The V12 is very smooth, when it is properly set up, you can barely tell that it is running, and it idles down smoothly to about 400 RPM. The ride is good, but is somewhat different feeling than a modern car due to the transverse mounted leaf springs. The Houdaille shocks work pretty well, but there is some body roll on turns, and a little more rebound going over bumps. It gets around quite well for a mid 30s car and can run 65-70 MPH if necessary but since I don't have a Columbia I try to cruise at 55-60 and it seems to do very well at that speed. (I'd guess that top speed advertised when it was new, 95MPH, is still possible)Make sure that your friend cleans the cooling system as well as he is able, and uses quality rebuilt water pumps and a clean radiator. If you don't pay special attention to the cooling, these little flat 12s can run hot and give you problems. Keep those cable operated brakes adjusted properly, and a Zephyr is totally roadworthy. That has to be quite rare in Finland! 37 was the highest production year, but I still think that there couldn't have been many shipped across the pond.