Some time last year my dad called and asked me what a decent old Miata would cost.  I told him, then stored this in the back of my mind, as I do with so many requests from various folks for future encounters with too good to be true deals.  Cut to this year, I'm delivering the blue Rolls to a house about a mile from here, and what's in the back yard but a '93 Miata with 36k miles on it.  Wow, a creme puff, you think, but not so fast.  It's been sitting for about 4 years, maybe 5, under pine tree...uh oh, but how bad could it be, install a battery, pour in some fuel and presto, right? This thing is Japanese, they are so easy to work on.  So, I bought a battery, and stopped by to see exactly what we had.  By this time, of course I've already bought the car, and accompanying hard top.  Pulling the tarp back we find not only dirt and about 10 million pine needles, but an entire ant hill, it's sort of a linear ant condo filling every crack between the trunk seal and trunk itself.  Now, I'm no entomologist, but I know a full blown ant hill when I see one, replete with all those gross pupa ants, and flying ants and so on.  So we hosed all that out.  Then it was time to crack the door.  Wouldn't it be nice if this was a 'time capsule' taking us back to the year of my high school graduation?  Well if rat turds were graduation presents, then I guess I hit the jack pot...Damn I thought, this things filled with rat turds.  OK, well we can 'shop vac' that out.  So, let's turn the ignition and see what we have, hmm that's exactly nothing, no clicks, no radio, but we have headlights, those things popped right up, how weird.  I can only surmise a rat has eaten some portion of the wiring...great.  But how long ago, and how do I know it was a rat?  By opening the glove box, of course, where he's a current resident.  That's right, a live rat.  Good grief, I'm never one to give up on a project, remember my XJ6 from last summer, oh right I still have it and it still only goes in Reverse.  But, I'll be back over there this week with a leaf blower, boots, and a full jump suit on to battle the rat.   Who knows maybe he'll ride back with dad and become a Mooresville resident.  More to come...

This week I was lucky enough to participate in another Rosco Drive day through the Scenic NC mountains.  What else could I drive but the 450SLC 5.0 'rally car'.  After a check of the tires and oil, plus our annual wash the windows campaign I was off.  Oh wait, I forgot the best part, we finally installed our Cibie Super Oscars with just minutes to spare.  The SLC has been sitting for a few months, but why not throw 400 miles of twisty roads at her.  She handled it with aplomb, 37 gallons of fuel, 2 quarts of Castrol, and a headlight was the only damage.  The headlight happened 5 miles from home BTW.  I was definitely the slowest car of the lot, my idea of doing the 'most with the most' meaning to me something like 'there's no replacement for displacement', didn't really pan out.  Getting uphill fast in a 3800 lb car with 14 inch tires was almost impossible, I spun the tires, left smoke, and slid sideways anytime I gave her the juice.  Once I realized I wasn't keeping up with the Lotus, or the GT3, or even the other period 3.0CSi, I settled into a nice drive through the country, and had a great time sunroof open on a beautiful fall day.  It's nice to see a 30 year old car can still handle a drive like this one, though the best part was running 95 down the highway solid as a rock. 

Well everyone should know by now I have a soft spot for W116 cars, the plaid 280SE, my ongoing 6.9 obsession, etc.  This weekend I spotted my next W116, a curiosity, the 450SEL Estate.  All were custom made in the 1970's either in the UK, US, or Germany by a number of coach builders.  This W116 conversion was made by Crayford, called the Condor and was likely a US conversion since it has the US bumpers, and appears to be a US car all around.  As is my way, I strolled right up and asked if it was for sale, still don't know the answer, but I do know it doesn't run, and is slowly dissolving under the 'custom' parts with rust.  Either way, it's the largest German wagon I think I've ever seen.   I think the German conversions may have been better, they used parts from the Mercedes Touring. 

The XJ6 should be back on the road soon, and I went to the boat.  This trip was twofold, one we tested our rudder seal, which held, but there was another major leak, and two we tested the pulling ability of the crawler AKA 1995 Range Rover County LWB. 

Road Race: I did a run from Lake Keeowee up to Highlands, NC, then on up past Franklin in this beautiful 1972 BMW 3.0CSi. 

It's been a while since I've updated the Recent Drives section.  We've had a busy summer, and have driven some interesting and unusual cars.  After passing our platinum 3.2 Carrera on to a very nice family in Oakhurst I've been on the hunt for the next Porsche, at least before my blue 3.2 Carrera comes back in 2009 (since it's a euro with non cat exhaust I can't register it here until then).  Thus, I've been on a diversion with a Signal Orange 73 914 2.0, somehow along the way I ended up with a non-runner 86 Jaguar XJ6.  I'm still not quite clear how this happened.  I think it was the combination of a warehouse with enough room to store some projects, and of course a case of the Red Mist, or more specifically ORANGE mist.  Either way I still don't have a Porsche, oh wait we bought a Boxster this week...that's good.   Finally, a report is coming soon on the 1967 Firebird Sprint which has been buried for a decade or so. 

Also, here are a few pictures from the first Annual Rosco Road Rallye, a trip from Lake Keeowee up to Highlands NC and back.  Incredibly scenic drive with an extremely well sorted BMW 3.0 CSi.  I will say that after a day of turn after turn after turn, that Nardi wheel can get hard to hang on to...I'll keep that in mind when we get the 450SLC 5.0 in its first rally. 

So today we finally put some touches on the 450 SLC 5.0 rally car, like the original type spoiler, in period correct condition...ie used.  And, some great vintage Rally stickers sourced from the internet of course.  We also put a Becker Mexico in this unit for those oh so vintage sounds of stereo.  Our Cibie Super Oscars are on their way...then we just have to find a way to mount them.     

Is that Noel Edmunds? 

We'd like to wish Bon Voyage to Thelma and Louise who flew in and drove their new Mini Cooper S back to Iowa, and hopefully not off a cliff like in the movie!  Enjoy!

Is it spring yet? The 911's are ready to play

Last week I was over on Koh Chang, Thailand aka elephant island.  I had been using this Rover 88 to get around until it was attacked by a horde of Biturongs...as you can see the Rover didn't win.   If you were wondering why I didn't return any emails, that's it, I've been in Thailand for a couple weeks.  Upcoming article topics include: 'Civilian LPG, freedom to the people', 'Why Can't Toyota import a Diesel truck: These things are sweet', 'When in doubt, ride an elephant','Put a diesel engine on a gimbal, attach a weedeater + propeller now you have a clong runner', and others I'm sure to think of this week. 

This week we were able to secure the 450SLC 5.0 / 500SLC.  Not sure if you remember those, but they're pretty rare with the 5025cc all Reynolds aluminum engine Mercedes developed for Rally racing in the late 70's.  Apparently, there are only about 40 in the US still running.  Check out this slick video of them in period trim: SLC. 

The 450SLC 5.0 is really a wonderful car to drive, the 5.0 engine is super smooth, it sounds like a cross between a 3.8 and a 4.5, but really has more get up and go.  The long wheelbase is interesting as well, it feels more sure footed, less apt to slide than the regular 107 SL.  We were really surprised at the interior on this one, thanks to some sheepskin seats the black leather really held up well.  This was a cared for car, and other than a few rust spots, everything seems to be working as it should be.  Well save for the heater levers.  I'm also still unsure whether this is a LSD car or no, I'll have to get it on a lift. 

Things Done: black out hood (mat finish), remove chrome wheel arches, remove wind deflector, remove imitation sheepskins, clean out trunk,

Things to do: install hella rallye 4000's, install new rear spoiler (ordered), install 450SLC and 5.0 scripts, install period correct Becker Mexico, install Halda Rally Timer, full detail. 

OK I know it's not a good picture, I couldn't find my camera, so this is with the phone, you get the idea though...the 450SLC 5.0. 

The 3.0CSi has always been one of my favorite cars.  They have a unique look that is more vintage Ferrari than BMW perhaps it was the leftover Bertone lines from the V8 3200CS?   These aren't large cars, but they do have a certain sturdiness you can feel immediately when opening the doors.   Interestingly, my first car, a 1973 2600 Ford Capri was the biggest GT competitor for the 3.0.  Even though 8100 3.0CSi's were made and probably 300k Capris were, you still see 3.0's around, never a Capri.  A testament to quality construction one hand or lackadaisical ownership on the other, probably both?  Check out the Nardi wheel and bavaria S radio...

Back in 1994 I was an undergrad at Wake Forest.  As the adage goes it's better to have a friend with a boat than own a boat yourself.  Well back then I couldn't afford a boat or books for that matter.  But luckily I had friends with the means to escape the toil of college life and road trip to beach houses, lake houses, and other retreats scattered around North Carolina.  Somehow 12 years later I still have the friends, but the house supply has dried up.  Perhaps we wore out our welcome?  At any rate, about this time, I became more than a little obsessed with my buddy Michael's Dad's car.  It was a black on oxblood 84 911 Targa with Platinum Fuchs and full leather.  I think when we first met, that 911 had about 46k miles on it.  It lived by itself in a garage filled with ping pong tables and old oriental rugs, while the other family cars lurked outside.  I'm not sure what we did to deserve it, but we were fairly regular drivers of this car, we'd take it to the beach, back to campus, on road trips, and generally enjoyed the wheels off of it, taking it back at key intervals like time for an oil change, or it's out of gas -thinking all the while Mike's dad would never pick up on these facts being some busy magnate of more serious business in an office somewhere.  I think he probably noticed more than once, and to get back at me, he sold me the car about 2 years after graduation when I had just enough money to afford the tires and left front seat, but not much else.  Either way though, I drove that 911 from just under 60k miles to just over 100k in 4 very fun, though sometimes expensive years, and learned along the way that the 3.2 Carrera is one of my favorite cars.  Somehow, even though I'm in the car trading business more than part time I hadn't happened to buy another one this entire time.  Until about a month ago when I wound up with the Champagne Cabriolet below, and then just this week with the Slate Blue Cabriolet also below.   I've really enjoyed reconnecting with this very mechanical very rewarding car.  I've always thought they were the best of the best.  They're real sports cars you can work on yourself with a little forethought.   And nothing with the looks is as robust, especially for the price.  I know early 911's are on the rise, and they seem great, but for me these are the 911 of my childhood and early adulthood. 

 This weekend I went to the boat finally.  It took 200.00 in supplies 80.00 at the gas dock, and of course the drive, plus set up and put up time.  Was my 25 minute cruise worth it.  I think it was, I've still got some work left to do.  This picture was taken after the victory of being on plane, and after the shock of the volume of water I was taking on forced me back to the dock...I took a real camera to snap pics, but left it in the car, camera phone strikes again. 

We acquired a 1974 Mercedes Benz 280C today, more to come on this car, but it has got great lines, and that superb M110 engine.  I have the same engine (fuel injected) in the 79 280SE, which got coco mats this week btw.  As always excuse the camera phone picture.  Check out the side mirror, it's not in the corner.  These are really wonderful cars to drive, thoroughly modern yet immediately identifiable as classics.  After a couple weeks in ice cold air conditioned comfort thanks to the 280's American York Air Conditioning, I am only more impressed with this little guy.  Surprisingly, it's not that little, this is a long car, you just sort of lose that when you see its happy looks.  Anyway, we'll try to get it on ebay soon, I sort of hate to see it go. 

Last weekend I was finally able to get up to Lake Hartwell to check on the boat.  Many of you don't believe the boat exists.  But thanks to my phone there is evidence, of course there's no way to prove it actually floats.  I'll leave that for next time.  Rumors point to the Torino coming out of retirement.  More on that later.  And more cars are on the way next week. 

Back in the summer of 1994 I purchased a Mercedes 300D with 168k on it for 3600 or 3800 dollars.  I can't remember which.  It was on the lot at a local Chevy dealership listed for 5500.00, and I talked them down, I think the fact that it was July and the car didn't have air was behind their drop in price.  Back then, I was able to fix the A/C for somewhere around 250.00 myself.  I was a sophomore at Wake Forest, and I'd driven my high school car, which was my Dad's 1973 Ford Capri 2600 off to college.  Unfortunately, though I do like that car, in fact we still have it, I was in need of more reliable transportation.  The diesel was perfect, rugged is the only way to describe it.  I took it on several off road adventures, as well as plenty of road trips throughout college.  After school I moved on to other cars, and the 'goose' as it was known became my sister's first car.  Which she drove through high school, and then off to college herself.  After she was finished with it, my Dad sold it to a buddy and he still drives it with somewhere near 400k on the original engine and transmission.  So why am I telling you all of this?  Because I bought one this week, a 1985 with 110k miles and ice cold air.  I have to say it was nice to get behind the wheel of a 'goose' once again.  Check it out here.

I've listed this great Honda CL450 Scrambler for a friend on Ebay this week.  I wish I had a place to put it, it's the perfect in town bike, I simply don't have a place to keep it.  Check it out here: SCRAMBLER It sold to a nice guy from BHM.

Many of you have asked for a picture of the '76 Eldorado, well here it is, panel fit isn't the Eldo's best attribute.  I also know that the link to it on the site goes to a benz, that's because there are no caddy pictures to post...sorry.  I am now officially driving the Cadillac for a few days, not sure how long I'm going to last...I lost a hubcap for the first time in my life today.  The old man it hit rolling down Ponce couldn't believe it.  Interestingly, it was at Druid Hills Country Club, and the car still has an official membership sticker on the windshield, hmm, perhaps we can play through?  Coming this week, a video of the boat in the water?  Stay tuned.  Update, it's now almost August, and the Cadillac has NEVER let us down, it starts on the first try, the top always works, the hub caps have stayed on and it still gets comments where ever we go. 

I've decided to print a how to guide for all of you BMW drivers out there.  It's called, man it smells terrible in my late model BMW 3 / 5 / 7 series, and I don't know how to fix it.  Lil's 525iT has smelled pretty bad since a Wake Forest tailgate last fall.  We thought perhaps some hummus got lodged under the seats, or maybe a cooler leaked and then it molded, but we couldn't find the culprit.  So after 4-5 months of driving around with a rotten devilled egg smell emanating from the spare tire zone we decided to check the internet.  The solution, as it seems is to replace the in cabin air filters.  Now, this is an E39 5 wagon, and we formerly had an E34.  The E34 filter was an affair that went like this: remove seat, remove carpet, remove glove box, remove dash, remove steering wheel, replace filter, drink 10 beers, reassemble.  Gladly, BMW has improved this to the point that my wife is now fully checked out and prepared to change her filters at the first sign of odor.  Pop the hood, crack the filter housing, and replace filter (x2), it's that easy.  Thanks BMW, 60 bucks later it smells great in there.  Who knew?

It's been a couple weeks, but after diligent looking we finally bought one of those great American icons I've been searching for.  A white 1976 Eldorado Convertible.  That's right it's BOSS HOGG, well actually he drove a Deville convertible, but who really cares, or even knows the difference, especially if it's got Bull Horns.  Admittedly, this one is a bit rough around the edges, but every other one I've seen has some issue or another from pitted chrome to missing interiors and a hobo sleeping in the trunk.  This one needs some TLC, but I think it's going to come around and make a great spring cruiser.  Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it yet, it's currently at the shop for a power top relay as well as some other little odds and ends.  It does need polishing, so I'm going to break down and get a Porter Cable, more to come on this resurrection story. 

So after a Saturday night out, with perhaps a little too much 'fun' I headed up with Rosco in his 911 wide-body to try our best at leaving black marks on curvy roads with his TR3.  I remembered distinctly that 911's are not the best cars when slightly under the weather, but I stuck through it, and with the help of a coke and a sandwich I came around, and ended up having one of those perfect January days we seem to be fortunate enough to get in the south, sunshine, 64F, and some top down fun.  The TR3 is absolutely gorgeous, and a real performer to boot.  It's got all the go-fast tricks, dual webers, big pistons, trick suspension, and a custom exhaust system that sounds incredible.  Needless to say hang on...My plan was to take some action shots driving this unit, but I really had to hold on.  You can't help but smile...Enjoy. 

 Back on the train, the diesel train, it's been about 5 years since I've had a diesel benz, I still like the sound the smell, the 40 mpg.  A W124 though, I haven't had one of those.  Non turbo, but they really have plenty of power.  Here's a close up of the snorkel.

There was an 84 911 Cab at the auction today, 84k indicated miles, but sold TMU...Bad, it also looked like crap upon closer inspection.  So I let it slide, went to 8500.00.  I also tried 3 separate times to buy an 87 560SL, but the deadbeat auctioneers trying for more money F'd me up every time.  Going from a 6k bid to 10k...Uh, it's a 169k mile car guys.  Oh well, to make me feel better I got to take our Rosco's 88 factory turbo look targa, marina blue of course.  I've never driven a 911 with the G50 transmission, and it is worth the extra dollars.  Smooth up and down, almost truck like.  I couldn't believe it had been 4 years since I sold my targa, this definitely brought me back.  Cabs and targas seem low right now, or is it that coupes seem high.  Not sure?   Seen at auction CADDY Monster truck:

OK, so I installed the new euro lamps in the 280SE, they're great except the fogs + the under bumper fogs are blowing fuses.  Also, the A/C compressor is blowing fuses.  And the timing needs to be adjusted.   That's quite a to-do list.  In other maintenance news, I installed Lil's new ABS controller, she got new brakes, and a brake pedal sensor in her 525iT.  THE ABS light is still ON!   Need to call Gavin at www.modulemaster.com .  Followup, we fixed it, a wire was loose on the controller...

Spider Update: Last summer, my friend Charles, at Brilliantlighting.com  spied a Spider that was seemingly kaput under a cover in his parking deck.  So he left a business card, and the woman who owned it called to say she was getting it worked on, go figure.  Well out of the blue 4 months later she calls this week, saying she was ready to part with her white 86 spider veloce with 36k original miles.  I've never really liked Alfas all that much since driving one from Charlotte to Baltimore in the rain about 5 years ago listening to TOGA ROCK on the crummy cassette deck, while the car's electrical system seemed to have an on again off again relationship with the engine, windshield wipers, and lights.  But it did get me there, I think the secret to an Alfa is not really expecting all that much.  Meaning if I bought the equivalent year and mileage in anything german even an audi 4000, I'd expect it to get me to LA and back.  Not with the Alfa, you expect it to get you to say, the coffee shop, or maybe the local Roche Bobois / Bennetton stores.  But that's about it.  I drove this one, and it seems nicer than most I've driven, so perhaps it will prove me wrong, at least it's a 5 speed, and not the GM auto straight out of a Chevette.  Did they really have GM auto boxes? Or were they FIAT?  I think they were GM, correct me if I'm wrong, pics. coming. 

The 116 looks like a benz, I've always liked it, no nonsense, conservative, but not really plain.  To me they represent the transition car from the upright styling of the 60's to the aerodynamic box design studies of the 80's and even 90's large barge heavy on the luxury designs.  First off, this isn't a car I set out to buy, I always wanted a 450 SEL 6.9, rare, powerful, expensive...and everyone you meet thinks you own a Beirut taxi, well that's fine with me.  Though, I've driven 6 or so 6.9's now, and every one of them left me utterly under whelmed.  Maybe it's the 250 HP through 3 gears, yeah they can go 135, but they're really not all that fast around town.  And then, ask your mechanic if he'll work on one.  Uh, no is usually the answer.  So you have a 50k car that's worth 3k with the impending doom of a 5k suspension overhaul...Granted I still like 6.9's but for me I think I need something a little more conservative with all the look and none of the downside. My mechanics called me one afternoon re: the European silver '79 280 SE seen below, it was for sale, sounded neat and old so I went and saw it.  Plus, they said it was "JAM UP MAN"...I was immediately impressed by it's obviously great condition, new tires, shiny paint and un pitted chrome.  It all added up to years behind garage doors.  Then came the interior, black with plaid....I loved it.   It took me a few months to actually grab this one, but I am certainly glad I did.  I already feel it's a long lost member of the family, reminding me of days past behind the wheel of 300D's.  As for the car, it handles crisply, accelerates as well as any of them I've driven (perhaps due to it's euro spec 6 186 HP), and looks super.  Euro bumpers, and hubcaps make the look just about perfect.  BTW, everything works from the air to the cruise control, and I'm even learning my metric conversion tables they tried to teach me in 4th grade.  As for the plaid, it definitely means business on the rear headrests.  If that isn't enough I have folders upon folders of records.  Look out for my euro headlight / becker grand prix install guides.  Oh it's on...

From a 250 Coupe to a Chevy 'Classic' rental car in less than an hour and a short Delta flight later.  BTW Memphis, and especially the Memphis Alamo has the dirtiest, stinkiest, crappiest rental cars this side of Gary Indiana.  Go to the Avis if ever in MEM.  Update, I had to drive the Classic back to ATL due to a cancelled Delta jet.  It is a horrible, underpowered, ill steering, back hurting crap box.  I have no idea why anyone would buy one of these new. Base price for a Classic is 19505.00.  I looked them up in the manheim price guide, their depreciation curve is like falling off a cliff, an '04 classic with 28k miles can be purchased for about 6500.00.  So, your classic cost you 1000.00 per month over the past year to drive not to mention the 159.00 per month in payments.  This is what they refer to as being 'upside down'.  For 20k you could buy a Ferrari 308...and pay 1000.00 per month to fix it up, and in the end it's still worth what you paid for it.  I've always been a proponent of buying cars at the very bottom of their depreciation curve.  The VW Phaeton enjoys a very similar curve, but they are dropping about 2000-3000 per month as they ply the highways of North America...That car will be a deal in about 2 years.  You simply can't buy that much technology for that little money.  110k at the dealer, 60k a year later for the W12.  30k next year.  I love it. 

This is my friend Jonathan's 308 GTB, I think it's a 78, but I may have gotten that wrong.  Still a car that should be on posters in every 15 year olds bedroom.  This picture makes it look taller, in fact it barely came over the windows of the 250C.  Perhaps next time I'll get to drive this recent drive. 

I must have been good the last few weeks, I found great pleasure in driving Rosco's 280 cab, so much so that I got one for myself.  Well, sort of.   It's a 250, not a 280, and a coupe rather than a convertible, but the experience is pretty much the same.   All for about 1/5th the price.  I haven't driven a Mercedes manual transmission in years, so re-familiarizing myself with the long throw precise mechanism has been fun.  There's really no reason to have one of these without a sunroof.  Usually you see a coupe with air, a sunroof, or a manual, never all three, so we're enjoying the trifecta. Last night I went up the street to one of our local pubs, Atkins Park, and was fortunate enough to get parking right in front of the door.  I was amazed at the number of people who stopped to look in this car, point, discuss, etc.  I think I need a little sheet to put in there that just has this website's address. 

The 280 sold on eBay, I have to admit I am a little jealous of its new owner.  What an outstanding car, I think one may be in my future, or at least a 280SE sunroof coupe.  Now the search begins for the replacement car for Rosco...Maybe you all can email me suggestions, and we'll post votes.  He said he needs something British from the 50's or 60's, two seats, manual, and small.  Let's see Jags, Healeys, MGA, TR3A?  I think for me, I'd go 70's like an Aston DBS V8, or a Jensen Interceptor, perhaps a Facel Vega?  Something 'swingin'. 

OK, the boat isn't in the water yet, but maybe next weekend! Yarr...Follow up, I went to the boat, worked all day Saturday, spent more money on RACOR fuel filters, heard it run for the first time in 10 years, actually hooked a truck to it, and pulled it about a mile down the road, when the bearings on the trailer gave out...So looks like another trip we'll get it done.  So close, yet so far from water...But it's ok, because I know deep down we're finished.  I've been working on this project for 17 years with my Dad, so we can wait another few weeks.  Besides it was raining Sunday, and you can't take your classic out in the drizzle. 

This past weekend, Lil was out of town, so I decided to head to the British Car Day at Chateau Elan, Luckily my good friend Rosco loaned me his beautiful 69 280SE for the day (there will be a full description soon).  The car show was really quite nice with several cars I had either never seen, or hadn't seen in many years, here are a few favorites.

So, my 'real' job has me traveling some, and since I don't actually own a car, why not drive a dealership car.  Today I took the 535is to Birmingham, and it really impressed me, especially for a 17 year old, with 201k miles.  The worst thing about it is the slightly fading Diamond Black paint, otherwise it's a gem.  The IS, was the upgraded version of the 535 with tighter suspension different control arms, etc.  But the real reason to have one, is for the SLICK sport seats.  They're really amazing.  I think the paint's going to polish out, until then I get to enjoy driving it.

Finally, I drove a car worth writing about here, I stopped by a friend's house Saturday on the way to the ACE.  I was scooting along on the Vino getting 80 MPG, and decided to whip in at Scott's place.  He has the best looking 280SE cabriolet in town, British Racing Green with tan leather.  (new old stock btw)  And it's completely restored, paint, Carpathian elm, tonneau, he's even had the fuel injection lines taken off and refinished.  It's MINTY.  But, I of course had never driven a cabriolet. I hadn't lived. Until now, honestly, I've never driven anything save for a Porsche Speedster that got more looks, and not the bad looks, the 'right on' kind. Really an incredible, well done vehicle.  Right on.  

Found this great Espada ad today, speaking of bulls the photo everyone loves has moved to commentary.

They say what comes around goes around, and I suppose it's true with cars as well.  Some of you may remember Blue Cat, an appropriately named XJS, with personalized plates 'BLUCAT'.  Well Blue Cat II is here, and while a little more subtle just as nice. 

VADER--VADER, was a black 750iL e32 that had a short lived but very high speed relationship with us last winter.  Unfortunately, he had issues with his immigration papers and was deported.  It appears VADER II will be around at least for a little while.  More to come, but I really like the Cirrus Blue Metallic, and the full leather interior. It also has a built in K40...very sneaky VADER.  BTW, why do owners have to put bumper stickers on cars?  I peeled off one here only to take the paint with it.  NOT happy about that.  I guess I'll be buying some Cirrus Blue touch up paint.

I've had a soft spot for e32 body BMW's since they were introduced, especially the top of the line 750iL.  It was a breakthrough car, that BMW used to essentially one up Mercedes Benz.  They made it to market a full 4 years ahead of MB's V12, and cemented their role as a a luxury car maker who could compete in a global market.  I like the size of the e32, it's not too big to drive around, but on the highway you've found the car's calling.  We took this one to Savannah over the past weekend, and it was a real pleasure the entire time.  This 750 absolutely eats up the highway, it's really just loping along at highway speeds, turning just 2600 RPM and going 80 MPH.  The 750 gains pace at an alarming rate on the interstate, and passing cars at improbably speeds becomes addictive.  I found myself slowing down just to extend my time in the seat.  Though, I must admit perhaps the best feature on this one, is the K40 RADAR detector, it saved my wallet more than once. 

Amazingly, this is a one owner vehicle, and it really shows, the condition both of the car itself and of the options, which I couldn't find one that didn't work, is a clear indicator of a 750 that was well serviced and taken care of.