Abbreviations Abound
by Bob Wannall #3069, President, Board of Trustees
The internet is awash in initialisms – abbreviations that are
strings of capital letters that are each pronounced: think
EFI or MPH. A lot of them leave me scratching my head, especially if the writer
forgets the definition.
This one had me stumped: IANAD. It means “I am not a doctor.” It’s a caveat
used online by people who aren’t medical professionals but who are providing
some health-related advice. “IANAD, but you probably should get that chromed
NailHead valve cover growing out of your shoulder looked at.”
I see scores of questions on the internet and many Riviera aficionados respond
with answers. But I also note that answers often vary. Is there an authoritative
source for general, and especially, technical questions?
That’s where ROA fills those gaps. Every issue of the Riview lists technical advisors for each of the eight generations of Rivieras. They are volunteers with years of
experience with wrenching, tweaking, repairing, and rebuilding our classic Rivs.
They know their stuff. These are our doctors. Give them a call. Even better, come to
the International Meet or a regional event and meet them and many others.
Also remember that in the “members only” section of our website (www.rivowners.
org) is every issue of the Riview, all 38 years’ worth, along with an index of every article. Plus, ROA has a huge library of materials to help with research and even reprints.
Here’s a good one: NP. It means no problem. For us in the ROA, it’s members
helping members
Not What ROA is All About
By Ray Knott #1, Director/Editor
ray@rivowners.org
In January, the Mecum Auction in Kissimmee, FL included
a 1965 Riviera Gran Sport that sold for $150,000. It seems
that there is an epidemic going on at the auctions with
investors willing to take home an overpriced car. This applies to many models,
not just Rivieras.
Photos that appeared online show a shiny black paint and clean black deluxe
vinyl seats. Sure, the dual-four engine was detailed. It included several add-on
options such as four-note horns, cruise, power antenna, rear seat armrests, radio
reverb and wood steering wheel.
Mileage was not listed with no photos of the undercarriage. The photos indicated a repaint, as the cowl grilles were chrome, not black, and the factory wheels
were gloss black rather than gray. The area around the front ashtray was badly
chipped and scratched and the lower-left corner of the glove box door showed
wear from being forced open, both indications of years of use. The interior
wood appeared to be reproductions.
The reserve price was $50K, but four anxious bidders drove the price up to
$150K. Some, especially owners of ’65 Gran Sports, may be elated to see these
prices. But we know they are not realistic and, in my opinion, only tend to destroy the hobby by taking the affordability away from the average collector. The
ROA exists for those who want to enjoy and drive an exceptional American car.
Leave the outrageous bidding to those investors and speculators. They are not
what the ROA is all about.