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1969 Pontiac Grand Prix Model J |
The car was originally purchased from a nurse who worked with Grandma Nancy. Pete bought it for around $600—a steal for what it was. Under the hood, it had a roaring 400-cubic-inch V8 engine paired with a four-barrel carburetor. It was an absolute blast to drive, a true blend of luxury and muscle. That car more than made up for the infamous 1963 Corvette fiasco, which, much to Pete’s chagrin, turned out to be a Corvair. When Pete left to work at Gurney’s Inn, the car was left behind. Ed struck a deal with Pete: if Ed could get the car running again, they’d split ownership. For two months, Ed toiled with the old Mobil/Exxon station in Tuckahoe. Eventually, the beast roared back to life, and it was back on the road. But life with the car was always an adventure. After one of Pete’s escapades on Long Island, it returned battered and bruised—filled with beer cans, littered with parking tickets, and suffering from broken shocks and ball joints. It was clear the car needed a more stable steward, so Ed decided to buy Pete out. Dot surely remembers one of the car’s most harrowing moments. It was a snowy afternoon, and she was heading home from high school. Against better judgment, she decided to take Colonial Parkway—a treacherous, steep hill. With snow piling up, the 4,000-pound beast on Firestone 500 slicks was hardly up for the task. Even crawling along at 5 mph, using the curb as a guide, the car skidded, hopped the curb, and collided with a telephone pole. The front end was completely redesigned by the encounter. And then there was the infamous runaway incident. One day, Ed went to pick up a friend. As he walked away, the parking brake cable snapped. The car rolled out of the driveway, narrowly missing two elderly folks sitting in rocking chairs on a patio across the street. Fate—or luck—intervened, and disaster was avoided, but not without leaving a story to tell. |
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1978 Toyota Celica GT Liftback |
The car was purchased from Crabtree Toyota in New Rochelle, but it wasn’t exactly the car Ed had originally set his sights on. He had saved up $6,500 to buy his dream car—a sleek Datsun 280Z. However, after a little fatherly guidance, he drove home in something more practical: a 1978 Toyota Celica. It wasn’t the 280Z, but it was still an incredible car. As the Motor Trend Import Car of the Year, it offered style, reliability, and practicality—and it was much friendlier on gas and insurance. Plus, it came with a five-speed manual transmission and a sunroof, which gave it just the right touch of sportiness. Ed remembers taking it out for its first spin through Tuckahoe with his friend Jimmy Secor. The excitement of owning a new car was slightly overshadowed by a memorable moment at a red light on a steep hill. Navigating the tricky incline with his new manual, Ed unintentionally left a symphony of honking cars in his wake—a rite of passage for any new stick-shift driver. The Celica served him well during its time, but when Ed decided to move to Florida, it was time to let it go. The car found a new home with Joe McGarry, and while Ed moved on, the memories of that Celica and the adventures it sparked stayed with him. |
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1983 Honda Ascot VT 500 |
Ed bought the motorcycle to tackle the grueling 150-mile trip on Route 60 between Vero Beach and Tampa—a nightmare of a journey, but necessary for getting back and forth to college. It wasn’t long before the bike gave him his first real lesson in caution. In his first week of ownership, he was riding back from the Jungle Club on US 1. Feeling adventurous, Ed decided to open it up on a long, empty stretch of road. The speedometer climbed past 100 mph, the wind rushing by—but then, out of nowhere, a slow-moving lawn tractor appeared, crossing the highway directly in his path. Ed’s heart nearly stopped as he narrowly avoided the tractor and its spinning rear blades. It was a wake-up call he wouldn’t soon forget, and from that day forward, Ed learned to ride with much more respect for the road. Another memorable story came that summer, while Ed was away upstate selling books. He decided to teach his dad how to ride the bike before he left. After giving a brief overview of the clutch, brakes, and accelerator, Ed handed over the controls. At first, Dad took it slow, rolling down the street with cautious confidence. But things took a dramatic turn—literally—when Dad tried to navigate the curve to come back. Confusing the accelerator with the brake, he unintentionally gunned the engine, sending the bike spinning around with a screech. In a blur, Dad raced back down the street, miraculously coming to a stop right in front of the house. Without a word, Dad calmly handed the motorcycle back to Ed, set the helmet on the seat, and walked into the house. That was the last Ed heard from him about the bike. In fact, Dad didn’t say another word for the rest of the evening. When Ed finally returned home at the end of the summer, the bike had one more surprise waiting for him: a dead battery that needed recharging. But despite its quirks—and the unforgettable adventures it sparked—that motorcycle remained a key part of Ed’s college journey. This version keeps the details but brings more structure, pacing, and descriptive flair to make the story engaging while retaining its humor and heart.
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1984 Mitsubishi Mirage |
Ed bought this car from Superior Mitsubishi while working at Courtesy Lincoln-Mercury. Despite being in the car business, he wasn’t entirely sure if he’d gotten a good deal. Still, the car served its purpose, reliably getting him to and from work and even making the long trek from Florida to New York during his move. But this car’s life was anything but uneventful. The first incident happened while Ed was waiting patiently at a red light. Out of nowhere, another car slid into the front end, causing damage that would take nearly a month to repair. Frustrating, but manageable. Then came the second mishap, which was far more puzzling. After taking the train into Manhattan for work, Ed returned to find his car missing. Assuming it had been stolen, he went straight to the police. However, after some investigation, it turned out the car had been sideswiped by a truck while parked on the side of the road. The third incident was the most dramatic of all. After a late night in the city playing volleyball and socializing with friends, Ed came back to where he’d parked, only to discover the car was gone—again. Back to the police department he went, only to be told there was no record of the vehicle. Frustrated and confused, Ed walked to train station the following Monday, only to stumble upon the car. It was sitting on the side of the road, completely demolished, a sad shell of its former self. Despite all the chaos surrounding it, that car certainly left its mark—literally and figuratively—on Ed’s life, becoming an unforgettable chapter in his story. |
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1989 Honda CRX Si |
Ed can still remember the day he first laid eyes on the 1989 Honda CRX Si sitting next to the SR71 Blackbird in a magazine advertisement. Ed leased this from Bronx Honda, his first time leasing. This wasn’t just a car—it was a two-seat pocket rocket, an engineering marvel packed with horsepower that defied its size. The mag wheels sparkled, the sunroof begged to be opened on summer drives, and the thought of its smooth five-speed manual transmission. The little CRX was the car he picked up his new girlfriend Doreen in for countless dates, the one that carried them to their favorite pizza spot and late-night drives. But life moved forward. After their wedding, Ed realized he didn’t need the little sports car anymore. Practicality called for something different, something more suited to a new chapter. With a heavy heart, he arranged for someone else to take over the lease. |
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1981 Oldsmobile Omega |
Doreen purchased her first car, a 1981 Oldsmobile Omega, after spotting it while driving home from the train station in Harrison. The car was basic transportation, reliably taking her to the train station each morning and carrying us to countless events. However, it had its quirks, especially the sagging headliner, which Doreen tried fixing with spray glue and tape before resorting to a stapler. Despite its flaws, the Omega became an essential part of our lives, embodying Doreen’s determination and resourcefulness. |
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1993 Honda Accord EX |
The 1993 Honda EX four-door wasn’t just a car—it was a part of your family’s story. We bought it brand new from White Plains Honda, drawn in by a Saturday paper ad and a fantastic deal at $14,995. It was a milestone purchase, marking the start of a new chapter as you prepared to welcome your first daughter. The EX delivered exactly what we needed: reliability, outstanding gas mileage, and value that stretched far beyond its sticker price. It carried our growing family through years of memories, from late-night diaper runs to road trips filled with giggles in the back seat. Always dependable, it became more than just transportation; it was a trusted companion during life’s early adventures. Eventually, as our family expanded, we had to move on to something larger, but that 1993 Honda EX left behind a legacy of firsts—a first new family car, first family road trips, and a symbol of the journey you began together. One funny story was when Ed was going to the dry cleaners and Stephanie, at 18 months old, took the electronic car keys out of my mouth while Ed was putting her in her car seat. After securing her in the car seat and while Ed was going to the driver’s door Stephanie hit the button and looked all the doors. This left me locked out of the car with her inside. It took multiple attempts to communicate with her and get her to press the button to unlock the door. After about 20 nerve-wracking minutes, she finally pressed the right button, unlocking the car and resolving the stressful situation. |
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2002 Honda Odyssey EX |
We always knew the Honda Odyssey EX was the gold standard for minivans, but we held off until the price markups came down. Finally, in 2002, we bought one home from Yonkers Honda, and it wasn’t long before she became part of the family. We named her Betsy. She wasn’t just a minivan—she was a living room on wheels. With the most comfortable captain’s chairs you could ask for, Betsy carried us on countless road trips to Florida, Maryland, Connecticut, and everywhere in between. She turned long drives into memorable family adventures, complete with movies and TV shows. Some of the best times were spent watching episodes of Friends together as we cruised along. My wife absolutely adored that car and still talks about her fondly to this day. For 12 years, Betsy was a reliable workhorse. She hauled kids to countless sports practices and games, moved furniture and supplies from Home Depot, and transported everything else we threw at her. Remarkably, in all those years, she only had one issue, which Ed fixed himself for just $80—a testament to her dependability. Eventually, though, Betsy started to show her age, and we knew it was time to let her go. Parting with her wasn’t easy, but we were grateful for the countless memories she gave us. Even now, years later, Betsy remains a beloved chapter in our family’s story, proving that sometimes a car isn’t just a car—it’s part of the family. |
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1992 Acura Legend 2dr |
The 1992 Acura Legend two-door was nothing short of an amazing car. With the same engine as the NSX, it was both powerful and incredibly smooth—a true blend of performance and luxury. What Ed loved most was how the dashboard wrapped around the driver, giving me that cockpit-like feeling Ed hadn’t experienced since the 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix. It was a car that felt special every time you sat behind the wheel. When Ed bought it, the car was already 15 years old, but it had been meticulously cared for. In fact, it only had about 15,000 miles on it. Ed will never forget the moment he drove it away—the original owner, clearly attached to the car, looked like they might cry as Ed pulled out of the driveway. That just showed how much this car meant to people who truly appreciated it. As incredible as the Acura Legend was, practicality eventually won out. Gas prices were climbing through the roof at the time, and the Legend, being a premium-unleaded machine, wasn’t the most economical choice. Add in the fact that Ed was constantly shuttling kids to football and basketball practices, getting the car dirty and worn, and it didn’t feel right to keep it. It was too beautiful and too well-engineered to suffer through that kind of treatment. Ed decided to let it go; hoping someone else could appreciate and enjoy it as much as Ed did. Even now, Ed looks back fondly on that car. It wasn’t just a vehicle—it was an experience, a reminder of the days when cars were crafted with soul and purpose. |
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2001 Suzuki Vitara |
The worst mistake Ed ever made was buying the 2001 Suzuki Vitara. Ed thought it would be a great car for handling the snow, but he completely overlooked a crucial detail—it was only 2-wheel drive. That alone was disappointing, but the real frustration came from the constant ignition issues. Getting them fixed was a nightmare, and being stranded because of it was beyond aggravating. Looking back, it was easily one of my worst decisions: bad judgment, bad car. What made the whole experience even more surreal was the day Ed went to see the car before buying it. The seller lived in a massive mansion in Harrison, complete with metal gates that had to open to let me in. The place was impressive—he even ran two Boar’s Head routes. Ed remembers thinking how surprising it was that someone so wealthy would even have a car like that. It felt like a mismatch from the start, but for whatever reason, Ed went ahead with the purchase. Years later, Ed still shakes his head when he thinks about that Vitara. It was a perfect storm of poor choices and bad luck, and it stands out as a lesson he’ll never forget. |
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2006 Honda Civic Ex 2dr |
The 2006 Honda Civic EX was a big step up from its predecessors. With its redesigned look and improved styling, it felt modern and sharp—much better looking than the older Civics. It was also an economical car, reliable with just enough features to make it practical but enjoyable. Ed was able to get it thanks to a $2,000 bonus from work, which came with my move from the home office in New York City to Tarrytown. The Civic served me well for several years, but it wasn’t without its adventures. Steph borrowed it for one semester at UCF, and that’s where things took a turn. One day, while she and Alex were driving, some guy—probably too busy smoking weed to pay attention—smacked into the car. It was never quite the same after that. The last big memory Ed had with that car was driving it from New York to Florida in 2008 for my new job at FPL. It was a grueling 18-hour drive, and what made it worse was a knot in one of the tires. The entire way down, all Ed could hear was a relentless womp, womp, womp. For 18 hours, that sound drove me absolutely crazy, but the car got me there, as dependable as ever. The Civic may not have had the most glamorous story, but it was a solid companion for those years—a true workhorse that managed to leave its mark, even if sometimes it was through frustration. |
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1975 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray |
Stephanie and Ed made the trip to Coral Springs on Florida’s West Coast, renting a U-Haul truck and trailer to haul back 1975 Vette. Both of us took turns driving, and the journey itself was an adventure, filled with equal parts excitement and uncertainty. The original plan was ambitious: we hoped that Stephanie, Eric and Ed would able restore the car, turning it into a family project. Unfortunately, that never came to pass. Eventually, we began investing in it, redoing the suspension, replacing the front and rear lights, and making small improvements. However, as time went on, Ed began to research the car more thoroughly and discovered a crucial detail Ed had overlooked—the 1975 Corvette came with one of the weakest V8 engines Chevrolet ever produced. The 350-cubic-inch engine delivered less than 120 horsepower, less than my 2006 Honda Civic! Instead of putting endless time and money into restoring a disappointing model, Ed realized it would’ve been far smarter to simply buy a new Corvette. Ed had always hoped that Doreen and Stephanie would call the TV show "Restoration Garage" for help, but work, school, sports and life would interfere. |
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2016 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 EX |
The 2016 Corvette LT1 was nothing short of a dream car. Ed still remembers the first time he saw renderings of it—it looked like something straight out of a superhero movie. That sleek, futuristic design, the long front end, the wide rear, and those insanely wide tires—it was like a modern-day Batmobile. Ed knew from the moment he saw it that he had to have one. Ed saved every penny he could, and thanks to a lucky investment at work that doubled in value, Ed finally made the dream a reality. The day he bought it was unforgettable. This car wasn’t just fast—it was supercar fast. Driving it was a visceral experience, especially on Old Dixie Highway. I’ll never forget cruising at over 105 mph one morning, feeling the raw power of that engine. It was like nothing I’d ever experienced—a rush of adrenaline and pure exhilaration. One time, Ed took a coworker out for a quick spin to show off what the car could do. We eased into a turn and then hit the gas. The power was so immense that Ed almost lost control of the car. The look on my coworker’s face said it all—Ed thought he nearly peed his pants. It was a reminder of just how much car Ed was handling. Despite how incredible it was, the Corvette LT wasn’t without its quirks. Being a seven-speed manual, it wasn’t exactly practical for everyday driving. Ed also ran into some frustrating issues with the electronic dashboard—it would randomly go out, forcing me to restart the car a few times to get it back. That’s when Ed knew it was time to make a decision. With the release of the new C8 Corvette on the horizon and resale values about to drop, Ed decided to sell it. Little did Ed know, Covid would send car prices skyrocketing shortly after? Even though it was a relatively short chapter, the 2016 Corvette LT left an unforgettable impression. It was a car that defined what it meant to have pure, unfiltered driving excitement. I’ll always remember it as one of the most thrilling rides of my life. |
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2018 Kia Stinger |
To say that Doreen was upset when Ed sold the Corvette would be an understatement. She made it very clear: the next car couldn’t be a “clown car” and had to be something nice. So, we set out together to find the right replacement. Surprisingly, we both agreed on the Kia Stinger—a sporty, sleek sedan from Korea. It was a stunning car, equipped with a dual-turbo four-cylinder engine that was fast, stylish, and didn’t break the bank. It checked all the boxes for both of us. The Stinger was a blast to drive, and we made some great memories with it. One story that stands out was when Ed went to lunch with some coworkers. There were four of us: three guys over six feet tall and one who was about 5’4”. Naturally, the shortest guy took the front passenger seat, leaving the three taller guys to squeeze into the back. What Ed hadn’t realized—since he never sat back there—was just how tight the rear headroom was under that fastback roofline. Let’s just say no one was comfortable back there, and the experience provided plenty of laughs (and complaints) for the rest of the day. The Stinger also saw its share of road trips, including a memorable drive to West Virginia to see the Mountaineers play football. It was the perfect mix of performance and practicality for those long drives. But, like all good things, our time with the Stinger eventually came to an end. With remote work taking over during Covid, we realized we no longer needed two cars. Thankfully, Kia was willing to eliminate the last two years of the lease, making it easier to say goodbye. Even though it didn’t stay with us forever, the Kia Stinger left its mark as a car that combined style, speed, and great memories. It wasn’t a Corvette, but it turned out to be the perfect choice for that chapter in our lives.
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2018 Mazda CX5 |
After saying goodbye to Betsy, our beloved Honda Odyssey, we needed a practical and affordable option to replace her. With three cars in the family and student loans to pay off for the kids, we decided leasing was the best choice to keep payments manageable. That’s how we ended up with the Mazda CX-5—a compact SUV that struck a great balance between size, price, and performance. The CX-5 turned out to be a solid daily driver. Its 2.5L four-cylinder engine was surprisingly peppy and made it fun to drive, especially for a car in its class. It handled our needs well, shuttling us back and forth to work reliably, though it wasn’t a car that sparked much excitement or made headlines in our lives. Before we knew it, the three-year lease was up, and it was time to return it. Mazda got back a low-mileage, garage-kept car that I’m sure they were happy to receive. For us, it was just a practical chapter—a dependable workhorse during a busy time in our lives. No big adventures or stories to tell, but it did exactly what we needed it to do. |
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2021 Mazda CX30 |
When the lease was up on the Mazda CX-5, Ed was sent solo to the Mazda dealership to pick out a replacement. After chatting with the trusted Mazda salesperson, Ed came home with something a little different: a CX-30. It was a newer type of vehicle—a crossover that looked very similar to the CX-5 but was slightly smaller. At first glance, it seemed like a logical choice. Surprisingly, the CX-30 had the same 2.5L engine as the CX-5, so it didn’t offer any improvement in gas mileage despite its smaller size. While it was fine as a daily driver, it wasn’t particularly exciting or memorable. It quickly became clear that the CX-30 was just too small for our needs. Everywhere we went, it felt like people thought we were part of the help—not exactly the impression we were looking for. The CX-30 didn’t stick around for long, but it served its purpose during its brief time with us. It was a practical choice for getting from point A to point B, but ultimately, it wasn’t a car that fit us or our lifestyle. |
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1973 Triumph TR6 |
The first time Ed saw a red Triumph TR6 in the early 1970s, he was mesmerized. There was something about its classic design, low-slung stance, and sporty charm that captured my imagination. Ed knew, even as a kid, that one day I’d have one of my own. It was the car Ed dreamed about for years, my ultimate favorite. And now, Ed can proudly say he owned one. Driving the TR6 has been nothing short of amazing. The straight-six engine pulls with surprising power for a car from the early ’70s—far more robust than your typical English sports car of that era. Every time Ed got behind the wheel, I’m reminded of why it stood out to me all those years ago. It’s not just the performance, though; the TR6 has a way of drawing people in. Ed received more waves, honks, and appreciation from strangers in this car than with any other he owned. There’s something about it that sparks nostalgia and admiration wherever it goes. That said, owning a TR6 hasn’t been without its challenges—especially as a daily driver. Overheating while waiting for the drawbridge to open, coaxing the battery to cooperate and start the car, and dealing with its quirks has made every day an adventure. But despite the frustrations, Ed never regretted it. Owning a TR6 wasn’t just about having a car—it was about fulfilling a lifelong dream, checking off a punch list item I’d carried with me for decades. It hasn’t been perfect, but that’s what makes it special. The TR6 isn’t just a car; it’s a connection to the past, a reminder of the dreams Ed held onto, and proof that sometimes, the things we wait for really are worth it. |
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2023 Genesis GV80 |
During the end of Covid, we started looking for a car to replace our Mazda CX-30. While the Mazda was a great little crossover, it was just a bit too small and didn’t quite have the prestige we were looking for. Initially, we set our sights on a Toyota Sienna minivan, but with two-year waiting lists or older models as the only options, we had to rethink our plans. By chance, we stopped at a Genesis dealership to check out the GV80, a model we’d read glowing reviews about. The moment we saw the white GV80 on the showroom floor, we were smitten. We decided to throw out a ridiculously low offer—$10,000 under MSRP—and told them we’d buy it if they could meet that price. Honestly, Ed didn’t think they’d go for it, especially during Covid and with it being a 2023 model in the summer of 2022. But to my surprise, they accepted! In one day, we traded in the Mazda and drove home in our new Genesis GV80. The car was stunning, and several people even remarked that it looked like a Bentley—which, to be fair, it kind of does. We took it on one incredible road trip to Dallas, and the experience was everything we could’ve hoped for: smooth, luxurious, and comfortable. It was the perfect car in so many ways. However, as much as we loved the GV80, it didn’t quite fit our long-term needs. Doreen and Ed wanted to take a lot of road trips, but Ed realized I’m not able to handle long-distance driving anymore without help. My attention span for driving fades after 15 minutes, and at my age, it’s just easier to have a little assistance. That’s why we ultimately traded it in for a Tesla Model X with Full Self-Driving (FSD). The Genesis was amazing, but the Tesla’s self-driving capabilities are a must for me now. Still, the GV80 holds a special place in our memories—it was an incredible car, even if its time with us was brief. |
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2023 Mazda Miata MX5 |
When Doreen decided to return to work after finding retirement a little too boring, we realized we needed a second car again. We wanted something reliable but also fun to drive. After experiencing the thrill of the TR6—but not its reliability—it was clear we needed something that wouldn’t leave us stranded. The Mazda Miata MX-5 fit the bill perfectly. Even though the price was higher than Ed initially expected, the Miata has proven to be a great choice. It’s lightweight, zippy, and endlessly fun to drive. Most of the time, the top is down—especially now that I’m retired. Back when Ed was working, the top would go down occasionally, but these days it stays down almost all the time, even in a light drizzle. There’s just something about the feeling of the open air that makes every drive a little better. That said, Ed know the Miata isn’t a keeper for me. While it’s been great for this chapter of my life, I’m already thinking about what’s next—something a bit more masculine, like a replica AC Cobra. Let’s see if Ed can find one at a reasonable price. For now, though, the Miata has been exactly what Ed needed: reliable, fun, and the perfect companion for this season of life. |
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2024 Tesla Model X Long Range |
The Tesla Model X had been on my radar for years, but the price always felt out of reach. That changed recently, thanks to a significant price reduction, a $7,000 discount on Full Self-Driving, and the $7,500 tax credit. With those incentives, we decided it was finally time to take the plunge—or rather, push the button—and purchase the 2024 Model X. So far, it’s been nothing short of amazing. The Model X is incredibly quiet and smooth, and it’s shockingly fast. At 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, it’s the second fastest vehicle Ed ever owned—barely edged out by my 2016 Corvette by just 0.1 seconds. Driving it feels futuristic, though there are some things we’ve had to adjust to. The small sun visors are less than ideal, and the one-pedal driving system took some getting used to. That said, once we adapted, we really came to appreciate the one-pedal functionality. The button-based signaling, however, remains a bit tough to get used to. The Full Self-Driving (FSD) has been a real game-changer. When we first started using it, it felt clunky, but it has steadily improved and is now nearly flawless. It has truly been a lifesaver for my aging eyes and reflexes. We’ve used FSD for long road trips, from Nashville to the Florida Keys and even up to New York. It handles the miles with ease, and we’ve never had a single issue finding a charging station along the way. The car comfortably drives 2.5 to 3.5 hours before needing a charge, which has fit seamlessly into our travel routine. The Model X is everything we hoped it would be—a revolutionary vehicle that’s both practical and thrilling. |
