The Question.

The kid was in the office, his lube tech duties done for the day.

“So what’s your next car?” The kid asked. Kiddo had just traded a ratbucket Jetta for a ’21 Camry XSE. A Camry that’s fast, and handles.

Fast Camrys that went around corners weren’t a thing a decade ago, so I was quite surprised at the car’s speed and poise after driving an XSE at the local auto show in 2019.

“I’m good right now.” I answered, adding that the Infiniti ticked all of the boxes for me. Roomy enough, good-sized trunk, adequate power, and a suspension that filled my corner-carving needs.

“Haven’t you thought of anything else?” The kid continued, obviously not satisfied with the current answer and looking for what was rattling around in this old guy’s head.

“No, not really.”

What else can you say when you’re at a point in life where you’ve either owned or driven the cars that matter most to you, and nothing is on the horizon that you find remotely interesting or exciting.

Okay, admittedly, there may be a car or two that still piques my interest, like a well- kept SL of the R230 variety, an example of which is known to me and yes, there may be a candle lit regarding it.

There’s no AMG tuning involved here, just a Grand Touring convertible that will devour miles in a reasonable manner, Sturm und Drang not needed. Heck, even the Minister of Finance voiced no objection to the float of the idea. I’ll take that as a positive sign, because it’s usually a preemptive “NO” whenever the idea of a 3rd car is put forward. The second slot is still open. Maybe an 80s Z-car.

I’ve been puzzling where to go from this point, car wise. I’d briefly flirted with the idea of a real oddball like a Slingshot, but the fire isn’t there, really, as it isn’t there for most cars. Or any car.

I’m calling it a good thing. It means that my needs are met, I’m content, and I have room for a dream whenever it comes along.

Or if it never manifests, that’s fine as well, and I’m happy to say it.