Long term hacker mechanic, mostly from poverty. Amazing what you can learn from busting stuff...

I've been a gear head for 40 years, too.

First car I did serious battle with was a 1962 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 -- blast to drive but NO BRAKES!!!. Terrible car for a kid, it would go 120 mph plus but stopping was, well, entertaining.

Professional background is a PhD in Botany, currently working as a chemist.

I also read everything I can get my hands on.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!