VEHICLE LOVE: Desired Admired And Written by Reginald A. Craig
VEHICLE LOVE: Desired Admired And Written by Reginald A. Craig
Cadillac CTS (sedan)
2008 - 2013 = 2nd Generation
MY IMPRESSION:
The CTS presents a larger appearance than its actual size. Sharp lines, a bold stance and chrome accents provide just the right touch of elegance. I believe this automobile help save the mid-size car segment from extinction in a world dominated by SUV’s. Later in the production Cadillac introduced the CTS coupe featuring a dramatic backend and bodyside scooped door handles. All the design language was there but too much elevation toping out the rear glass. The CTS sedan is my preference, but I commend Cadillac for doing a phenomenal job transitioning the 2015 ATS into a well balanced coupe.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
Cadillac demanded my attention away from Lincoln with this 2nd Generation sport luxury sedan. Quality, style, and performance comprised into one value package. How ever I try to justify it, there’s no denying the Cadillac CTS plain and simply is sexy.
Cadillac STS
2005 - 2011
MY IMPRESSION:
Featuring the Northstar multi valve engine promising the power to rule the universe. Cadillac was really pushing hard to be chosen over its Asian and European competition. If anything this generation gave up-and-comers like Lexus and Infinity a battle to stay relevant. Cadillacs style was really taking on a distinctive shape in the new millennium. No other automaker would be fitting to imitate the STS. During this era Cadillac’s price tag became larger and was the biggest separator between them and their only domestic luxury competitor; Lincoln.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
Having a representation of Americas best is a privilege that I’d be proud to drive. It’s a Caddy for goodness sake!!! People work their whole life to retire behind the wheel of one of these. Back Wheel Drive, OnStar monitoring, this car checks all the right boxes. If this vehicle finds a home in my garage I insist on calling it - Seville Touring Sedan.
DeLorean Motor Company DMC - 12 (Manual) (Natural Stainless Steel)
1981 - 1983
MY IMPRESSION:
My first introduction of the DMC - 12 was in photographs. Sometime around 1981-82, my dad traveled to the hills of California and snapped photos of a DeLorean parked curbside LA. I’ve admired this car ever since, especially the gull-wing doors. Over the years I’ve had the privilege to get close and see this wedge shaped vehicle several times. As I’ve learned more about the man and machine best known as DeLorean, I grew greater respect for his contributions to the automobile industry.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
John Zachary DeLorean - Live The Dream…
- DMC - 12 Car #1 Natural Stainless Steel (100% PRV Stock)
- DMC - 12 Car #2 Time Machine Version (Lights & Sounds)
- DMC - 12 Car #3 Painted Black with lower bodykit (LS swap or Twin Turbo)
Ford Mustang GT (Manual V8)
2015 - Present
MY IMPRESSION:
An instant classic with heritage that speaks for itself.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
The one car I’d purchase new and keep stock for decades to come. Just listening to the Mustangs signature exhaust note is music to my ears.
Infiniti G35 coupe (Manual) (also called: Skyline)
2003 - 2007
MY IMPRESSION:
For years many people joked that the Nissan Z series is just a poor mans Porsche, but the Infiniti G35 Coupe has a little more class with back seats to boot. The design is pretty sweet and its 3.5L V6 power plant is more than adequate to move extra passengers around town.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
Livin’ the wannabe Skyline life vicariously through Infiniti G35.
(For Explanation See: Infiniti G35 sedan - PERSONAL FULFILLMENT)
DISCLOSURE: Don’t worry I’m not completely delusional, I understand the G35 isn't Fast and the Furious Skyline level, but technically it is Nissan’s Skyline reality (Post R34).
Infiniti G35 sedan (also called: Skyline)
2003 - 2006
SIDE NOTE: This particular entry is what inspired me to share my aspirations with you. I was thinking what Blog post would be priority for May 2018. After re-playing in my mind bits and pieces of what my senses kept emphasizing, I was compelled to build this 16 car presentation.
- continue please…
MY IMPRESSION:
Years back when I’d see the G35 sedan pull up behind me (in the rearview breathing down my neck), it evoked a likeness to the Porsche 911. I’d say to myself if Porsche ever made a 4 Door passenger car that’s what it should look like. This epiphany of course was before the Panamera ever existed. Nowadays to see what Porsche actually produced, it shocks me just how massive and unusual looking the Panamera is. Well anyway, back to the G35. This Infiniti looks great from all angles, I like the joining of materials and high quality molds that formed its defining but simple lines. Nissan truly sent us a special treat.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
Okay, here’s whats up! Nissan didn't give America Godzilla until 2008ish, but technically the R35 (GT-R 2008-Present) isn't official Godzilla at all. Nissan did all kinda crazy reshuffling of the deck after the Skyline R34 ended production. Here’s the kicker, Nissan completely broke lineage by reassigning the Skyline nameplate to Mr Regular and discontinued the inline tradition by putting V6TT’s in the new “current” generation GT-R. Now you ask what does any of this confusing info have to do with the Infiniti G35? Well it just so happens, Nissan exported “Mr Regular” under their Infiniti luxury devision with the newly “rebadged” Nissan Skyline as the G35. Other than the JDM version being a right drive, the G35 is practically identical. So the best I can come up with is having bragging rights to instantly own the closest thing to a real Skyline.
((( 25 year import band for the previous generation Skyline - R34 featuring the coveted RB26 )))
Lexus IS 300 (Rare Option: Manual Transmission)
2000 - 2003 = 1st Generation
MY IMPRESSION:
A salute to the Tuner Car culture with an attache briefcase strapped across the chest. This car is available in standard transmission and factory yellow paint, awesome! Lexus was building market popularity and making a statement while competitors focused on big motors and bloated bodies.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
Quality build and unique design is the perfect match for my frugal mind. I like the smokey front headlights and lifted rear end, the whole car leaves me with a big ol grin. The IS sloping side profile was the style, but now I just need it to go the extra mile. All other cars I’m dumbfound what to do, but this one my friend inspires a mod or two.
Lexus LS 400
1990 - 1994 = 1st Generation
MY IMPRESSION:
The Lexus flagship sedan reminds me of Joan Collins fictional character on Dynasty as Alexis Carrington Colby. Even though on the TV show Alexis is chauffeured around in Rolls, Benz and Bentleys; I think Toyota tried to make the Lexus brand synonymous with sophistication and the glamorous life of Dynasty. Seems like Chrysler tried to do the same thing in the 90’s, but quality is more than just a name.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
I would be honored to possess the original example that challenged the status quo of luxury cars. This vehicle delivered fit to finish smoothness that successfully blended the elegance of Mercedes and the performance of BMW. Even though Infiniti rolled the pinball along the trunklines and doors in its commercials, Lexus could balance champagne glasses on its running engine. I think I’d try that too : )
Lincoln Continental Mark VI (coupe or sedan)
1980 - 1983
MY IMPRESSION:
More than a scaled down version of the Mark V. The Mark VI is beauty and technology in motion. It’s also a display of maximized engineering to meet 1980’s new fuel economy regulations. I believe Ford threw everything they could inside the Mark VI to encourage a new attitude that less girth is more. (More Blog Details @ Lincoln Love: A True Story Experienced)
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
Beholding a misfit in the luxury car transition between land yacht and the ever shrinking coupé is a conversation piece I welcome in my garage. This is a rare car in the history of the Mark series, and is still affordable when found. I take much pride in owning the last generation body on frame; rear wheel drive - carbureted V8.
Lincoln LS
2000 - 2006
MY IMPRESSION:
Wow! Lincoln took the BMW front fascia appearance and jazzed it up to be adaptive for this american sport luxury car. However the rest of the LS body formed a beautiful shape different than any other vehicle on the market. Many years ago Mitsubishi tried the same thing (8th Gen Galant), but copied much more design cues from BMW’s 3 and 5 series. Lincoln really gave it a go to deliver the proper driver enthusiast sedan. The LS was rear wheel drive and offered a V6 and V8, plus manual transmission until 2002. Also, I’m impressed the Lincoln LS looked nothing like variants shared on the same platform; e.g., Jaguar S-Type.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
The LS would represent for me the pinnacle of Ford’s History to build the complete representation of a European inspired mid-size sedan. Previous attempts by Ford were built from modified traditional layouts. However the LS was designed from the ground up to achieve the goal set forth.
Lincoln MKZ (AWD only desired)
2013 - Present = 2nd Generation
MY IMPRESSION:
Lincoln got back in the game and hit a home run for the masses with this. I think this revamped version is sleek and best interpretation of the BMW “Bangle Butt” trunk lid. Lincoln seems to be a strong competitor of Cadillac again thanks to the MKZ. This time around Lincoln is attracting younger buyers and building momentum representing what a luxury car should be.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
What a way to have full cabin protection that sports an open roof with sling back glass. None of my personal cars have ever had such a feature, let alone a sunroof. So In the famous words of Anthony; our family friend, I want the Brains Blown. Another attraction I have to the Lincoln MKZ is All Wheel Drive. This is a huge benefit while living in the midwest, furthermore I’d rather not have a front drive Lincoln. I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to luxury cars, so if the rear wheels don't give power I’m out. The 2017 facelift makes the MKZ look rather upscale and now bridges the theme between all Lincoln models.
Mercedes - Benz S-Class (W126 SEL Long Wheelbase)
1979 - 1992
MY IMPRESSION:
Throughout my youth I knew when I saw one of these the owner had to be a wealthy entrepreneur. In my eyes Mercedes was as royal as Rolls Royce. All the nighttime TV dramas featured this car for the rich people. This vehicles design is a work of art that looks strong and powerful.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
It’d be great to feel what being rich is like if only until the first repair. Mercedes has a history of Coach crafted interiors I’d love to be surrounded by. Two-tone dashboard separated by high lacquer wood strips just sends me over the moon. I can just imagine the hook of my skill resting on the crescent top of the headrest. The car just looks stately and I wanna travel coast to coast.
Merkur Scorpio
1988 - 1989
MY IMPRESSION:
This pure Ford of Europe sedan was a living design of the future. Technology and luxury features built right in that weren't even yet applied to the Lincoln devision. If my memory and prior research serves me correct, the Merkur Scorpio was the shortest production run vehicle in the history of Ford. Recently I stumbled across this data, but I’ll be sure to make note once I find the source again.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
I like to own rare and obscure cars that many have never heard of or completely forgot about. Conversations about cars excites me and I know this automobile will keep my mouth moving. One major point I want to make is this model had the potential to shake up BMW, Mercedes and Jaguars domination; just like Lexus did in the 90’s. Unfortunately direction by Ford executives failed to market the car effectively and that was the end of that.
Merkur XR4Ti (Manual)
1985 - 1989
MY IMPRESSION:
The Bi-Wing Rear Spoiler is the best feature. The Euro version of this car (Ford Sierra RS Cosworth) was a Rally Hero way back before Subaru WRX or the Mitsubishi Evo.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
I had this car, I like this car and I want it again.
Nissan JDM - Skyline GT-R34
1999–2002 (-2005 for the NISMO Z-Tune)
MY IMPRESSION:
There are plenty of reasons why the GT-R is so desired. A generation of kids grew up driving the GT-R in Gran Turismo. Many of my peers read features in automotive magazines, but honestly 2 Fast 2 Furious locked it down for me. The allure is also heighten due to the 25 year import band from the NHTSA’s (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Skyline is truly a breed of its own with respect that surpasses the Nissan brand itself. No other Nissan vehicle has been put on a pedestal so grand as the GT-R.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
Guilty as charged - The Fast and the Furious franchise made me want it.
R.I.P. Paul Walker
Subaru Impreza WRX STi (Manual) (Big Rear Wing)
2000 - 2007 = 2nd Generation
MY IMPRESSION:
The Subaru Impreza 22B was the single biggest influence how America became exposed to the STi (Subaru Tecnica International). The version of STi destined for America developed because of the rough and dirty inner courses at WRC (World Rally Championship). Its widespread infection into the hearts of many across the states was enabled by the mutation of rear doors produced on the US edition; making it the perfect people carrier.
PERSONAL FULFILLMENT:
Freedom!!! The go anywhere and do anything Rally Car. My very own fountain of youth on wheels. This is my equivalent to middle age women shopping at Forever 21. I love the rumble of the WRX Boxer Engine and bodacious STi Body Panels, especially that exaggerated Back Wing. I wouldn't change a thing, but its gotta have a “LOUD” Blow Off Valve.
CLOSING THOUGHTS:
Thanks for browsing through the dazzling images and reading my intimate thoughts. Someday I’ll have to build a monster garage to protect all these cars when I’m not driving them. Many people want Ferrari’s and Bugatti’s, but I prefer a car that’s worthy of grocery buggy dings ; )
PS… Look below to find my previous Blog post:
Lincoln Love: A True Story Experienced
Food Love: Learned Experimented
Music Love: Listened Enjoyed
Parenting Love: Meaningfully Communicated
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