What’s that noise? Why doesn’t the heater work? Ugh, I need to fix that missing trim piece! I bet these kinds of thoughts have raced through your mind, too, when you have driven your classic car.
You’re not alone, so take comfort in that. But I got advice for you: Just shut up and drive.
Yes, I’m talking to you …
You are right on the money! Most people who have even a passing interest in cars will think it's great that you're driving the old Caddy and will neither notice or care about the million little issues. I too want to get to the finish line with a project, but need to remember that there is so much more to old cars than getting from A to B. The memories you make for yourself and others are the real payout in my opinion. I frequently tell other British car owners a little story of mine that helps me stay focused on why I do this.
Remeber the three hour drive in the Lexus last month? I don't either, but remeber when the wheel came off the Spitfire on the way to a car show six years ago? Heck yes! And the homeless guy that helped us find the lug nuts, and the fact that we still made the show and even won our class, despite the mishap? Yep! So don't worry about what isn't done, or quite right, or what someone else may think. Enjoy the car today!
I really like this article and philospohy. Thanks for the boost.
But can I please add: No one, absolutely no one, is going to look at that car and think "junker". It's gorgeous .
There is no "finished". Only "finished for now."
A major problem having a restored car is that you are afraid to park it in a parking lot. My Dad had his just painted '64 Riviera in a local mall parking lot away from any other vehicles. Someone hit it anyway, and tried to look as if he was writing a note to put on the windshield. He wasn't but fortunately a witness saw what happened and provided my Dad with the description of the offending vehicle and driver.
I feel the same with my classics. There is no way I would park my restored '65 Austin-Healey or my Jaguar E-Type Coupe in a parking lot. I already had my daily driver "Dentz Out"ed and even though I don't drive much, it already has new dents caused by others just throwing open their doors, not caring if they do damage on someone else's car.
This is my approach to vintage racing.
Yep.
I have a two page list of things to attend to on my new to my Mitata.
Just drive
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