When I’m standing in the staging lanes working for SPEED during the Barrett Jackson auctions, people often come up and ask what’s my favorite car. At that point I usually begin to mumble and stammer. That’s because I really don’t know the answer. My automotive tastes are all over the map, and they change from day to day.

I grew up admiring sports cars. In those days, that meant the European stuff. My first car was a 1959 Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite. I bought that because it was the absolutely cheapest way to buy a British sports car. It cost me a whopping $250. Of course it didn’t actually run, at least not on it’s own power. It had a huge hole in one of the valves. I eventually got it back in running order and drove it to college. I later sold it for $750 and thought I’d made a killing. I wish I had it back.

My dream car from that era is the 1955 Mercedes Benze 300SL Gullwing. It is one of the most beautiful cars in the world, and a spectacular piece of engineering. Throw in some racing lineage, and it’s a great combo. How many times have those gullwing doors been copied on everything from expensive sports cars to modified Japanese tuners?

While I still love sports cars, I also like American muscle. After all, I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s. But trying to pick a favorite is nearly impossible. On one day it’ll be the 1968 Shelby GT500, the next it’s an AAR Cuda. Then I’ll see a 1970 Chevelle SS convertible go by and I’m hooked on the bowtie. I can also be easily blinded by late 50’s Detroit convertibles. Everything from the Packard Caribbean to just about anything from 1959 with big fins.

And then there’s the modern stuff. I have a 97 Corvette sitting in my garage. It’s the first year of the C5 and one of the most beautiful body styles of all time. I’d love to have a Viper GTS or a McLaren SLR (now I’m really dreaming). On the other hand, I’m content to drive my 06 Mustang convertible on a daily basis.

So if you see me at any of the Barrett Jackson Auctions and ask me the big question… be prepared for a big answer!

Originally posted at SPEEDTV.COM