Baby You Can Drive Their Car

And won’t you look like somethin’ else? Or somebody else-behind the wheel of the automobile you were really meant to drive, if only for a day. Perhaps a simple Mercedes-Benz 380 SL convertible, for when the weather’s fine. Or a sleek black Porsche 928 or Ma-serati, for when the weather doesn’t matter. Wait a minute. How ’bout that bright red Ferrari that must have gotten lost under last year’s Christmas tree?

Stephenson Motor Company can rent you a Mercedes for the day, starting at $55 for an ’84 or “85 190 up to $125 for a 380 (in yellow, brown, gray or red).

If you covet something more exotic, Norwood Autocraft can escort you into any one of the cozy seats made by Porsche, Ferrari, Corvette, Jaguar and Maserati, as well as Mercedes, including some dandy vintage cars.

Norwood’s rental fees run between $79 (for a two-door Mercedes) and $299 (for a Ferrari). Even if you’re ready to buy one of these cars, renting one for a weekend beats any old test drive.

Both dealerships charge $12.50 for insurance, and both charge mileage fees. Stephen-son requests an American Express card as a deposit and must see a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Norwood Autocraft requires American Express, MasterCard or Visa, and prospective roadsters there must show a valid Texas license. Car availability varies with what’s on the lot. Stephenson Motor Co., 4023 Oak Lawn, 526-8701. Norwood Autocraft, 2345 West Mockingbird, 358-6081.