Chris Birt Sir Edmund Hillary (I am sorry, did I miss something?) was once asked why, in the deepest sense, he risked his life to climb Mount Everest. “Because it was there,” he answered. I have a corollary when asked about certain cars to buy. Some cars are just waiting there for you to buy. Because certain … Read more
I have never fully grasped the term “waiting out the storm.” I can understand doing so during mountaineering expeditions, but not neccessarily during a blizzard in the urban jungle. Not when there are great cars that can plow through snow faster than Tony Montana without blowing a kingpin’s fortune. All it takes is knowledge of … Read more
Now that the saturnine Dixie Chicks have been given their rightful due I think we should pause to remember that 40 years ago a single singer could do the job of three. I am talking about the infinitely more talented Joan Baez. Joan Baez remains more talented as an artist and perhaps more confused as … Read more
As the weather turns wicked, my automotive thoughts turn to something other than the utilitarian SUV. Or even, for that matter, the overweighted blinged out luxurious SUVs of today. My thoughts turn instead to luxury–pure luxury as it was once defined. Of course what makes a luxury car truly luxurious is harder to answer in … Read more
Not everyone can collect cars like Jay Leno. In fact, car collecting usually turns out to be a dark comedy for most virgins. Not if you read this blog, however. A few months back I encouraged all of you to purchase a Mercedes Benz 280 SL. last made in 1971. I recently spotted prices going … Read more
I recently suffered through a wine and cheese party at Lutsen. I met two investment bankers (I have nothing against investment bankers) who had just turned 40. Our conversation immediately focused on lines and distinctions. The talk centered upon Denver, where one of the bankers had grown up. I mentioned where I have my office … Read more
Used car dealers have always had a richer lexicon than they are generally given credit for. While terms such as “cream puff” and “stand up vehicle” remain vaguely incredulous, I don’t know of another industry in the world that has done more for the image of geriatrics. Any used car dealer in the United States … Read more
I ocassionaly excerpt work from my bulletin board of blogs called groovyman.com. If you are traveling over the holiday, allow “The Road Rake” to offer his comments on how to end arguments between “family DJs” during long drives. Because most people lack the time, talent or inclination to actually master a musical instrument, their “music” … Read more
Back in my day, you know, before tabbed websites and wikis, parents generally dreaded the long road trip. Today they seem to dread the lack of communication with their IPODed, vidiotic little brats (not recognizing their complicity in the process). I comment about cars. I have no idea what it takes to be a parent. … Read more
Machismo is integtral to Latin culture. I am no expert on either Latin culture nor, neccessarily, pure manliness. On the other hand, I know about cars. I also know that very small utility vehicles are popular in many Latin countries. There is something macho about purpose-built vehicles, particularly when they can be purchased at a … Read more