What turns a car into a P&J?

[The Beaver King]

As the thread title really.

This is more aimed at classic car or TVR owners, people who have to spend time and money on their cars regularly.

At what point does a weekend toy turn into your pride and joy? I was thinking the other day that when I bought the TVR I wasn't too fussed about it and it was a bit of a laugh. 2 years on, thousands spent and many a late night, I honestly wouldn't be without it.
She's broken down on me on more than one occasion, attempted to drive through a tree a few more than that, I swear at her, kick her, get depressed when something else breaks, but love it all the same.

So where the hell does this feeling of attachment come from? I mean, surely it's just a car, right?

A what point did you cross the line between 'tool to be enjoyed' and 'emotional investment'?

[PaulB81]

My thoughts are that a few things contribute. Firstly, what you have done in the car. If you have done some really nice road trips in it, been to some special places you get more attached. I do think that having to work on the car to keep it going probably makes it more so as well.

I must admit I have never been really attached to any of my cars, even though I am very much an enthusiast. Im going to try and get something that breaks more next time, see if that helps lol. The only time I lift the bonnet on either of my BMW's is to check the oil and realise its just the same as last time, or top up the washer fluid.