Astro,
I am not sure I am fully buying in that you bought that very special machine just for your Wife. At least not subconsciously.
Mrs. Astro had a big birthday last fall. This was her present.
She’s always talked about having a “fun car” one day, but were always paying for things for the kids, college for example, and with 6 kids, this wasn’t a small matter.
She had talked about an old Jag, like an XK-120, or a Morgan. A two seat roadster. The problem with either of those is safety and reliability. My dad had owned a Jaguar MK-II, and while it drove great, it needed attention every couple of months just to stay running. So, she had her eye on fun cars, sure, but not particularly reliable. Worse, they’re a death trap in a crash with an SUV, and tweaking points and carbs every month or two wasn’t my idea of fun.
I suggested a newer Mercedes coupe/roadster. Top down. Two seat. Airbags. ABS. Stability control. Solid construction. None of the safety concerns.
I was leaning towards an SL500, same vintage. Simple V-8. Or, perhaps an SL55 with the supercharged V-8.
They all have the hydraulic ABC suspension, stability control, roll over protection, multiple airbags, seat belt pretensioners, etc. They‘re all about as safe as a roadster can be. They all have similar reliability.
The SL55 was too “race car” loud.
Then, I found this car. The V-12 is actually quicker than the supercharged V-8. Silky smooth. She likes the V-12 in my car. She liked the idea of smooth and powerful.
She loved the color, the interior, and the wheels on this one. So, I bought it.
I will admit that I wanted the V-12 as something special over an “ordinary” V-8 - but I didn’t pick the car, she did. She balked at the price, nobody had ever spent that kind of money on her, but that part of the decision wasn’t her call, it was mine. I negotiated a price, and shipping, and wired the money.
You’re right that I love the V-12. You’re right that I love her car. Now, while I might’ve suggested the V-12, she chose it.
I don’t drive it very often. It’s her car.
I’ve got my own V-12. And a manual transmission Volvo V70 R. And a 1932 Packard.
And I wanted her to have something more than just a car, I wanted it to be rare. To be special. But not for me, for her.