Here I am, sitting next to Newport, lounging in the sunset. I feel incredibly happy and relaxed... life cannot but get better. I have my future in the palm of my hand, and the more people I meet, the more people I talk to, open new exciting possibilities. I am thankful for Newport, and, as much as I like the Pagodas and the P1800, I would not drive anything else. This is the perfect car, the battleship for the voyage to the stars. I want to drive Newport and maintain it to the end of time... I have learned so much at its wheel, contrasted the parallels between mechanics and life, seen and bathed in the American landscape. I shall be faithful to it and, if the day ever comes many decades from now, I shall have it die in my arms like a fellow soldier, or a loving wife. I dread the moment when, because of an unaware driver, Newport will give its life to save mine.
I am meeting some interesting characters in the upscale car industry, including two vintage Mercedes salesmen. One day I would like to maintain a lifestyle that would involve traveling around (documented here, naturally), searching for old cars and reviving them to their glory. I now know someone who does that for a living, but from his office chair. I do want to circle the country several times, to even go abroad in a quest for four-wheeled beauty. One day, one day... but, at the pace I am going at, sooner than I think.
Enough for now. Here are some pictures of the workshop I am currently at, including some of the cars I have gotten my hands on!
American: 1957 El Dorado Biarritz, a 1949 Jeepster... and a stingray!
Play of numbers: a 500... and a 600.
These XK's are a pain to work on, seriously. NEVER get one.
Servicing the new ones! The blue racecar in the back is a Bristol.
View from the shop's mezzanine.
I take these cars out every day. I personally love the W111.
Materials! Materials! Materials!
The restorer's corner... a beauty to behold.
1941 Cadillac Lasalle... and the P1800 I have a crush on.
Tools of the trade. Hazet and Snap-On, naturally.
Beauty shot... I will start moving this poor 220D soon.
This is what I call... relief. This shelf makes everything make sense.
Our waiting room... nicely decorated!
The "fast moving" parts section.
White 280SL and... a Fiat 2300S Coupe. Gorgeous!
Oh, wait... what do we have here?!
I did help put the engine on this one. What an honor.
Ready to fly!
What I am most bummed about:
1) It is actually freezing cold now, and I am sitting outside. Mark Twain said that "the coldest winter he had ever spent was a Summer in San Francisco"... now I know what he means. Sun's out, heat's out.
2) I left the camera home when we had to service a black 300SL and a long-wheelbase, one-owner 600. Aaaah!
