As a kid, my dad was always talking about cars. I learned about Mustangs and Corvettes.
Because I had some really crappy cars, I also learned a lot about working on them. Ford EXP anyone? Oof.
Anyway, I haven’t quite been able to shake my love of silly machines. I once owned an Acura NSX. It was a fine vehicle, but I’m happy to have sold it.
Recently, I went to Los Angeles and one of the reasons was to visit the Petersen Automotive Museum. The Petersen has a spectacular collection of cars. My favorites are the fast ones from my youth and the Petersen did not disappoint.
And I didn’t just see supercars.
The car I was most curious to see was the new Tesla Roadster. Electric cars are the future and the new Roadster will be the fastest car in the world (0-60) when it is released.
I admit that the styling on the Tesla is a little boring compared to the supercars of my past, but electric cars need to prioritize function over form. Aerodynamics are critical to maximizing range.
I realize that my love of cars is a bit ridiculous, but here we are. With that said, I’ll probably never own a fancy car again. My 2003 Honda Element works fine, is cheap to insure, and is useful for hauling crap around.
Experiences like visiting the Petersen are a good way for some of us to scratch our itches. I don’t want to spend a lot of money on silly toys, but I can still look at them or perhaps even rent one for a day.
Anyone out there have a Tesla Roadster reservation? 🙂
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You HAD to bring up the EXP. A buddy of mine in high school had one of those and even the guy with the ’84 Reliant made fun of him for it. Erich got the last laugh — I think he’s on his third Tesla.
My best friend gave me a 1:24 model of a black Countach in the late 80s. I couldn’t imagine seeing one in person. My nostalgia-addled grade-school brain would likely shut down for a few minutes.
Thanks for the photos; I’m glad you can get your fix without blowing six figures!
Haha! The EXP was awful. I had the earlier one that looked like the love child of a Ford Escort and a frog (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_EXP). What an awful car.
The Petersen is awesome and cheap ($15 for a ticket). Check it out next time you’re in LA.
Morbid fact: The Petersen Automotive Museum is where the Notorious BIG was shot and killed
Whoah, I looked it up and the intersection where it happened is where Mindy dropped me off! No plaque to mark that spot there!
I had a 1986 Ford Escort EXP! This was the fuel injected version. A 2 door Ford escort with no back seat – Things dreams are made of haha!
I’ll take the Shelby Cobra!
Oooh, love the shots! But, of course, you’re missing the most important car line of all! 😉 Where’s a Fairlady or two?!
We’ll be LA early September. Flights booked. This place is on the list to visit!
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Wait you have an 18 year old car?! What?! You just gave me renewed inspiration to keep my car for 12 more years, Carl.
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Those are some impressive wheels Carl! I feel the same way, doing these kinds of things can scratch that itch of missing out, I too visit the auto show each year for that reason.
Have you been to the Forney Museum near you in Denver? That one was also pretty enjoyable.
https://www.forneymuseum.org/
Gary! I have not been to the Forney Museum! I’ve never even heard of it, so thank you for bringing it to my attention. I’ll make it down there before the year is up.
And woo, $TSLA earnings tomorrow!
I still love the Countach. I’m quite curious about the new electric model bring planned, would be nice to see it in action, but not likely a purchase ever =)
I love the original Countach too! It was even better in person. What an iconic machine!
The new one still burns dinosaur juice: https://www.lamborghini.com/en-en/models/limited-series/countach-lpi-800-4