Good Old Ford (Cortina) Days, Good New Ford (Maverick) Days, Good Mazda CX-9, Good Lexus RC-F

Letter from Europe
Andrew Frankl, European Bureau Chief
The Auto Channel
San Francisco Bureau
December 4, 2023

I as was delighted when the new and best selling Ford Maverick arrived to Belvedere.

Not many people know that my very first job out of Uni was with Ford Motor Company. Yes folks, back in 1962.. the recruiter saw something in me-no idea what-and offered me a job graduate trainee buyer.

After a while I got promoted to being an actual buyer in charge of  components such as oil seals and some pressings. It was quite an exciting time because if the line stopped through a shortage of components you were responsible you were fired. End of story.

Consequently I’ve spent most of my Saturdays and Sundays driving up to Manchester -England- to fill up the truck with oil seals. Pleased to say the line never stopped because of me.

It was a wonderful time at Ford UK, Mr Ford II came to visit us with his wife Christina, 

PR Supremo Walter Hayes persuaded him to give 100 thousand dollars for a new V8 engine courtesy of Keith Duckworth, had a meeting with Colin Chapman of Lotus and before you knew the Lotus  49 was born with Jim Clark and Graham Hill at the wheel. I was there when Clark won art Zandvoort in a brand new car.

Some of my components ended up in the Lotus Cortina as well as in the original Cortina.

After moving on to CAR magazine and its sister publication TRUCK I worked with Ford again participating in the last Cannonball run. My co-driver was Dunton ’s very own John Hitchins.

Probably the happiest days of his life. Was certainly mine.

Since then I have been to Baja in a Ford Bronco and spent several weekend driving various Fords to Squaw Valley. So when the Maverick arrived I was absolutely delighted.

Had no idea that there was a waiting list for it, apparently you are lucky if you can get one. Compare this to hundreds of Teslas waiting to be sold from parking lots all over Marin-you get the picture. The reason-an excellent product giving value for money.

When the Mini and the Cortina were launched back in England the Cortina won hands down because just like the Maverick it is value for money.  Starting at around 24 thousand dollars it is a bargain. Versatile, economical, nice to drive-what more can I ask for?! 

In hybrid form we are talking over 42 mpg and on the  highway well over 30 mg. The crew cab is comfortable as are the seats. I cannot remember the last time I was this impressed by the value for money in an automobile.

Would I buy one?

No. I am not a carpenter or a plumber but if I were I would by one in a heartbeat.

The Mazda CX-9 is a very different proposition and it does cost over 40 thousand dollars. As regular readers know by now my entire Acadian family drive Mazdas both in Toronto and in Montreal. In fact they often drive the 600 miles without any trouble at all.

For my part- and I have said this many times- the Miata is and always will be THE most fun one can have in an automobile for around 30 thousand dollars.

You go to Sonoma Raceway and you have Miatas racing just about every day. It is a cult car.

I don’t think the CX9 will ever be a cult car, SUV competition is ferocious. You have KIA’s Telluride,  the Hyundai Palisade and the Jeep Cherokee to name but three.

There are of course several options for the CX-9. The real value for money one is the least expensive at around 40 thousand dollars. It has a highly desirable power-operated rear lift gate, keyless entry, second-row captain’s seats, leather upholstery.

The thing is it doesn’t have is a more powerful engine. I was hoping for a 6 cylinder but ended up with a 4 cylinder turbo. 0-60 in over 7 seconds is all right rather than spectacular. I do like the steering, the firm suspension and the way it rides over rough terrain. The fuel consumption is modest, EPA estimates of 22 mpg are nothing to write home about.

I think for once the interior triumphs over the mechanicals so if your happy to cruise along with the family in tranquility the CX-9 might be just for you.

The 2024 Lexus RC F is a delight. Would love to have kept it. As Ron the postman says-it is very me! And he is right. It is delightful.

You open up WAZE and where is says where from, you tap in Belvedere and under where to, you tap in Nobu, Malibu Beach. As simple as that. 

The glorious 472 hp V-8 engine will take care of the rest. No, it isn’t as exciting as Audi RS5 or as sporty as a BMW M4  but I was not looking for excitement. I was looking for an elegant carriage in which to take my partner to a great destination.

Some of my colleagues completely miss the point when they race about the Audi's and the Bus with rock hard suspensions. Some of them believe that hurtling around race tracks destroying tires provided by the manufacturers is the way ahead.

Not in my book. That is schoolboy stuff. Apparently Lexus offer an RC Track Edition for reasons I cannot understand.

The way I see it this Lexus is a gentleman’s carriage. Before someone’s gets hysterical it is an old fashioned expression but then I am no spring chicken.

There’s also a matter of over 30 thousand dollars difference between the two. Don’t do it. The RC F is glorious. Find your fav radio station glide across the Golden Gate Bridge, turn right towards the airport, hit 280 and unless you have urgent business on Sand HILL Road just relax and enjoy the drive.

I don’t know how much longer V8s will be around so if you can afford one now would be a good time to get one before they disappear.

The fuel consumption is between 24-27 miles per gallon so with a highway range of 460 miles you could do it in 6 hours and 37 minutes without stopping.

Your partner could text ahead for the chilled sake and the ahi tartare . Enjoy!

See you next month Happy Holidays, Andrew