[V8] ..an another thing

[Roger M. Woodbury]

OK, ok, ok, ok.  I said that I was through.  I was done.  I did what I
set out to do and it was time to go on to something else.  I actually
DID sell my V8.  It went to a guy as crazy (and about as old) as I am,
who took it to another group of crazies who stuffed a five speed into
it, put on big wheels and CRAZEEEEE big reds underneath those.  
 
Basically, it kills me!
 
But in so doing, I finally figured out WHY I actually sold my V8.  Why I
could let it go, and why I thought it was the right thing to do when I
did it.  It was the COLOR.  
 
The car was burgundy.the actual color I think is called Cayenne Mica
metallic by Audi, but it was to all intents and purposes a burgundy with
tan interior.  It was a handsome and proper appearing V8 Quattro.  
 
But red, ANY red wears on me.  I am basically a GREEN kind of guy.  My
wife's 100CSQ Avant is dark green with black interior. I really LIKE
that combination.  My very first Audi Quattro was an '87 Avant that was
burgundy.a different color than my V8.  
 
My first V8 was "lose your license" RED..Tornado red, with black
interior.  When the transmission went gonzo and I ended up with a 3.6 V8
at full retail, I used every excuse to get it outta here..and it went
away.  
 
I replaced that car with a black 200 Avant Quattro.  Gray interior.
Great car and a great experience but black with gray doesn't thrill me.
 
My 200 20Valve Avant is something called "Panther Black", which has a
lot of dark blue in it.  Once repainted it should be interesting to see
what that will look like.  But again, the gray interior, which doesn't
thrill me.  (I am toying with searching for a black avant interior with
sport seats..).
 
But of course, I know I am preaching to the choir, there is nothing like
a V8.  
 
So, I have started the search again.  (Sigh).  It will take a while, but
I am looking for another V8.  This one will be..BLACK with BLACK.
Unlikely that any other combination will do.  The search might be easier
this time, as I will be looking for a car that has great potential and
will commit to the necessary restoration.  The only thing that it can't
be is rusty.  You're shaking your head?  OK, OK, it COULD happen! (As
Judy Tanuta used to say..)  Over the weekend, a search engine turned one
up in Georgia but it is a bit too early, and it's a pretty old ad, so
the car probably has gone away..looked VERY pretty though.  
 
Black with Black.and then it will get brakes, wheels, tires, euros.you
know the drill!
 
And "why" you ask?  Simple.  I have been looking at all the
alternatives.  I love the idea of an S6 Avant from 2002-2003.  VERY nice
package.  
 
But that idea has gone away because as nice as it is, it sits lower than
the stock A6 avant, which means that it will be less capable in less
than perfect weather, and I need this car to be capable of being driven
all year in all weather.  
 
I have thought and looked at the S8.  The S8 is to the V8 what the
Mercedes 450SEL/6.9 is to the 300SEL/6.3.  I like the chiseled look of
the earlier car better.  Also the S8 is far more electrically complex
than the early car and I question how easy it will be to get it
serviced..I KNOW that my favorite mechanic is completely knowledgeable
about the V8.
 
Finally, the S6 is VERY expensive, still, and the S8 seems to sell for
something above 30gs right now.  I can have a VERY nice V8 with
everything that I want to have for a measly fifteen grand.  (this car
will be an automatic as I have a left foot challenged wife).  
 
The car will be a '93 or '94 ONLY.  If you happen to see one lying
around that hasn't any friends, let me know:  I might take it in as an
orphan..
 
Roger
 
Oh, yes.  This could mean that the 200 20Valve project will be sold.
Maybe not, but (as Judy said:-))  It could happen!