I’m very happy to be here and want to thank TV4Autos for giving me the opportunity to discuss all things automotive. As noted in my introduction, I’m primarily a Corvette person, but I’m not blind to the “coolness” of other exciting cars, trucks or motorcycles. We’ll use this opportunity to take a look at whatever makes noise, goes fast, or is otherwise “cool”.

First, I guess we need to determine what “cool” is. Dictionary.com defines “cool” as slang which means: a) great, fine, excellent; or b) characterized by great facility, highly skilled or clever. These definitions may suit the crossword puzzle fans, but defining a subjective word such as “cool” with other subjective words doesn’t really help us out here.

Trying to define “cool” brings to mind Justice Potter Stewart’s oft quoted comment about hard core pornography: “…it is almost impossible to define, but I know it when I see it.”

“Cool” is also virtually impossible to define, but we know it when we see it. Some things/people are undeniably “cool”—’63 Corvette coupes are “cool”; Steve McQueen was “cool”; Paul Newman was “cool”. Other things/people, such as Camrys and Richard Nixon, will never be “cool”. Between these polar extremes lies a vast gray area in which “coolness” is determined solely by the eyes of the beholder.

We’ll take a look at vehicles that are “cool”, or ones that are made so by the “coolness” of their owners. One upcoming article will be about the special Valentino Balboni edition of the Lamborghini Gallardo. Mr. Balboni spent his entire forty year career at Lamborghini test driving just about every Lambo that came off the production line. How “cool” is that?

Books published by members of TV4Autos

(click book image to purchase from the publishers website)

The 1991 Callaway Corvette

by Luis Suau

The Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette was a low production, very fast, special order edition of Chevrolet's 4th generation Corvette. Produced from 1987 to 1991, it was the first and to date, the only factory authorized, post-production program to modify the Corvette. Using my 1991 Callaway Twin Turbo Corvette as an example, this book provides some history about the program, a description of the unique features of these cars, pertinent documentation, ownership experiences, and pictures.

The Callaway C16: An Owner's Perspective

by Luis Suau

The Callaway C16 is a rare, low production Luxury Supercar based on the chassis of a Corvette which is elevated to Supercar status with re-engineering of most aspects at the heart of the car: Engine, Suspension, Wheels, Brakes, Tires, and restyled to the luxury and looks of an exotic Supercar. Built to the tastes of its owner, this is no car that could be purchased off a lot. These cars are in the hands of Executives, Celebrities, Collectors, and Royalty. This book documents the components of the Callaway C16, details the story of how my car was built; and shares some of my ownership experiences along the way. It is by far the most special and fun car that I have ever owned.