C'mon . . . aren't those some great curves? They sure don't make race cars -- or race car drivers -- like they used to. I'm feeling awfully old after looking at the top 5 drivers in yesterday's Daytona 500 and not recognizing a single name among them. Then again, I haven't watched much NASCAR since The King retired.
I have racing blood in my family. My grandfather drove a car similar to the one pictured; at one time his street car was a red Ferrari that I can just vaguely remember. I think I remember its roar more than how it looked.
When I was in 6th grade I toyed with the idea of pursuing a career in auto racing, myself. This was back even before Janet Guthrie became famous behind the wheel.
Ever the practical child, I came to realize that I probably would not be able to afford the necessary insurance if I chose a racing career. Nevertheless, I grew up around sports/sporty cars, and I'm pretty certain that if I were ever one of those people who has more money than they need, I would also be one of those people with more cars than they need.
In fact, there's a 280Z for sale down the street that I'm itching to look at . . .
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Are you talking about the one and only S30 Datsun? Classic.
ReplyDeleteThey were called a 'Fairlady' here in NZ and I had one in the late 1980's. My one was actually a piece of s**t but she hadn't had an easy life so I never blamed her for being problematic. She was still fun to drive (when she deigned to actually start). She was thirsty but of course petrol was cheaper then so that wasn't an issue.
My goodness you are a constant amazement. What other hidden talents have you?
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the possibility of having too many cars if I were well off enough to indulge myself. Jay Leno move over!
BTW---I'm not sure if this is true of all "Z" cars, but my brother had a 240Z and it was a constant visitor to the mechanic. I preferred the British pains in the ass, such as my MGB.
A friend of mine had a few 280Z's.
ReplyDeleteFun cars.
I'm not much of a petrol-head, I'm afraid, but I am intrigued as to where the photograph may have been taken. The archways in the background look familiar, but perhaps I'm just thinking of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, built in 1923, which is quite different. Do you have a date for the photo?
ReplyDeleteRegards, Brett
Lou, I doubt the "Z" would've sold well as the "Fairlady" here in the States!
ReplyDeletej - you will just have to keep reading to find out what other talents I have!
One of my uncles had a 260Z, but all the men in the family did their own mechanic work, so I may have a skewed view of what constitutes a "good" car.
Dr. - Yep. Much more fun than any car I've actually owned. (My '76 Subaru GLC came close, though.)
Brett - I guess if you are going to read my blog I can't be lazy about not documenting the photos anymore, can I? Most of the images that aren't my own come from the Life image archives via Google. This photo is from 1947, and I found another in the series which shows the race taking place inside an armory. A few Googles later, and I discovered there was a 1947 article in Life magazine about the Kingsbridge Armory in Bronx, NY, where indoor midget races were held.
That is entirely more information than I need to know on that topic -- but the hunt was fun!
Thank you, IW. The hunt is always the best part, although in my case I often get so distracted that the results don't always have enough cohesive substance to make a decent article! I look forward to seeing more photos, documented or not, together with articles that are great to read. I haven't browsed the Life image archive much, but I guessed that some of your images might have been from somewhere like that. Keep it up. regards, Brett
ReplyDeleteAt least you're not one of those people smashing up more cars than needed . . . sheesh. It's painful to watch some of the new drag-racing movies; the way they destroy so much beauty on screen.
ReplyDeleteThe car in the picture makes me think of an old Avengers episode and monopoly. (My youngest brother always wanted to be the car.)
ReplyDeleteI know this is a late post but i just began to read you whole site. What is remarkable is that your grandfather drove what must have been a very early Ferrari from the 50's That car would be worth a fortune at Barret-Jackson and everyone is talking about a damn jap piece of crap. I don't understand some priorities.
ReplyDeleteYour blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
ReplyDeleteIntelli...I'm the one that said your blog just keeps getting better. You are a lot more creative after having my comments. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteEnzo
Enzo Puncharelli: Thanks for the compliment, and for subconsciously tweaking my muse, if that's what it is :-) (But...I take that all back if that was you anonymously posting the nonsense about UGGS boots a while back.)
ReplyDeleteMarcello, are you pretending you're Enzo again? You know what il capo said about that the last time.
ReplyDeleteJust what is a UGGS boot?
ReplyDeleteUggs are Australian sheepskin boots that cost a small fortune, so I guess that makes them desirable to young ladies, in spite of their hideous nature. (In all fairness, though, they would probably feel really good on these popsicle toes right about now.)
ReplyDelete