Getting into all the fun of "tearing down, clean it up, and put it back in" has really put a spark back into the part of my brain that thinks "if I could choose any cars on the planet for myself, what would I pick?" So I've decided to make a list from ten counting down so I can always reference it later in life to see how my taste changes. So here we go.
10. The 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville. This car would be from my favorite time period of all, the massive autos of the late 50's to early 60's. You cant mistake those iconic fins. It just makes me think of going to the highway diner late Friday night after a movie at the drive-in. They weren't cheap back in the day at $5,252.00 but hopefully you were a senior in high school when this beauty hit the dealerships so dad would let you take it to prom.9. The Nissan GT-R. The best thing to come out of Japan since ninjas. Earlier versions of this car were so fast, that they were illegal in the U.S. But make no mistake, this car will still break your neck just like it did to Jeromey Clarkson. What really grabs me about this car is all the tech stuff they've put into it. Aside from tires filled with nitrogen to be more stable and an engine assembled in a pressurized room to gain maximum horse power, the tach and gages were designed by a company that makes racing video games. Not bad.
8. Ariel Atom. What could be better that a home grown American asphalt kicker. It's amazing what you can do in a car that has 300 hp and weighs about 1,005 lb. If you don't like your face where it is just stomp the peddle from a dead stop to reach 60 mph in 3 seconds and it will be relocated to the back of your skull. And of course, in All-American fashion, they're now offering the same car that produces 500 hp.7. 1951 Mercury Custom. Opposite of every lead foot is the cruiser. Why drive fast when you can give everyone a chance to see you in a triple black lowered classic. Its safe to say you would make almost anyone regret being seen in their own car after you drive by in one of these. Though is wasn't the strongest seller of it's day, today, the '51 Merc is one of the most sought after classic cars and have seen going for as much as $600k.
6. Bugatti Veyron 16.4. What can be said that hasn't been said already? Shortly after Volkswagen purchased the rights to produce cars under the Bugatti name in late 90s the Veyron project was started. It is the fastest, most powerful, most expensive road car in the world. What do you get for $1.6 million? A car that's faster than an F1 race car and you can drive it to work. I would buy it, and then I would drive it at 257 mph everywhere. I can't think of any police cars that go that fast. Even speed guns won't go that high. Perfect if you need to get from LA to Vegas in an hour.
5. Aston Martin One-77. Never heard of it? That's because this is one of the most exclusive cars ever made. And you don't just go down and buy one. You have to be one of the lucky 77 people on this planet that are chosen (or invited) by the designer who hand builds each one specifically for you. The 7.3 litre naturally aspirated V12 and hand shaped body would make even James Bond drool.4. 2001 Volkswagen Microbus Concept (Detroit Auto Show). Oh how I wish they had moved forward with this project. One of the coolest cars I have ever seen was a new generation VW fun bus that paid homage to the earlier buses of the 50's and 60's that have a cult status today, but still was completely original inside and out. It was designed by the Volkswagen Design Studio in Simi Valley, Ca. but in the middle of development VW decided that the 2001 American market needed a new compact SUV, not a minivan for the future.
3. Subaru Impreza WRX STi WRC2008. I know it's a long name. I guess with Japanese cars, the longer the name, the better it is because this car is amazing. But the only reason why I would have this car over super cars that cost 10 times as much is because they can't go where this one can. The all-wheel drive system and special suspension makes it able to zip up some of the roughest race courses in the world. Lets see you take a Lamborghini into the Norwegian forests or take a Ferrari up Pikes Peak with your tires on the edge of a 7,000 ft cliff.2. Billy Gibbon's CADZILLA. Almost before you think of gigantic white beards, when you hear the name ZZ Top you think of amazing hot rods. This car, however, is beyond what most custom car builders even aim for. It's not what I would call flashy. Because it was designed and built so well it almost looks like it came this way from the factory . . . an evil factory. It's dark, low, and mean looking. This would fit into my fantasy garage perfect, especially for the times when I take myself down to the local prison yard to beat all the inmates up just for the fun of it. If you see Mr. Gibbons driving this beast around town, don't look him in the eyes.
1. 1964 Lincoln Continental. Hardtop or convertible, it doesn't matter. I would take one either way. The ultimate dream car for yours truly is this rolling masterpiece. The Continental was the bridge that connected the luxury and technology of the ultra wealthy to the common man who had families and a 9 to 5 job. Even today, it's perfect for everything from everyday driving to weekend cruising to special events and parades. I love all the unique details of the car too; the suicide doors that the car is famous for, the trunk that's big enough to rent out for the summer, the rain gutter style trim that makes the Lincoln look like a yacht driving down main street. It looks good from any angle. It looks good stock or customized. And the best part is that no one bought them. Cadillac was such a monster over the Lincoln in sales because the Continental was so much more expensive in 1964 so you hardly ever see them. It makes it just that much more special when one turns up. Out of all the cars in the world, from multi-million dollar rockets on wheels to the humble putters to the unique and rare vehicles to choose from, the 1964 Lincoln Continental is the one I like best.
