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. As such, these interactions are typically short and to the point. This is not always possible, so I am reaching out to people around the country remotely to share their stories.
For this month’s feature, I reached out to an old friend in a foreign land–Canada! We are separated by a closed border, but that didn’t stop us from catching up on his current fun car. He also shares a surprise purchase toward the end.
This Month’s Featured Guest
Name: Glenn Hardy
Age: 57
Current Residence: Chatham Ontario Canada
Occupation: Consultant General Motors Pre-Owned Vehicles
Feature Vehicle
2015 Camaro RS Convertible
Reason for buying this car (include any special features, memories, etc):
The long road to acquiring this car was a winding and exciting one just like the cars that have led to this acquisition. I have spent my entire adult life in the car business, first a wash boy, parts picker, new car salesperson, sales manager and general manager of dealership and then training and development at the dealership and corporate levels.
I love cars and am always looking for an exciting car to keep me enthused; however, other than auto shop in my early teens, I do not turn wrenches or have a mechanical background. I buy and or lease used cars, typically with a warranty and have owned many exciting vehicles including Mercedes and Porsche. I have always been attracted to good old American muscle.
When I was in my late teens a couple of buddies had late 60’s early 70’s Camaros and I always hoped to own one someday. Eleven years ago while working for GM I fell in love with the reimagined Camaro Convertible. In 2012, I was working with my leasing company to lease a nearly new Camaro convertible and while we were doing the deal he took a 2008 Corvette convertible in on trade (I should have also mentioned that I love Vettes as well). I leased it instead and rekindled my love for Corvettes.
Fast forward to 2014 and the launch of the C7 Corvette. I went gaga (but not Lady Gaga) over the new design. In 2015 I acquired a used 2014 C7 (2LT package) seven-speed manual coupe. In 2019 when GM launched the new C8, I fell in love all over again and decided to sell my C7 in the fall of 2020; however, the C8’s are so scarce that I decided to wait until 2022 to even consider getting one of these cars. So I spent the better part of 2020 without a toy until the fall when I could not wait any longer. I acquired the 2015 Camaro Convertible featured here. I have come full circle to my original love for Camaros and still am so looking forward to my eventual C8.
Sometimes you take the long way to a dream car, but the journey is worth it.
How you use the car (weekend drives, track day, daily commuter, etc):
When the weather is nice, this is my go to driver; however, I try to keep the mileage down to maintain its value (I have found with both previous vehicles that I can usually flip them for top dollar if the mileage remains low).
Modifications made (or plan to make) to your car:
I’m a “wheels guy,” and found it’s usually quite cost effective to spruce up the wheels to give a car a new look. The wheels on this car have been Plasti-dipped. (Note: this topic has been covered by Vehicle Nanny HERE). See the picture below:
Any other fun/unique cars in your past?:
I mentioned this earlier–a 2008 C6 Corvette Convertible and a 2014 C7 Corvette Coupe.
Any dream car you would love to get?
Waiting patiently for a 2021 C8 Corvette Convertible.
It’s important to note that sometimes following a passion for vehicles can be done by starting small. As much as I love my Camaro, it’s really an in between car along the way to my next Corvette.
I’m still trying to keep my passion alive and in addition to the Camaro, I’ve just acquired a 2006 Honda Rebel 250–my very first motorcycle. I chose this because it’s a good beginner bike, and I’ve never ridden bikes. It’s also a great entry level price point into a vehicle.
You don’t always have to spend big money to follow your passion for vehicles, choose something that you can learn with that fits your budget and have fun!
Supporting the Hobby
I appreciate Glenn sharing his story, and want to emphasize his final comments–you don’t always have to spend big money to follow your passions! That’s why Vehicle Nanny is here — to nurture the automotive interests of budding car enthusiasts of all ages.
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 automotive youth programs like those run by Hagerty Insurance, so I hope you can find a fun item for yourself that also supports our budding car enthusiasts.
You are so cool! I don’t think I’ve truly read through anything like
that before. So great to find another person with a few original thoughts
on this issue. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up.
This web site is something that is needed on the web, someone with some originality!