Steve Jones posted an entry today called "SQL Dream Cars," where he talks briefly about 5 of the cars he would love to own. He then tagged a few of us to share our lists.

Before I get to mine, I wanted to reflect a bit on one of Steve's choices, the Ferrari 308 GTS. I remember when I was a kid, maybe 10 or 11 years old – after Magnum PI made that Ferrari 308 so popular – that a local doctor in North Bay had one. His name was Dr. Fazzarri (and I apologize if I've spelled that wrong); it was fun to see him whip by, as we'd always say, "there goes Fazzarri in his Ferrari!" One day I actually had the opportunity to sit in the car, and I remember like it was yesterday being shocked and amazed that he actually carved his name into the leather on the steering wheel. A little part of me cried inside, but I guess when you spend six figures on a vehicle, that last thing you're worried about is replacing the steering wheel if you should ever sell it.

Okay, now my list. Two truck-ish things, two classic cars, and one impractical rocket.

Land Rover Defender 90

I've liked these ever since moving to Newport in the late 90s, where it seemed there was always a rich yachter with one. They're especially appealing because you have a very tough finding them in good condition (owners just keep them forever), and when they were still rolling off the line, you couldn't buy them here because Land Rover refused to put airbags in them (for good reason).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kc7cbf/4464335206/

Late 70s Ford Bronco

The Bronco II was my first ever "dinky car" by Hot Wheels – I loved it because it also had a plastic motorcycle attached to the back. But even then I appreciated the more classic look and feel of its predecessor.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacksnell707/4723974961/

1974 BMW 2002

The only BMW I've ever owned was a 2001 3-series; I loved that car, and still miss it. But the 2002 (which makes searching difficult!) is just such a cool and classic car in my eyes. Pictured below is actually a 1973, and even that one wasn't the first model to mark BMW's consumer splash here in North America. I remember reading an article about the 2002 and how drivers used to actually flash their lights at each other on the highway, much like motorcyclists and Jeep drivers do today – it gave the aura of this cool club that, without a 2002, I'll never be a part of. I'd want a 1974 because that was the year I was born – but I wouldn't pick creamsicle orange.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/goldbirds/4704341355/

Mid-60s Ford Falcon

I find these cars very classy and I like that they are easy to upkeep because they have very simple engines and their mass-produced parts are still very readily available. The convertibles are hard to come by, but that's the one I'd want. I would love to have one for Sunday drives – you know, when I'm old enough that I want to just go for a drive on a Sunday.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jerbec/4946961239/

Audi R8

And finally, the pinnacle of impracticality. A '57 Chevy fought very closely for 5th spot, but I had to put something in there that would crack 150mph without breaking a sweat (or hitting the governor) – and I like this better than any Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin or Lotus you could throw my way. I also thought about a few classic cars from the good James Bond movies, but none of them really bubbled to the top (though it would be cool to fire rockets, spray oil on the road to sabotage troopers, and change license plates from a button on the dash).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrapplegate/254953063/

I'm not going to tag anybody because it's Friday, the hockey game starts soon, and I've drooled enough for one day.