Nowadays, all cars have electronic parking brakes. This makes me worried, when I consider the declining birth rates and the threat of population collapse. Up until the turn of the millennia, the handbrake was an important component in human reproduction. When a male identified an attractive female, he would usually engage the handbrake and slide the car. This manoeuvre was very effective in attracting female attention, and usually resulted in 2,5 kids and a Volvo on the driveway some years later.

DiaryRikard ÖqvistOctober 11, 2024cars, motorcycle, petrolhead, driving, futureComment

A proper barn-find?

I recently sold my Kodiaq L&K SUV, and now I plan to replace it with a 31-year-old classic W124. It all started out as an obvious way to save money because my wife is not commuting while on parental leave and it did not make sense to have two expensive cars rusting away in the carport. We decided to try and get by with only one car. Before long, we realized that a 2nd car is indeed a very good idea when you’re living in the countryside. But it does not have to be anything fancy if you only need it a couple of times per month. I then remembered that my grandfathers very nice W124 has been collecting dust in a garage for at least a decade. Is this a proper barn find perhaps?

DiaryRikard ÖqvistOctober 4, 2024cars, retro, sustainability, classic, mercedes benz, analog, petrolheadComment

You cannot buy class

Last week I was lucky enough to spot two Aston Martins, one of which was a super-rare custom edition (only about 300 produced) and get a private presentation of the car. We were having dinner at a restaurant in a small village in Schweiz when my petrolhead colleague told me that something very special had just pulled up outside. I love anything with an engine that produces a good noise and curiously went out to have a look for myself. I was really blown away by what might have been the most beautiful car I have ever seen. A Vantage V12 in the perfect color – British Racing Green – with equally green rims, golden brake calipers and details, and brown two-color leather trim.