The “Family Car” Dilemma

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 15:45 Written by  Jim Pickering
Published in Blog

There are a lot of firsts in my life this week. We’re sending the very first issue of American Car Collector to the printers TODAY. If you’re already a subscriber to ACC or Corvette Market, you’ll see the issue in a couple of weeks. If you’re not a subscriber, click here.

I’m also a brand-new father. Katherine Elizabeth Pickering was born at 1:35 pm on November 20. My wife, Kristina Pickering, is doing well, and we couldn’t be happier.

There is only one problem: My daily driver, a 2001 Chevrolet Camaro SS 5.7-liter, LS1 V8 with 6-speed manual transmission and aftermarket cat-back exhaust is not the best car for a guy with a brand-new baby.

It’s a great car, but the tiny backseat just doesn’t handle a baby’s car seat very well. So, for the first time in my life, I find myself considering four-door cars. I’ve been looking at a 2006-07 Dodge Charger SRT/8 with 6.1-liter Hemi V8 and 425 horses — and a five-star crash test rating in front impacts.

I’ve also been looking at a 2005-07 Cadillac CTS-V or a Pontiac G8 GXP or G8 GT.

(No matter what happens, my 1966 Caprice will remain safely in the garage.)

What do you think? Got any other hot, family guy cars to suggest? Think you can convince me to keep the Camaro? Share your comments below.

We’re an American car family, and I know that you are into American Cars as well. It’s a month of new beginnings, so let’s grow together.

Jim Pickering

Jim Pickering is the Editor of the newly-launched American Car Collector magazine and has been the Managing Editor of Sports Car Market magazine since 2006. Proficient with Snap-On tools as well as a keyboard, he began his career as a professional mechanic while still in college at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where he earned a B.A. in Creative Writing. He can often be found at Portland International Raceway at the Late-Night Drags, behind the wheel of his 12-second big-block powered 1966 Chevrolet Caprice. He is also currently restoring a 1972 Chevrolet K10 Cheyenne Super longbed in his spare time.

Website: www.americancarcollector.com

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