The KISS principle is a fundamental part of our philosophy here at MyStarCollectorCar, mainly because we are pretty simple guys who buy into any advice that tells us to “Keep it simple, stupid”.
We found life works best at a basic level with as few complications as humanly possible, including the automotive world.
In fact. we would argue the simplicity of yesteryear’s cars and trucks are a huge part of their appeal to us here at MyStarCollectorCar.
Jim Sutherland
Today’s vehicles are a study in complexity because of the large amount of computerized technology injected into a modern car. New vehicles are a study in cutting-age electronic efficiency that measure their function and deliver a path forward in nanoseconds
Drivers are largely unaware of the functions until one of the new ride’s large herd of computers blows an electronic gasket and shuts down the car. These are the moments when drivers open the hood and are completely lost because their computer trouble-shooting skills are non-existent so a full toolbox in the car won’t help them.
Consequently, we believe a retro ride built for today’s automotive market would be an excellent idea for car guys who know how to fix an old car-but not an old laptop or cell phone.
The first add-on from the past would be a basic key system that functions whenever the driver puts a key in the door lock. Today’s vehicles have a fob or, even worse in the case of auto companies like Toyota, a card that is an electronic gatekeeper for the passenger compartment.
The fail-safe for Toyota is a regular key concealed within the car to open the door if the complicated electronic entry system fails- or is too complicated for the owner. Here’s a radical thought: return to a mechanical door lock opened with a real key.
Our second back- to-the-future retro feature would be vent windows. We live in a pampered world where a car without air conditioning is considered cruel and unusual punishment these days.
Vent windows are a very primitive form of air conditioning that push fresh into the passenger area and do not break down when in use. Plus, they are noisy enough to keep the driver awake on a long haul.
The third auspicious member of MyStarCollectorCar’s retro feature list is a manual transmission. We are now a few generations away from the last group of drivers who knew how to work a clutch. It’s a sad situation for older car guys who were labeled geldings if they didn’t know how to drive stick or three-on-the-tree.
There is no shame heaped upon today’s drivers because there are few modern cars equipped with an extra foot pedal for a manual shift transmission. Something big was lost along the road to manhood.
The fourth item on our list is easy access to replaceable parts like a water pump, alternator, starter, or any other engine component that is hidden by a layer of plastic covers designed to confuse the typical do-it-yourself car guy.
Removing the engine camouflage is now a grim part of the game but these days so is a computer programming degree from MIT to work on a car.
The fifth and final addition to our list is a hood ornament.
Hood ornaments do not improve the efficiency of a car, but do they ever look cool on them.
At least in our humble opinion here at MyStarCollectorCar.
Jim Sutherland
BY: Jim Sutherland
Jim Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer whose work has been published by many major print and online publications. The list includes Calgary Herald, The Truth About Cars, Red Deer Advocate, RPM Magazine, Edmonton Journal, Montreal Gazette, Windsor Star, Vancouver Province, and Post Media Wheels Section.
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