Re: If you are under sixty, how did you get interested in Packards?

Posted by Craig the Clipper Man On 2013/5/22 9:49:23

Steve:

Good point. At the City of Fairfax (VA) Antique Car Show last Saturday, this nice young Chinese couple -- early 20s, I'd say -- were strolling about looking with genuine curiosity at the old Fords, Chryslers, and Chevys. But what really caught their eye were a 1933 Packard Eight roadster and my 1955 Clipper. I made a point of talking to them about my car ... opening the hood and showing them the engine, the truck, explaining its features. The young man asked if he could take a photo of his girl friend sitting behind the wheel of the Clipper. I said sure, and he took a couple of shots. Then they switched places and she took photos of him, smiling, gripping the steering wheel. I think they really appreciated having me take the time to talk with them and allow them such access to my old car. I don't know if it will turn them into collectors or not, but I do know that a few more experiences like that and they will be very likely to go to more car shows.

I think it is important for us old car guys to get off of our asses and engage with the young people coming around to look at our cars. They don't see cars like ours very often and know very little about them. I think most kids naturally like cars because cars take them from place to place. Old cars, dripping with chrome and hood ornaments and two-tone paint jobs, are unlike anything new on the road. My point is, the kid you talk to today may just be the one who will buy your Packard in the future.