[DeTomaso] Close encounters of a too close kind

[cengles at cox.net]

Dear Laurie, 

A nice short story with a happy ending. Congratulations. 

I have no doubt that the Maseratisti were no match for your charisma and GT5S. 

Warmest regards, Chuck Engles


---- LaurieFerrari at aol.com wrote:
>So...... here I was yesterday morning taking out my newly finished P. for
>the first time in nearly two years and heading for the major end of the
>month show in Calabasas. Brother Leon had driven his up from San Diego Friday
>night as this was a big Southern CA car show weekend: Sat and Sunday the
>Mopar Spring Fling at Woodley Park, Sunday the Calabasas gathering and the
>annual show at Johnny Carson Park in Burbank. So here it was about 6:30 a.m.
>Sun. morning. I had the freeway all to myself (so I thought). The car
>felt wonderful.. it's been so long I forgot how amazing it is. I was doing
>what I thought was a conservative and comfortable speed. I leaned down to
>dial the brothers to see if they had gotten to the place yet (w/ a blue
>tooth, thank goodness). Then much to my surprise I gazed to my right and there
>immediately by my side was a CA Highway Patrol car with the lights on. I
>generally have good visual and instinctive radar for such but he had
>surreptitiously snuck up upon me. My gut felt much like it did on my recent
>Buccaneer Ride at Magic Mountain (but significantly worse.) I saw my whole
>excellent driving record flash before my eyes. Then to my super amazement,
>the officer was smiling and waving and looking with admiration and pointed
>his finger forward as if to order me to go faster. I smiled back and in
>that split second decided that it might be best to politely decline his offer.
>He laughed and sped away.
>The comments at the show were great. Bruce Meyers and his daughter were
>there and we had a nice chat. (Check him out on Google if you aren't
>familiar with him). I had great fun standing there in the midst of the people
>talking about Panteras, analyzing my set-up and taking pictures of my car. No
>one realized it was mine unless I said something. The comments were most
>amusing. Two Maserati guys walked by saying what a miserable car the
>Pantera is to drive. That did it. I chased after them and asked if they wished
>to go for a test drive. Needless to say, I have new friends and another
>phone number to add to the pile. : )
>Pantera Laurie.... back in business!