If you could have only one car your whole life, what would it be?
That's what a friend asked me. Trick question? Not really, it's what we used to call bench racing. A bunch of guys (it was always guys) would sit around, usually during the winter, and talk what ifs or how abouts. So I pulled my chair up to the fire and thought about it.
My first thought was about building the perfect car. But then I thought about a new one. What would it need to be my one and only? Power of course; not an obscene amount because it had to be driveable and reliable but enough to make it fun. Fuel economy and low emissions because, well I'm not rich and I do care about the environment. It should handle decently; not race car handling but it should hold its own. Comfort is important. It should have a fair amount of utility; space for at least four adults and room to carry bulky items.
At first I thought about a Honda Element SC because I really like the Element but it's not really a powerful car and Honda has discontinued it. I don't like SUVs so they are out. Crossovers are okay but most just don't light my fire. I know a Ford Flex one with EcoBoost - 365 hp! So I went to http://www.ford.com/crossovers/flex/ and built my Flex Limited AWD, Turbo Black exterior with the Titanium Appearance Package. Pricey at $47,900 but it meets all my needs.
That's my car forever and ever if it were brand new. But what if I were to build the ideal car for me? Now we're talking bench racing!
Given the same criteria I'd start with a Volvo wagon, a 700 series, most likely a 760 Turbo because it's already got upgraded mechanicals.
Out go the Volvo engine and transmission though. In their place I'd put a 2012/13 Ford 5.0 from a Mustang Boss 302 with the 6-speed manual transmission. Power up the ying-yang (444 hp & 380 lb-ft of torque), reliability, low emissions (relatively) and decent economy (the Boss is rated at 26-mpg highway with a 3.73 rear axle).
The 760 is a very comfortable car; it has all the required creature comforts, it handles decently (I'd probably spend some money on aftermarket suspension parts regardless), and it has tons of storage space. All I need now is a about $20,000, a lot less than a brand new Flex but no warranty and all the hassles of a special built car.
But wait! I don't have the money for either so this will stay a fantasy. But if you could have only one car for your whole life, what would it be? Would you buy it or build it? Let me know.
My first thought was about building the perfect car. But then I thought about a new one. What would it need to be my one and only? Power of course; not an obscene amount because it had to be driveable and reliable but enough to make it fun. Fuel economy and low emissions because, well I'm not rich and I do care about the environment. It should handle decently; not race car handling but it should hold its own. Comfort is important. It should have a fair amount of utility; space for at least four adults and room to carry bulky items.
At first I thought about a Honda Element SC because I really like the Element but it's not really a powerful car and Honda has discontinued it. I don't like SUVs so they are out. Crossovers are okay but most just don't light my fire. I know a Ford Flex one with EcoBoost - 365 hp! So I went to http://www.ford.com/crossovers/flex/ and built my Flex Limited AWD, Turbo Black exterior with the Titanium Appearance Package. Pricey at $47,900 but it meets all my needs.
That's my car forever and ever if it were brand new. But what if I were to build the ideal car for me? Now we're talking bench racing!
Given the same criteria I'd start with a Volvo wagon, a 700 series, most likely a 760 Turbo because it's already got upgraded mechanicals.
Out go the Volvo engine and transmission though. In their place I'd put a 2012/13 Ford 5.0 from a Mustang Boss 302 with the 6-speed manual transmission. Power up the ying-yang (444 hp & 380 lb-ft of torque), reliability, low emissions (relatively) and decent economy (the Boss is rated at 26-mpg highway with a 3.73 rear axle).
The 760 is a very comfortable car; it has all the required creature comforts, it handles decently (I'd probably spend some money on aftermarket suspension parts regardless), and it has tons of storage space. All I need now is a about $20,000, a lot less than a brand new Flex but no warranty and all the hassles of a special built car.
But wait! I don't have the money for either so this will stay a fantasy. But if you could have only one car for your whole life, what would it be? Would you buy it or build it? Let me know.
Comments
I really enjoyed your blog. I always love to read something new which is related to vehicle.