Gosh eta! That thread was in the recent past. I had completely missed reading it. Thanks!!
I suspected that this thread would provoke some car stories! All of them were good fun to read. The only car I have ever lusted after was a light green beetle with orange polka dots. I loved that car and would stare at it with hungry eyes every day (was owned by a rather mean neighbour). I think I like chubby cars.
Modern car innards are a definite look-but-don't-touch item, and in making them so, manufacturers have removed some of their heart.
I can empathise with this statement shanks, even if my knowledge about cars is rather limited.

Thanks everyone!