I have 2 major passions in life … food and cars … not always in that order.
My brother Gerald bought me my first car … a present for my 16th birthday. His own car collection consisted of a ‘67 Mustang, a ‘58 Peugeot 403, a ‘72 Sports Fury III, a ‘60 Austin Mini and a ‘76 Cadillac Eldorado. His love of cars always got my motor running so as soon as I passed my drivers test we went to our cousin Randy’s dealership just outside of Miami, and the next thing I knew I was the proud owner of a 1978, “Martinique Blue” Firebird. It was way more car than I could handle but I was instantly the most popular girl in town. It took a lot of self control not to let the instant popularity and the powerful engine of that Firebird go to my head. But I was definitely hooked … on cars, on driving, on the limitless possibilities the open road presented.
By the time I finished college I’d put nearly 200,000 miles of driving under my belt and it was time for a new vehicle (oh, how I wish I’d kept my beautiful blue Firebird!). I was working in Miami as a landscape gardener so I wanted something big & tough as I planned on opening my own business the following summer. The Dodge D-150 fit the bill and I drove that baby hard for almost 20 years. By then I was living in Colorado, never imagining I’d return to my old home town.
Now, at 60, the excitement of getting behind the wheel is just as thrilling as ever. I’ve owned some great cars over the years but recently I indulged in something extra special. Being ever-diligent to treat mother nature as gently as possible .. hey, I’m a gardener, remember … I was beyond ecstatic when I realised Porsche had a fully electric vehicle. The Taycan has quick recharge times, has about a 240 mile range and my personal favorite, 616 horsepower for great acceleration and speed. There may be snow on MY roof but baby … there’s fire in my engine!
One of my favorite Miami events, now that I’m back home, is Charcuterie & Cars. It’s always a blast to meet other “gear-headed” women and check out the drool-worthy cars while sipping Chablis & nibbling the nosh at OM & Vine every first Monday of the month. At long last, my two passions uniting so blissfully.
If you wish to go for the next Charcuterie & Cars and make a stand still statement, then visit the best dealership in Miami at 620 75TH ST, Miami Beach, FL 33141, https://www.vipleasemiami.com/
