As they say “Tis the Season”….well, here at motorfanatics, ’tis the season to be dreaming. Dreaming about fantasy shopping binges. Yesterday, Chris and I went for lunch..and after a quick bite to eat, we decided to do some window shopping. I quickly remembered the BRABUS showroom in Newport Beach, and we headed over. As we pulled in, it occurred to me that it had been a while since I looked in the window. BRABUS was gone, but there was a Rolls Royce Phantom staring out the window with a big bow on top, so we knew we’d still get to see some goods. Inside we found another ½ dozen rolling palaces, in various colors and configurations. All equally extravagant, and excessive. But in the back we found the cars more our style. The first being a black Carerra GT, a car that Chris and I both put at the top of our fantasy car shopping list. This one was a 2005, and had about 8900 miles on it. We figured about 350k for that little piece of magic. Unfortunately we missed their Spyker, but they did have a handful of options in the Lotus family. We quickly became bored with the place when the sales guy contradicted what Chris knew as fact, and said its not a problem using the Lotus windshield as a pressure point when maneuvering in and out of the little track demon. It is a problem. So with a sour taste in our mouths, we split.
Next stop, PCH. Window shopping on the Pacific Coast Highway can be pretty fun. No matter what your looking for, you can find something to your liking on the highway along the coast in Newport Beach. Finding a red 993 Turbo was a score, both Chris and I love the classic design and at the time, it was the fastest production car in the world. Even to this day it would scare the living bujeeeezez out of most drivers.
The sight of the night had to come when we stopped at the Porsche dealership, and walked next door to the Bentley store. The Bentley Continental Supersports, OH MY GOOOOOODNESS! Maybe the best execution of style, power and exclusivity that we have ever seen. 621Bhp, striking good looks, comfort, class, this car has it all. Chris is sold that it would be his daily driver if the finances allowed…and I’ve tried, but I can’t think of a car that would be a better choice. The car is absolutely incredible.
Continuing along on our Christmas dream cruise, we saw a Maserati Gran Turismo, Multiple Ferrari 599’s, 430 Scuderia’s, and a banquet of Porsches. Then, we decided to roll into one of the largest Mercedes dealerships in the US, Fletcher Jones Motorcars. Now, until a few weeks back at track day, we both looked at Mercedes with a bit of a snark. Yeah, go ahead and pay that, I never would. But after spending some quality time on the track in a SL55 AMG, our opinions towards the 3 point moniker started to shift. That car was spectacular. Incredible power and agility, comfort was obvious..but we found ourselves with new found respect for Mercedes. Even if the prices are outrageous. Well, on the theme of outrageous, as we pulled up…we immediately saw not one, but 3 McLaren SLR convertibles in a row…next to 2 SL65 AMG Black Series vehicles. Now the Black Series is silly, 661hp, and roughly $300 grand? Are you kidding me? The real cough came a few seconds later, when we spotted another SLR inside and Chris walked around to look at the sticker. WOW! Seriously, he looked a little pale, and about to faint…and he was rendered speechless for a few seconds. They had 3 new SLR roadsters at the dealership, all priced the same, at just under $550,000. Yes, that is a very nice home. This was enough to set our evening strait, we decided to head home and catch our breath on the way.
It occurred to me this morning when I was reliving our adventure that there is a reason I can’t afford all these cars. Its because I’m a dreamer. If I actually had all of that, what would I dream of? My life would have to completely change. I’m not sure I’m ready for that. Almost daily I have the “what if” discussion with someone and for me it’s entertainment, fantasy, and imagination all mixed into one. I dream of acres of land with an airstrip for my jets, a track for my cars, karts, motorcycles and toys of more varieties than I can even remember. I guess when it is all said and done, I benefit as much as anyone who actually buys these toys. I get to dream. I get to bounce from one amazing toy to the next without the costs. Seriously, Chris and I had a blast last night. Did we stomp on the accelerator of any of these cars? No, we didn’t even sit in a single one of them. But are our cheeks sore from the smiles on our faces? You bet they are, and that is what its all about. So enjoy the holiday, Merry Christmas, and rather than wishing that all your dreams come true, I hope you keep your dreams alive and vibrant, because that’s really what its all about.
Tags: Bentley, Carerra, Ferrari, luxury, maserati, new, Porsche, rolls royce, sports cars, super cars
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