Here's a great excerpt from a blog on Jalopy Journal.com on driving older cars (like the 50 merc in this story) in a new car world. Maybe your son will be safer after all...
He was paying attention, driving with two hands, listening to his engine rock instead of KROC. No nonfat triple shot caramel latte in hand, no mobile phone chatter (or God forbid, texting). And it occurred to me just how much more work and dedication it takes just to drive an old car. That the skills it requires to navigate a `kingpin suspension, single-circuit drum brake, manual steering' Jalopy actually makes you a slightly better driver than the 99% out there. You are most likely paying attention to your car, to the road, and to the guy next to you or behind you that is not paying that same amount of attention.
The modern car conveniences of bluetooth, GPS, and the almighty cup holder have lulled today's drivers into a vehicular coma. A vintage hot rod or a custom is a `reset' of sorts, that takes you back to the pure experience of DRIVING an automobile, the connection to what your doing in that moment. Besides all this, your driving down the road in a rolling piece of art that those comatose drivers can't help but notice the beauty of, and respect that you indeed drive it. Hopefully they do long enough to put down their latte, hang up the phone, and drive just a little more connected ...
I want mine on the road ...
He was paying attention, driving with two hands, listening to his engine rock instead of KROC. No nonfat triple shot caramel latte in hand, no mobile phone chatter (or God forbid, texting). And it occurred to me just how much more work and dedication it takes just to drive an old car. That the skills it requires to navigate a `kingpin suspension, single-circuit drum brake, manual steering' Jalopy actually makes you a slightly better driver than the 99% out there. You are most likely paying attention to your car, to the road, and to the guy next to you or behind you that is not paying that same amount of attention.
The modern car conveniences of bluetooth, GPS, and the almighty cup holder have lulled today's drivers into a vehicular coma. A vintage hot rod or a custom is a `reset' of sorts, that takes you back to the pure experience of DRIVING an automobile, the connection to what your doing in that moment. Besides all this, your driving down the road in a rolling piece of art that those comatose drivers can't help but notice the beauty of, and respect that you indeed drive it. Hopefully they do long enough to put down their latte, hang up the phone, and drive just a little more connected ...
I want mine on the road ...
VIEW 11 of 11 COMMENTS
mattacme:
Thanks for your comment. I know the desire for swords and the fascination with their manufacture well. Yataiki was a most special and uniquely talented person. He would have enjoyed your enthusiasm a great deal, as he did mine.
fashionista:
lol, yes it does.