I’ve gotten better with reminding myself of all the blessings in my life. It’s not something I do every single day, though I’ll definitely do it on Thanksgiving. Before we all go into food comas with the sound of the Lions and Bears playing in the background, I’ll tell you all what I’m grateful for as a car enthusiast.
The Experiences I’ve Had
Cars are great to read about it, but you can only fully enjoy them behind the wheel. I’ve been fortunate to watch a James Bond double feature at a drive-in movie theater in a Volkswagen Beetle, go wheeling in a 2017 Discovery as part of the Land Rover Experience at the Equinox Resort in Vermont, drive on the Golden Gate Bridge in an Infiniti QX60, camp in a Ford Ranger FX4’s above-bed tent, blast around a track in a Lamborghini Aventador S, and so much more. I was able to share many of those experiences with people I love and care about, which made them even better.
The Unlimited Possibilities
I’ve loved cars my whole life, but there have been a few times when I’ve felt a sense of ennui and boredom. Those have never lasted long because there’s always some new technology or feature that excites my (not-so-hidden) inner nerd and shows me that cars will never get old to me. I’ll be fascinated by them over and over again for the rest of my life.
The Cars I Can’t Get
Even if I can never afford to buy a Bugatti W16 Mistral or Rolls-Royce Cullinan, I’m glad they exist. Vehicles like those are automotive works of art made by brilliant, ambitious engineers who push the boundaries of what is possible, and passionate craftspeople who are keeping certain old-world skills alive. They’re not just the objects of dreams, they’re the products of them, proof that fantasies can be made into realities.
The Cars I Don’t Want
Every now and then, I see a vehicle and wonder, Why does that even exist? or Why would anyone want that? The answers to those two questions are linked: those vehicles exist because people want them. They’re not me and that’s OK. One of the things that makes the automotive industry so wonderful is that there’s a model for nearly everyone. I don’t have to buy a car I think is stupid or doesn’t fit my needs or desires, but the people who want that particular model can. Good for them.
The People Around Me . . .
I wouldn’t have this lifelong love of automobiles without my parents. They sparked my interest in cars and fanned that into a steady flame by buying me Hot Wheels and Maisto model cars and taking me to various dealerships to see and touch their newest offerings. My friends have spent hours talking designs and specs with me and devoted entire days (and sometimes evenings) to accompanying me as I test different vehicles. They’ve taught me who to go to for certain automotive services and educated me on automotive design and technical issues. Vehicles such as the Nissan Titan XD and Buick Enclave Avenir mark milestones in my relationship with my wife. I’m better informed and cars have a deeper meaning to me because of these people.
. . . and Those I’ve Never Met
There are people all over this country organizing brand-specific rallies, putting together car shows, throwing fundraisers for club members in need, and sharing their years of experience and research with total strangers online for free. They not only do that out of love for automobiles, but because they want to contribute something to others. That kind of devotion makes this hobby more enjoyable and the world a better place.
And then there’s you, the person reading this right now. You could be at any other site right now, but you’re here. Thank you. Your comments and feedback on my articles show me that I’m not just being heard, but listened to. I think we’re all grateful when we feel that way.
To those of you out there who celebrate it, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Source: www.classiccars.com