A Summer Ride for Some Summer Weather

This beautiful blue vintage 60s car in mint condition was parked next to the bike path and across the street from the Illy Café this weekend. I once took a Toronto friend of mine, Anna Maria, to the Illy. She told me that this was a genuine Italian café, in sharp contrast to the Club Social on St-Viateur, where we had been trapped about an hour before at the height of a summer thunderstorm. We'd just ducked in there to step out of the rain, as had many other people. In fact, we couldn't move, and we were closer to most people than we cared to be.

Amidst the oohs and ahs of the rain dancing six inches off car roofs, we watched a guy shove his way to the front of the café and out the door. He dashed in zero visibility to a shiny red Ferrari parked across the street. The crowd was suddenly on its feet, shouting, laughing and finger-pointing at the dude trying to maintain his cool while closing his car windows. Problem was that he couldn't drive away because he couldn't see where he was going, so he had to swallow his pride and come back to the café, soaked to the skin.

As he walked in door, the crowd was alive. There was plenty of jeering and laughing. A lot was expressed in Italian, at which point, Anna Maria, with her palm on her forehead to obscure her face, turned to me and said, "Sometimes, it's so embarrassing to be Italian."

The Illy Café on the other hand made her feel proud to be Italian with its selection of Italian soft drinks, rockin' espresso, delicious pannini and with a strong emphasis on bikes. Although a lot pricier with fewer patrons, the Illy had a really nice ambiance and was decidedly more upmarket. Invariably, there are a few vespas parked in front during the summer months.

Back to my vintage blue car, which I think belongs to someone at the Illy Café. When I see cars like this, I often remember taking drives with my father around the small town where I grew up, listening to AM radio. I hate driving, but I would like to drive something from the sixties just once. My husband was not tempted at all by it. He said that it probably wouldn't handle very well--the snob. Someone needs German engineering. I'd like to know reader would you like to drive this, with a few friends, and with a little bit of music? Bear in mind that this car rumbles and barrels, so whatever you choose, it will have to be loud.

Answer my poll and tell me what kind of loud music would be the most à propos in the comments.
Personally, I think I would like to listen to a little Motown.

I just listened to François's choice for a song, and it won me over. Here's the YouTube video.

10 comments:

Anonymous | May 26, 2010 at 9:25 AM

How about an aria and take the car up to Mount-Royal?

Anonymous | May 26, 2010 at 10:24 AM

I could see myself careening down the highway, listening to Randy Bachman's Vinyl Tap full blast on a Saturday night, or maybe cruising down St Catherine Street in Montreal at about 5 km an hour (nah! I'm too old for that). Lucie

François-B. Tremblay | May 26, 2010 at 10:43 AM

I know exactly wich tune I would play in that marvelous car. That would be « Rumble », by Link Wray. Here it is : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjs5QWjvNWc

But Cuban music could be nice too.

Maddy | May 26, 2010 at 1:58 PM

I'm with Éloi on this one :) I know I'm boring, but cars are just not my thing.

Heather | May 26, 2010 at 9:20 PM

Wow! Thanks for the comments. I just listened to François' choice of song and it was perfect for a ride in our MObile.

Anonymous | May 26, 2010 at 10:24 PM

Although I'm not a huge fan, I think the Rolling Stones' music would work well. Or for some Canadian content, Great Big Sea.

The car, however, doesn't tempt me. It looks the size of a boat and must be hell to park!

A nice little MG would be fun, though!
Pam

Roger Latour | May 27, 2010 at 2:36 PM

Motown, of course!

Heather | May 30, 2010 at 8:33 AM

I still think I can hear Venus, the 1969-Shocking Blue version. Omigod, it would match the colour of the car!

roseanne | June 6, 2010 at 8:38 PM

i'm glad that i'm not the only person who calls that place the "illy cafe"! ;) it does have a real name, i just can never remember it. there are always fly cars and bikes parked in front of the café, which make it fun to go to. i always hang out there while i do my laundry across the street, and it's one of my favourite places in the neighbourhood!

Heather | June 6, 2010 at 8:42 PM

I never knew that it had another name. I've always referred to it as the Illy. I'm glad to hear that you like it too. H

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