Great suggestions, Bill.
Now if we can only do something about the gentleman in the Moss Motors
advertisement, on the back cover of the AHCA magazine, the image of the cars
might change a bit..
Ron
-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces@autox.team.net
[mailto:healeys-bounces@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of
Wilkmanracing@aol.com
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2009 4:14 PM
To: healeys@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] Attracting Younger Healey Enthusiats
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
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