91 CQ + confession

["Doyt W. Echelberger" <Doyt@NWOhio.com>]

1991 Coupe Quattro 5spd, 89k, pearl with black leather, winter pkg, moon
roof, excellent condition.  $9,999        phone Bob  at  330-867-6361

Ad appeared in Cleveland (Ohio)Plain Dealer classified on August 28, 1998.
I have no other knowledge of the car or seller, and post it only because
many listers have commented favorably on such vehicles and have shown
interest in owning one.

I could probably look at this car for someone, if they were to call the
seller first and decide on level of personal interest. I live about an hour
from the city, and will use any excuse to drive my TQ.

Must admit that it got me into some trouble mid-week. About 11 AM Wednesday
I was cruising along a rural 2 lane, on a nice sunny clear day, with almost
no traffic, in the gentle rolling hills of southern Ohio near Cadiz
(hometown of Clark Gable.) I was daydreaming and enjoying the way the car
was running, and not even aware of the speed at the moment but it didn't
seem very fast.

Suddenly without warning a black silhouette with a light bar on top pops up
out of a dip, coming straight at me about 100 yards away. My radar caught a
single blip and I touched the brakes just enough to burn off a little speed
without dipping the nose. It was like a reflex.   Less than a second after
the first blip, about 5 more followed in a connected string.  He passed
going the other way, and I saw him in the rear mirror do a U turn and
trigger his blinkers. I'm dead, looking around for a good place to pull
off. He is behind me about 5 car lengths, no siren, just tailing along.  I
blink right and see a pull-off area and make sure there is clearance for
him to walk up to me after he gets out. Various posts to the list flash
across my mind...suggestions, warnings.  Don't get out of the car. Open
your window, put your hands on the wheel.  Let him speak first. In the side
mirror I see him walking past my rear bumper, and he puts his right hand on
his side arm, briefly.... he is ready to shoot me if necessary. He greets
me and announces that I was doing 72 in a 55 zone. Then he says that I
slowed to 68, 66, and 64 and that he was ticketing me for 68.  He mentions
that the fines for speeds over 70 are significantly higher and they require
a bond and a court appearance. This will only cost me 90 bucks and I can
send in a waiver. He hasn't shot me yet. I'm gonna live if I just don't do
anything rash.

He asks for license and insurance proof, checks them... did I have any
violations in the last 12 months...no....he returns to his car, probably
check the info, writes the ticket, and comes back. Explains how I can
contest it in court or send in a waiver with my check. All very even and
professional. I'm glad he didn't shoot me but I keep quiet. He goes back to
his car and I blink left and get on with my trip, very carefully. For the
next 200 miles I use the cruise control to match every speed sign exactly.
No more happy day dreaming and listening to the way the car sounds and
feels to set the speed. I'm a convicted criminal now, with a record. Damn.

The point is....he changed my driving behavior. And it was probably a good
thing for me. Owning this 87 5kcstq has been a lot of fun and it runs best
over 90 mph, where everything just smooths out and the car feels like it is
in its element. And that is very seductive. I was doing it too much, not
90, but more than 55, and not thinking about laws and other people's
safety. The car was too much fun and I was out of control....a fanatic,
actually. I had to be stopped. I am lucky he didn't execute me on the spot.
He had a fanatic in custody and he didn't know it.

And there must be no next time. I will control this beast within me, this
curse of the Audi deities. I swear it in the name of Porsche and all his
ancestors. So if anyone wants me to drive that 91 Coupe Quattro for
them....You can be assured that it we be within all the legal limits. I
have seen the future and want to be there when it happens.

Have a safe weekend. Apologies for the bw.

Doyt Echelberger
86 4kcsq
87 5kcstq