Hi John,
I agree with you completely. The point of my thread was "Emphasis and
Image". There's a point when you leave the world of reality. I truly
appreciate the fact that the Spitfire name reflects the triumph of history's
heroes, but if they'd have named a Datsun B210 the Spitfire, I don't think I
would have bought it. Just as I like cats, I didn't buy my Jaguar merely
because of the name or the mascot. I bought it because of the leather, the
wood, the engine, the suspension, the wire wheels, the carpets, the stunning
dash, and yes, the history of the marque and that beautiful leaper on the
bonnet.
When I was 11, I built a boat from plans in Popular Mechanics. Made out of
marine plywood and tempered hardboard I christened it the USS Doneff II after
my father's WW2 destroyer escort. While he was proud that I'd recognize his
service, he never really wanted to talk much about dodging Zeroes and blowing
up enemy subs and men. I never quite understood until I saw the movie "Sgt.
York". Sgt. York had a job to do and he did it. And if it would save the
lives of his friends, he'd do it better than anyone else. That's kind of the
attitude I see from most combat veterans. My roommate from college later
flew kill missions in F105 Thunderchiefs in Vietnam. He never wants to talk
about them unless with fellow veterans. My former next door neighbor flew
missions in Iraq, but he'd rather talk about IPO's and my XK engine. I'm
always amazed when I read an obituary and find out that someone I may have
known for years flew bombers or fighters in WW2 or Korea.
Let's hope that the Spitfire serves as a small reminder of the sacrifices
made by true heroes. But to think that we in someway share that glory is
vanity. Again, I like the fact that our little cars reflect their glory.
Theirs indeed was a triumph, and ours a different kind.
Bill Brockschmidt
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