[speeder]

We had a brand new '67 Mustang 'till about 1970, the fit and finish on that thing was nothing to write home about either as I recall. And I recall correctly. Still, it was a fun/cool car.

Things haven't really changed much w/ American cars, except that they've gotten better in a lot of ways.

My 996, (an extremely early production '99, built in 02/98), is an OK modern car. Actually built pretty damn well, mine has 195k miles on the chassis, so it's a bit of an endurance test-mule. Compared to earlier 911s I've owned, I can tell you that the materials used in the interior do not compare with the old cars. The early cars were built to be almost indestructible, like all German cars of the era. Things like shifters and door openers were built to last a half million miles in those days, not so today.

Engineering and design-wise, there is no comparison between the cars. The new cars will destroy the old ones on the track w/o breaking a sweat. Also, the interiors have come a long way since '99, the new 997s are better by a mile and more beautiful as well as more faithful to traditional 911 interior styling. They are really stunning inside.

My only complaint about new Porsches is that they are so good that they've taken some of the sport out of going fast in them. Your grandma could turn a fast lap in a 997 with a little practice and some pointers.

Sorry for rambling; as for mark-ups, who gives a schit? If someone wants to pay it, go right ahead. What do you expect, that you'll have the first new Challenger or V-8 M3 on the block for sticker w/ no waiting??