What Makes You A Car Guy?

What makes you a car guy? If you talk to some car collectors, you aren’t a serious car enthusiast unless you own a vintage or classic car.  That doesn’t seem like a fair requirement and can discourage budding car enthusiasts from exploring the hobby.

Over the past several weeks, I shared how I Sold My Camaro To Carvana and how I am In Search Of Fun 1970s Vehicles.  That means my garage is empty of any collectible or classic cars.  Does that mean I am no longer a car guy?

Being A Car Enthusiast

As a little boy, I had a number of toy cars and trucks.  It didn’t matter if it was Tonka, Hot Wheels or Matchbox, I had my favorites in every variety.  Once I hit my teen years, I dove into car magazines and consulted service manuals on the operation of key vehicle functions. I was hungry for car knowledge and sought every source of information available in a non-internet era. 

Is it possible to be a car enthusiast if I don’t own a collector car?  Of course you can!  Being a car enthusiast means you have an appreciation for the design, driving dynamics and/or history of a vehicle.  I’m not an artist, but I enjoy certain artwork.  It’s the appreciation that fuels the interest and passion.

Putting Passion In Action

I want to make one thing perfectly clear: what you drive does not equal your level of car enthusiast grade.  Would I like to own a 1970s Blazer or Camaro?  Sure, but that is easier said than done.  In order to buy one that I want will take time and money to achieve.  Those are not real obstacles, but I want to find the right vehicle at the right time.

When or if I buy another collector or classic vehicle, there are lots of things I can do to keep my automotive passions alive. In fact, I have a number of activities to recommend for anyone interested in the car hobby.

Car Enthusiast Activities

You do not have to own a classic or collector car in order to be a “car guy.” In fact, there are a number of activities that can help you determine what’s important to you.  

• Attending car shows allows me to learn more about a variety of vehicles.  People at car shows are always happy to share details about their cars and answer questions.
• Visit a car museum.  In Michigan, we have a number of excellent museums to visit year around.  I was just at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners. They have an awesome collection of cars from the 1920s and up. So does the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
• Build a car model.  You can find a large number of model kits online and at local hobby shops.  Find a car you love and build it.  I have two that are waiting for me to start.
• Watch YouTube videos about your favorite cars or to get ideas about car projects.  I do this every morning before I start my day.
• Personalize your daily driver.  This is an activity I love to do, and it makes me feel great about what I am driving.  Start by giving your car a nice wash and wax, then consider buying new wheels (and tires, if you need them) or adding vinyl graphics or other visual accessories.  Search through my many articles under the Repairs/Mods section of this website for some ideas.

All of the above topics and activities have been covered throughout this website.  Take a walk through the categories at the top of the page to learn more.

Final Thoughts

I have to admit, I do want to find a vehicle from my past and buy it; however, I’m slowing my approach so that I find the right one.  In the meantime, I plan to enjoy the hunt and spend time making my everyday drivers even more fun to own.  

Regardless of your car ownership status, I hope the ideas I shared help you realize that it is not what you drive but how you enjoy it that matters.  Please share anything you do that supports your love of the car hobby!