I think I may have mentioned in prior scribblings that I started washing cars at the age of eleven, at first for ‘pocket money’ but as my endeavor grew, so did the bounty and I ended up paying a buddy to help with the load. Of course, I paid him less than I got; thus, my introduction to capitalism and management.
That would have been in 1959 but the ferocious and deadly winter of 1963 put paid to that, when my bucket, sponge and leather froze before my eyes, along with my skin and I became a greengrocery delivery boy, just like my twin brother who did the same for the local butcher. It was still cold on a bike!
That was the start of my life with cars (and anything to do with cars) and now, even in retirement, the interest is like dog poop on my shoes; I can’t get rid of it!
One would think I could make a seemly exit from the business, buy a grey Toyota Corolla and blend in with the local populous with no muss, no fuss. The only camouflage I adopted was having an old Range Rover Classic painted in Desert Digital Camo. I gave it to my son after a while and it now constitutes a type of ‘yard art’.
I’ve always had an affection (or is it affliction) for Land Rovers and have enjoyed all kinds of models from Series IIIs in the UK, Defenders, Discoveries, an LR4 and numerous Range Rovers. I still own a 1997 Range Rover Vitesse in AA Yellow (one of 125), originally my company car, which I purchased when the company was sold. It’s still my everyday errand car and while Terry doesn’t understand my willingness to continue my charitable donations for its survival, it’s never really let me down. I’ve had to “limp” home on a few occasions and I drive it all the way to Nashville for Kenny, my Rover ‘boffin’ to ensure it carries on puffing and wheezing a while longer. Terry, meanwhile, huffs and puffs about the expense – until her Genesis went in for a service - $2200 later, she doesn’t mention my old banger much anymore.
Whilst I have other cars, I still can’t stop everyday forays into so many websites to see what’s about and what prices are doing. Auction sites still mesmerize me – the on-line ones like Hemmings, Bring-a-Trailer and Bids and Cars lure me in for a couple of hours a day.
I’m glued to the telly for the Barrett Jackson sales and It’s even better spending three or four days there to get totally imbued in the buzz and marvel at some of the handywork. Their exhibitions are fabulous and then they attract other auction houses, each with their own specialties – it’s mind-boggling.
The Mecums have grown tremendously with their muscle car sales. Their set-up and tear-down is like a travelling circus – fascinating.
I love that the efficiency of the wholesale automobile auction industry whiles quietly by without the pomp and circumstance – the numbers are stunning and the infrastructure today is nothing short of a marvel.
No wonder my obsession sticks – it’s in my blood.
