| "To us, the amount of rust, flaking or yards of duct tape present is non-consequential. " |
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The actual word "classic" means: a.) Belonging to the highest rank or class. b.) Serving as the established model or standard. c.) Having lasting significance or worth; enduring. 
Well, being somewhat anti-class and anti-establishment, I like "c", having
lasting significance. You may ask, "Well, Mr. Column Writing Man, what makes
a car significant?" I'm glad you asked. We wrestled with the "what makes a car
a classic" scenario and after countless days locked in the bunker, we emerged
with this revelation. Chrome bumpers. Yep, that's it, chrome bumpers.
It is a simple equation to a complex problem. If you drive a 15 year old car
that has composite anti-impact devices fused to the rear sub-frame, you do not
drive a "classic" car. Conversely, regardless of what you call transportation,
if you have a big old chrome bumper hanging off of it, it's a classic. To us,
the amount of rust, flaking or yards of duct tape present is non-consequential.
It's still a "classic.""What about the early IROC Z-28's?" or "How 'bout my 1987 Buick Grand National?" Well, these cars are "significant", and as the Websters Dictionary reads, "classic" is significant. So we do take into consideration whether a particular car is significant or not. Actually, I think a better word for significant is "cool." Let's be honest, a 1987 GNX is very cool, an "instant classic." That reminds me of Ed and his '70 'Bird. Last time I was back in the old neighborhood, Ed was climbing into a tired Ford Explorer. I was driving my 1971 Dodge and I didn't have the heart to pull over and chat.  |
