One of the main concerns for the collector vehicle hobby is its future.
The majority of the current members are rooted firmly in the past when it comes to their memories and choices in the car hobby because the vehicles were likely built, customized or hot-rodded in a particular fashion that reflects their own impressionable younger years.
JIM SUTHERLAND
The passing of the torch occurred many years ago for many car guys, but their influence can be extended to a new generation of potential car guys if they choose that direction in the hobby.
MyStarCollectorCar has encountered many different reasons why car guys and girls have chosen a retro ride since we started this e-publication over 11 years ago. Our frontline research indicates one trend where the youngest car guys and girls often owe their vintage vehicle allegiances to their grandfathers.
The grandfather factor is a big one in the car hobby, so MyStarCollectorCar would like to list five good reasons why these elder members of the vintage vehicle clan are so important to its future.
The first reason is many grandfathers took their grandkids for a ride in a vintage vehicle during their younger years. These excursions involved pleasantries like a side trip to a junk food palace that resonated very well with their young charges in a decidedly memorable way. The simple formula: Grandpa + Old Car (or Truck)= Fond Memories.
The second reason is most grandads loved their retro vehicles in a big way. It was difficult for a kid not to notice the strong bond between the vehicle and their grandfathers, so the kids also formed a bond with the vintage vehicle. Simply because it was so important to their grandfathers made the old rides an important part of their young lives.
The third reason is a grandparent’s role is different from a parent’s role. Therefore, a grandfather can concentrate on his role as an influencer in the grandkid’s life, including the car hobby. A parent has a full-time role in many different capacities and may not have as much time for other interests, including the car hobby.
Which brings us here at MyStarCollectorCar to our fourth reason: a grandparent may have to fill the role of car guy if his son or daughter has no interest in the hobby. We have met many car guys whose sons and daughters would rather take up competitive shark wrestling than purchase (or work on) on a vintage ride. The net result is a car guy who has an opportunity to introduce his grandkids to the hobby through trips in a vintage vehicle possibly followed by instructional work on the old ride.
A vintage vehicle provides a unique transportation experience for kids born many decades after their grandad’s ride was new and he was a young man. A grandfather’s retro ride (and his love of it) can leave a powerful impression upon his grandkids and may influence them enough to keep the vintage vehicle hobby alive and well.
The fifth and final reason grandfathers play such an important role in the future of the car hobby is a potential opportunity to give their vintage vehicle to one of their grandchildren. The legacy of the car stays in the family and a younger car guy or girl can break into the hobby at a reasonable cost.
Incidentally, MyStarCollectorCar is pleased to report that a growing number of grandfathers have chosen this fifth path in the car hobby, so the future looks bright if more of these cats make this great decision.
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.
- CLICK HERE to Sign Up for the Newsletter
- CLICK HERE to Like us on Facebook
- CLICK HERE to Follow us on Twitter
- CLICK HERE to Follow us on Pinterest
