Oh what a day. This afternoon I returned to the MB dealership and took delivery of the most beautiful little sports car in the state (known from this point forward as the "red-head" ... a Firemist Red 2006 SLK350). I spent 30 minutes in the cockpit with Tim, my sales rep. He reviewed the various electronic subsystems.
A moment later I was alone in the cockpit. You don't just "sit" in this machine. You strap it on, like a jet fighter. It becomes a part of you. Just me and the red-head. For once they got it right. Here was a machine without imperfection. A machine ahead of its time. Not a switch out of place or a gauge misaligned. It's not just the breathtaking look or the muscular four point stance. It's the quiet assurance you gain by taking in the whole of it all. I still remember that electric shock the first time I saw this model. I get it every single time I see this machine.
100 years from now, this baby will still command the same gut reaction from first-time onlookers.
Then the red-head whispered, "Come on now Jeff. Just point my nose anywhere and take me away from this place!" Zero arguments there. Acceleration was effortless ... and actually pressed me into the bucket seat. There was so much flat torque available that it was tempting to just keep moving faster and faster. The red-head wanted more and more.
I couldn't feel the transition between first and second ... or ... sixth to seventh for that matter. The transmission was silky smooth and stealthy. I found myself checking the tac and speedometer to ensure my senses weren't off the mark.
The cockpit is highly insulated. It was difficult to judge speed. There was no windscreen noise, tire noise, or sound of traffic. Just the low rumble of the twin tuned exhaust ports. What a joy! A pure escape. A clean break from the reality of day to day life.
Other drivers throughout the day would pull up beside us. Like a school of fish too curious to avoid that Great White Shark. With the sure knowledge that they were in the presence of someting extraordinary, something quite unique. And there was always that same slight grin and far away look. Then an affirmative nod. Thumbs-up. Way to go. Oh WOW. A gentleness. That sort of thing.
My beautiful one day old baby is now slumbering below in the garage. Curled up like a pround lioness after a satisfying day on the hunt. She whispers, "Just a short getting to know you sprint today boss. The future is bright".
I echo Apbaphil's comment. After that buildup, you DEFINITELY have to post some pictures. Thanks for sharing your thoughts in a most creative way. Apbaphil, myself, and a host of others on this forum will be receiving our cars in the next few weeks. Comments like yours will help keep the excitement level revvin'until our day comes and we can experience the same joy that you're having right now. [:D]
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