It's interesting you should mention the appeal of these cars to younger
people. Yesterday I took a trip in my 1960 MGA. My travels took me on the
freeway as well as local streets. Along the way were several stops during
which
my car was parked while I attended to various errands. While driving, I
noticed numerous people slowing down to look at my car. I got thumbs up from
one
car and a guy in a WRX Subaru followed me for quite a while, even though his
car could have easily zoomed past me at any time. (Eventually he did take
off like I was sitting still!) While parked in downtown Riverside, a couple
of
young men admired my car as I returned to resume my travels. They asked me
some questions and I was more than happy to answer them. When I got home, my
wife asked me about my trip. I mentioned the attention the car received and
she said something like "that car's quite a chick magnet, Isn't it?"
"Well, actually", I said, "most of the attention the car received was from
young
men." (Some young ladies also looked and smiled, but I can't tell my wife
EVERYTHING!)
Yes, I agree, our cars have appeal that has the potential to reach well
beyond our diminishing years. But, I would suggest a couple of things to my
fellow "elderly" British car owners.
1. Drive your cars. Take them on errands and don't worry about parking
them for short periods. People need to see these cars to know they're out
there.
2. At car shows, resist the temptation to post "DO NOT TOUCH" signs on your
car. Let young folks who show an interest in them sit in them. Take them
for a ride if it's convenient. The more we treat our cars like gods not to be
trifled with, the less chance we will have to connect with the next
generation. I even to so far as to post a sign that says "Pleass feel free to
TOUCH,
SIT INSIDE, and ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS about my car." You'd be amazed at how
many kids take me up on the offer and walk away with huge grins on their
faces.
Bill Wilkman
Riverside, Ca
1961 Austin Healey
1958 Bugeye Sprite
1960 MGA (in family since new)
1951 Austin A40 Devons (four of them!)
1948 Austin A40 Devon
1951 Austin A40 Sports
1958 Morgan Plus Four
1972 Mercedes 250 (in family since new)
1982 Honda Accord (show winning survivor, my first new car)
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