The ‘Monterey Week’ in August is a bucket list destination for practically all motorheads. If it’s not on yours, you should check your pulse. Whether your automotive passion is for racing, concours, tours, automobilia or auctions, there’s something for you here.
The Vesuvio Gray Giulia TI Sport I was driving quickly cast a spell over me as had not been the case with so many other contemporary cars. It was clear that it was both capable and characterful, but not with the kind of ‘quirky’ character that Italian cars can sometimes possess. That and the fact that it attracted an amazing amount of attention wherever I went sealed the deal.
People who are not auto enthusiasts might find the concept of ‘bonding’ with a car strange. After all, how can you form an emotional attachment with an inanimate object? Anyone reading this piece wouldn’t have a problem with the idea but let me elaborate- so you might be better prepared the next time some well meaning but dense friend, relative or stranger attacks you for your incomprehensible behavior.
Since I’ve been away, much has happened in the world. Not least of which was ‘Brexit’. As predicted, the world financial markets all experienced declines and the Pound Sterling and Euro dived against the dollar. But, does it have an effect on the collector car market?
A move back to Connecticut preceded my furthest relocation at the time, 2,824 miles to Southern California where I currently hang my hat when not bouncing around the world for work. That work most recently led me to establish a part-time residence in Northern Italy, and had me reflecting on the cars I’ve owned and how my place of residence may have influenced my choices.
While I am drawn to many vehicles because of their design, my real joy comes in driving. There are certainly cars that might be considered by some to be a bit “visually challenged” but nonetheless deliver a rewarding experience behind the wheel.
The recent ‘generational shift’ in collecting may actually be examples of ‘mature’ collectors seeking a more comfortable, reliable and usable ride. It’s one of those rare instances in which we Baby Boomers can share an opinion with the Millennials without embarrassment or explanation.
I had owned a 1967 Mercedes-Benz 230SL shortly after graduating college and loved that car for its purely mechanical appeal. The younger 230 SLK had so much of the same DNA it was remarkable. It felt like a modern roadster, yet was unmistakably Mercedes.
Looking back on the first five weeks of classic car auction sales in 2016, the immortal words of Mr. Dickens come to mind. Depending on which sale to which you consigned your car and what your car was, it was either the best of times or very much the worst of times.
