Recently, I told the Collector Car Network’s media supervisor, Dustin, how much I love the later SJ Jeep Grand Wagoneers and C4 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1. He already knew some of the other vehicles from that era that catch my eye so he asked, “You’re really into ’90s cars, huh?” It was then that I realized that yeah, I kind of am. As a Millennial (born between 1981 and 1996), I’m always daydreaming about having a 1996 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon or Ford Bronco Eddie Bauer. I also understood how fundamentally similar I am to other car enthusiasts from different generations.
The phrase “OK, Boomer,” which dismissively refers to someone born in the Baby Boomer generation of 1946-1964, has a lot different social connotations. I think there’s an automotive element to it as well. Corvette owners are stereotyped as being Baby Boomers who are fond of sitting in camping chairs next to their cars at local shows, dressed in their t-shirts, jean shorts, and white New Balances or Nike Monarchs.
There’s no denying that you can’t help liking what you like. You don’t have to rack your brain to understand why so many people are fans of the Corvette. It’s an attractive sports car with lots of power, athletic handling, a knowledgeable owners community, and loads of aftermarket support. But there’s more to it than that. The Corvette is an aspirational vehicle. Flashy, powerful cars are perennially objects of desire to people of all ages. Another thing America’s Sports Car has going for it is that it’s relatively attainable, one thing among many others that makes C4s and C5s so appealing.
Then there’s the simple geography. It’s more likely that someone who grew up in the same country the Corvette is made and sold is going to have it on their radar. And it’s certainly easier for them to buy one when they have the means. I’m an American and I’ve always loved the Ford Mustang, so I bought a 2008 Bullitt.
Timing is significant, too. Whether it’s through media, family members, or friends, many of us are exposed to certain cars in our youth and those can have a huge influence on us. My dad saw “Goldfinger” in a theater when he was a boy. Two of the cars I remember him buying when I was a child? A 1964.5 Mustang and 1965 Mustang – both white convertibles.
It seems the teenage and high school years are especially potent. At that time in someone’s life, they’re either close to or already driving a car, but don’t have enough money to buy their dream vehicle. And what’s one of the things people do when they’re older and have enough disposable income? Go out and get the car they wanted when they had more pimples on their face than dollars in their pocket. It’s happened in previous generations, it’s happening now, and it’ll happen in generations to come. Don’t be surprised in five years when you see a 30-year-old beaming over their recently purchased Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.
So the next time I see someone older than me at a car show proudly standing next to a model that left the production line only 15 years after they were born, I’ll keep in mind how much the two of us have in common. Then I’ll picture the day I can join them at the event with an XJ Jeep Cherokee or R129 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Source: www.classiccars.com