Classic Cars that Disappointed
Discussion
Was quickly scanning the latest threads and I misread the one entitled "Classic Cars that Disappeared" as "Classic Cars that Disappointed". That piqued my interest until I realised my error, and I was accordingly disappointed!
So what classics have you owned / driven that you were super excited about but that ultimately left you disappointed?
TD
So what classics have you owned / driven that you were super excited about but that ultimately left you disappointed?
TD
Doofus said:
I think that to be disappointed by a classic car is somewhat missing the point. Of course, a bad individual is a different thing, but a make or model has to be taken for what it is. Many classics, in comparison to modern cars, are noisy, slow, not always comfortable and often handle... um... interestingly.
But classic car enthusiasts have them specifically because of, rather than despite those foibles. In a classic, the journey is the event. The different driving technique is part of the package. There's also the "Will we make it?" thrill and, of course, the almost universally positive reactions of the general public.
Threads on PH do suggest that many people think they should get a classic because it'll make them into a millionaire in five years' time. I admit that I am puzzled and a bit annoyed by those threads entitled "I Want A Classic Car, What Should I Buy?" We all know that What Car threads on PH are amongst the most irritating, but I feel that if you want a classic, but have no idea what you want, then you don't actually want a classic, and you will be disappointed with whatever you get, because you don't 'get' classics.
Classic car enthusiasts (I'm distinguishing between them and 'investors') often buy the cars they admired when they were young, or cars their dad or a rich uncle had, or cars they used to see on the way to school. Classic cars are about the emotion of ownership. If we were realistic about the driving experience, the fragility or the cost of ownership, then we'd sell them. But classic car ownership should transcend those considerations, because it's all about stirring the heart.
If I bought a classic that was quiet, fast, reliable, well equipped and handled well, then that's the one with which I'd be disappointed.
Don't get me wrong, I'm on the same page about the point of classic ownership. Cars should have character (classic or not) - it is what I assume many value above even handling and performance, but some times I imagine that a classic simply does not deliver the level or type of character that one was hoping for when buying it.But classic car enthusiasts have them specifically because of, rather than despite those foibles. In a classic, the journey is the event. The different driving technique is part of the package. There's also the "Will we make it?" thrill and, of course, the almost universally positive reactions of the general public.
Threads on PH do suggest that many people think they should get a classic because it'll make them into a millionaire in five years' time. I admit that I am puzzled and a bit annoyed by those threads entitled "I Want A Classic Car, What Should I Buy?" We all know that What Car threads on PH are amongst the most irritating, but I feel that if you want a classic, but have no idea what you want, then you don't actually want a classic, and you will be disappointed with whatever you get, because you don't 'get' classics.
Classic car enthusiasts (I'm distinguishing between them and 'investors') often buy the cars they admired when they were young, or cars their dad or a rich uncle had, or cars they used to see on the way to school. Classic cars are about the emotion of ownership. If we were realistic about the driving experience, the fragility or the cost of ownership, then we'd sell them. But classic car ownership should transcend those considerations, because it's all about stirring the heart.
If I bought a classic that was quiet, fast, reliable, well equipped and handled well, then that's the one with which I'd be disappointed.
FWIT I currently have a knackered old LR Discovery 2 and an immaculate 5.0l Supercharged Jaguar XKR.........and I think I prefer driving the Disco 2 because it has bags of rattly rusty character! The XKR is sublime and supremely competent, but possibly simply too good at everything. That said I know which one I'd drive to France and back in!
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