It was 9:45 pm last night when the big trailer finally pulled into town. Prominently display on it's side was the big logo for John's Custom Fabrication. The door ramp comes down and the engine cranks, the rumble of the mighty 427 side-oiler breaks the nights silence. Out backs the beautiful blue snake with John Paulus at the wheel, big grin gleams from his face. A much bigger one from me, and larger yet, was my son's smile!
My son immediately jumps into the passenger seat and off they go, into the dark they fly! As I stand awaiting my turn behind the wheel, I can still hear the mighty exhaust roar of the Big Block, at least three blocks up the highway by now!
Now they return and it's my turn. My virginity is about to be broken. I eagerly strap in and hit the key. I drive off into the dark of the night and can only think of one word! INSANE!
I have driven latterly hundreds of cars on the street, been to the Bondurant school, but this was the most unbelievable experience I have ever had. I can not imagine what it would be like on the track!
Well when I finally got home it was close to 11:30 last night. Of course I had to give my daughter a ride. Now my wife who had been at an evening party just arrives and needs to go for a ride too! I am sure the neighbors were wondering "what the hell was going on out there!"
I think the Cobra gods were with me. It was a balmy 58 degrees here in Portland, in mid-October it is usually clear, but cold. I could have driven all night/morning but I finally put the snake to rest at 1 am. I am sure the neighbors were thankful!
As it turns out I should have stayed out all hours. Did not sleep well at all.......... way too much excitement and I awake to a slight rain drizzle.
Now with a slight calm in my body I can say that the car was everything I was expecting and more. The quality, finish and attention to detail was all that I expected from John.
Pictures soon to follow. In all the excitement I left my digital camera at work.
Now I am hoping to catch up with a few of you Northwest "charmers" and do the snake dance.
Mike