Why do you have an old car?
By Gearhead Geek.
I was recently in a conversation centered around the question: "Why would you want an old car?"
The people asking that question were two couples. One appeared to be in their 20s’ and the other in their 50s’. They seemed to be traveling together and knew each other well. I thought the question was a rather odd one to come from someone at a Cruise In.
I thought that since they were at a Cruise In, looking at the cars then they must be one of us. I quickly realized that they were not car fans.
They said that a car was to get from Point A to B. They stated that old cars can not match the mileage, handling, comfort or safety of late model vehicles. Cars are bad for the environment, one of them said. They obviously had no sentiment toward their car. In fact I was beginning to think they were car haters.
I thought that I presented a sound and sometimes clever rebuttal. I told them of the virtues of the 1950 and 1960 cars. The beautiful curves and chrome that made them works of art. How wonderful the engines sound. All the interior room they have. The smell of burning rubber or a leather interior. The history they represented.
In the end, they just did not understand. It was then that I had a revelation. If you have to ask the question then you will never understand the reply. You are either a car person or you are not.
I told them the ultimate truth about my attraction to old cars. I said: “I have an attraction to old cars because that is what is natural for me. The question is like asking someone why they are attracted to a certain type of mate. Why do you like women? or Why do you like a certain food?, would be examples. While I can list the many different things that attract me to something, in the end I really do not know why. It is just a natural part of me.”
They seemed to accept that explanation and moved on. I think that we had agreed to disagree. Which is perfectly alright to me. People like or love, what is natural to them. I do not have to share their likes nor do they have to share mine.
As long as we all respect and try to understand the desires of others then questions are welcomed.