At 04:30 AM 1/8/97 -0500, Christopher M. Delling wrote:
>Leckstein wrote:
>
>> In any event we are different here.I would hope every one on this list was
>> a member of a club and Register for their car model . I can preach ,but we
>> are for some reason lazy and or cheap.
>>
>> Mike Leckstein
>
>Mike-
>
>I agree that U.S enthusiasts are different - but not for the reasons you
>suggest.
>
>I think the picture you paint of the "typical MG owner" here in the
>states is flawed. When these cars were new, it was an accurate
>portrayal. Now however, those owners are becoming fewer and fewer. The
>reason for this is a decline in the availability of spares from
>"traditional outlets" ( i.e. the local dealer, Pep Boys, etc.), and the
>lack of a dealer service network. Very few of the casual owners you
>describe are willing/capable of keeping their cars running. Hence the
>number of cars we all hear about "stored since 1981, doesn't run ...".
>
>The concentration of all LBC's is lower here - were obviously more
>geographically spread out. It makes it harder for us to get together!
>Same thing affects things like magazine ads. Except for a select few
>suppliers like Moss, most of our club magazines are supported by local
>suppliers. They aren't in a position to afford to pay for advertising
>in a national publication - in particular due to the fact that Joe's
>garage in Podunk, Idaho isn't going to draw much attention from
>Backwater, Michigan. And realistically, it may be fun to read British
>Car mags from across the pond, but their appeal is limited.
>
>It would be interesting to see how many big, glitzy magazines or clubs
>are available to American car owner/enthusiasts in Europe!
>
>Best Regards
>
>Chris Delling
>
>Chris, your observations are true and I don't disagree as it is a complex
subject, however I don't know of any American model that went to England or
Europe the way lbc's came over here. We are the worlds number one market
since WW2. I still believe my friend is more typical then not.
Mike
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