From Italian Classics to Electric Dreams
When I look back at all the cars I've owned, each one tells a story. It's amazing to see how my taste in vehicles has changed over time, following the evolution of both my life and the auto industry itself.
My love affair with cars started with an passionate Italian classic. The first car I bought was a sleek Alfa Romeo GTV. I only paid $2,500 for it (I couldn't afford the Mercedes Benz 300 SL Roadster that was offered at $4,000). The Alfa taught me that cars could be more than just transportation - they could stir the soul. It wasn’t the most reliable machines (try changing out the distributor points in the middle of a tunnel when dressed in dress whites) but the pure joy of driving it made up for all the repair bills.
The German cars brought a different kind of pleasure. My red Porsche 356B was a piece of history, with its iconic design and incredible handling. The BMW 630csi and 730 showed me what true luxury felt like, while the Porsche 928 combined sports car excitement with grand touring comfort. These cars made every drive feel special.
My practical side emerged with a VW Westfalia Camper. This wasn't just a car - it was a home on wheels that served me well on escapades in San Diego. Moving from the 356B to it also taught me the virtues of patience. Of course, a Dodge Charger sent me to other adventures - sometimes with the CHP.
I've owned five Honda Accords over the years, and they taught me the value of reliability. They weren't flashy, but they never let me down. The same goes for the Toyota Camry - these Japanese cars showed that dependability could be its own kind of luxury.
The Mercedes 250C and ML 320 brought European sophistication to my garage, while a Chevy Blazer and Mercury station wagon handled more mundane hauling duties with American muscle. Later, a Lexus RX330 perfectly balanced luxury with practicality.
I've embraced the future with a Tesla Model 3 which I recently upgraded to a Model Y. The instant acceleration and high-tech features make my early Italian sports car feel like ancient history. Yet each time I press the accelerator, I can't help but smile - that same thrill of driving I felt in my first Alfa Romeo is still there, just in a completely new way.
Looking at this list reminds me that cars aren't just machines. They're markers of different chapters in my life, carrying memories of road trips, outings, and daily adventures. From rumbling V8s to silent electric motors, each car has added its own unique twist.
Love cars as much as I do? Come join us at the San Juan Capistrano Rotary Car Show on February 8th! You'll see more than 400 amazing vehicles, from classic beauties to modern marvels. Whether you're a lifelong car enthusiast or just curious about automotive history, this show has something for everyone. Share your own car stories and make new friends who understand the joy of life behind the wheel. See you there!
Have to list my 1971 MBZ 280SL that won numerous prizes and loved it for 42 years;😀
Great summary of your cars owned! You had some great ones!