~ buon bertone ~
When: Monday June 5, 2006
Time: 12 noon
Attendees:
RMMJ (Rudy)……Mr. Alex Kovatch……. Mr. Mike Soter, a.k.a. “Roostah” …..
Agenda:
Recovery of 1974 X1/9, #0007537
Meeting Summary:
Met the boys at Ground Zero just after noon to document the retrieval of the aforementioned vehicle.
Action Items:
New owner to determine next steps as deemed however practical.
Mike S. to owe RMMJ one house salad with Italian dressing
Meeting Adjourned: 2:20pm
Went into Starbucks this morning and as I came out, I noticed 3 older gentlemen hoovering around my X. They struck serious looking poses along with discriminating finger pointing at certain areas of this and that. As I walked up, one asked if it was mine and I said yes. I learned these 3 guys just flew in from Milan for a sales meeting of some sorts. They wanted to know if the girls go crazy for me because I drive this car. Well anyway, you all know the answer to that. One of the guys is an owner of an Alfa 156 and they are all waiting for the new Spider to come out. We chit-chatted about Italian cars in general before parting ways. Not a bad way to start off a Sunday morning.Saturday was a little more eventfull. Once again I hit up Starbucks in the morning and then over to a do-it-yourself car wash in Costa Mesa. I was detailing my X when I was approached by a guy who asked me what year my X was. I told him it was an 86 and he then tells me that he has a 79 in his yard that he said he would give to me for free. Just need to come pick it up. I’m thinking, oh boy, a 79, not running, rusted out, never be able to get it smogged, on and on and on…took his info, finished up and went home.
On the way home, I thought, well maybe I’ll go have a look at it and at least take the weatherstripping corner pieces off the targa when he’s not looking. I call up and make arrangements to stop by. As I walked up the drive way, I immediately knew this was no ordinary X!
Sitting in this couple’s side yard, under cover, under a tree is a 74X!
The car is complete. Was told it last ran about 3 years ago and served as a driver for their daughter while in highschool. Was also told that a couple years ago some kids tried to “work” on it but it sounds like they were just tinkering.
The wife told me that if she comes home one day and it’s gone, then she’ll be thrilled. …..
Now…..
While I am inclined to go grab it and put it into storage until I can deal with it, I am realistically in no position to do so just based on sheer practicality. But then again, there is nothing practical about owning an X1/9. However, one of our dear enthusiast friends is in a position to acquire this one, so I’ve passed on it and have let him snatch this one up. He’s also been looking for this elusive 74 for quite a long time. Based on what I have seen of this find, it looks like a great candidate for vintage restoration and classic plates. But I do recognize the value of acquisition for other purposes as well – you know what those are. Either way, you all as well as myself, will be happy to learn that this X will be saved from a backyard burial. I also expect it to resurface again with about 300HP….do you know WHO I’m talking about yet?
I hope you all enjoyed this little post…enjoy the rest of your weekend!
