The Vintage Motor Car Club of America

A Message from Duane Copley

- posted 9/16/2024

I am often asked which of our several cars is my favorite. And while I do have a car that I consider my favorite, it's like asking someone which of their children is their favorite! These well-cared-for and pampered cars and trucks of days gone by have often been in our families for decades and generations. They often represent a family tradition or are a pivotal part of an important event in our lives. I knew a couple who often toured in the same 1953 Mercury convertible they used on their honeymoon in 1953.

Most of us have a connection of some sort to each of our cars, and often, it is as simple as "I've wanted one of these cars from the first time I saw one" to "This is what I drove to high school." Or it might have been the car you brought your first child home from the hospital in. Personally, I think it has a great deal to do with "the fit." The fit is that feeling that surrounds you as you get into the car. There is a feeling of confidence, comfort, familiarity, expectation, satisfaction, and pride. You like the way that car rides and drives. You drive that car with confidence, not only in the car but also in your ability to drive it anywhere you want to go.

Our favorite car is not always the one we drive. That may be because all the other factors thrown into these selection decisions might rule it out: "We need room to take the grandkids, and they won't do well in the rumble seat." "It's going to rain; it’s going to be cold;" or "They asked me to bring a rag top!"

Of course, if you only have one favorite car, then the decision is much simpler and boils down to "Are we going or not?" If people know you only have one car, they probably won't ask you that question.

Despite the wackier-than-usual weather all across the country, touring goes on. I hope the tours you attended were fun and that you made new friends along the way. Touring makes you more interesting, especially to your children and grandchildren, because they always have something they know you can talk about. Where did you go last week, grandpa? What did you buy for me?

Be safe, have fun, and keep on touring!

... Duane