Cars with Character

[Gordon C Hyde <gohyde@domain.elided>]

Nizam Zambri writes about  164S vs 535i  (editorial snips here)
>I'd like to refer to an earlier thread about Milanos versus M3's.  Buy
the Alfa.
>I've been down this road before when I wanted a "new" car to replace my
>Milano Verde.  My dad had an 87 528i which he then replaced with a 96 
>525i.
>noting the abundant power and extremely agile chasis, I opted to buy a
used 1994 164LS.
>Huh??  What?  How come?  Even though the 164LS checked in at 210 hp 
>versus the US-spec M3 at 240hp the M3 did not afford me the exclusivity,
nor 
>did it offer me the fun factor.  BMW's are incredibly German (well,
DUH).
>Exact, precise. I don't know how else to describe it.  I felt the car
was robbing >me of my pleasure.  It almostsaid, "You want to go fast? 
There, we're fast."  >No drama.  No audienceparticipation necessary.
>Then there's peer appreciation.  They could say, "Wow, you got a new
>Bimmer," or they could say, "Wow, what's THAT?"  The choice is yours. 
>If you have $10,000 to spend and can find a 164S and a 535i in equal
>condition, I'd go with the 164S, front wheel drive and all.


Eloquently put, Nizam.  If I could convince my wife to care for her car
the way I would like, she would be in a 164 instead of the Mazda 929 that
she currently drives.  My daughter (16 years old) would love to be in
anything but the Acura Integra that was handed down to her.  And my 14
year old son already has money in the bank for the Mint Milano that he
hopes to own in two years.
Something tells me it is all about SOUL, which cannot be captured by
others than the romantic Italians.  
I was talking to a new neighbor who has a 1980 280Z with 42K on it, never
in the rain, etc.  He says, "my brother has Triumphs, you have your Alfa,
but you guys always have greasy fingers.  My hands are clean and the Z
always starts."  I replied, "But our cars have character, and you will
never claim that distinction."

Gordy Hyde
NWARC
1987 Spider (the top is down,and the car is out)
Sunshine in Seattle (what a concept)

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