Some come to mind:
1.) I was young and working as a mechanic when I was sent over to East San Jose to look at a car in a body shop. It was going that day for back owed fees and charges. It was "in the white" (bare metal) but all there. I scrambled among all my friends and relatives and could not raise the coin (
). It was an Auburn Boat-tailed Speedster with a Blower ... Sold for a little over $3K ...
2.) 1963 Merc Marauder fast-back coupe. 390 4-speed car with electric windows and no A/C. Dark gray exterior and red leather interior with buckets. Drop dead gorgeous and fast. Prolly $500 more than I could raise ... I already had a 4-speed Merc, but not a fast back (Daytona roof line). Even mine was/still is one of my favorite remembered cars
3.) Again, working a the local foreign car lot when in rolled a used high mile Ferrari 2+2. Before I cleaned and detailed that car, I made an offer (circa 1968~ ) $4K. They laughed, but let me drive it to lunch. It was leaking oil in a lot of places, but ran like a dream. I have wanted that car ever since ...
4.) We go to europe to visit family every few years. I was/am blown away by the diversity of cars in Holland. First time I saw a Ford Ka I wanted one. Not the current mini-Focus, but the older turtle car. Too new to import to the USA, and especially Cali
But the idea of simple small cars that get good mileage and carry 4 has always been something I like. If it ain't fast, it better be practical in some way ...