Automobili

This is the page dedicated to my new hobby, so-called "highline" sportscars.

How did it all begin?

Many years ago, as I watched Magnum P.I., I dreamed of someday owning a Real Sportscar. As I neared my 16th birthday, I soaked up all of the sportscar-oriented automotive magazines available, learning about the engines, transmissions, suspensions, interiors, specs, engineering, etc. of these fine automobiles. Any time I actually saw one of these creations, I felt as though I was viewing an artistic masterpiece. Being a lover of well-engineered devices of all kinds, the marriage of Form and Function in the high end of automobiles really struck a chord with me.

My First Sporty Car

My first sporty car was a 1986 Pontiac Fiero 2m6 SE. I thought it was pretty cool. It was a two-seater, of course, and was powered by a transverse mounted 140 horsepower V-6 in a mid-engined configuration (just like the 2-seat Ferraris of the day - a big selling point for me). Here is a picture of a 1985 GT, which was almost identical to my 1986 SE.

My First Car with Real Horsepower

and

My First (So Far Only) Convertible

In 1994 I was preparing to come back to my home town and rejoin the family business. Since my prior cars were getting a little long-in-the-tooth, it was time to buy a new vehicle. Once back in the business, however, I would have a company car so my personal vehicle did not have to be the most practical vehicle since most of my day-to-day work driving would be done in a company-owned Ford Taurus. With this in mind, I ordered a brand new 1995 Mustang GT Convertible in my favorite color for cars. Take a look!

Me, right after getting the car.

I say it is my first car with Real Horspower, since it has 215 horses. While it is really just getting there, I think of 200 horsepower as a minimum to qualify as a sportscar, no matter what (sorry, BMW Z-3 owners). I had never driven a convertible until I bought this car. When I first got the car I would tell people it was the most fun I had ever had in a car with my pants on.

Now I Have Really Outdone Myself

For a whole host of reasons, I decided to get myself a Real Sportscar for Christmas 1999. I started looking at Porsche Boxters after a wine-drinking friend bought one. I have always thought that they are the best looking Porsche since the 550 Spider of James Dean fame. When I found out that they only had 215 horsepower, I just could not see the point. But then the Boxster S was announced. It has about 250 horsepower. I did a little looking into these, but found that they would be pretty costly and I might have to wait. And then there was the lingering desire for a Ferrari...

And Then Came Frank

When talking about sportscars a wine-drinking physician friend recommended his sportscar guy, Frank Metheny. Frank and his partners are brokers for highline vehicles of all kinds. They do the most business in Mercedes and Porsche autos, but will get you anything that goes fast on land or water. When I first contacted Frank, he had just sold a Ferrari 348ts (see the background). I have lusted after this car for some time. He said he was getting another soon, so I started to think and think seriously. Then I found out it was a 1990 model with only 3,188 miles on it. "Not even broken it!" many of my fellow enthusiasts declared. So I wrote a check. Here are some pictures from Ferrari North America's Website:

Mine is Rosso Corsa (Red) with tan interior. I will share pictures when I get some made. I love the car, even though it scares me to drive it!

Currently, I still have the Mustang and, of course, the Ferrari. What will I get next?

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