My car:

1961 Roadster.

Tip-off that a 356 was the car for me:

Pure impulse.  I had gone to look at a Jaguar Mark II, and there was this sleek and elegant roadster sitting next to it on the showroom floor.  It made me lose interest in the Jag immediately.

My age when I acquired my first 356:

48.

Engine type:

Rebuilt original Normal upgraded to Super specs and 1720 cc.

Miles driven per year:

Approx 1,500.

Favorite destination:

Anywhere that puts me on an empty two-lane road on a warm summer evening.

Fantasy road trip:

West on the Trans-Canada Highway.

Most inconvenient mechanical failure:

Failure of the rear bushing in the transmission linkage during one of our New Glarus club drives.   I got the car halfway home in third gear but had to call a flatbed after being forced to stop for a light at the bottom of a hill in Marengo, IL.

Car I'd have if I couldn't have a 356:

This changes constantly.  Recent contenders have included Alfa Giulietta, Lotus Elite, Citroen Traction Avant, Mini Cooper (old!), and BMW 2002.

What I like most about my car:

The simplicity and elegance of its design, and the wonderful noises its engine makes.

Most unique feature:

Homemade LED rear turn-signal/brake lights.

Most recent repair:

Engine rebuild by Tim Berardelli in 2008.

Longest drive so far:

2007 East Cost Holiday in northern Michigan.

Next project with this car:

LED headlights?