Flounder's comments are right on the money. My progeny, ages 17 and 22,
like old cars because they grew up with them. And although one is a fair
mechanic, neither turned out to be motorheads. No flashlights under the
covers at night with the latest issue of Motor Trend or loitering at the
drug store reading rack copies of Popular Hot Rodding or Sportscar Graphic.
The market for mass-market cars of the twenties and thirties has been flat
for years, with a few notable exceptions. The dead don't buy cars, and most
of the living don't remember that the Whippet was the GTO of the '20's.
Fact is, I have a pretty nice (and dead reliable) '53 MGTD that would be
worth about the same dollar figure if restored today as it was when I
finished it in 1984. Supply and demand. Decreasing demand. Not many people
remember driving a $200 TD to high school anymore. I guess somewhere out
there somebody will start "collecting" Corollas and Ford Rangers. 18-inch
chrome alloys, anyone?
Passion can be contagious. Flounder's suggestion is worth trying out.
JohnD
Date: Sat, 10 Aug 2002 18:06:47 -0500
From "Wm. Severin Thompson" <wsthompson at thicko.com>
Subject: Re: home safe from newhope
Chuck & all,
This may or may not apply to the show you mention, but it's an issue that
needs to be considered.
There's something going on that threatens all of our car collecting
hobbies... attrition.
Anyone that was a young man and drove Model A in it's day is well into his
80's or room temperature. Ever been to a 50's hot rod show lately? Those
that were in high school in the 50's are in their 60's or close to it. Those
that went to school in the 60's are at or near retirement age. There's
always a generation behind those generations that end up collecting these
cars because of memories of their childhoods, etc. And, on occasion, 2nd
generations pick up the hobby.
I'm 46, and I favor cars of the 50's and 60's because I remember them in my
youth. I'd ride my bike to all the dealerships in Aug. & Sept. in hopes of
seeing the new year's models arriving on the transport. I'd seen pictures or
artist's renditions in Popular Mechanics, or Road & Track and Motor Trend.
This is why it's so important to get your kids, your kid's kids, or the
neighborhood kids interested in our sport. Take the time to show them how
something's put together, or, let them help you take it apart. If you see a
kid at the races, invite him to sit in your car.... give them a ride at
lunchtime during track touring.
One of the reasons I enjoy the VSCDA's upcoming race at Grattan, MI, the
Vintage Grand Prix Au Grattan, is the kid's events sponsored by our club and
the track. There's 3 interior ponds there, and they have a fishing derby.
There's also a full sized pool that the kids enjoy. There are other kid's
activities throughout the weekend, and all of it is helping to make memories
for future vintage racers and Spridget enthusiasts.
Please, all you Spridgeteers and Thickos, consider this my personal
invitation to the upcoming Vintage Grand Prix AuGrattan, next weekend, Aug
16-18. There'll be the usual great racing. Grattan is a wonderful spectator
track, with many comfortable places to view the action. Clean restrooms,
good food, and an exciting track. We'll be serving food in Thicko Village,
along with our usual Sat. night live music party.
If you have any questions, see www.vscda.org or drop me a line.
WST
Flounder
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