There's hope for the new generation

[Righty Tighty]

I was loading groceries into the '74 Barracuda when I heard someone say, "Excuse me, sir."

I thought, "Oh boy, here we go." What is this guy's pitch gonna be? Is he gonna try to sell me on God? Does he need all of my spare change?

So I look up and see a kid, couldn't be older than 21, approaching me. He asked if this was my car and said he liked it. Complimented the body lines and asked about the engine, asked what my plans were for it. We chatted for a minute and I think he felt he used up his time, so he said "Well, I won't take up any more of your time, sir. Have a great day."

It's refreshing to interact with younger folks when 99% of the attention the car gets is from 55+ males. (No offense)

 

[66fyssh]

Amen! Love it when that happens.

 

[TT5.9mag]

Talking cars or not it’s nice when a 20 something knows how to engage and have an intelligent conversation with other people. Most I come in contact with are socially inept, (nicest way I could think to say it).

 

[Just Send It]

Love this!!

Went to local classic car show 2 weekends ago and about 1/3 of the people were under 30 years old. Mostly single guys with their girlfriends. I was taken aback.

Modern cars are cool and fast, and they have all of the blinky doodads and will air-out your balls with the flip of a switch. But they have no soul. No self-expression, IMO. Kids still love loud drama and shiny things; and our cars are artwork on wheels. It's very human to be attracted to them.

 

[RustyRatRod]

We have an Ingles grocery store in Gray. They employ a LOT from the local high school. I've had several young people both male and female comment on Vixen and ask all about her. It is very refreshing.

 

[JoePole1]

I took the car on a road trip with my wife this past weekend and stayed at a friends house for a couple of days. They live on a main street with lots of traffic and we were all amazed at how many people commented and stopped by for a look. He even got phone calls from friends asking about it. Our cars have a lot of character and are very unlike today's cookie cutter vehicles. So many sedans of different makes look so similar and the body styles run for many years with little change where back in the day it was only a couple of years and then redesigned. Stopped for fuel up on the way back and had a conversation with a guy and he was amazed that we were hours from home and enjoying our classic yet back in the day that's what people did. Granted they were mostly stock vehicles. Looking forward for the next trip.

 

[Steve welder]

I have had some younger ones ask about the Plymouth but when I drive the 48 Willys jeep the young guys in the new jeeps wave and smile
I told one young guy, my Jeep is your Jeeps grandpa

 

[JoePole1]

I took the car on a road trip with my wife this past weekend and stayed at a friends house for a couple of days. They live on a main street with lots of traffic and we were all amazed at how many people commented and stopped by for a look. He even got phone calls from friends asking about it. Our cars have a lot of character and are very unlike today's cookie cutter vehicles. So many sedans of different makes look so similar and the body styles run for many years with little change where back in the day it was only a couple of years and then redesigned. Stopped for fuel up on the way back and had a conversation with a guy and he was amazed that we were hours from home and enjoying our classic yet back in the day that's what people did. Granted they were mostly stock vehicles. Looking forward for the next trip.

I should add.....lot's of young folks asking about the car.

 

[Righty Tighty]

Modern cars are cool and fast, and they have all of the blinky doodads and will air-out your balls with the flip of a switch.

Funny you mention this, because after he walked away I noticed the car he came from was a late model Charger.

We have an Ingles grocery store in Gray. They employ a LOT from the local high school. I've had several young people both male and female comment on Vixen and ask all about her. It is very refreshing.

Same same. Just the other day I was walking into the hardware store (not a big box) and a young lady complimented me on the Cuda. She said her favorite was the '71. It was crazy to me to hear someone half my age tell me she had a favorite year.

 

[66fyssh]

I've mentioned this before. If a mom/dad and kids come around looking at my car at a cruise-in, I offer to have their child get in the driver's seat so they can take a picture. Hell, they can't hurt anything and it may help them become car guys/gals.

 

[halfafish]

I was at the local NAPA getting, I don't know what. When I walked out there was this very young gal, I bet she couldn't legally buy a beer yet, looking at my car. We had a very nice conversation while I told her what it was, some details and history on it, and let her look under the hood and trunk. She was jazzed, and so was I. It renewed my faith that our species may survive after all.

 

[doogievlg]

I was that kid when I was 16 working at the grocery store. I already had my Dart but I’d bug every old man that walked into the store even wearing a mopar shirt. Most were pretty cool and will even stop to chat if they see me around.

Some of them couldn’t be bothered to talk to some punk kid. Those are the ones that taught me the most.

 

[dartindanno]

Last year I was out with the Dart and noticed a Sheriff squad behind me. I didn't know how long he was following but I turned into the Piggly Wiggly parking lot and he followed me in. I parked and got out and he calls me over....70? 71? He was a car guy, liked the Dart and said it sounded awesome. He showed me pictures of his 70 Cutlass he's building. Good interaction with the local law, especially a guy under 30

 

[Sublime one]

What a great thread! It is refreshing. Last week pizza delivery kid rolls up in a new challenger. Not a V8 but still a Mopar! Demon is in the drive and he stops and walks all the way around it. So I go out and he is super enthusiastic about Dodge and loves the old ones. He goes on about his Challenger so I then ask if he wants to see his cars grandfather? He is a bit confused but says sure. I open the shop door and show him the Cuda, admittedly not a challenger but I show him the common lines of the car. He was totally mesmerized and chatted for a long time. Didn’t hurt anything that the Scat Pack was parked in same shop. It was a very cool experience for both of us I think.

 

[Righty Tighty]

I'm 45, so I wasn't born yet when any of my cars were made. I've always loved cars in general, but mostly those made in the 70s and earlier. Now with 20-somethings and even late teens getting exposed to the hobby, I think it's important to be welcoming anytime someone shows an appreciation and foster good blood. Bridge the gap between generations, if you will.