Something I have to do occasionally is defend my car in an argument with someone who prefers newer models or even*gulp* JAPANESE cars. My latest defense went as follows. My Comet does have the 8" rear right? I think it does. Not a posi but still cool. I just really like my car. A lot. It would take a lot for me to sell it. I can't imagine not having it. Anyways, anyone else have to defend or justify their car to someone who just doesn't get it?
I have to remind GM guys that my 30 plus year old fuel guage sending unit still workes "accurately" and I have replaced too many 3/4/and 5 year old sending units in their generic motors cars.Dont get me started on the stupid front cotroll arm bushings that look like hockey pucks and fail almost as soon as the car is ready for its second oil change... Progress my #@!. I dont need my car to lock the doors for me eithr once I put it in gear or remind me the keys are in the ignition...I know they are I put them there!!I wont even get into crumple zones designed to conveniently package you in a little steel/plastic box while you wait for some electrical component to start the car on fire.I'll stop now
Our cars still had personality also, something nearly everything in the last twenty years or so is lacking.
I don't bother defending my car. I've actually never really had anyone say anything negative about it, most people I've encountered seem to love these cars. Only time was a couple of years ago when I was getting new tires put on the '72, the guy doing the work questioned why I drove an old car like that and then started making comparisons to his Civic, such as it was faster, had better handling, better fuel economy, etc. I just shrugged and said "I'm glad you like your car as much as I like mine." He didn't have much else to say about it.
Just say "I like my classic and you like your POS..." No, don't say that, the truth may not set well.
I have gotten the usual wise cracks from the Chevy contingent, but I generally don't respond back or try to defend it. It reminds me too much of a juvenile teenager engaging in "car brand bashing." It's fairly rare, but when I do hear it, I'm actually embarrassed for them for acting like a child. I can appreciate the engineering /detailing/ personalization of all makes and models of vehicles, regardless of age or manufacturer. In any event,...the rubber necking and positive comments I receive (especially on nice days) far outnumber the infantile criticizing.
I get a lot of positive response about my car. But I did have a encounter with a guy at a gas station that was mad at me for driving a gas hog when he was having trouble Paying the $4 + dollar per gal gas. He said cars like mine should be band from the road. I told him to be a good little liberal and find a better job.
I just tell them after 30 some years mine is still running strong, then I ask them where their import will be in 30 years. Most doesnt have an answer or just answer with a "I'll have another car by then"
