Halfway Between The Gutter And The Stars (Part II): Girls don't like boys; girls like CARS and money.

Aaahh ....
Corvettes are rare in the Riv, the European Union as a whole
for instance, there are less than 50 in Sweden
so, of course You saw none

I hadn't had time to post this Replica of a very cool car, the
AC Cobra

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bruce sloane

Aaahh ....
Corvettes are rare in the Riv, the European Union as a whole
for instance, there are less than 50 in Sweden
so, of course You saw none

I hadn't had time to post this Replica of a very cool car, the
AC Cobra

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That car is pretty ubiquitous as well! I almost never think the ones I've seen (and there's a few to be seen on the way to the beach through the Eastern Shore) are the real deal. There's just that many. LOL

But as far as the Corvette in Europe goes, it's definitely not seen everywhere. I'd sooner own one there than here!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Posh

That car is pretty ubiquitous as well! I almost never think the ones I've seen (and there's a few to be seen on the way to the beach through the Eastern Shore) are the real deal.

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I'm ... well shocked, Poshy ...

there were an incredibly small number of the Gen's made,

https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/AC_Cobra

and the Rep Mfgrs, of which there are maybe 4....

only sell about 40 - 60 kits a year ...
on a good year

perhaps You might be mistaking Aston-Martins for Cobra's ...:)

anyways, lambos, and ferraris are kinda run of the mill at the local Cars 'n Coffee meet one Sunday a month
Lambos take a lot of heat for the ghey, ricer verticle doors, too ...:lol:

if ya wanna Exotic, think McLaren F1, or Ford GT 40


http://www.mclarenautomotive.com/uk/...r/default.aspx

https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Ford_GT


P.S.

Do not believe all You read...the Corvette interior is not really that cheap
here is mine

Posh! Missed you these past years. Good to see your posts, again. I agree that the Corvette is not quality. I've always had an SL. Traded my 13 year old 500SL with 13k miles four years ago for my current SL550, which just went out of warranty with only 12k miles (at least I'm using it more). Guess now the out-of-warranty troubles begin. But, actually, the 500SL I had previtously to the last I put 130k miles on it with no significant problems. Doubt the Chevy engines would go that far.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bruce sloane

I'm ... well shocked, Poshy ...

there were an incredibly small number of the Gen's made,

https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/AC_Cobra

and the Rep Mfgrs, of which there are maybe 4....

only sell about 40 - 60 kits a year ...
on a good year

perhaps You might be mistaking Aston-Martins for Cobra's ...:)

anyways, lambos, and ferraris are kinda run of the mill at the local Cars 'n Coffee meet one Sunday a month
Lambos take a lot of heat for the ghey, ricer verticle doors, too ...:lol:

if ya wanna Exotic, think McLaren F1, or Ford GT 40


http://www.mclarenautomotive.com/uk/insider/default.aspx

https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Ford_GT


P.S.

Do not believe all You read...the Corvette interior is not really that cheap
here is mine

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I absolutely LOVE the scissor doors on the Lamborghini; they are a cut above. ;) That's on a Lamborghini not on anything else. And the butterfly doors of an Aston make my heart flutter. LOL I'm sorry.

I should have been more clear. I didn't mean that I've seen many genuine Cobras. I meant the incredible amount of replicas of it that are out there. I've seen a little over ten of them in this area. And, oddly enough, I've seen more Ferraris, Bentleys, Rolls-Royces and Lamborghinis than Corvettes. And I've only seen a real Cobra in the wild once at The Hurlingham Club in London. This wasn't a car show, this was just parked amongst all the other exotics. But it was real because my father spoke with owner in the dining room.

I didn't read about the Corvette's interior. I've been in the latest Corvette (really weird story) and I must say that it's about one would expect from GM. But I say this as a Mercedes-Benz driver and having been surrounded by some exceptionally opulent automobile cabins. For example, two years ago, I had the distinct pleasure to spend the day riding in the back of this:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....h_of_hi_35.jpg

The back of this vehicle is outfitted like this:

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....h_of_hi_06.jpg

I was in the back, drinking champagne. Now, this was only a short while before Overfinch went into receivership. This collaboration between Holland & Holland and Overfinch was the best expression of Overfinch's aesthetic and their abilities to take a vehicle to the next level. I will miss them so much!!!:undecided: No one wants true luxury like this, British luxury done in only the way Brits can. They want gaudy Gemballa or Pebble beach Edition Toyotas, er, I mean Lexuses (Lexi?). This type of luxury is irreplicable, I think.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog....h_of_hi_22.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by crackberry

Posh! Missed you these past years. Good to see your posts, again. I agree that the Corvette is not quality. I've always had an SL. Traded my 13 year old 500SL with 13k miles four years ago for my current SL550, which just went out of warranty with only 12k miles (at least I'm using it more). Guess now the out-of-warranty troubles begin. But, actually, the 500SL I had previtously to the last I put 130k miles on it with no significant problems. Doubt the Chevy engines would go that far.

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Hi, Berry! I'm a Mercedes girl through and through. An SL, of any year, is just beautiful. The SL550, up until about 2007, was lovely. But that new nose they tacked on . . . let's just say it'll take me a decade to warm up to it. When I had my E350 coupe in for an oil change, they had one in Mars Red, pre-owned, and and I couldn't get past that pointy nose. I guess they HAD to do something. And don't get me started on the CLS!:mad:

I don't know a great deal about mainstream car brands but I always heard good things in regards to Chevy engines. It's the stuff around the engines that always seemed to be problematic! I'm out of my element with anything domestic since I haven't owned one since around and college. I don't know what I was thinking with the Camaro. :rolleyes:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Posh

s. For example, two years ago, I had the distinct pleasure to spend the day riding in the back of this:

:[/COLOR][/SIZE]

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OMG ..

a (Ford )(Leyland Motors) Rover product ...

Lucky for You it didn't break down, seeing as it was driven all weekend

Bwaaaaahahaha ...!!!

car should come with a free mechanic :lol: :lol:

different cars for different people...
I'm not missing my SL 'vert

Hey ....

Lets post up our Daily Drivers ...:)

I'll go First ...:cheesy:

Posh knows her stuff! I've had 7 Corvettes and they were all great cars in one respect or another, but the fit & finish on them was not nearly up to the level of even a base Mercedez, let alone a Ferrari, Lambo, Austin, etc.. Absolutely no comparison. Plastic has no place in the interior of a world-class auto.

I've been fortunate enough to have owned some really great cars other than the vettes, such as a Maserati Mistral, Austin Healey 100/4, Mk4 Cobra, Porsche 930 Euro, Jag XKE, and lots of antique American ones (hot rods, brass cars, 50's sedans,etc.) and have a deep appreciation for all of them. But the Euro cars are in a league of their own, and definately my favorite. Few American cars since the Deusenbergs and early Cadillacs can match them as far as fit, finish, and engineering. I think it's just the American attitude; horsepower for the masses, & disposable cheapness. We Americans tend to stride into every battle with a broadaxe and a club. Generally, it works and it's fun, but it's not very elegant.

(And in defense of American iron (I know, I'm going both ways), there's very little that can match the dependability of Chevy. 100K is absolutely nothing to a duramax diesel, and there are quite a few with 400K+ that are still running hard. )

But back to the clasics: an XKE doesn't have the "grunt" and neck-snapping horsepower of a 'vette, but it has a screaming howl that sends shivers down your spine. And it has the lovely engine-turned instrument panel, chrome trim, and wonderful metal toggle switches. I'd take it any day over a new ZR1. As for a depreciating asset... it's better than money in the bank (or market)!

There are some replica Corvettes other than the Grand Sport. I think someone makes a nice '57 and I've seen a '53 rep. Both decent quality that matches the original's poor fit & finish. Still, a vintage '57 vette is very cool! I'd definately rather have a gen vintage vette than a high-quality rep Lambo. (we're talking about the same price level here ~ $50-70K)

Great post & great follow-up comments! Watches are a fun distraction for me, but autos are my passion! I squirm at the thought of spending $800 on a highly modded rep, but was seriously considering a nice all-steel '33 Ford earlier today! haha!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BenB100

Posh knows her stuff! I've had 7 Corvettes and they were all great cars in one respect or another, but the fit & finish on them was not nearly up to the level of even a base Mercedez, let alone a Ferrari, Lambo, Austin, etc.. Absolutely no comparison. Plastic has no place in the interior of a world-class auto.

I've been fortunate enough to have owned some really great cars other than the vettes, such as a Maserati Mistral, Austin Healey 100/4, Mk4 Cobra, Porsche 930 Euro, Jag XKE, and lots of antique American ones (hot rods, brass cars, 50's sedans,etc.) and have a deep appreciation for all of them. But the Euro cars are in a league of their own, and definately my favorite. Few American cars since the Deusenbergs and early Cadillacs can match them as far as fit, finish, and engineering. I think it's just the American attitude; horsepower for the masses, & disposable cheapness. We Americans tend to stride into every battle with a broadaxe and a club. Generally, it works and it's fun, but it's not very elegant.

(And in defense of American iron (I know, I'm going both ways), there's very little that can match the dependability of Chevy. 100K is absolutely nothing to a duramax diesel, and there are quite a few with 400K+ that are still running hard. )

But back to the clasics: an XKE doesn't have the "grunt" and neck-snapping horsepower of a 'vette, but it has a screaming howl that sends shivers down your spine. And it has the lovely engine-turned instrument panel, chrome trim, and wonderful metal toggle switches. I'd take it any day over a new ZR1. As for a depreciating asset... it's better than money in the bank (or market)!

There are some replica Corvettes other than the Grand Sport. I think someone makes a nice '57 and I've seen a '53 rep. Both decent quality that matches the original's poor fit & finish. Still, a vintage '57 vette is very cool! I'd definately rather have a gen vintage vette than a high-quality rep Lambo. (we're talking about the same price level here ~ $50-70K)

Great post & great follow-up comments! Watches are a fun distraction for me, but autos are my passion! I squirm at the thought of spending $800 on a highly modded rep, but was seriously considering a nice all-steel '33 Ford earlier today! haha!

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Ben, thanks for commenting. I know the Corvette is revered for its high levels of performance at a price that emphasizes value but there are other reasons, which you touched on, people opt for other cars if they can afford to do so. It's about the fine details, the things you interact within the cabin. The Corvette lacks this refinement which is impossible to impart because the money is spent where some think it counts: the engine and the suspension. I understand that and appreciate that. But being the sybarite I am, I need the coddling as well. I want all my senses to be delighted and that can't be had $50,000!

When I was last in the Diablo, it was a very tactile and almost sensual experience being inside it. You feel like someone put together every nut and bolt with sheer will and not just an impact wrench. And the smell of all that leather! It blankets everything not adorned with carbon fiber. It's a love letter to everything that makes Italy grand: bold, brash and fast. The engine is very loud though. That part is not so nice, to me anyway. But I guess that's the point of a Lamborghini, isn't it? To overwhelm every sense.

I definitely agree that things tend to be built to be discarded. I hate that attitude. It makes things like the Diablo or Duesenberg all the more amazing. It's nice to have access to something that is a monument to doing things slowly, deliberately. I think that's another reason I love my house. :)

And I hope you get the Ford. We can both live out our Bonnie & Clyde fantasy then. You get the car and I'll get a Tommy gun, deal? LOL

The Corvette may be known for, on paper, to deliver blistering performance at a budget. On the road though it's a bit different. The money goes into the engine, but the suspension? Not at all. Which is why it handles as poorly as it does. They don't put any money into the interior either...

The Diablo is a special piece of kit, but as every other older Italian car it breaks down every 500 yards and costs a fortune to keep in order. Naturally, the same can be said for Ferraris and Alfas. Porsche owners that have a bit of a "rainy day" often visit Ferrari 348 or 355 forums, read about the endless list of problems and suddenly get in a much better mood. ;) Newer Lambos like the Murcielago and the Gallardo are built after Audi bought the company and are much better. Even if it's a letdown to find interior parts that you also find in an A4.

No, give me something German every day of the week. I'm currently in a new-ish Porsche 911 and love it to death. I can use it every day, even in snow. I can drive to the track, drive it hard all day, and then drive it home again when the tires are almost used up. Try that in a Ferrari... Or try to find a Ferrari like this:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8...123_181415.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P...2/IMG_4925.JPG


Now you may argue that Ferraris or Lambos have more "soul", but for me, excellent engineering always wins my heart in the end. Just like a very fine piece of hand-made precision engineering in an exclusive timepiece.

... I heart posh! :love:

:lol:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Thklinge

The Corvette may be known for, on paper, to deliver blistering performance at a budget. On the road though it's a bit different. The money goes into the engine, but the suspension? Not at all. Which is why it handles as poorly as it does. They don't put any money into the interior either...

The Diablo is a special piece of kit, but as every other older Italian car it breaks down every 500 yards and costs a fortune to keep in order. Naturally, the same can be said for Ferraris and Alfas. Porsche owners that have a bit of a "rainy day" often visit Ferrari 348 or 355 forums, read about the endless list of problems and suddenly get in a much better mood. ;) Newer Lambos like the Murcielago and the Gallardo are built after Audi bought the company and are much better. Even if it's a letdown to find interior parts that you also find in an A4.

No, give me something German every day of the week. I'm currently in a new-ish Porsche 911 and love it to death. I can use it every day, even in snow. I can drive to the track, drive it hard all day, and then drive it home again when the tires are almost used up. Try that in a Ferrari... Or try to find a Ferrari like this:



https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P...2/IMG_4925.JPG


Now you may argue that Ferraris or Lambos have more "soul", but for me, excellent engineering always wins my heart in the end. Just like a very fine piece of hand-made precision engineering in an exclusive timepiece.

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I love this photo and I appreciate fine engineering. I'm not gonna work under any cars and open any watches but, ya know, I appreciate from a far. Usually from the waiting area of Valley Motors Mercedes. LOL

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Originally Posted by ryandh

... I heart posh! :love:

:lol:

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I heart you. :D

I don't repair cars nor watches, but I do appreciate when something is built by people that put great pride in making and outstanding product, and one that is built to last "forever". The last point is even more important in todays world where companies have learned about a little something called planned obsolescence...

Anyways, my point was my love for great engineering. And you wont find that in a Corvette or an old Italian car. But they do got soul and I understand why people like them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bruce sloane

Aaahh ....
Corvettes are rare in the Riv, the European Union as a whole
for instance, there are less than 50 in Sweden
so, of course You saw none

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What?

Just by looking at the most popular car site here in Sweden (www.garaget.org) there are about 500 Corvettes registered.

Corvette and Mustangs for example are viewed as muscles cars here in Europe and some people love that, but they have never been viewed as an exclusive car.

Good post Posh!

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Originally Posted by Supercoca

What?

Just by looking at the most popular car site here in Sweden (www.garaget.org) there are about 500 Corvettes registered.

Corvette and Mustangs for example are viewed as muscles cars here in Europe and some people love that, but they have never been viewed as an exclusive car.

Good post Posh!

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Thanks, Coca!

The Corvette is one of those things that defies explanation, like Donald Trump's hair.

love the range rover

I definitely believe the world lost something beautiful when Overfinch went into receivership. :( Maybe someone will purchase the brand and it'll be reborn. One can only hope.