Too young to get respect at a car show?

[Guest my3buicks]

I can understand your frustration, I started showing my car when I was 19, I am now 52, while you can not demand respect, I have always been one that would not tolerate being talked down to or even ignored to a degree. YOU have to approach the individuals and start the conversation, and show them from the start that you have some knowledge of the subject at hand and that you are indeed interested in learning or discussing the car at hand. Let's face it. know matter what hobby, job, recreation you partake in there will be the non-personalities. Also, some of these people at the high end shows ( well, all car shows for that matter) buy their restoration / cars and you can probably tell them more about their cars than they know. There is little wonder why these folks don't want to talk and be outed.

[Shop Rat]

..... A new point, and please take it in the positive spirit in which it is intended: Often I have had young friends dismissed primarily because they looked so different from the car owners--the young visitors were wearing head-banger-band T-shirts, baggy plaid shorts, sandals, and baseball caps worn backwards--or something of that ilk. That only serves to give a new acquaintance a reason to dismiss you **because you are so DIFFERENT**. By no means am I advocating that you attend car shows wearing Izod shirts, lemon-yellow sans-a-belt golf slacks, and white shoes--that "uniform" is even more distasteful to me. You should have a feel by now for how car exhibitors dress at shows in your area (a lot of regional differences), and I suggest you follow their lead. Not too different from what you'd do for a job interview... Also known as "when in Rome..." .....

Excellent point Grimy. Certain styles of dress are rebellious by their very nature. And rebellion usually entails a certain amount of lack of respect for the status quo. And owners of antique vehicles aren't fans of those that imply disrespect. So if that status quo is the owner of an antique vehicle, rebellion is not the statement that someone wants to make if they want to have a wonderful conversation with the owner about the car.

[ex98thdrill]

Alex, I'm not trying to sound rude, but like anything in else in life, you could be judged based on how you look. I'm not saying that in a negative way, but back when I worked construction (and made good money) I once walked into a store and was treated like crap from the store clerk because I was dirty, and my money was dirty. When you run a jack hammer all day, you're going to get dirt in your pockets so you're going to have dirty money. Clothes, piercings, tattoos, the way you dress can and may play a role in how you're treated because I've been on the receiving end of it. On the flip side, I've heard stories of past AACA National President Benny Bootle who was known to walk around AACA events wearing a straw hat and bib overalls. Benny probably had more money than most of us put together, but I'd be willing to bet that he probably used to get treated the same way by people who didn't know him. On the side of the car owner, you get a lot of people who will walk up to you and tell you that their grandfather had one just like it, and the only thing that was like the vehicle that we had was that it was old. At Hershey I had some guy who tried to tell me which military installation our Jeep was assigned to because he recognized the serial number. I know the guy was full of crap because the serial number on our Army jeep was the fist two numbers "20" followed calendar date that I joined the Army 20071585. "20" is the correct designation for a 1/4 ton military Jeep and I joined the Army on July 15, 1985. At the 2010 National Meet in Louisville I was in the room where the cars were and there was this younger couple that I observed sitting inside one of the show cars. When this couple climbed into a Rolls Royce, I went over and started talking to them and the gentleman said to me "I have one just like this at home." Personally I know you're not supposed to judge someone by their looks, but if I had a Rolls Royce, I'd have a serious problem allowing someone else getting into my car. I think between my size and body language, I don't believe this person felt that I bought his story and the couple left the room. I have been with the Sheriff's Department for 24 years. About 16 years ago a gentleman was arrested for trying to hire a hit man to kill his ex wife. This guy was as dirty as dirt can be, and I don't think he knew how to spell the word shower let alone take one. Needless to say when the judge set his bail at $75,000 he had $118,000 in his pocket, so he whipped out the money, paid his bail, and as he was walking out he showed how me and my coworkers how we were number #1 in his life (you choose the finger). Needless to say, I've learned a lot about judging people how they look, but not everyone in this world has..... I'm sure Matt Hinson has a few stories of his own.... It's fine to have an interest, but sometimes people won't take you seriously even though you are. At times like that is when you want someone to throw you a price and then you take them up on it.

[rocketraider]

Listen to yourselves. Three of the last four posts are doing nothing but reinforcing Alex's original concern.

Besides, how is a kid in a headbanger T and a backwards ball cap any different than a 70-year-old in a poodle skirt or a pack of Camels rolled into a sleeve? You wanna talk about ridiculous? No way could I take such a person seriously. At least the kid is dressing like others in his age group, whereas the septuagenarian just looks foolish.

Bottom line, if a young person expresses interest in my stuff and can carry on an intelligent conversation (and there are many who can), I will not diss that kid based on age or appearance.

Besides, by the very nature of our hobby we are challenging the status quo. How else do you explain the persistent attacks and punitive legislation and taxing we endure simply because modern people don't understand or appreciate old cars, which most view as gas-guzzling, polluting dinosaurs that should be eliminated? Because we are challenging the modern status quo.

[NTX5467]

Respectfully, I added some "Likes" above as those comments tend to mirror some of my own experiences and observations over the past 40 years or so. This whole situation IS a "two-way street". In grade school and junior high school, I was the one who knew the latest specs and stuff about cars, in my family and my circle of friends. It was what I was interested in as I had other family members who were sports enthusiasts and players. They knew their stuff and I knew about cars. Not much cross-interest, generally.

While being at car shows (showing and spectating), I've seen spectators walk up and one of them would seek to impress his friend with their knowledge of what they were looking at. Be aware that much of this started in the middle 1980s. A guy would walk up to a friend's restored Hemi 'Cuda coupe and proudly tell his female date that his brother used to have one like that, except it was a 4-door. YOU can imagine the rolled eyes and grins that comment drew, even from other spectators! And then there was the "Canadian 318" comment we devised when a younger spectator (who allegedly knew about cars, specifically Mopars) didn't recognize a 426 Hemi in the flesh.

From what I've seen, if a younger person might seek to impress a car owner with "information" about a particular car, the BEST way is to ask to verify things read in books or things which have been said by others. Remember! EACH car is different asn EACH owner's experiences can be different as EACH owner might have different performance/care criteria they use for their vehicles. In other words, DON'T expect that everything you've read in books is completely accurate . . . no matter what! Some of the books are not totally correct, nor is everything you might read on the Internet in more modern times . . . it's all colored by the experiences of the author in some manner--period. Once you do enough research to get a general idea of things, THEN you can speak with a certain amount of confidence with your accumulated knowledge. Which gets back to the information acquisition activities . . . finding a good mentor or two on the particular vehicle and its various characteristics CAN be much better than "book knowledge". Which is where the knowledgeable car owner comes in . . . the person you see at the car show with a car like you like. As stated above, many might not have a real long-term knowledge of their vehicle and everything about it, which THEY don't want to really admit could be accurate.

I DO somewhat concur with the stereotypes about dress and actions. These CAN be a huge turn-off for many people outside of a particular age demographic . . . regardless of whether it's forward or the reverse. IF anybody wants to get through some of these boundaries, THEY might need to make some adjustments in their actions in order to get there . . . from what I've seen. Whether it's to get a good job or to make friends with an older person who has a car you are enthusiastic about . . . or even some body from your parents' generation. Possibly a "marketing" situation?

I do respectfully submit that there are TWO sides to this situation. Hopefully the common denominator of "WE like cars" can help us meet more in the middle and be friends?

Regards,

NTX5467

[Guest Oldengineer]

We were blessed that there really wasn't friction in our club. We just had members that wanted things to stay the way they were, which that just never happens. I honestly had new members call me and thank me for Bill and I talking to them but that no one else would, so they wouldn't be back. At one time it was a great Region and we held some wonderful car shows during The Regatta which you know about. You probably came to some of them. Then the street rod clan moved in on our show and blasted us out with their loud music and were rude to us when we asked them to lower the volume. We changed venues to get away from them. And then the members that had done most of the work for years got older and wanted the younger members to take over. Only there were no younger members other than Bill and I and a couple of other people that then moved away and started their own Region.

And that my friends is how you kill a Chapter or a Region.

I joined the Charleston Club in 1962 at the age of 16. I had an antique car that I'd worked on for a couple of years, and, started attending events. I was totally ignored by this bunch except on one occasion. They did a run from Charleston to Camden Park on brand new I 64. I pulled my 37 Dodge Coupe, that had a larger flathead than stock, into the fast lane and passed the bunch of the high dollar stuff that was leading the group. When we got to the park, a guy hopped out of his old Caddy and demanded to look under my hood. It looked stock to him - so he sulked away. He didn't know that the engine was 4" longer than the original with way more power. I think that was the last event I attended with this bunch. Regards:Oldengineer

[john2dameron]

I have had many wonderful experiences at car shows and met a lot of the best people in the world. A few years ago I was staging shows at the middle school and an older couple would show a very presentable '64 Plymouth Fury convertible. I'd see them 6 or 8 times a year at shows and she always wore a cotton or polyester print dress and he always wore a white tee shirt and bib-top overalls and they thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the other owners and the students. One year I presented them with the trophy for the best open car at the show and he wanted to know what an open car was. One very delightful experience I had was about 2002 at the Homestead Hotel in Hot Springs, VA. The Rolls-Royce/Bentley owners came to the hotel for a week and put the cars on display that Thursday. I took a Nikon 35 mm camera and a note book and went to the show. I had never seen more than 10 or 15 Rolls at one show prior to that and there must have been close to 300 cars there dating back as far as 1907 I think. Those were probably one of the nicest groups of people I ever met at a car show. They'd ask me what I had there, I'd tell them nothing, and then they would start telling me about their cars. I think everyone I asked a question answered it politely and truthfully. Eventually I had to leave and go to work and it was one of the hardest things I ever did. It was worse than seeing the cars start leaving at Hershey when I am still trying to see as many as I can. It didn't take me long to decide that I should have laid off from work that evening and spent 3 or 4 more hours looking at those charming cars and talking to their gracious owners, including ladies and gentlemen. Alex, sooner or later you'll have a similar experience. I will give you one suggestion. If you want to talk to people about their cars ask them about them instead of trying to impress them with what you know. After the ice is broken is time enough to volunteer what you know. Good luck at the next show you attend.

[Bob40]

I live in Minnesota near Minneapolis and can get you in touch with some folks I know with both the AACA and VCCA. During the year there are many shop tours and day long caravan events that go to personal collections that are not open to the public.Great fun and everyone(except the one old curmudgeon...every club has one) will talk to scruffy ol me looking like a refugee from the shelter so you will have a great time.

[28 Chrysler]

I was at a car show when I was 22 (early 1970's) and was behind the ropes closing up one of my cars, when one of the judges called for backup to escort me "out".

When we got to the registration gate I asked for the fees be returned to me for my 3 cars.

(41 Dodge coupe, 30 Model A sedan delivery, 30 dodge 5 window coupe)

There was more friction and sparks at that table than dragging a station wagon on its roof down the highway.

That was when I figured out what a smirk really was.

[ex98thdrill]

Hopefully the common denominator of "WE like cars" can help us meet more in the middle and be friends?

AMEN!! For a long time, there was a faction within my own region to where if you didn't own a certain brand of car you were treated differently. As a region president, I've brought both the mindset and that behavior to a screetching halt. I've made some enemies among that group, but I've basically made it to where if we can't all play nice in the same sandbox, that it was time for those that couldn't play to find another sandbox. My attitude is the same as yours. Of course I explained reasons to this young man, but not because I endorsed those reasons, but stating what I have seen. Remember, as a national organization, had the 25 year rule never been adopted, the mindset of some would've put the club out of business. Whether we want to admit it or not, it really wasn't until Janet Ricketts came into the picture before you saw any diversity of any form at all. At risk of being "black balled" by AACA for the rest of my life, think about this........ From what I've seen, the car hobby in general has been centered around the white male, who lives in the eastern united states, that is greater than 55 years of age. With me being 45, I too fall in as a minority. It's not just the age, it's race, it's geographic locations, it's nationalities.

Edited June 10, 2013 by ex98thdrill (see edit history)

[atlbluz]

I too was very young when I started this hobby. I was 14 when I bought my first car and it was my daily driver while I was in high school. I also found it difficult to talk to most of the older guys while working on the car. So now whenever I am at a show, cruise, or just by an old car I do my best to be sure that I answer any questions that a younger person asks. It makes the day more fun and broadens the hobby.

[padgett]

Have seen a lot of older people afraid of their inadequacies. Have been a car nut since 11 and overcompensating since was a senior in high school without a driver's license. Today I just stay quiet at shows unless asked.

Have had cars that were too new for the clubs and had the same car when it came of age (88 coupe is now but the '90 vert has to wait for next year.

BTW anyone realize that the backwards baseball cap dates back to the 1900-1911 period ? (In an open car I prefer a golf cap to prevent sunburn. My styles and fashion usually cross every few decades).

[Shop Rat]

Listen to yourselves. Three of the last four posts are doing nothing but reinforcing Alex's original concern.

Besides, how is a kid in a headbanger T and a backwards ball cap any different than a 70-year-old in a poodle skirt or a pack of Camels rolled into a sleeve? You wanna talk about ridiculous? No way could I take such a person seriously. At least the kid is dressing like others in his age group, whereas the septuagenarian just looks foolish.

Bottom line, if a young person expresses interest in my stuff and can carry on an intelligent conversation (and there are many who can), I will not diss that kid based on age or appearance.

Besides, by the very nature of our hobby we are challenging the status quo. How else do you explain the persistent attacks and punitive legislation and taxing we endure simply because modern people don't understand or appreciate old cars, which most view as gas-guzzling, polluting dinosaurs that should be eliminated? Because we are challenging the modern status quo.

He didn't state how he was dressed. We are just offering ideas as to why some owners might look at someone and look at how they present themselves and decide to talk to them or not based on what they see. Right or wrong, it happens all the time. Look at places of employment. Some don't care if your tattoos show or you have fishhooks stuck in your face. Other places of business require that tattoos be covered and no facial piercings, or other visible piercings other than the standard ear piercings, are permitted. It isn't the image they want to convey of their business.

[Shop Rat]

I joined the Charleston Club in 1962 at the age of 16. I had an antique car that I'd worked on for a couple of years, and, started attending events. I was totally ignored by this bunch except on one occasion. They did a run from Charleston to Camden Park on brand new I 64. I pulled my 37 Dodge Coupe, that had a larger flathead than stock, into the fast lane and passed the bunch of the high dollar stuff that was leading the group. When we got to the park, a guy hopped out of his old Caddy and demanded to look under my hood. It looked stock to him - so he sulked away. He didn't know that the engine was 4" longer than the original with way more power. I think that was the last event I attended with this bunch. Regards:Oldengineer

By pulling out and passing the leader of the tour you broke the hard and fast rule of touring with a group. There is a leader of a tour, they set the pace and the route. Then the vehicles are lined up with the slowest vehicles right behind the leader and then they line up to where the fastest vehicles are in the back of the line. And each person is responsible for the person behind them to make sure no one gets left behind. If you didn't want to travel at that speed you should have prearranged to meet them at the destination rather than do what you did. Hopefully you just didn't know the protocol of touring.

[Guest Mochet]

I first joined the AACA when I was about 19. I think Nixon was president then, to give you an idea of the time frame. Anyway, I was definitely the "kid" in most settings, but I found helpful, friendly people when I got the nerve to approach them. Today, I am impressed by the interesting, helpful car people I meet, especially now that my social skills have improved! Pass by the snobs, and you'll find the great people that share your interests. You'll be glad you did.

Phil

[caddyshack]

Alex, I just got back into town and have just read about your bad experience. I am retired, live in Bloomington, MN., and would gladly share any info about any of the autos in my garage. I am not a club type guy because of other commitments, but various club forums have provided valuable information over the years. Concours events are typically invited owners with very special autos to display. Usually MN. nice applies, but there are always the exception out there. Don't judge them to quickly, and just know it gets better. I have autos from 1-cyl Cad, Brush, T's, A, 62 Vet, stop by and lets talk.

AACA has some of the best info out there, and they are always willing to help.

Skip

[Guest Oldschoolgent]

Alex, I just got back into town and have just read about your bad experience. I am retired, live in Bloomington, MN., and would gladly share any info about any of the autos in my garage. I am not a club type guy because of other commitments, but various club forums have provided valuable information over the years. Concours events are typically invited owners with very special autos to display. Usually MN. nice applies, but there are always the exception out there. Don't judge them to quickly, and just know it gets better. I have autos from 1-cyl Cad, Brush, T's, A, 62 Vet, stop by and lets talk.

AACA has some of the best info out there, and they are always willing to help.

Skip

Thank you for the offer. I'll send you a PM after this response.

No ill judgments will fall upon anyone else because of others' actions. I will certainly attend other shows and communicate with others, as I feel that the experience I had was probably an abnormal one.

[oldcarfudd]

Shop Rat, not all touring groups have the same rules. Most of my touring is with the HCCA, but some is with Snappers, the AACA brass&gas touring group. We each tour at our own pace - necessary, when some cars cruise comfortably at 20 mph and others at 35+. If I'm in a slow car - I often am, since my favorite tour car is my one-cylinder Cadillac - I look over my shoulder from time to time. If I see more than a couple of moderns or three antiques back there, I find a safe spot to pull over and wave them by. It keeps everyone on the tour happy, and it keeps the moderns waving with all five fingers.

Gil Fitzhugh, Morristown, NJ

[Guest Oldengineer]

Shop Rat: Had no idea about protocol - nobody told me, and, as near as I can remember, we simply lined up in the order we arrived at the assembly point. These days, I enjoy talking to anybody that's interested in the old 48, young and old. By and large, the vast majority of owners I run into at car shows and cruise-ins are a very friendly and love to talk cars. Regards:Oldengineer

[oldford]

I can attest to oldcarfudd's proper touring methods. For instance, we were on a 1&2 cylinder tour together and he would regularly pull over in his 2 cylinder Buick to let me pass with my 1 cylinder Reo.

Frank

[Guest jesus tadeo]

Good job alex !!!

[oldcarfudd]

Frank - Now you know why I sold that Buick! Come to the 1&2 in New York state next month and we can drag race - you in your one-lung REO and me in my Cadillac! We'll get people to time us with an hourglass - or a calendar!

Gil

[caddyshack]

Update'

I met with Alex yesterday afternoon and spent a couple of hours talking about old cars in general. Having never met, I was not sure where the interest might be. This young college grad has a quest for knowledge that was quite refreshing. We discussed the pros and cons of rare vs. common models and also the mechanics of a couple early brass era vehicles. The 62 Vet and 69 Velle also had some obvious appeal. We truly had a great time learning a little bit about each other. Alex does not have an auto at this time and I did not want to influence him in any way. But by giving a little history of my own experiences, I am hoping the added knowledge about early autos will help with his decision.

Anytime we can help promote the hobby, we should do so automatically. What fun.

[Guest Oldschoolgent]

Update'

I met with Alex yesterday afternoon and spent a couple of hours talking about old cars in general. Having never met, I was not sure where the interest might be. This young college grad has a quest for knowledge that was quite refreshing. We discussed the pros and cons of rare vs. common models and also the mechanics of a couple early brass era vehicles. The 62 Vet and 69 Velle also had some obvious appeal. We truly had a great time learning a little bit about each other. Alex does not have an auto at this time and I did not want to influence him in any way. But by giving a little history of my own experiences, I am hoping the added knowledge about early autos will help with his decision.

Anytime we can help promote the hobby, we should do so automatically. What fun.

I thoroughly enjoyed our chat. Thank you for opening up your garage to me and offering a plethora of information. Hope to see you again at some local shows!

[john2dameron]

He didn't state how he was dressed. We are just offering ideas as to why some owners might look at someone and look at how they present themselves and decide to talk to them or not based on what they see. Right or wrong, it happens all the time. Look at places of employment. Some don't care if your tattoos show or you have fishhooks stuck in your face. Other places of business require that tattoos be covered and no facial piercings, or other visible piercings other than the standard ear piercings, are permitted. It isn't the image they want to convey of their business.

Shop rat, one of my pet peeves is older ladies making themselves look stupid by combining purple dresses with red hats. How do we gain respect if we dress like we have dementia?

[Shop Rat]

Shop rat, one of my pet peeves is older ladies making themselves look stupid by combining purple dresses with red hats. How do we gain respect if we dress like we have dementia?

Your probably know this but those outfits are a spin-off of a poem about growing older and not caring what other's think.

[Guest Oldschoolgent]

Shop rat, one of my pet peeves is older ladies making themselves look stupid by combining purple dresses with red hats. How do we gain respect if we dress like we have dementia?

That killed me. I laughed out loud.

[Rusty_OToole]

I guess I must look stupid or something because strangers at car shows are stand offish with me and I'm a 62 year old white man who bathes regularly.

If you act half way sensible and show an interest in someone's car they usually thaw out pretty quick. Please don't act like you know more about a car than the guy who drove it to the meet. You won't have much trouble getting acquainted.

Let me tell you a secret. People like to talk about themselves. They also like talking about their hobbies. If you can get them talking in 10 minutes you will have a friend for life. Hell their wife won't listen to them that long and as for their kids they won't listen at all.

Edited June 21, 2013 by Rusty_OToole (see edit history)

[ericmac]

I too was very young when I started with the hobby. My earliest memory of old cars involves riding in a GMC or International (I would have to check which one) flower truck in a parade with my dad. I must have been 3 or 4. I did not make it to an AACA show until I went to Hershey in about 1990 or so. What a way to start! Sure, there were some snobs, but most people have been friendly and inviting. Over the years I have learned when I driver is a jerk, I can still appreciate the car. I agree that most people like to talk about their cars and the stories behind them but there are a few that do not. I just ignore them. While there certainly are those who will tell you AACA is a hostile land, I have never failed to find someone (and usually quite a few someones) I truly enjoyed when I was showing a car.

I still recall the first time I took my car to an AACA meet. I was 37 (pretty young for this group) and the car was freshly restored, having been finished literally the morning before the show. It was my first real restoration. I drove for hours trailering the car to eastern Ohio. I was extremly nervous the night before and was up late into the evening cleaning and polishing every detail. Finally, another exhibitor who was staying at my hotel came out to lend me a hand. By the time I was satisfied with the car there were probably 6 or 7 people around my car cleaning, polishing but mostly shooting the breeze. Their kindness was a godsend and I slept well that evening. We all shared a table at the awards banquet and they hooted and cheered when I won my very first 1st junior award. It was those welcoming people who made the award such a prize...though I admit, I really like the AACA trophies!

Don't give up Alex and when you have a car to show, let me know and I will help you clean it in the parking lot!

[avgwarhawk]

Alex,

Sorry to hear that a few of the show participants were not friendly. I look forward to talking to those interested in my car. I could talk all day about it. Sometimes I keep talking so much they just walk away. Anyway, I can say I have been snubbed a few times at a car show. This is even when I was participating with my car!!!! Meet a few guys that talk right through me and kept on going. It may not necessarily be your age. I'm 48 and have been snubbed by the best of them. The question is, "If you do not want to talk about your car and share why then participate?" By and large a majority do and will talk about their cars. Don't give up on a dream or desire to have your own and participate. Every hobby has a participate that does not play nice.

[avgwarhawk]

I guess I must look stupid or something because strangers at car shows are stand offish with me and I'm a 62 year old white man who bathes regularly.

If you act half way sensible and show an interest in someone's car they usually thaw out pretty quick. Please don't act like you know more about a car than the guy who drove it to the meet. You won't have much trouble getting acquainted.

Let me tell you a secret. People like to talk about themselves. They also like talking about their hobbies. If you can get them talking in 10 minutes you will have a friend for life. Hell their wife won't listen to them that long and as for their kids they won't listen at all.

It takes either of the party to break the ice. Often I get a comment, after a long stare at the car, that their family owned one or they got his license in it. Sometimes tawdry tales with dates in the back seat. The ice is then broken to talk about the car and the admirers tales of a time gone by. Sometimes I have to break the ice. I simply ask if there is anything they want to know. There is a reason this person stopped to look at the car. Mostly a question, but by and large, a car they remember. I let them reminisce and I listen. Listening goes both ways.

[jaxops]

Alex, I can empathize completely. As was suggested in an earlier reply, size them, up and if they don't want to share and warm up to you, move along! Keep looking and you will find the right folks to talk to. Sometimes you don't need to be in a club to enjoy it, and sometimes it's the right kind of folks and you can have a lot of fun. I love old limousines, hearses, ambulances, and sedans (horrors! Not the coupes??) Keep charging! Slainte (Cheers!)

[Rusty_OToole]

Some people relate better to machinery than they do to people. Keep this in mind around the old car hobby. It helps to go easy and make allowances.

[John_Maine]

I think a lot has to do with the club or people putting on the event. I used to go to a somewhat local show every year sponsored by that area's local car club. I say used to because I got tired of the rudeness of the club members when registering and in general. Very snobby. Last weekend, I went to a show sponsored by the Northeast Region Thunderbird Club and I have to say, they were terrific, very friendly and welcoming. The difference in atmosphere between the shows was telling.

[Guest RonB]

it's a world wide thing.I finished my first resto at age 16 .A 1935 Morris 8 Coupe. Probably the onjly one in the world. But, because it was built after 1931 there was no way I could join a Vintage car club with it. So I never bothered although I had been going to rallies with my parents in our Chevy Coupe since the early 60's. The most friendly folks were the ones with most expensive cars,Packards,Peirce Arrows etc and in those days many had done the work on them themselves. it seemed like a bit of genitalia envy where the worst snobs were those who drove things like MG's etc. ha ha ... A little kid, as I was, could front up to the owners of a Rolls and start chatting about various aspects of the car and recieve a warm response in return .It helped that I have alwayas been a voracious reader and I still have a copy of Dykes which although pretty ratty now,I have read cover to cover a few times. :-) so to be able to discuss tech aspects helped a lot I think.

[Norm Hutton]

I never post on the forum but this time felt it necessary. You need to give AACA a shot. I have been involved with AACA showing cars and going to events since I was a teenager and was always welcomed with open arms. I have found members of AACA don't care what kind of car you have, or how old or young you are, they are just glad you are there and share the same interest. In addition, they are always willing to talk about their cars and help. I am now 49 and share your opinion of Concour Events. They always seem to be more concerned with how much your car cost, what you do for a living, and that you have on the required blue blazer and white slacks. Stick to AACA events and you won't go wrong.

[Rusty_OToole]

I don't think old car people are necessarily snobbish. People who love old cars, often are a little slow on the people skills. Give us a chance to warm up.

Edited July 1, 2013 by R W Burgess (see edit history)

[D Yaros]

I can/shall only speak for myself on this topic and relate a recent event. I attended the CEMA show in Auburn Hills, MI last month. Parked next to our glistening '62 Olds was a "well used" 1989 Jeep pickup truck. The owner was a youngster; being in his late 30's. He was as proud of that truck as we were of our Olds. We spent a good hour in conversation with him about his ride, its features, etc., and going over the truck. A good time was had by all, he enjoyed the attention and we learned a bit about Jeep pickup trucks!

[Rusty_OToole]

This conversation reminds me of an incident that happened a few years ago. There was a weekly get together in a supermarket parking lot on Tuesday evenings. Mostly attended by the same local people. One night a stranger showed up in a 59 Pontiac. It was terrible. The bodywork was lumpy and looked to have been painted with house paint and a brush. The chrome strip down the side of the car was held on by sheet metal screws driven through the chrome at 6 inch intervals.

3 or 4 old friends were standing in a circle chatting when the newcomer barged in and started bragging about his car. We didn't know what to say. While we were trying to think of something nice to say about his heap, he got all huffy and took off. I bet to this day he is resentful about what a bunch of snobs we were. The dumb ass.

[cahartley]

I am writing this to express my dissatisfaction with individuals in our field--the classic car field. This past Sunday I attended a show, the 10,000 Lakes Concours, in Excelsior, Minnesota. It was a great show, and at a nice venue. I did not show a car; I merely came to appreciate the fine automobiles that were present. Being 23, I was among the few younger people in the crowd. I couldn't help but notice that I was being given the cold shoulder time after time by gentleman as I approached them about their cars.

I still enjoyed the show, as I got to see a 1934 Packard Twelve convertible sedan by Dietrich, and many other spectacular cars. I just found it interesting that many people in our field are turning away passionate individuals, for one reason or another.

-Alex

Sounds like some Waterloo Boy tractor owners. They think THEIR stuff is so superior to everything else that nobody or anything else matters.........I wish people like that would stay home.

It's not just you OR your age! Too bad they aren't more like me who welcomes "youngsters" who show interest in MY junk!

Nobody can afford to **** off youngsters and poison them from whatever hobby it is.......SOME DAY all our stuff will be for sale........if nobody is interested.......well....... :eek:

LOL.......seriously........lots of people are just too full of themselves.........and "something else" too........

That said........I've never been to a "judged show" and never will.