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Back in 200 I bought what I considered my unobtainable dream car. It was a 1977 Ferrari GTB in Red/Tan. I never thought I would have a car like it but managed to luck into it. I kept it for 14 years and put 34K miles on it. Never drove it in the rain or snow and would spend time cleaning and admiring. When I reached my 70's I decided it was time to share my experience so I sold the car to get a nice convertible cruiser. Unlike the F-car I wanted something we could enjoy and drive so that's what we are doing. Today I opened our local paper and see one of my past co-workers died at age 59. It was like a bolt of lightening hitting which brings to light that I can't keep the car in the garage or save it for others or spend time wash and waxing it. Life is to short and considering I'm in the red zone it's time to go for a long drive today. So drive em if you got em.
Agreed! If I didn't drive my car because of inclement weather I would never get to take out.
I gave it a quick wash on Friday and was happy as a clam driving it around. Saturday rolls around, the Wife takes it out to run some errands, stupid storm rolled in and car got rained on. I was hoping it would stay clean for at least the weekend darn-it. Regardless with my vehicles I do not preserve, I consume.
Jagtoes,
I drive somewhere between 20-30,000 miles per year. I rarely buy cars but when I do, I choose something that I know I want to spend time in and enjoy driving because I will spend so much time doing so. I don't buy cars as investments, I buy them to drive them, so I think your attitude is spot on. In the next couple of weeks, I get my '72 Pantera back from a two year refreshing that put a new engine, clutch, fuel injection, vastly improved cooling system, respray, all the things that would want to make me drive it more than the 10 or 20 miles per year that I had been doing over the past 5 years or so. But, because of a very, poorly and slowly healing minor surgery on my left foot, depressing a clutch will be impossible for the near future if not forever, walking is already so painful. It's the first time I've contemplated selling it because it doesn't get driven, and I can only enjoy looking at it for so long.
So....drive on and enjoy life, I need to heed some of that advice as well.
Ted
I wasn't sure what to think when I saw this scenic photo on the wall directly in front of me while I was on the treadmill the Nuclear Stress Test Department at my local hospital. Thinking about it, I concluded that whoever chose it had a macabre sense of humor. I got the message: "You've reached the end of the road."
Well, almost. That was over 3 years ago and I'm very fortunate to still be here. Thanks to great docs and therapists, I'm now in better shape than I've been in decades. But it was a helluva way to get there. This was my left anterior descending coronary artery (the "widowmaker") immediately before the emergency stent surgery. 95% blocked.
To all the Vietnam veterans on this Forum: If you have ischemic heart disease, the VA has determined that it was caused by exposure to Agent Orange and, therefore, you qualify for disability benefits. PM me for details.
This really hits home with where I am right now. Lost my father at 56 almost two years ago to an Aortic Dissection. Bought the XKR as my splurge in the aftermath [my midlife crisis if I'm being grim]. Just went and got my first CT and there was a finding of some ectasia of mine. Should be nothing, but feeling very human right now.
I get **** from the coworkers for driving it into work pretty regularly, but you never know when your clock will toll, and I bought it to drive. I am regretting going with summers that can't dip below 40 and that has kept her garaged more.
I am glad you all are enjoying the rides. Thank you for your service Stuart. Thank you for the reminder to keep on driving.
Last year on my 68th birthday I retired from full employment when it occurred to me that both my parents died in their 80th year.
I was thinking along the lines that I might have just 12 more years left, and I may be physically unable to use a low sporty car long before that.
That day I made some decisions, amoung others they are:
I will fly and drive my toys as much, and as often as I could.
If I reach 80, I'm going to start smoking again, it wont kill me.
I will take one or better still two, stiff Gin and Tonics daily.
I will stop accumulating stuff, and simplify my life by devolving. (Unless it's a Snap On tool I can't live without)
I will move to a warmer climate so I can use my toys more often.
Regards,
Indeed. Bought the XK last year, bought a second motorcycle (touring bike) last week. Gonna be hittin the road more for sure. My dad died suddenly young(ish) and healthy 2 years ago. Time is a ticking..... Let's enjoy the time we have left as much as we can afford to.
Hey - I'm two time Cancer survivor, both Prostate and Colon. Colon was in 06 and Prostate in 08. Both caught earlier and excised. I retired after the first bout and moved from Chicago to Southern California. When I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer I decided I would swap my 04 XJR for an XK convertible after the surgery and when the prognosis was positive.
I now have a 13 XKR that is my daily driver which I drive three days a week to my club to play old man's doubles tennis. I do some community work and play bridge. My wife and are still in love after 30 years. In a few words, "Life's good", in some part due to the pleasure that driving the XKR gives me.
... My wife and are still in love after 30 years. In a few words, "Life's good", in some part due to the pleasure that driving the XKR gives me.
By the way I entered my ninth decade 10 days ago.
Ralph,
Congrats and many more! Age is not an absolute; it is a state of mind - like mind over matter. So, if she doesn't mind, it doesn't matter. And, most of all, a man is only as old as she feels!
Ralph,
Yes I've had a little brush or two with the big C myself, and I won't be taking all bits I came with to my grave, never the less 90 is a wonderful achievement.
My hearty congratulations, and I sincerely hope I will emulate you.
Deepest Regards,
P.S. No doubt in the exasperated belief that I wouldn't be able to look after myself, my wife demanded of me "What would you do if I died?"
"Buy a carton of cigarettes and a Ducati" I replied.
She came right back, with the smart mouth I've lived with for 35 years, but at least with a smile, "So you wouldn't be far behind me then".
Even that didn't detract from the fantasy of riding to the airport on a Ducatti Desmo, cigarette in my mouth, anticipating a nice cross country with a $100.00 hamburger for lunch...
Last edited by White Bear; Feb 21, 2017 at 10:07 PM.
Don't procrastinate; there are no guarantees, except for one - and it's nonrefundable. So live your dreams while you can and buy that dream car now. Celebrate after you get it home by opening that bottle of wine while in the driver's seat - in your garage, of course, and make a toast to your good fortune. Even if you're not Jewish say "L'Chaim!" - To Life! Make the most of it!
My Dad is 91, I'm going to be 70 in 6 months. I grew up with Dad buying, peddling cars as a hobby for years. I sell cars as a living and am tempted virtually every week as cars are traded in. I've been with this dealer for 15 years now and have owned at least 25 cars. I decided last year I need a Jaguar so I bought an 2005 XK convert. At the present time I own an 88 S class Mercedes, 1988 Red Allante roadster and the Jag. Age is a mental state and by swapping cars, I never feel older. I drive all of them weekly depending on mood. If family history is an indicator, I have 20+ more years to enjoy this hobby! It's nice to read that others feel the same.
I gotta drive more
