I had been looking for a convertible for some time. My preferences run toward BMW evidenced by having owned two of these German works of art over the years. Sharon and I have travelled across the state and into neighboring states for just the right one, gently used, low miles and the right color. I was open to a roadster, remembering my Z4 with the vaunted M-31 inline 6 that delivered ferocious acceleration and great handling, however, if the right little car surfaced in a little more sedate configuration, I would consider it. So it is that I was returning home after running a few errands when Sharon called to alert me to a 2017 230i, that was allegedly in pristine condition, at our local BMW dealership. It was, she said, orange in color. I assured her that I had no intention of driving an orange car, but would swing by and have a look. It was love at first sight.
She was on the front row, a Valencia orange 2017 230i, with just under 6500 total miles, zero damage history and not so much as a rock chip or door ding. The car was purchased new by some folks from Oklahoma, kept in a climate controlled garage, and thought to have never been rained on. It is powered by a 4 banger with a twin scroll turbo, boosting the horses to 250 with an 8 speed auto trans finding the power curve. The little car will fly, with the effortless precision of Teutonic engineering. The lady who drove the car enjoys a lifestyle a cut or two above a retired trooper and his elementary administrator wife. She wanted the same car, only blue in color. The car was promptly certified and followed me home after a short negotiation. I refer to her as my “gym car” as convertibles are made for daylight on summer mornings. The operative question is why would the original owner trade this little jewel. I believe I have discovered the answer.
There are number of BMW’s in Springfield, Mo. Many are ordinary cars, a few are convertibles and I have noticed more than a few which are V8 powered beasts, capable of insane acceleration and handling. It is not the brand, then, that evokes unwanted attention. The problem is the color, as it is the only Valencia Orange BMW convertible thus far noticed. Mind you, it is not the orange of the General Lee, rather an in your face orange that must provoke other motorists. This color is thought to be popular on the West Coast and the Missouri plates are about the last thing you notice on this car. Folks want to race at every stop light and on the open road, the color must convey the message, “pass me”, irrespective of the speed I might be holding. I park as far away from other cars as possible, and have lately attracted the attention of a beater Ram, who goes out of his way to box me in or get close to the Crush at the gym, located at a large Springfield Medical Center. The asshat that drives the Ram must think I am an elitist, deserving of aggravation, because I drive an orange convertible. Surely, I’m guessing, a sedate lady of means was tired of the attention getting orange which prompted her to trade out to a blue car. A gym buddy began our association by asking if I was the guy driving “that orange car”.
I should have known better. The psychology of orange is the issue. Orange signifies strength, bravery, energy, enthusiasm, excitement, exhibitionism, and finally ostentatiousness. With the exception of exhibitionism, which I have never considered a desirable attribute, I tend to identify with the color. I make no apologies and feel for folks driving the dull grey and olive drab vehicles so prevalent today. The truth is that I am just an old guy who loves cars, respects the internal combustion engine and likes the attention from Sonic carhops who want to ride in the Crush. More than few folks who have challenged the Crush on the open road, have discovered the psychology of orange is alive and well in the old man behind the wheel.
A special thank you to Sharon, who celebrates her 34th Anniversary with the “Crush” driver today. Her steadying influence, sensibility, intelligence and ability to go from fire to ice in a flash is the perfect accompaniment to this old man and his car! After all, she found the Crush!
Have a great week!
SR
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