Miata. And not just any Miata—I finally had the opportunity to acquire my uncle’s blue-on-tan NB2, which is my ultimate favorite Miata ever.
This may come off as sounding like a privileged nerd, but it’s pertinent background: I hail from a lineage of aviators. Both my grandfathers were pilots (my dad’s father was a lifelong airline pilot, while my mom’s father possessed a private pilot license). My father accomplished his first solo flight before he was even old enough to legally operate a vehicle. Regrettably, I’m not intelligent enough to pilot an aircraft myself. Earning a pilot’s license demands substantial knowledge of math and physics, and I barely managed the geometry necessary to build my deck last year. However, my cousin Bobby is keeping the family’s flying legacy alive. He’s been engaged with aviation for approximately 20 years and holds both commercial and instructor-level pilot certifications.
A few weeks back, Bobby contacted me to inform me that his dad (my Uncle Bob) was finally intending to sell his old Miata. He was curious if I knew an efficient method to sell it or if I could connect him with someone interested in purchasing it. Well…
I hadn’t seen Uncle Bob’s Miata in nearly 20 years, but I could envision it immediately. He brought it to my parents’ house just once when I was in middle school, and I distinctly remember thinking the dealer-option chrome gas cap was exceptionally cool. I also recalled it being blue-on-tan, my genuine favorite car color combination. After I got the full scoop on the car—NB2 facelift version, six-speed manual, LSD, factory Bilstein shocks, 55,000 miles, with no prior owners or modifications—there was absolutely no way I was going to let it pass me by.
There was just one more piece needed: traveling from my home in New York to my uncle’s in Massachusetts without a vehicle, so I could drive the Miata home. Naturally, Bobby had a solution, and you can probably guess where this is headed. For the modest cost of some gas money, he was prepared to rent a brilliant single-prop plane, pick me up from a small airport, and return me to Hanscom Field, from which it would be just a short ride to my aunt and uncle’s home, where the Miata had been since 2002.
By “modest cost,” I mean he was looking for a reason to fly, and I gave him a bit of financial support. Even a brief half-day trip in a rented Cirrus is not incredibly affordable. But the experience of flying with my cousin to acquire one of my beloved family cars? Invaluable.
Speaking of experiences, traveling between regional airports without typical commercial routes is quite amusing. The Hudson Valley Regional Airport, situated about 100 miles north of NYC, is tiny when compared to ATL or Dubai, yet significantly busier than a remote airstrip in the woods.
After my wife dropped me off, I entered what resembled a college building—offering a cozy yet transitional atmosphere. The main passenger lounge resembled a somewhat outdated, oversized waiting area with a few tables, accompanied by a restaurant that seemed oddly placed, alongside a person managing a desk encased in glass walls in the corner. I settled at a high-top bar table on the side and observed Bobby navigate across Massachusetts on FlightAware. When he arrived, he merely parked the plane right in front of the building and strolled in as casually as though he had just parked his car.
Departing was a breeze as well. With a nod from the individual at the desk, we were buzzed through and walked straight onto the tarmac to board.
Here’s a little visual glimpse into what the flight was like:
The plane was incredibly smooth, quiet, and comfortable in contrast to other small aircraft flights I’ve experienced (and there have been quite a few over the years). I can’t provide firsthand impressions of the driving experience, but here’s what Bobby had to say:
“My first flight in the Cirrus occurred during a flight lesson. I had spent ample time in trainers, grasping the basics and attempting to minimize expenses where I could, but entering the Cirrus transformed everything. It felt like an extension of myself. Smooth, responsive, advanced—yet intuitive. I never looked back.”
“Flying in a Cirrus has made me a better, safer, and more proficient pilot, and I genuinely savor every moment in that airplane.”
That was his post-flight feedback. In the air, our interaction was less formal, more along the lines of “hell yes, how amazing is this?!”
I took a few snapshots of some of my favorite features in the Cirrus cockpit (swipe through below). Some knobs look somewhat automotive, but the quality of materials is of a much higher caliber. Looking at all the beautiful aluminum and rubberized plastic, I was reminded of a conversation I had years ago with Jonathan Ward, the man who transforms worn-out old trucks into $500,000 luxury restomods in Chatsworth, California. Years ago, he mentioned that he began sourcing aircraft parts suppliers for improved switchgear and elements like sun visors for his high-ticket projects. Having now experienced this, I fully grasped what he meant.
And indeed, the plane is equipped with an emergency parachute. It’s not an ejection seat, but the large red lever in slide seven activates the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), which gently descends the aircraft to the ground in case of severe issues in the air. It’s not at all a standard feature in privately owned airplanes, and a part of me found it amusing to think about trying it—though I doubt my cousin would have welcomed the return of his deposit if I had yanked the lever.
Touching down at Hanscom Field in Bedford offered a completely different atmosphere than the NY airport. Hanscom is significantly larger—serving as a major corporate jet hub for the greater Boston area, with a USAF presence, yet you won’t find regular airline flights taking off from there. As we maneuvered the Cirrus toward its hangar, we rolled past a striking array of private and business jets. Bobby remarked that we also passed the New England Patriots’ aircraft.
From that point, it was only a brief ride in my cousin’s car to his childhood home, where my aunt and uncle still reside. The Miata sat in the driveway where it had always been. All the key aspects of its greatness remained intact—the blue paint, the attractive wheels. However, I couldn’t help but laugh to myself when I began examining it closely and realized just how much it had aged. Sunlight had damaged the clearcoat on several parts; mice had made a nest under the hood; and dents on the hood and sides triggered memories of all the sports I used to play with my cousins in that very driveway. With the top down, I was happy to see the interior was mostly intact, although it had evidently endured a few rain showers.
But none of that diminished the excitement of beginning this particular journey. One of my all-time beloved cars, in my top color and options combination, a family possession since the beginning? You couldn’t ask for a better deal.
I’m eager to discover what this Miata can teach me, and to take autocross a bit more seriously next summer.
For now, I have some leaky rubber hoses to replace. And some mileage to log.
Do you have any fun stories about acquiring a new car? Share them with me! I’m reachable at [email protected].
**Obtaining a $3,000 Dream Car by Utilizing a $1.2 Million Airplane**
In the realm of finance and asset acquisition, the notion of leveraging high-value assets to secure lower-value items may seem counterintuitive. Nonetheless, the scenario of obtaining a $3,000 dream car by borrowing a $1.2 million airplane serves as a fascinating case study in asset management, risk considerations, and financial strategy.
### Grasping Asset Value
The initial step in this situation entails understanding the values of both the airplane and the car. A $1.2 million airplane symbolizes a considerable investment associated with luxury, business travel, or personal use. Conversely, a $3,000 car generally falls into the category of economical vehicles, often purposed for basic transportation requirements.
### The Borrowing Process
To borrow an airplane, typically, one must engage with a lending institution or an individual owner willing to lease or lend the aircraft. The borrower must exhibit capability in aircraft management, which involves holding the necessary pilot licenses, insurance, and maintenance plans. The airplane’s significant value can act as collateral, facilitating the securing of a loan or a borrowing agreement.
### Financial Strategy
1. **Leveraging High-Value Assets**: By utilizing the airplane as collateral, the borrower can negotiate advantageous loan terms. This might include lower interest rates or an extended repayment schedule, making the financial obligation manageable.
2. **Investment in a Dream Car**: Using the funds garnered from borrowing against the airplane, the individual can purchase the dream car. While affordable, this car can deliver substantial personal fulfillment and utility.
3. **Profit Potential**: If the airplane is utilized for business purposes, it can generate income that offsets borrowing costs. This revenue can be reinvested into other ventures or applied to paying down the loan.
### Associated Risks
While this strategy appears appealing, it is crucial to acknowledge the risks involved:
– **Maintenance Expenses**: Owning or borrowing an airplane incurs significant maintenance and operational costs. These ensure inclusion in the overall financial plan.
– **Market Variability**: Both the airplane’s and the car’s values may fluctuate due to market conditions. A downturn could impact the ability to sell either the airplane or the car at a desired price.
– **Regulatory Adherence**: Operating an aircraft requires compliance with stringent regulations and safety standards. Noncompliance may result in legal complications and financial penalties.
### Conclusion
Acquiring a $3,000 dream car by borrowing a $1.2 million airplane embodies a unique financial strategy that underscores the significance of leveraging high-value assets. While it offers opportunities for personal gratification and potential profit, it is accompanied by intrinsic risks that necessitate meticulous management. This scenario serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in asset management and the inventive methods individuals can adopt to attain their financial aspirations.
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