DeTomaso Mailing List: February 00, Message #123

Hi guys,

I just had a terrific day as a guest of Jim Demick and the rest of the New 
Mexico Pantera Gang.  I was aware that Jim knew a guy here and there, but it 
turns out that he has multiple pages of New Mexico DeTomaso owners.  They are 
semi-organized but haven't yet applied for POCA chapter status...

Anyway, Jim picked me up at my hotel in his daily driver Pantera (that's the 
best kind!), then took me up in the mountains on some awesome roads to check 
out Greg Sullivan's place.  Greg wasn't around unfortunately, but let me tell 
you, the view from his house up in the mountains is just awesome.

We eventually went back into town where there's a big street rod car show at 
the fairgrounds.  Greg's Mangusta was on display, and Jim arranged for people 
to meet there.

Five of us went to dinner, and they were kind enough to pick up my 
tab--thanks guys!!! :>)

>From there, I rode with Jim to his home to check out the world headquarters 
for DeTomaso Stuff.  The New Mexico freeways are EXTREMELY lacking in traffic 
and are nice and smooth and straight, so as soon as we got to the edge of 
town, almost until his driveway 26 miles away, we cruised at about 100 mph.  
The car felt rock-solid despite the fact it's got over 99K miles, it sounded 
wonderful, and in general it was just completely swell! :>)

I think I only spent about an hour and a half looking at all Jim's goodies, 
but I easily could have spent a week there.  He has EVERYTHING, or at least 
almost everything; I'm proud to say that I have TWO things that he doesn't, 
but he's got about two THOUSAND things that *I* don't, so there's no doubt 
he's got me beat!

Eventually it was getting late, so he blasted me the 26 miles back to my 
hotel (again at 100 mph the entire way.)

I can't begin to tell you what a terrific time I had today.  I really enjoy 
meeting new Pantera people, checking out beautiful roads, playing with 
DeTomaso goodied, and flying along at high speed in a Pantera.  To do all of 
these in one day was just fantastic.

Thanks to all the New Mexico dudes I hung out with today--your hospitality is 
MUCH appreciated! :>)

BTW my experience is FAR from unique.  When you are travelling away from 
home, your POCA roster can make the difference between a ho-hum vacation and 
a real experience.  You shouldn't hesitate to cold-call a stranger in another 
town if he's a DeTomaso guy, and strike up a friendship.  It can be 
incredibly rewarding!

Mike