Even when you're a total car nut that appreciates anything with four wheels, this whole automotive business eventually gets to you relatively quickly. What do I mean?
Essentially, you're exposed to the latest and greatest so often that you become a little diluted. What I am trying to say is that even some of the most extraordinary vehicles of today's marketplace become "Meh."
**For the old timers in here, "Meh," is an adjective that simply states indifference.
With summer upon us though, there is the good ol' fashion local car show. But some of these aren't just a gathering of 1980s Chevrolet Camaro Z28s at the local hole in the wall, we're talkin' about Concours-level events.
My most recent adventure was the 2011 Greenwich Concours, or as I like to call it "The world's greatest pissing contest, 2011." Essentially, you get all sorts of rare hardware converging in one spot, and of course this brings out the one-uppers. Probably the most overheard comments of the day was "Do you know [insert name here]? He's got x, y, z!"
X, Y, Z being variables for ludicrous examples of automotive pornography, much like the show stopper I came across. I have been waiting to see this vehicle for years and I finally got the opportunity.
Everyone has their ultimate, money-no-object dream car. Typically, it's obscenely expensive and the money could be put to better use; however, you know that given the means you would have one in your garage.
For me, it's the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT California. I prefer the short wheelbase but given I hadn't seen either, I wasn't going to be picky that this one was the long wheelbase.
I didn't even know it was there but there she was, way at the back end of the event in the Italian circle of love. What struck me was how people don't understand the significance of the California. While there was a mob of people at the Bugatti Veyron, approximately 100 to 200 feet away, there were about a handful of people near the Ferrari.
Between this and the Jersey Shore, I don't know what's more offensive.
The brilliant thing about this particular specimen is that it is completely original. Nothing has been touched. Upon closer inspection you can tell this vehicle is the real deal. You can see marks from how the metal was shaped by hand and the paint is pitted and fading in some spots.
Now I fully understand why hardcore collectors prefer originals. When you have a restored car it doesn't tell the same story -- it looks new. The real beauty is getting to see how this car has somehow ridden its life out looking as good as it still does.
When I walked away from the Cali though, it didn't manage to have that disappointing after effect of most childhood heroes that don't deliver. Though I will admit I don't find myself lusting and yearning anymore.
Maybe it's because the quest is over or I know I'll have to wait a while to get the chance to see that epic metal once more.
Maybe next time I'll hear it turnover and it'll make me fall in love all over again...
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