Even after a wonderful afternoon (Sunday, November 4) of driving my older 4 MCs, I was already a bit shaky when I pulled into the gas station, having just avoided a collision when another driver turned left directly in front of me at the intersection just before the gas station entrance. So, when I stepped out of my '87 MC LS and was promptly greeted by a stranger who seemingly appeared out of the thin air [I think he just walked there, I never did see him near a car], asking several detailed questions about my car, I began shaking a bit more.

The stranger noticed my shakiness and quickly said something about that I shouldn't be concerned...except, he kept REPEATING it throughout the awkward conversation, if you can even call it a conversation. During the time we spoke [the ENTIRE time I was pumping gas into my car, etc.], he accused me of being a young kid who doesn't know anything about cars because the Monte Carlo never had a Luxury Sport model. He claimed I had put the "Luxury Sport" nameplate on the doors aftermarket; I advised him I had not and that the Luxury Sport model was made 1986-1988. He also kept asking if the car was for sale; I assured him it is not.

Then, he called someone on his cell phone and discussed my car with the other person at length ... color, cushioned seats, engine size, etc. I couldn't tell if he was taking pictures or not, but the conversation he had with the other person on the phone was detailed enough for my tastes. Course, then he discovered the sticker in the back windows and asked if all of those MCs are mine and if any of them for sale. I advised him they are not for sale.

He then asked how old I was. Even more startled, I only blurted out that I was born in 1973 ... to which he retorted, "You're lying." He did not believe I am as old as I am and wondered if I was also lying about the Luxury Sport model...hmmm.

I was still shaking a bit when I got back into the car to leave, but he KEPT TALKING to me ... so much so that a few other people trying to get into the station to pump gas got angry ... at me. As I pulled away, trying gracefully to excuse myself, he said something about me being a snotty rich teenager and a "bad person" (fill in the correct expletives) and gave me the middle finger. I thought about stopping, but he had already walked into the building ... and I decided not to give him the time of day, partially because I wasn't up for a major confrontation....

*sighs*

In fairness to the stranger, he DID compliment me on such a fine Monte Carlo, saying that it was in great shape and obviously garage kept (which it hasn't been since 2003 ... but I didn't correct him on that). Even so, the whole episode was just ... weird. I don't mind people coming up to me and talking about any of my cars, but his detailed questions and repeatedly saying "not to worry" got me on edge ... and I'm not exactly sure why. That frustrates me, because I enjoy talking cars with people anytime, anywhere. Sadly, this experience illustrates why I don't come up to strangers with older cars just anywhere anymore ... you never know how they will take it or how they may react.

Aye.



Cort:34swm."Mr Monte Carlo.Mr Road Trip".pig valve.pacemaker
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