MICHAEL J. LACIVITA Drooling over a few classic cars

Exotic, classic or world class automobiles, are a thing of beauty and a joy forever, in my view.
In the early 1930s, I recall three cars that I would place in that category. They were the awesome Cord, the Lincoln Zephyr and the Chrysler Air Flow.
My passion for this type car continues to this day. My three grandsons, Michael and Patrick Krieger and Jeffrey Vicarel, also share this passion.
In 2002, I attended the Greater Cleveland International Auto Show at the IX Center, along with Michael and Jeffrey. It was a never-to-be-forgotten experience.
To be able to sit in and photograph some of these high-line cars, was a thrill in itself. The concept cars like the Buick LaCrosse and Chrysler Crossfire were especially interesting -- a look into the future (the near future, as it turns out with the Crossfire; it's in showrooms now). These cars did everything but talk, and the LaCrosse even did that.
Many brochures were available, but we had no luck obtaining brochures on the Rolls-Royce or Bentley cars. I did find a toll-free number on these cars in an advertisement.
Location, location
Several days after the show I called the number at a Rolls-Royce & amp; Bentley Motors Ltd. location in Indiana -- or so I thought. "What is the cost of a brochure?" I asked. "Seven pounds," was the reply. "Is this Indiana, U.S.A.?" I asked. "No, it is "Rolls-Royce & amp; Bentley Motors Limited headquarters in Crewe, England," he replied. I almost fell off my chair. But I was able to get a brochure for $10.
Being of Italian descent, I don't want to forget my love affair with the Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati exotics. Last summer Jeffrey, Patrick and I visited dealers in Columbus that showcased them. One dealer carried the Ferrari and Maserati, while the other one was a Lamborghini dealer. We were given permission to photograph these Italian bred masterpieces, since brochures are hard to obtain. If I can't own one, then a photo will have to do.
XMichael J. Lacivita is a Youngstown retiree who loads up his grandsons and camera gear in a Buick when he goes in search of the picturesque and exotic.