Hello, the name is quattrolite and you will understand why

"I am what I am and that's all that I am" said Popeye the sailorman. I believe this can be applied for me too - I am sick about the cars. I am that wacko who notices some weird model on the street and says "DAYUMMM, THAT'S THE 320SI PASSING BY", while nobody gets the idea what is he talking about - it may not make sense to anybody regular. (FYI - BMW 320SI (E90) is the WTC homologation version of E90, bored out from 1.6 to 1.9, allowing you to rev up to 7k rpm) And yes, that involves quite 'useful' knowledge of getting through all the codes, versions, editions of whatsoever to prove... basically nothing, since I do not make my daily paycheck by figuring out which M3 chasis is the best.

What is motoring, you may ask? I believe that starts with something simple. It may be an old thing, you can work with and get the idea how things function and after all, feel acquainted with all of its bits and bolts. That below is my choice, the vehicle for sunny summer days. Welcome to 1983 VAZ (a.k.a LADA) 2106.

I have no idea if any of you folks know what that even is. I can tell you that it is originally designed by Italians, FIAT to be precise. Was quite an advanced car, originally, got some European car of the year award during 60's and Soviets bought a licence to produce it, albeit with tiny modifications, for the purpose of motisation of whole Soviet Union. It evolved from the original VAZ (LADA) 2101 model to 2103 and then later evolving to this one - the 2106 model. It seems to be too much numbers for you, but believe me, during its active lifespan from 1976 until the collapse of the almighty SU, it was the most luxurious model you can buy. And indeed, my model is the last of the so-called "first generation" 2106's - having all its chrome details, including mouldings around arches and sides, as well as gray plastics around the headlights etc., while the following model years of the same 2106 model were deliberately cheapened with the most basic, plastic and dark ingredients.

Is it too much said already? I suppose I should ask myself: Where did it all began? I believe that has to do with childhood - starting with model cars, cutting out cars from magazines or just hoarding various items such as brochures.

True aficionado of cars grow behind the wheel, the more various cars you can try, the more you feel confident in terms of your own judgement.

This great IS200t (XE30) was given to me for a brief test while my daily driver had its gearbox oil changed. What do you think about this 'spindle grill' Lexus? This turbo-4 versus old V6 (IS250) engine, which does feel better IRL? My vote goes to good ol' V6. Nothing feels better than rev-happy naturally aspirated vee-engine.

The thing is - I believe true passion should not be expensive, come packed with 300+HP and tuned up chasis... how about just going out hunting some rare finds in the market for restoration. Have a peek at this Moskvitch 427- it is not just the estate model of sedan, it apparently is an Elite export version with quad lights and spiced up ~60HP engine.

No, we did not buy it, we stayed with the LADA.

This is where it starts with - in the following weeks you can see me ranting about various car-related subjects, so for more of my thoughts and posts, please stay posted and follow-up. Better yet, please drop your questions and topics you want to ask and I'll be there for you :)

Yours, quattrolite