Unfortunately, my thoughtless neighbors insisted on building houses on their lots, otherwise this picture of one of our recent glorious sunsets would have looked more bucolic. Still, pretty impressive (click to enlarge).
We were walking Daisy, the official dog of Paco Enterprises, around the block a few evenings back, and spotted this car in one of the neighbor's driveways (I went back the next day to take a photo).
In the dim light, all I could make out was the two-tone gray and black paint job, and I thought (hilariously, in retrospect) that this might be a decommissioned NC State Trooper vehicle. I walked closer and squinted at the hood ornament. Not recognizing the logo, I looked it up on the internet when I got home. Boy, was I off in my identification! This is the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, an automobile designed to compete with Rolls-Royce. The tiny chrome letters near the wheel well spell out V12, so this baby has got quite the powerhouse under the hood. The neighbor's son owns one or more car dealerships in Charlotte, and occasionally lets his father borrow a car to drive for a while. The son's friend, interestingly, happens to be the sales representative for McLaren automobiles in the U.S. I have to say, I'd be terrified to leave this thing outside, subject to the elements and the random droppings of birds.
Here's a good example of something that's unsustainable: a live oak tree growing out of the bark of a palm tree. Eventually, something's got to give.
I saw one of those Maybachs at a dealership a few years ago. A friend was looking for a used Mercedes and I suggested he just take the plunge and buy it. Then we looked at the sticker. IIRC, it was pushing 300k.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't convince him, even though he'll routinely pay way more than that for a new combine or tractor for his family's farm. He likes to point out that a new combine will make him a lot more money than a new car.
So, I guess the Maybach doesn't come with any agricultural attachments, like tillers or fertilizer spreaders and such like? No, I thought not.
ReplyDeleteLovely sunset picture.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a car person, so Porsche or Hyundai, I'm indifferent. Unfortunate paint job, though. Me, I'm always intimidated by mid-size white SUVs with roof racks, though, because I always think I'm being followed by the police.
I have seen small saplings growing out of the crooks in other trees, but never one growing out of a palm tree. I did once pull one out of the top of one of blocked up drain spouts, though.
Paco, how dare your neighbors! Such temerity to build on their own property!
ReplyDeleteM'yes, very pushy. Next thing, I suppose, they'll be wanting water and sewer hook-ups.
ReplyDelete