People connect with their cars on different levels. For many, their car is a means to get from Point A to Point B with little or no fanfare. For others, an emotional bond is created between person and machine. This bond can be made because of a fond memory associated with the car or maybe it is the style, color or even the tone of the exhaust that got their heart pumping.
I am always curious what causes people to connect with their cars…especially when it might be a quirky or unique vehicle. I usually satisfy my curiosity by talking to people at car shows or in a store parking lot. With the caution around COVID, I created this series of remote “Drive-thru” interviews.
Just like a fast food drive-thru I will deliver a contactless, delicious treat that can be quickly consumed. So, pull up to the window for the latest order of information.
For this interview, I was lucky to just walk across my house to talk to my son, Will, about his current vehicle. Will lives and works in NY, but was home here in Michigan for about two months from mid-December to mid-February.
This month’s Drive-thru Interview Subject
Will Taylor
Your age (if comfortable sharing)?
26
What is your current residence?
Brooklyn, NY
What is your occupation?
Associate Director, Media at Vaynermedia in Manhattan, NY
What is your current fun/unique vehicle?
1973 Honda CB350G (the pic below is the “before” shot taken in Fall 2020)
Reason for buying this Vehicle?
This was a project I wanted to tackle for many many years. I held off for a number of reasons — money, resources, know-how. Finally decided to tackle it this year while I was feeling a bit stagnant in the pandemic. I wanted to make use of the downtime and access to resources at home in Detroit, while also pushing myself to learn something entirely new. I guess I needed to remind myself I can still learn new things.
What modifications were made (or plan to make) to your vehicle?
Tore it down to the frame + engine and did the following:
- Fresh paint on the frame
- Fresh paint on wheels
- New wheel bearings
- New steering bearings
- New brake pads
- New brake lines
- New chain
- New rear shocks
- New exhaust
- Dropped the handlebars
- Fresh paint on accessories (headlight, turn signals, etc.)
- Fresh paint on gas tank + air covers + emblems
- New air filters
I may have missed something but think that covers it!
Any other fun/unique cars in your past?
A 1975 Chevrolet Corvette, with a new high performance 350 V-8 and 4 speed manual trans! I sold that car in 2016, but still have the shift original shift knob!
Any dream car you would love to get?
A 1970s Porsche 911 has been on my mind. Would be fun to resto-mod one or turn it into a rally car, in similar fashion to the CB. Same with an old shop truck. A 1967 C2 Corvette will always be the ultimate dream though.
Supporting the Hobby
Will’s story perfectly exemplifies the intent of Vehicle Nanny. He has always wanted to tackle vehicle restoration and decided to start with a motorcycle. While he had some experience working with me on the 1975 Corvette (we were “partners” in that ownership), this was his first solo project.
I was available to support him with questions and some painting tips, but the end product is 100% his blood, sweat and tears (and contracting COVID in the middle of the project!).
I hope this inspires you to think differently about fun vehicle ownership. That’s why Vehicle Nanny is here — to nurture the automotive interests of budding car enthusiasts.
In addition to sharing stories like this, I am providing ongoing support of automotive programs designed to inspire and educate young car enthusiasts through the sale of items in the Vehicle Nanny Merchandise Store. All proceeds go directly to the Hagerty Automotive Youth Program, so I hope you can find a fun item for yourself that also supports our budding car enthusiasts.