There was a time when a car was a relatively simple mechanism that gave basic information, and got it's driver and passengers from A to Z. Now, they are over-engineered computers, some of which drive themselves more efficiently than we humans. If you think like me and are impressed by gadgets and gizmos, your work is cut out for you when trying to choose the next car to buy.
There is a lot of one's personality present in the model and make of car that we spend our time in getting around in with pride. It's a shame that budget has to come into it. Otherwise, it would be a case of show me the car you drive and I will tell you who you are.
I have a wish list that will come into play the day I win the Euro Millions jackpot. At the very top of my list is the Maserati. I will order two, one in black and the other in British Racing Green. If I am asked for an explanation as to why, I shall reply, it's a Maserati, no explanation neccessary.
Second on my list is my beloved Jaguar. When I lived in England, many moons ago, I owned an XK 120, British Racing Green and convertible. It was while driving that car to the Queen Elizabeth Hall, dressed in my tux to attend a concert conducted by Colin Davis, under the patronage of the Queen Mother, that I stopped at a red light and was immediately mistaken for Lenny Henry by three young girls. (I signed your autographs for you, and I gracefully accepted their kisses for you as well. Hope that's O.K. with you, Len.)
That was the beginning of a very long love affair between me and Jaguar. I now drive an XJ6 Sovereign, which for me is the classic design for Jaguars. The newest XF model is taking some time to grow on me. I know that the engineering is there, but I'm still only lukewarm to the design.
I know that the Mercedes S-type model has always led the way in new innovations, and it truly is a wonder in new everything. The S-type gets all the new advances first, so really, if I do win some big money I should really get myself around to Mercedes right away, but I am not really the Mercedes type. That can also be said about me and various other quality cars, such as a Rolls, and the Land Rover. I always think of the people who own them as tweedy types with patches on the elbows of their jackets. I must admit I do stop and look as a Range Rover goes by. There is sex appeal in that car.
Everybody's friend, Jay Leno, who must be a Libra, gave up trying to make a choice of which car to have and simply has one of everything. What a lucky man.
The buying public is faced with a bewildering range of brands and makes and models. Perhaps it is price that needs to narrow the range, but one thing we notice is that the same chassis can be found across a number of brands. My present everyday car is a Volvo 850, a very old car, admittedly, but a fine piece of machinery that is so reliable it is hard to find a reason to part company with it. You know what it is like to have an old pair of very comfortable slippers. That's the feeling I have for my Volvo. However, the day is coming when I will move on, and for all my talk about Maserati and Mercedes I will most probably choose a Volvo XC60. For my 30,000 euros I will get safety, comfort, styling, and gizmos as usual, and life will continue to be good.
Volvo, brought to us by the Swedish folks who will host the next EuroVision song contest. We can be sure it will be a stylish and safe show.
Copyright (c) 2015 Eugene Carmichael
