What? I'm 40? Finding Your Perfect Mid-Llife Crisis Car

Turning 40? What's the big deal? The kids areWorld's Fair, and it's Ford's third oldest nameplate
getting old enough to take care of themselves (orcurrently in production next to the F-Series pickup
living in another state with your ex if you're reallytruck and the Falcon, which is still being produced
lucky), you're financially comfortable (as long asin Australia. One word of advice: steer clear of
you don't consider the current state of yourthe of 2011 V6 model. The engine is reportedly
401(k)), and you've worked hard for the last 20 -rough, noisy and underpowered, providing a
25 years to get to this point. A hot car is morelackluster 210 hp. Instead, look to the current
than just a mid-life indulgence-it's a reward forgeneration, widely viewed as the best ever when
surviving everything that got you to this point.considering overall performance, refinement and
Here are three potentially life-changing options.day-to-day livability. Other popular options include:
CHEVY CORVETTEthe 1965-1970 Shelby Mustangs, the 1969 and
The Corvette is the quintessential sports car.1970 Boss 302 and 429, and the 1969 and 1970
Produced by the Chevrolet division of GeneralMach 1. Top off one of these classics with a
Motors, the first model was designed by HarleyMustang body kit or Mustang exhaust system to
Earl and introduced in 1953. Myron Scott isfurther maximize performance.
credited for naming the car after the "Corvette,"DODGE VIPER
a small, maneuverable war ship. So far, thereIf you have a little more money to burn, the
have been six generations of Corvettes and aDodge Viper may be just the thing. The Dodge
number of different body styles, including theViper was conceived as a modern interpretation
coupe, convertible, T-top coupe, and Targa coupe.of the classic American muscle car. Debuting as a
Countless sports cars have come and gone in theconcept in 1989, everything about the Dodge
last five decades. During that time, the CorvetteViper catered to those looking for the extreme,
has not only survived but thrived, recentlywhich is probably why it's enjoyed such
celebrating its fiftieth anniversary as America'slong-lasting consumer enthusiasm. The Viper
first true sports car. The latest model, known asremains true to its roots, refusing to incorporate
the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport,modern safety features like side-impact airbags or
features a launch control system that assessesstability control. The cabin is surprisingly
the available traction 100 times per second andcomfortable but remains a collection of hard
manages wheel-spin to allow any driver to obtainplastic panels and switches. Fresh off the
the quickest launch possible under any drivingshowroom floor, the Dodge Viper is one of the
conditions. In addition, the color "Torch Red" is onefastest production cars in the world with a V10
of eight that can now be had on any model. And,that rockets you to triple-digit speeds with
with aftermarket upgrades like a Corvette airheart-pounding, no-nonsense ferocity. It's worth
filter or specialty Corvette gauge, even if you buymentioning that pushing it to these excessive
used, you can still have a hot ride.speeds requires the skill of a professional driver.
FORD MUSTANGBut, even amateurs can't help admiring the Viper's
The Mustang has proven to be Ford's mostracecar-like potential. For those who want to push
successful launch since the Model A. The Mustangthe envelope even farther, a Viper air intake or a
is responsible for creating the "pony car" class ofset of Viper brake rotors can streamline your
American automobiles-sporty coupes with longride, providing the feel and handling of a
hoods and short rear decks. It was introduced toprofessional racecar.
the public on April 17, 1964 at the New York