When most people begin thinking about what car they ought to bring to a LeMons race, they start thinking about what vehicle gives them the best chance to win. A BMW E30 is good, as is a first generation Mazda Miata.

How about an FC RX-7, or a first gen SE-R? All are safe, sound, secure, some might even say smart, or at least sensible choices. Trouble is, all are boring. Because remember, most people are boring, even if they choose to enter the traveling circus for $500 cars, the 24 Hours of LeMons. Of course, the truly evolved person understands that instead of doing yet another iteration of the General Lee or time traveling DMC-12, one needs a car that says something about you. A vehicle that lets the masses know you value image and status over going around in a circle more times than the other cars. You want a car that’s like a snakeskin jacket — a symbol of your individuality, and your belief in personal freedom. Two such cars showed up at last weekend’s Arse-Freeze-A-Palooza, the penultimate race of the 24 Hours of LeMons 2010 season. A 1996 Lincoln Town Car Limousine and a 1980 Maserati Quattroporte joined around 165 other competitors (yes – about 170 cars on track at once!) on the 3-mile long full course at Buttonwillow Raceway. I spent the last two years working as a LeMons Judge, but was forced to give up the gavel (as it were) when I accepted my new position here at Motor Trend. The point is, I made a lifetime’s worth of wonderful, extroverted friends while doing the LeMons gig. Now when I show my face at a race they let me drive their whips...


Read more at Motor Trend: 1996 Lincoln Town Car Limousine - 1980 Maserati Quattroporte