| Have you ever wondered what it must be like to | | | | gleamed, with liveried chauffeurs and sometimes |
| own a classic car? A car that is a marvel of human | | | | even the family patriarch taking a turn at the wheel. |
| ingenuity and a testimony to man made excellence? | | | | Then times changed. Newer models arrived and took |
| Have you ever wondered why beautiful cars are | | | | centre stage and production of these grand classic |
| compared to beautiful women? Why they are | | | | cars dwindled, finally stopping altogether. Now these |
| cherished and even cosseted by their owners more | | | | beautiful vintage cars are only to be found in classic |
| than the wives are? Have you even pondered over | | | | car shows. These are periodically held all over the |
| the pride that the owner of such a classic car might | | | | world and car enthusiasts flock to them. To get a |
| feel? Ownership of classic and vintage cars is not for | | | | glimpse of these wonders of engineering and to |
| everyone. Not only is it an expensive hobby, but | | | | vicariously enjoy the thrill of possession, these car |
| finding and owning vintage automobiles is a rarity. | | | | shows are always popular and are usually well |
| They are objects of passion and a connoisseur's | | | | attended. There are car magazines and online |
| delight. It is an entry into an exclusive clique, one | | | | websites which cater to such car buffs, who reel off |
| which only a select few can be a part of and the | | | | facts and figures of the year of manufacture, the |
| rest can aspire to. | | | | engine capabilities, the number of cars in existence, |
| The opulence of wooden dashboards, the luxury of | | | | horsepower...et al. In fact there's often a carnival like |
| hand tooled leather seats, the sheer pleasure of an | | | | festive atmosphere at these classic car shows. Stalls |
| almost silent yet powerful engine humming, the quaint | | | | are set up hawking different products, there's cotton |
| sounds of horns from a bygone era...it is a remnant | | | | candy in one corner and an emcee with mike in hand, |
| of a time when the frenetic pace of life was more | | | | spurring the crowd to cheer and applaud every car |
| leisured, when things were simply enjoyed and | | | | as it takes a stately turn at a sedate pace around a |
| pleasures were reveled in. Its ironical actually, that | | | | track. One must remember that these cars are not |
| cars today are bought for speed, efficiency and | | | | just objects of admiration; they need to be |
| maneuverability, yet these very same elements were | | | | examples of mobility as well. All engines must be in |
| not really factors a few decades back. At that | | | | working condition with original parts. |
| juncture in time, cars were bought for the wow | | | | Every year the calendar of classic car shows is choc |
| factor, to enjoy the experience of moving at a | | | | a bloc with shows that are annual or even biennial |
| leisurely speed from one point to another, its size | | | | events all over the globe. Car owners, car lovers, |
| meant to impress with its grandeur. | | | | enthusiasts, dilettantes or even families out for a |
| Traffic was minimal so one trundled along at sedate | | | | Sunday... all are welcome to these extravaganzas. |
| speeds on semi empty roads often just a little faster | | | | The cars reign supreme hogging all the attention and |
| than a boy on his bicycle. Ohhs and ahhs would follow | | | | for those few hours, all attention remains riveted on |
| in its wake. These classic cars were lovingly tended | | | | them. |
| by their owners, polished for hours till the accessories | | | | |