http://www.autopuzzles.com/afeature3.htmCharlie and his Goat
In this instalment of “In The Spotlight”, we Q&A with AutoPuzzles co-founder and forum creator/admin/programmer Ultra, AKA Charlie O.
Charlie may be familiar to some of you who have read his posts here and on other car boards, engaged him in a game of online chess (which I don’t think he's ever lost), enjoyed the sounds coming from his Lachine Machine studio, or enjoyed one of his pizzas at the Northern Lower-Peninsula favourite eating establishment, Charlie O’s Pizzeria. I sat down with Charlie (virtually) recently and asked him about his love of cars. Here’s what he had to say:
AP: Tell us about yourself and when you became interested in cars?
Charlie: I am 39 years old and live in NE lower Michigan. When I was a toddler, my interest was already documented by my family.
AP: What was your first car?
Charlie: 1973 Plymouth Fury Gran Coupe
AP: What is your daily driver?
Charlie: 2004 GTO
AP: What classic(s) or special cars do you currently have?
Charlie: The GTO. I have also restored a 1974 Dodge Challenger in the past.
AP: What made you choose to buy them?
Charlie: Car Crazy
AP: Have you ever just missed buying a particular car, and lived to regret it?
Charlie: No.
AP: What would be your dream car?
Charlie: One that was immune to tickets.
AP: Which car do you regret having parted company with?
Charlie: The Challenger
AP: What is your favorite drive in your classic or special car?
Charlie: Harbor Springs to Leg's Inn on M-119
AP: How much work on your car(s) do you carry out yourself?
Charlie: Not much anymore. Time is too precious.
AP: What do you carry with you go out in your car(s)?
Charlie: Wine Opener.
AP: Do you get involved in the club scene, and why?
Charlie: Not anymore. Too political
AP: Do you take an interest in motor sport, and if so where is your favorite venue(s)/club meeting(s)?
Charlie: F1 is my main motorsport interest.
AP: What is your worst memory involving a car?
Charlie: When my mother's 1975 Mercury Bobcat station wagon, orange, caught fire in front of my high school with me driving it.
AP: What is your funniest memory involving a car?
Charlie: The 1973 Honda Civic that I took ownership of, for a quarter ounce of weed.
AP: What is your most enjoyable moment involving a car?
Charlie: Escaping pursuit.
AP: Best road food?
Charlie: Cannolis
AP: How would you define a ‘classic’?
Charlie: A vehicle that inspires desire, regardless of age.
AP: What in your opinion, is the worst car regarded as a ‘classic’ and why?
Charlie: Fox body Mustangs. I don't understand what the desire is that some feel.
AP: What in your view will be a future classic?
Charlie: The modern GTO
AP: What question would you like to ask and who to?
Charlie: I would like to ask GWB if he ever drives anymore.
AP: What car publications / car websites do you regularly read?
Charlie: AutoPuzzles.com