Friends:

Today, in an ancient but modernized Lansing, Mich. plant, the very last Oldsmobile rolled off the line. The marque's demise was ordained some 3 years ago, a product of corporate mistakes in marketing along with changing demographics. Yes, it's just a car. But I mourn its passing like a member of the family.

Oldsmobiles were a formative presence in my early childhood. My Dad had a 1954 Ninety-Eight coupse, 2-tone, and packed with every then-futuristic device for whic Olds was famous: Rocket V-8, wraparound windshield, power windows and seat, automatic headlight dimmer, padded dash and Wonderbar radio. You could even change the station with your foot!! You still see examples of these beauties every so often - that's how unique their design.

I marked several passages in the rear seat of the '98: my first day of nursery school (now "pre-echool"); picking up our first puppy, Randy, a small, shivering miniature schnauzer. I even remember the day my Mom backed out of the garage and dented the right front fender. Dad was angry, but in his usual stoic way, kept it inside.

Fast forward to 1963, when Dad purchased the '63 white Cutlass convertible with pleated red upholstery. It was compact yet luxurious in a way not since duplicated. Six years later, I learned to drive with the top down!!

There were others......the 1964 red coupe and a 1990 silver Cutlass Supreme sedan. I leased that last one with my son Richard, then four, tagging along to the dealership at night. He may or may not remember the event.

In the years since, my love for cars has moved across the Atlantic to things more teutonic. And yet, I'll not forget that my romance with beautifully made machines began in a driveway on Buttell Drive, Clifton, New Jersey, some 50 years ago. Credit goes to that first family Oldsmobile.

So, this morning, a shiny, cherry-colored Alero came out the factory door and was promptly shipped to the R.E. Olds museum. One hundred years of production ending with a hush, as if the car was already a ghost.

R.I.P. my Detroit brother. You done well!!