The Other Showroom: Current / Past Rides (Pt I)

Wow Sean you've had some awesome cars! I have a question for ya. Which RX-7 did you think was more fun? My uncle said he had a first generation when they came out. He says it was an awesome car. My sister's current boyfriend has a second generation, and i've had some seat time in it. That thing is fast and nimble! It was up to 130 in no time on the country roads! I would like to know the opinion of someone who has owned and driven both.

Thanks for asking!
The 1st generation RX7 ('79) was a hoot to drive as it was my first real sports car. And of course, it was my first (and only) brand-new-off-the-lot-car-that-no-one-else-had-farted-in-the-seat Stuck to the road if it was dry, had enough power to get out of it's own way, and had kids asking me if it was a Ferrari. Sadly, it wasn't built for NY winters, didn't know which end was to lead (50-50 weight distribution) and (I had it for 9 years) eventually rotted and started to come apart. Had to rebuild the floor under driver's seat when nearly fell through. Sold. I now see have the wrong model year in the album. The car pictures is an FB, mine was a SA, the very first cars. Same color! Wish I could find my box of photos!
The next gen ('87) was a much better vehicle all around. Handled way better (rack & pinion, independent suspension) and more power, sound system, other thangs. I don't drive 130mph, but this car was very fast, especially through the esses. Had a rear-steering effect by changing toe-in-toe-out at different cornering loads at speed. Could pass and change lanes with confidence. Sad end for this also... a PU ran a stop sign, pulling across my path (we dodged that bullet), but a young dude tried the same thing right behind the truck, then stopped in the middle of the road when he realized his idiocy. T-bone and two totaled cars.
Anyway, both RX's had rotary power -- smooth and quiet until you let them loose. Mostly trouble-free. The better car was the 2nd gen.
My next ride was the Talon. AWD and lots of turbo!

For those with tiny phone displays Updated with wishful thinking:
www.seanfarleydesign.com/myRides_forPhone

couple of my rides

Flames everywhere! Heck, unless I'm wrong, you're mails on fire too! Must be a Hotmail account
Nice rides!

Wow, the flames on the Trans Am are really well done!

Nice looking rides, Steve. Did you do any of the paint work yourself?

Thanks for all of the info Sean! I love the sound of the rotary engines. Nothing like it! My brother currently has a 98 Eclipse Gs(non-turbo front wheel drive). It's not fast, but it is still a fun car to drive around winding roads. I can't imagine what the turbo all wheel drives are like!

Mitsubishi makes some fun cars, but like the Zero fighters they made in WWII, this engine has weaknesses. If the serpentine belt goes, valves and pistons meet with disaster. Tell your bud to make sure it and supporting components are in good shape. Experience talking

Good info! I will definitely make sure he keeps up on his maintenance! Since he has the non turbo model, he has the chrysler 420a engine, not as fast, but it seems less complicated.

denim wrote:

Flames everywhere! Heck, unless I'm wrong, you're mails on fire too! Must be a Hotmail account
Nice rides!

yeah did the mailbox first for practice ... didnt think anyone would see it behind the car thanks and yes about 12 hrs or air brushing on the flames i was happy how it all turned out.

Been looking ever since I got mine...

Finally found a RED (it had to be red) REATTA for my wife with only 80,000 miles from the original owner.

She's happy now

Nice! I like the red ones as well! Now that's a sporty Buick!

Wow, you have good luck with Reattas, Dave!

IBx1 wrote:

Wow, you have good luck with Reattas, Dave!

Patience and living next door to AZ where all the old rich folks retire ... LOL !!!

Dave! Seek help immediately. You're a qualified Buickaholic!

denim wrote:

Dave! Seek help immediately. You're a qualified Buickaholic!

I love Buicks, Sean...always have. And I gotta say, I've really become fond of the Baby Riv.

Nice find

bump.


I was cruising around on Pinterest's Car page and found this:






This Reatta is in excellent condition. I like the inclusion of the red line pinstripe similar to Cadillac Amanti. The pinstripe and red hood stripe tie in to the car's interior red leather.

What got me to click on the pics was the two-tone exterior. Upon closer inspection of the other pics, this 'silver' is actually a carbon fiber effect...I love it!

All these subtle customizations really do modernize the Reatta of which still looks pretty fresh in design.

nicest Reatta ive ever seen.

Beautiful Car...I even like the white letters

Reatta's are sick looking. I always liked them, but like every1 else already said... 2 seater, not cool for a family. Mind you it makes my stomach turn having to install a baby seat in the back of my Riviera this year.

I gotta say it... I do love the Riv, BUT... I think I love the Reatta more and so does my wife. We have really fallen in love with these cars.

If I could find one in a condition and price that would be too tempting to pass up, I'd love to find one in either the bright red w/ caramel interior, black, or that med-dark grey like in ghpcnm's sig pic.

Some people would immediately like the bright blue but it has a weird hue to it. It's not as crisp as some of the crazy bright blues we have now. And that golden R logo with the rays bugs me. It's the only thing that looks dated. That, and the foggy upper taillight assemby some have.

And seriously, how many models in existance can fetch $10k more just by being a convertible at this age in the used market?



I would seriously consider buying coupe again if it were similar in size to the Riv. For me, the child seat is effortless in the Riv but a bear in a Saturn S-series 4-door. Though a RX8-style trick half door would be a welcome edition and I highly suggest it being standard on ALL coupes w/ rear seats. could be a good safety item if it were indipendent like the new Volester's rear trick door.