Thanks for writing about these people and their cars. I’ve seen a few restorations like these—even a Chevette, but it’s been a while since I’ve seen it—admire the owners and wonder about their thinking. In that regard I’d be interested in reading a more in depth interview with some of them.

You could write a short story about an automotive journalist who tries to search for the words for a favorite automotive brand, hears “BMW” emerge from her or his mouth, while internally screaming “No?! Why did I say that?!” and delves into a deep sci-fi-style conspiracy. There has to be a scene with shaking hands at…

This is likely an obvious, somewhat boring answer, but a Mazda 3 hatch. Getting one without a sunroof should provide plenty of headroom. It’ll have enough space in the back for a bike (with the back seat down). It’s a comfortable place to be for a couple hours a day (although I gather some recent ones have …

When I was in my early 20s I had a turquoise car and was somewhat embarrassed while driving it in a funeral procession. Now that I’m older I have a black car (albeit one with a big grin) and am somewhat troubled it could fit in a funeral procession.

I want to know the story of the Beetle. Is it in a hotel parking lot because someone is driving it on a long trip? If so, I think this person is awesome.

Yup. In the mid-late 80s it was common to see 70s Cutlasses with wooden bumper replacements. I was one of them. To this day whenever I briefly think about buying a GM vehicle I recall standing at the side of the road, looking at the just-fallen-off bumper on my 79 (I think) Cutlass Supreme, and laughing. I wasn’t…

Good idea. A well-cared for G37 is another option.  Still a lot to handle, however.

I wasn’t aware others did this, although I try to be somewhat subtle to avoid undue suspicion. A couple weeks ago I visited an Apple store and noticed some interesting cars in the lot. After a few glances revealing automatics, I spotted a Civic R and Golf R parked next to each other, close to my car. I had to take…

Thanks. It’s been a while since I’ve even seen one being driven, but I’ll have to watch.

Thanks.  That sounds great, and a fun, unique, and somewhat challenging way to see more of the world. 

Very cool!  Thanks. 

But that stupid is part of a cool story. A lot of stupids are not.

I also really want to compete in a rally.

A few I discovered that caused people to question my sexuality:

Thanks; it sounds like it was a great car for you. I also had two-hour round trip commutes for several years. I’m surprised the steering rack was hydraulic, as the one I drove didn’t seem to have any feedback, at least in terms of communicating the road surface and what the tires were doing. I felt bumps through the…

Cool. Have you owned one for a while? I only had a short time with a G37, but it was less than ideal conditions. It was the sedan version with a manual (I didn’t know how rare they were at the time), but I didn’t really care for how the stick felt, how much it vibrated, nor how it felt a bit disconnected. The…

When reading the comment about the Stinger’s being “an interesting amalgamation of a muscle car and a luxury sedan,” I recalled test driving an Infiniti G37. It struck me as more of a muscle car with amenities than a sports sedan, which sounds a bit like the Stinger. So I’m wondering how they’d compare.

I never thought about Porsches looking dorky. But my favorite people are dorky. I’m utterly dorky. Seeing Porsches has always made me feel funny inside (in a good—I suppose dorky—way). So it all makes sense now! Thanks?

I’ve occasionally sent notes to dealers telling them a car was listed as a manual but the photos show it isn’t. Not mean, simply as an FYI.  I thought I was being helpful.

I can’t see it other than the Ford stream, but listening on Radio Le Mans has been good, especially when Leena Gade was a guest.