In his March 2016 column for Roundel magazine, Rob Siegel explored the parallels between the extravagant shoe and handbag collection of former Philippines dictator Imelda Marcos and the car enthusiast's penchant for track days, road trips, and car shows. Siegel pondered whether these automotive pursuits were akin to Marcos' refrigerated room, where she and her friends could parade in their fur coats, oblivious to the grinding poverty around them. However, Siegel's perspective has evolved, and he now sees his own car collection and the joy he derives from driving them as a means of embracing the fleeting beauty of the autumn season in New England.

Chasing the Ephemeral Beauty of Autumn

Reveling in the Transient Splendor of Fall Foliage

Siegel describes the current autumn in New England as "absolutely otherworldly, both in terms of the weather (flawless) and the foliage (mind-bendingly beautiful)." He recognizes that this seasonal beauty is inherently transient, with the vibrant colors peaking and then vanishing in the blink of an eye. Siegel has made it his mission to savor this fleeting splendor, using his cars as a primary means of exploration and enjoyment.The Lotus Europa, with its lightweight and nimble handling, has become a repeat offender in Siegel's autumn adventures. He delights in zipping through the leafy suburbs, feeling the thrill of pushing the little car to its limits while the foliage's candy-corn colors provide the perfect backdrop. Siegel acknowledges that the Europa's heavily-patina'd brown finish blends seamlessly into the autumnal landscape, a testament to the car's ability to become one with the natural beauty surrounding it.

Painting the Landscape with Automotive Artistry

Siegel's beloved BMWs also take center stage during the autumn months. The jewel in his crown, a 1973 3.0CSi that he has owned for 38 years, has made multiple appearances, its Signal Red paint complementing the vibrant foliage. Siegel describes the car as an "accent piece to the fall foliage," its sporty elegance harmonizing with the spiritual and contemplative atmosphere of Walden Pond, where he and his wife, Maire Anne, took the car for a walk.The 1973 2002, with its Chamonix white paint, serves as a different kind of canvas, acting as a "reference sheet" that allows the colors of the foliage to explode around it. Siegel marvels at the way the car's neutral hue enhances the surrounding natural beauty, creating a visual symphony of autumnal splendor.

Embracing the Joy of the Journey

Siegel's automotive adventures during the autumn season are not merely about the destination, but the journey itself. He relishes the opportunity to don his "best automotive duds" and partake in the "parade of fall," finding solace and stress-busting pleasure in the act of driving his vintage BMWs through the picturesque landscapes.Even the FrankenThirty, a car that has given Siegel its fair share of mechanical headaches, has become a trusted companion, a go-to vintage BMW that he can jump into and take anywhere, whether it's a quick errand or a longer road trip. While the FrankenThirty may not have the same photogenic appeal as its more glamorous siblings, Siegel's affection for the car is evident, as he embraces the joy of the journey over the pursuit of perfection.Siegel's automotive obsession, once viewed through the lens of Imelda Marcos' excess, has now evolved into a celebration of the fleeting beauty of the autumn season. His cars have become the vehicles through which he can immerse himself in the natural splendor of New England, finding solace, joy, and a deeper appreciation for the transient nature of life's most breathtaking moments.