replied by saying “no”.  The officer gave him a speech by telling him that he needed a license if he wanted to drive and Gil agreed and then they were on their way. 

Still at the age of 15, Gil began working for a trucking company, Pacific Freight Lines for his boss, Mr. Walker.  At times he rode with his brothers to San Pedro and Wilmington to deliver freight.  He was employed there for five years and during that time, he met his sweetheart, Lucy, they dated for one year and then had a big church wedding at St. Patrick’s Church on the corner of Jefferson and Central Avenue in Los Angeles, CA. 

After working for at Pacific Freight Lines, he attained his next job working for Mr. Denver driving trucks in the surrounding cities. 

Gil’s final job was working for the Department of Water and Power.  His job was to haul pipe and other supplies, which helped in the construction of a new dam.

 Gil and Lucy have resided in Southern California for 50 years and have two children, Ron and Linda. Gil has owned 8 Model T’s and his dream was to have a car which was faster than anyone else’s. 

 Gil has been a member of the Long Beach Model T Club since it began in 1954 and has held the role of President.  He now serves as a helper for the Sheriff’s Department Museum in Norwalk, CA. 

 It has been wonderful getting to know Gil and Lucy Cota and Gil’s fun, witty and charming personality has blessed us all!