September 2005 LXOM: Northern Rider

**DMAG** · 09-02-2005, 08:47 PM

written by Northern Rider

First things first.

On-line forums of any kind are a new experience for me. My love for my new 300C brought me to car forums a year ago and eventually to this one. As a “noobie” here, I was made to feel welcome from the get-go.

This is a big forum – an active forum – hundreds of posts per day. And it’s populated with a great cast of characters. Real car enthusiasts – never shy to give their opinion.

The LXforum is also one of the best around, in my opinion. Why? One word – attitude! Most of the members who post here are givers – they care about others – want to share their knowledge and help out. Most often it is done with maturity and a sense of humour.

This did not happen by accident. It seems many forums degenerate into personal flaming matches between members and a lot of immature negative mud-slinging. The admin here does a super job. They know “when to hold ‘em; when to fold ‘em”. The LXOM contest is a good example. It’s not about who spent the most money on their ride – in fact, it’s not really about the ride at all. It’s about recognizing members who give. And it’s a member to member, thing. Just being nominated by fellow members is an honour. Bipto, cadzilla, done - all contribute good interesting posts. All deserve the recognition of their fellow members. Soon there will be 4 more nominees. And a big thanks to High Horse Performance for sponsoring the competition.

As long as members like this keep posting, and features like LXOM keep running – showing appreciation – this board will be a great place to visit (sure beats watching TV)!

A bit about myself. My name is Patrick. My wife Lillian and I live in a small village just outside of Ottawa, our nation’s capital. Our two children, a boy and a girl are grown adults out on their own now. We own and operate a large home service business and enjoy traveling – especially in Latin America. We have an affinity for indigenous people in Central America and get involved in humanitarian projects when we have time. At the moment, I am helping with an exciting project called “LIBRO”. We are using cutting edge computer technology with speech recognition to develop an adult literacy program that can operate off a computer with minimal teacher instruction involved.

I’ve been into cars for the past 45 years. However, the thrill and excitement has been missing for a while. But that all changed in the spring of 2004.

Here is a reprint from an earlier post:
______________________

About 18 months ago, I saw the first photo of the production 300C.

I was not impressed. The grille seemed overbearing.

A friend of mine, Jim, owned a Chrysler store, and had seen the actual car at a DCX Dealers' function. He said, "Pat, you have to see this one in the flesh. It is stunning".

In the spring of 2004, Jim had a "showing" of the new car at his dealership. I walked slowly around the new car, taking in the lines, curves, glass, chrome, massive wheels, and acres of sheet metal.

Jim was wrong. It was not 'stunning'. No. It was simply knock-you-over, drop-down-dead gorgeous! I was in love. With a car. A car I had not even sat in, let alone driven.

I'm a car nut. Been one ever since my uncle (the rich one) sat me on his knee at the age of four in his new 1948 Cadillac. I love cars - all kinds; muscle cars; hot rods; customs; rally cars; racing cars; luxury cars; SUV's - hey, if it has an engine and moves - I'm interested.

I've misspent much of my life modding, racing, rallying - even buying and selling cars. I've owned or driven hundreds of different vehicles over the years. Of late, though, I had come to regard my cars as transportation. Getting into the car in the morning ceased to be 'exciting'.

That is, until I met the 300C I call "Black Beauty". How could one car be so many different things - a gangsta’ car from the thirties; a refined, timeless Euro limousine with a 120" wheelbase; a mean, arm flexing, street fighting muscle car; a good American iron - with a Hemi V8 and rear wheel drive?

Not only that - I was staring at Chrysler's replacement for the Intrepid and 300M - their full sized 4 door family sedan, priced in with the Buicks.

2 weeks later I brought Black Beauty home. My love for this car has turned into an obsession. It looks good from every angle - the second car that I have owned that can make that claim (the other was a 1968 Alfa GTV Coupe). Everything in the design integrates and yet is very functional.

I usually get bored with a car after 6 months. This car is different. I started to really detail it. Then I wanted to mod it - haven't done this in years. Found online forums with car nuts just as crazy about the car as I am.

Recently, my wife brought home a new Magnum R/T in inferno red. Very different look. But, again, an awesome design. It's starting all over again! And I'm not finished with the 300C....

I blame all of this on one man. Ralph Gilles. This man's vision and talent is pure genius. The past year and a half have proven that his designs cut across all ages and backgrounds amongst the motoring public.

And, if I ever have the chance to meet you, Ralph, I want to say this to you in person,

"You have put the boy back into this man. You truly understand what it is all about. Thank you so very much."

**fnkychkn** · 09-02-2005, 11:28 PM

thanks for the great write-up NR. you are absolutely correct about the giving attitude of this forum's members. and, again, congradulations on the well deserved win.

**COLORADOMAGNUM** · 09-02-2005, 11:29 PM

Awsome write-up. Congrats on the award. One nice car, and one swell fellow!!! - Walt

**monkey** · 09-03-2005, 12:33 AM

That was a great write up.... congrtas on the honors!

**da BoMM** · 09-03-2005, 10:48 AM

Excellent piece -- you summed up what many experience in these cars. A great representation (owner and cars) for LXF!

**CoolVanilla** · 09-03-2005, 11:42 AM

Thanks NR; I really enjoyed reading that. I can relate on many levels.

Congratz to all nominated, and to you NR. All of you are assets to our community.

**NC-SXT** · 09-03-2005, 11:54 AM

Congrats again. Great write-up. I think you nailed it about this forum. Good luck to you and your other endevers.

**iRock** · 09-03-2005, 03:51 PM

More reason for you to be in the spotlight this month. Hats off to you!

**LowGo** · 09-03-2005, 09:39 PM

Congratulations, NR!!!

Very nice write-up. Can't find a thing to disagree with. Good to see someone "north of the border" win this recognition!

**blackcomb** · 09-05-2005, 02:14 PM

Congrats bud! Well said, and love the pixs!

**formerice** · 09-05-2005, 03:14 PM

Congrats,NR. You have a knack for expressing what a lot of us feel about our cars! Hope to meet you some day. Sorry you missed Brampton Tour. BTW your first post still gives me goosebumps!