Hello, and thank you for being here.
This is where my Blacktag Octane story begins, but first, let me introduce myself.
I have been in the UK since 2021, working tirelessly in physical jobs, Monday through Sunday. I have faced some difficult times, like many who find themselves alone and starting anew in a foreign country. People took advantage of me, but I managed to break free, secure a better job, and finally slow down and find some calm. I was lost and exhausted, but I decided it was time to rediscover myself, and the only way I knew to do that was through cars. As a petrolhead, I took a job as a service advisor at a Ford dealership, which was ideal because I also had a place to work on my own car whenever I needed. This way, I wouldn’t have to worry about others taking advantage of me anymore.
I bought a BMW E46 2.5i. I know it might not seem loyal as a choice, but I missed the thrill of driving a rear-wheel-drive car, like I used to back in Romania. I started attending regular car meetups with young drivers, but I quickly realized that the chaos—running from the police, abuse of cars, and occasional violence—was not what I needed to find peace.
What I truly needed was to sit in the garage and create, just like I used to. Working on a car that understands me, a car with character, and then taking it for a drive—that’s what I was looking for.
And because sooner or later destiny puts the right person in your path at the right time, I met him. He was just as lost as I was, but calm and kind, sharing the same passion for cars—or so I thought. He seemed to be exactly what I needed, and I felt like I was what he needed too.
I felt stuck, as if I needed to change something in my life; I craved fresh air and a new version of myself. That’s when he suggested, “What about trying something different, like a motor museum?”
And that’s where my journey into the world of historical cars began.
The moment we entered the museum, I felt as if I had stepped into a totally different world—one that was peaceful and classy. The elegant shapes and flowing lines of the cars, with all their unique imperfections, took my breath away. It felt like the fresh air I had needed.
It’s an exciting new experience for me, diving into this fascinating part of the automotive world, where designers used paper and pencil to create masterpieces instead of relying on mouse clicks. I’m not sure why I hadn’t explored this sooner; I was probably too busy swapping engines in my cars or burning out tires.
As I admired these stunning vehicles, I realized I had finally uncovered where all the cars with character have been hiding. I could see how computers and robots churn out identical parts 24/7, all in a bid to maximize sales. This mass production has stripped new cars of their unique character, especially when compared to historic cars, which are crafted through hours of dedicated labor.
With these vintage cars, it’s not just about efficiency and speed; it’s about the feeling, the style, and the pride that comes with owning a little piece of history. These are the qualities that make them timeless, don’t you think?
I felt like I was on cloud nine! I was so happy to have finally found my purpose. We spent hours exploring, driven by the excitement of meeting an incredible man who seemed to possess extensive knowledge about these historic cars and had answers to all my questions.
On the fifth day, I was surprised with a visit to a garage, where I discovered that working on old cars is somewhat like being a detective. You need to understand what the previous owner attempted, why certain parts are located where they are, and why specific bolts are placed in particular positions. This work is therapeutic; you forget everything else and focus solely on the task at hand. I remember when I had a BMW E30. I changed around four or five engines and spent day and night in the garage working on my dream. It’s a pity I never did any bodywork; I almost ended up resembling the Flintstones, with my legs hanging out of the car! But that’s another story. I’ve always loved building and restoring things, and it was during this journey that I found my calling.
I was fortunate to admire a beautiful historic car, a Bugatti Type 43A, in its original condition with the original scars, because “these scars add more value and personality to a car.” I was absolutely fascinated; I had no idea Bugatti built cars in the past—I only knew about the Veyron. I have so much to explore ahead of me, and I now have a new goal.
My enthusiasm for these amazing cars was evident, and the incredible man who was about to become my mentor recognized my growing passion. He decided to stoke that fire even further; my fantastic day became even more special when he took me for a ride in that stunning Bugatti Type 43A.
I was in love; it was an unbelievable experience! It’s hard to put into words, but hearing the engine roar, watching the driver’s technique as he shifted gears, and feeling the suspension and seat—all of it felt so genuine and real. I looked ahead and saw the gorgeous big headlamps vibrating as the old lady gracefully navigated the road.
That was, without a doubt, the most authentic feeling I have ever experienced in a car. I wished it would never end, and I know it won’t, as this is where I want to be from now on.
I can confidently say that this week marked the beginning of Blacktag Octane and the reason why I’m here. I don’t know where this journey will take us, but if I felt such an incredible experience in just this first week, the future can only get better.
I hope you enjoy the video, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about my week in the Community Group, where I post daily updates from my journey.
All photos from this week can be seen here
Are you ready for what’s coming next? 😊
