What is a Real Car?
By Gearhead Geek
I was at a car show that had a wide variety of different types of cars, trucks and motorcycles. While I was walking around taking pictures of the cars, I was asked by a man if that was my old rusted car over there. I said “Yes, the rust colored, primer Chevy is mine.” He said “Why do you want an old beater like that?” I asked him “As opposed to what?” He said “A real car like mine.” and pointed to his Tuner Car.
I politely said that we obliviously have different definitions of what a “Real Car” is. He seemed to want the conversation to be a Classic Car vs Tuner Car debate. I like almost any vehicle and enjoy looking at the modifications that people do to them. There are so many different types and classes of vehicles because there are so many different likes and interest. I think there is room in the car enthusiasts world for everyone. Everybody has their likes and dislikes and opinions. I don’t expect everyone to share my opinions and I respect the opinions of other people.
We had a good talk and both expressed our opinions of what a real car is. In summary here is my opinion.
A car is a machine engineered to be driven and designed to appeal to the eye. To me, a car is for driving. To be a car enthusiast is to be a driving enthusiast. Everything centers on the drive. It is the driving experience that provides the thrill.
All modifications should be centered around enhancing the driving experience. Go before Show. Safety items should be maintained. Engines should be worked over to increase power. Suspensions should be modified to improve handling and cornering. Brakes should be improved. What is a real car, it is a performance driving machine.
Going on this definition the following are NOT “Real Cars”.
• Front wheel drive cars. Rear wheel drive and all wheel drive only for “Real Cars”.
• Low power, small engine cars. Economy cars are just basic transportation.
• Poor handling and cornering cars. This includes cars that are lowered or raised enough to adversely affect handling. “Real Cars” can corner with the possible exception of Drag Racers.
• Trailer Queens that never get driven. These are just statues not “Real Cars”.
• All Show and no Go cars. These are just art paintings not “Real Cars”.
• Rolling Home Theaters.
Most Tuner Cars do not fit my definition of a “Real Car”. They are all show. They look flashy but have stock or low power running gear. They are often front wheel drive. They are as low to the ground as possible just for looks and what it does to the handling is not a concern. They are weighed down with all the things it takes to make a home theater on wheels.
One of the last things that I would want to do in a car is watch T.V. or play video games. I like my music loud at times but will often turn the tunes off when driving. I like to hear the music of the engine and get in tune with the car. The radio is a distraction.
I like to see mechanical innovation not interior decorating in a car. If I was interested in interior and home theater design I would stay home and watch the DIY and Home Improvement channels.
I like the 1950s and 1960s cars the most because they had unique style and character. Most are so unique in shape that you can tell what it is a quarter mile away. The cars today all look the same from that distance except the retro-style cars.
Now that you know my opinion, let's hear yours. What is a "Real Car" to you? Go to the Forum and tell us.