No pockets in a shroud

The sale of our previous abode, and a move into more modest accommodation, freed up some cash.

Being a fiscally cautious man, with a history in a profession that could loosely be called accounting, I was obviously keen to invest any surplus funds such that I would maximise returns whilst minimising risk; in order that the cash would appreciate and be available at a later date for… well I wasn’t really sure what for; but obviously it was sensible to invest it for the future (although I did plan to release some of it for a guilty pleasure which would probably be something with the word “Leica” embossed upon it).

The other option that hovered around the periphery of my tortured brain was the acquisition of a interesting car; with my definition of “interesting” being something fun to drive; with reasonable performance, road holding and handling, and with running costs that would not eliminate what would be a severely reduced bank balance.

The problem with this option was that all the cars that held any level of interest to me were either fully or partially imported and, thanks to Thailand’s duties and taxes, came in at a price at least double to what they would cost in Europe and with engines restricted in both cubic capacity and horsepower to avoid escalation of duty rates to levels that result in prices that move beyond obscene into the incomprehensible.

But it was an option that made zero economic sense, completely unjustifiable whichever way you looked at it. I decided to kill off the idea by talking to she who must be obeyed who would undoubtedly ridicule the idea of wasting a huge amount of cash on something so frivolous. Her response was unexpected.

“You are getting old. How many years do you think you have left where you could enjoy a performance car? You should get the car you want now and enjoy it, there are no pockets in a shroud.” As always, I had to agree with her.

So I got this and it is all her fault:

Best bits: Switching into Sports mode and using the paddle shift to provide a hefty kick in the back all the way up through the eight speed gearbox. Brilliant brakes, taut handling. Love the car, love my wife for being financially irrational just to make me happy.

Comments 🔗

2014-09-11 | rjmorgans says

It looks fast just sitting there! You are right - there are no pockets in a shroud.

2014-09-11 | Camberley says

Good for you. If I recall correctly ’no pockets in a shroud’ is one of your phrases. The osmosis of thought seems to have been at work, in one direction at least.

2014-09-11 | genuinej says

What make is it?

2014-09-11 | Camberley says

“What make is it?: Look at the wheels.

2014-09-11 | genuinej says

Oh!.

2014-09-12 | Spike says

I think I stole it from Jim Smitheman. It’s an admirable mantra for gentlemen of our vintage and one I repeat to my wife on a regular basis.

2014-09-12 | ivo says

They sell those rim stickers at TukCom.

2014-09-12 | Spike says

Rumbled! It’s actually a Proton.

2014-09-13 | Grant says

Very tasty! quite takes the eye away from the entrancing background of your favourite lake…

2014-09-13 | Andrew says

I also just purchased a new white vehicle which although not nearly so upmarket is quite pleasant…I neglected however to factor in the amount of time I ( and now you ) will be spending cleaning bugs off the front and grille since they stand out so nicely on the white background…

2014-09-14 | Spike says

The requirement for regular washing provides opportunity for another toy…..