About Maestro1

Maestro1

I owned one of these as a street car not certainly with the modifications for racing but it was phenomenal for its time, even in stock dress. I'm sorry I sold it. And let's not get into gas mileage..........

Maestro1

Briefly: A friend of mine and I took a ride to Monterey from San Francisco to sightsee and since we were on a budget in those days we rented a Corolla. I was very impressed with the ride quality and quality of assembly both interior and exterior. Ours was an automatic if I remember correctly and performed pretty well staying with freeway traffic and so on. There's an old Camry sitting forlon on one of the side streets in my village. The hunt of the owner is on.............Very well done Mr. Lim.

Maestro1

I, too, am a person living his bliss. At sacrifice and certainly uncommon, I have made it through fairly successfully and now have my cars and almost a complete destiny. Blessings to you. Be who you are. Compromising with your destiny is wrong. Very well done.

Maestro1

I'd be very reluctant to buy a car based on its previous or existing celebrity ownership because that has nothing to do with the car. I have owned celebrity cars, but not because of that reason. Some were through litigation settlement.

Maestro1

It's very sad. Detroit has been notorious for incompetency for years, even when I lived there. The City has been cushioned by GM and Ford for too long and now that their attention is elsewhere someone has to step in and do something about what was once a proud town. Someone should have looked very carefully into the deal before the building was sold to see if the plan was realistic in the first place.

Maestro1

Excellent, Rob. I always prep whatever I'm going to drive on that trip two weeks before leaving and most of the time I've been trouble free. I simply assume I'm going to spend money on the thing before I leave town. Usually it's a Mid Sixties car, like a Chrysler I own and love, and beyond the fuel expense which is heart stopping and an occasional quart of oil the Old Boy goes down the road like the soldier it is.

Maestro1

And now, from the peanut gallery: I've had two Corvettes, both now sold, and a Pink (don't laugh) '65 Mustang hardtop with a White interior that was an experimental option from Ford called Secretarial that went nowhere. The car was brand new, on loan to me from a San Francisco Ford Dealer. It certainly got a lot of attention from the right market target. I returned it gratefully to the Ford Dealer and bought a Jaguar that afternoon. And not in Pink.

Maestro1

They are big Pussycats. I'm trying to buy one locally.

Maestro1

A classic example of guys like me who use their cars. I'm on the Left Coast so I don't see much rust and none of my cars have any. So it's all maintenance, fooling with tired electronics and normal servicing. Giving the thing what it needs. I must say I care what my cars look like and so several need very minor body work but I'm not doing; I'm leaving them alone and driving. Which is what the Hobby is about.

Maestro1

I'm not an enthusiast of the breed and I think $75,000 Broncos are absurd. I still say we're headed for a correction, and inflated prices are just another indication.

Maestro1

Yes, hyper, but you're also watching the development of a whole new application for cars. None of it will be easy nor smart; customers will buy designs with short life spans until egineering settles down and finds an application that works in the real world. And without all the astronomical pricing. And Rebate nonsense. And hybrids are a good idea. I drove one. I didn't buy it, but it was surprising in performance and all around driveability. I don't know if that's an answer being ignored. The car is a Toyota Camry, given to my friend's Wife, who loves it. I had a chance with the car when she was out of town. I can't get my Lady out of her 200,000 mile Mercedes. What can I tell you.

Maestro1

The Audi is a terrible color and an ugly car. Everrati has some very interesting ideas. For purists I'm sure that their concept is insulting but for those of us who drive our cars as much as I distrust technology it's worth considering. Also: If you do a conversion you can forget about Market values. Your fiscal destiny at completion will very much be at the hands of circumstances you can't control.

Maestro1

I don't see the point nor the product. My favorite Vettes are a 55 6 Cylinder, which leaked in the ran and was cold in the Winters (Midwest) and rode like a truck. I loved it anyway. And then a '57, much improved car, with its own eccentricities, such as moaning and groaning going down the road. Body technology was still ripening. I loved the '57's simple design, and much improved comfort levels (you could drive it in the rain, snow, whatever and not think you were on a Safari). Thanks for this.

Maestro1

I'm old enough to have the honor of watching Tony behind the wheel. I don't remember the car. He made some very good life choices and so many Blessings to him and condolences to the family. The Kia is simply ugly. GM as is its normal habit will fall on its face in Europe unless they do what one of your commentators has suggested; join with a European firm. Polestar is very interesting as product and I would look into it seriously if I were to buy a modern car and put my life in the hands of a chip.

Maestro1

Loved these. I had a friend with one, I drove it frequently, wonderful Olds characteristics. I moved across the Country, he Passed and i don't know what happened to the car.

Maestro1

When you are discussing idiocy like the GMC whatever it is, the market for it is for people with more money than brains. And absolutely never buy hands free towing. You are in a car, not your living room. And why anyone would buy an over optioned tank like the Porsche, GM, or other brand is beyond me. I own a long roof, known to you as a station wagon, with no chips to guide my destiny on the road. The car is in my hands. My responsibility. It's a domestic with over 200,000 miles on it, everybody in the family drives it, and it gives me no trouble at all. And for computer freaks, it's very mechanical. Very simple instead of the junk being built now.

Maestro1

Yes Tim, absolutely. Pioneers are often neglected in the race to get the consumer's attention.

Maestro1

You're right about cleaning the interior and replacing what needs to be replaced. Makes a huge difference.

Maestro1

James and Conner, sorry, but I'm only interested in the cars I own. I am not interested in the continuing diatribe about what everything is worth, what it will bring at auction and all the rest of it. This is a Hobby, not the stock market. Let me put it this way: I have a collection that I really like and drive with the exception of the projects underway in the barn. I think we'll have a 50% chance of a recession in two years. So certain cars will correct (reduce) in value. Temporarily. Then things will turn around again, along with all the normal press hysteria.

Maestro1

I would have purchased it, hands down. It's a great idea, Teague genious, perfect for folks like myself who have lived in cities forever; you can park it! Style and utility all in one. I don't see pictures of an interior but if this is a mule I'm not surprised. I feel badly about the Independents going out of business. There were some really interesting designs and product, and rather than having to do with the conventional wisdom (Ford, GM, and so on) one could be driving something special. Thank you Andrew, well done.

Maestro1

I've always admired 65-66 Porsche coupe designs, and this one isn't far off the mark. I am negotiating for an early Boxter, aware of the IMS Bearing issues, and I have a bid on an Automatic VW Karmann Ghia. Is that weird, or what? The Chryslers are all running well, and I have a 307,000 mile Honda that runs like a prince, inherited from some friends who decided the hell with it and moved across the Country. The first Polestar I saw was very handsome, electric cars seem to be ugly as a group. Ford doesn't understand that without an infrastructure, meaning many charging stations, someone will write a big check for a truck that goes 400 miles. Big deal.

Maestro1

If I were to be a participant it would be for the 300SEL Mercedes and the Lusso, always one of my favorite automotive designs.

Maestro1

This society has a fetish for college degrees; you can't get even a decent job without one. But in the real world they are worthless especially if you choose to work with your hands, an area desperately needed in this Country. If you make the choice, be proud. You are among the disappearing few holding the country together.

Maestro1

Jack thanks for the informative no BS article on how to get started. I did not know Hagerty had a bunch of racing nuts in the group; Blessings to all of you. I am your spectator, not your competitor. I wish you all very well.

Maestro1

Everybody thanks for sharing your life experiences. I have been around cars since the age of 10 (I'm 84) working with my Father who was also a car freak. He was an Engineer, not a repair person but we always owned a couple of cars that needed emotional support (!) I'm now living on the Left Coast can you tell? And am currently involved with the collector market, advising some people on their herds, watching market trends, and so on. And retired although you wouldn't believe that. Blessings to all of you.

Maestro1

I'm glad Lund was saved from the accident. The Lincoln is a mix of product and frankly not very appealing if it actually gets produced that way. As much as I love racing the Miami idea is wrong. I think there's too much civilian congestion, people who are noise averse (living in a City? are you serious?) and other issues. Manifold is right; it could be a very short lifespan. Thanks for this

Maestro1

Very intelligent responses here today and thanks for the article. I'm not selling my 41 year old truck. I don't care what incompetent politicians do to solve an impossible supply problem to which the solution is to start drilling for our own fuel which will excite all the Greenies in the room. I'm not saying I like that idea but we're at least two decades away from a fully developed electric car with good supply lines to it. There are several million cars on American roads today. They are 99% gas powered. We need to drill for our own product. And grow up.

Maestro1 · ‎15-04-2022

Most folks are selling heritage collections because they have the feeling that they are on the top of the market in terms of values, and that a correction is coming.

Maestro1 · ‎15-04-2022

I think a total restoration should be done, attention paid to electronics and cooling as someone else mentioned, and take the wing off of it. It's absurd. With regard to market values, it doesn't matter. It' s a unique and interesting car to have; fix it and keep it.

Maestro1 · ‎14-04-2022

SImply read hyper's remarks herein and that plus the article will tell you everything you need to know. I own a Japanese car among others, it is not raced nor modified in any way and I have not (so far) found any parts issues. What I am seeing, along with my domestic parts prices is increases at the parts counter. Like everything else. If you want some excitement fill up my Chrysler 300 at the gas pump. Until things get back to normal, whatever that is, we'll see high prices everywhere.

Maestro1 · ‎11-04-2022

I've had two Mercedes, a 280SE and a very tired 280SEL 4.5, a monster even in its declining state. The 280SEL was sold after the two months I drove it, and the 280SE, a 6 cylinder car ran forever with very little issues. The Pontiac is stunning and I kick myself everytime I think of the 6000 I was offered in the parking lot of a laundromat years ago. It was Silver, and the original owner was a Math Teacher at the local High School. He had purchased another car, and wanted out of this one. Very dumb on my part.

Maestro1 · ‎06-04-2022

Jack, very good as usual, this time with a dash of the opague. I live in a rural area where trucks are a sign of masculine insecurity rather than any purpose. Folks around here drive enormous trucks as a sign of **bleep** symbolism. And I own a truck, a 42 year old Japanese truck that I can get in and out of. Its tailgate is not 6 feet of the ground, it has no stupid technology, it's a 4 speed no power steering, and repeat, it will be 42 years old this May and runs like a Prince. Everybody in the family drives it including the girls who take it shopping. 0-60 in three months, it's a small 4 cylinder. Latest gas mileage is about 25mpg. About 136,000 miles which we think is about right. I am the third owner. The second owner is doing heavy time in a Federal Facility (thank my local Motor Vehicle Dept.) and I've had it forever. It's not going anyplace.

Maestro1 · ‎05-04-2022

I think a less cynical attitude towards the refined DeLorean is in order on Hagerty's part. I hope the car is successful. DeLorean was unconventional, had some brilliant ideas (GTO) and is regarded by all as a pariah. I've always thought the cocaine thing was a set up. I'm disappointed in Honda, as an owner among other things, that they are in partnership with GM, a company that used to be great and isn't anymore. And I'm happy to hear about Alessandro's V-12 with the firing order where you can see it.

Maestro1 · ‎02-04-2022

I've had the Volvo (hands down, the best), The Corvair, and the Olds twice, once as the full size as above and a Custom Cruiser. Long live long roofs and get rid of compact SUVs. Or SUVs of any kind. Jeff, this is excellent and I thank you.

Maestro1 · ‎29-03-2022

I have my Grandfather's License Number from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with my Initials as the first three letters. Not very sexy nor original, but it is sentimental.

Maestro1 · ‎28-03-2022

Ben, the Camaro, which I never liked, is a beautiful design (the street car). The body design for the next product you showed the roof was too high and therefore out of synch with the rest of the design. I still think GM lost its sense of direction and identity in the 80s, and the only reason the company was saved from bankruptcy was because at the time there were 250,000 workers (read VOTERS) and that fact scared the politicians, not known for courage.

Maestro1 · ‎26-03-2022

High powered 6 Cyl Engines are a great idea but after reading hyper I wonder about the design restraints and other issues connected with the installation. And I once owned a Valiant with a slant Six and it was inspired engineering. And on the subject of small engines I have two among other cars, I burn less gas and have more fun, and yes, there's nothing like getting behind the wheel of a Hemi...........

Maestro1 · ‎25-03-2022

I will simply say that no technology will take away the laminated piece of paper in my wallet. It's ridiculous. Next: The Rolls Coupe is attractive with the exception of the grille. I wonder when we will detox from the addiction to black. Next: Chevrolet's trucks are obnoxious and tasteless. Next: If I had $300,000 I would probably jump in on Denzel's Porsche. Very tasty. Next: I haven't had my coffee yet.

Maestro1 · ‎24-03-2022

John, some of the upcharges are simply absurd, but air conditioning in some of the above mentioned is really a good idea but it's questionable that A/C adds that much more. Confession: In my Urraco S I put Air in it after I drove it for a while but it certainly isn't a factory installation, but when the Buyer saw the installation (I can't remember whose Air it is) he was very excited. I added the price of the Air to the selling price and he was glad to pay it.

Maestro1 · ‎24-03-2022

I never thought Ferrari would build an SUV for God's sake, and it's absurd. Although I detest technology because nobody taught humans how to use it properly, I'm glad to see Polestar ready to roll. I watched Elon Musk dance as the first cars rolled off the assembly line in Germany. I suppose if I decide to buy a new car which I can afford I will be dragged kicking and screaming into an electric car showroom. Thank you for Manifold. I read it almost every day. Well done.

Maestro1 · ‎18-03-2022

The past is the past. Buy the BMW anyway. Provenance doesn't power a car.

Maestro1 · ‎16-03-2022

They are more lovely than anything designed today.

Maestro1 · ‎16-03-2022

Yes, indeed. If it's the DeTomaso we all know what to do. I also suggest as does the author, talking with your (and joining) your Marque's Owners Club who will be helpful with lots of advice regarding the year/model you are looking at. And if the car is sitting under 300 years of dust, don't buy it. Never mind flat tires. You'll probably need rubber anyway. Look everywhere. Trunk, under seats, glove box, obviously engine and trunk. Why is the car being sold? Listen to the story. You know BS when you hear it. If not, bring a friend as the author suggests. Gloves. Flashlights (yes, sunlight is always better). There s more, but most importantly DON'T FALL IN LOVE WITH IT.

Maestro1 · ‎16-03-2022

Well done. The bit about overpriced coffee and scrolling phones is so true even now. We are imprisoned by technology. And overpriced coffee. And everybody won't rush to electric cars. The fully developed car won't happen until about 2050. So meanwhile we have people writing big checks or encumbering themselves with seven year finance contracts at outrageous monthly payments.

Maestro1 · ‎16-03-2022

I don't know if it's realistic but Chrysler should have kept the Turbine design and built a car around it. It was always a classic. I didn't know anything about Plymouth Ghias but I have had possession of a Chrysler Ghia Convertible for several months a long time ago and it was certainly attention getting and very comfortable. I remember the car was White with a Black Leather interior. Lots of grunt at the Green Light...........

Maestro1 · ‎15-03-2022

I sat in a Davis, never rode in it, in Chicago 500 years ago. Thanks for the memories.........

Maestro1 · ‎15-03-2022

I love the Peel. I don' t know what to do with it, I live with freeways on the Left Coast but I'd have one anyway. What a price! The Rolls looks sedate and deadly. Well done. If I wanted an Escalade, which is a luxury Silverado, I'd buy a used one. I think this edition is poorly designed. Sorry to hear about Vic Elford. And yes, the Old World is dying. But let me remind all that this Generation will have its racing heroes as well, if it has the integrity, commitment, and financing.

Maestro1 · ‎14-03-2022

If you're right i finally found an electric car I can live with. As well as a truck. Cost? Probably a mild mid six figure number without parts nor dealer support.

Maestro1 · ‎04-03-2022

It is about time. There was no excuse for having approval take this long. Now I'm hopeful we'll see some interesting and hopefully affordable product come alive......

Maestro1 · ‎04-03-2022

I am of Russian descent (born in Boston) and I think that Motorsport, like all other endevours, should ban Russians from any sort of participation. Putin reminds me of the old days of the Czars and Stalin. Russians are wonderful people. Their Leaders are a nightmare.