There was (maybe still is) a car exhibit at the Oakland museum a while back.
Hot rods, mostly from '50s and '60s, as I recall. Shiny, sparkly, and
interesting. None, however, were stock. This car show was precisely what
Atherton wrote about: the cars are what people did to them, "Americana," and so
forth. It was about custom cars, not originals.
There's room for both attitudes, and I believe there are simultaneous benefits
for people on each side of the fence. The "mod" people get to do whatever they
please, and have a great time changing and driving their modified machinery.
The "original" side gets to drive factory representative cars, as is their wont,
_and_ see the value and rarity of their machines rise as the others are
distorted from stock condition.
For my part, I like seeing the stock Tigers restored to "new lot" condition.
Nostalgia, maybe. Whatever. But I appreciate seeing and hearing of changes
toward increased reliability, and I'm not timid about doing the same with my own
machine. I've now got a fatter radiator and electronic ignition in my machine.
Worms? I don't think so. There may be some intolerance, though I've not sensed
animosity with it on the list here. But no worms. Messes up the carb.
Eddy
|