How to Appreciate 1960s American Automobiles

Ah – the classic muscle cars of the 1960s! To this day they are works of skilled craftsmanship, engineering and beauty. How best to appreciate them? Read on.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Love of automobiles
• Interest in classic cars

1. Why we love them as we do.
   
   Those of my generation – that baby boom group which has dominated our society since the 60s – came of age with these cars. They were dazzling to look at, (The Ford Mustang once won the Tiffany award for design excellence), performed splendidly and were built with quality and toughness. Today, all cars look virtually the same with quality and durability not assured. Sadly, emissions laws, costs and a smug attitude seemed to catch up to American automakers almost overnight. For these and many other reasons, American autos manufactured after 1970 are simply not what they were in the years before.

2. What about them interests us today?
   
   Drive down a busy street today and it is difficult to tell one model from another. During the golden age of the American automobile, one could easily distinguish a make and model when passing it on the road. A car back then had an identity all its own and a person had a strong tendency to buy a car which fit his/her personality. This may still be true, but not nearly as much so for, in today’s world, car A looks and performs almost identical to car B. What fun it was when I was a kid to impatiently wait each fall for the next year’s models to be introduced! It was anticipation similar to what one felt during the Christmas season.

3. Should I invest in a classic car now?
   
   Sure, just be certain to treat it as a hobby and investment. Cars from the 1960s are now classics and should not be driven daily or under severe weather conditions. Rebuilding and restoring a classic car can be a wonderful hobby and escape from the real problems of life. A fully restored 60s era automobile is worth a good sum of money and can be a valuable addition to your estate and net worth. Indeed, there are many instances in which a classic car has been in the same family since purchased new 40 years ago or more. A one owner car which has been in the same family generation after generation is valuable for more reasons than the obvious.

4. The intangibles
   
   There are a number of intangible benefits to cultivating an interest in classic automobiles. Many persons have an interest in them to some degree and friendships can be originated and deepened by a shared interest in antique autos, for old cars are a great topic of conversation at parties and gatherings. (If you are woman, this is a great way to get to better acquainted with a man you wish to know better!). Interest in older cars helps you understand and appreciate your 21st century car better and, who knows, an old car restoration project may become something your entire family will become involved in.

Tips & Warnings

• Step 3. Treat your classic car for what it is: a valuable economic asset. Do not store it outside or park it in places where you are fearful of theft. Keeping it off of busy state and interstate highways is a wise idea as well. Even the models not fully restored and in need of substantial work have considerable economic value.
• Obtain an antique auto license tag for your classic car if your state offers it. This will save you money -- but it will also restrict how and where you drive it. That’s OK because you do not wish for your classic to be your main mode of transportation anyway.
• Do not purchase a classic car unless you have a deep interest and commitment to it. It will only be a burden to you if you do not.

[mark44]

on 9/7/2008 you share the same appreciation for classic cars as i do gotta love those classic cars. thanks for the great article. 5 stars for you