Have you ever converted someone to the classic car hobby?

If so, what was the moment or experience that got the person into classic cars? What made them see it your way?

Conversely, have you ever tried to convert someone and it didn't work? What happened there?

I've never tried to convince anybody of what they might like. The classic car hobby isn't a secret, so it's not as if I'd be introducing a person to something they'd never seen before. So I figure if somebody likes old cars then they're already a fan. However, what I do find interesting is when people you don't expect to be enthusiasts come out of the closet, so to speak. For example, I keep a CM calendar in my cubicle. That's definitely a classic car conversation starter if there ever was one. So people I didn't know were enthusiasts actually are. I also keep a "der Nurburgring" track outline decal on the back of my Miata and my Contour SVT. They're my badge of honor for driving 3 laps on the Nordschleife a few years ago. Those decals prompt total strangers to stop and talk to be about it. They know what it is, what it means, and they don't need an explanation about a famous old race track in Europe.

In reply to Gary:

That's interesting how things like calendars and car decals can be little homing beacons that attract like-minded people.

Both wives #1 and #2. #1 loved the Porsche 356B and Sunbeam Tiger we owned in the 1980's, but she really especially liked the TR8 we owned but I had to sell after the divorce. When I bought it back 15 yrs. later she was really upbeat. Almost made her wish we had never been divorced. :-) #2 knew nothing about classic cars when we first met but encouraged me to get back into vintage racing with a TR8 that buddy and I are currently building up and then she went out and bought a TR8 for herself.

I've had a lot of fun with de-converts. You know who I'm talking about. Those that bought the classic or sports car of their dreams and decided they really wanted a driving appliance instead.

I can't tell you how many good deals there are out there because someone decided they couldn't live without their automatic. Or they are scared to drive their classic because it is so small on the road or doesn't have airbags.

My neighbor has driven Explorers and F-150s for years. (He gets the Ford employee discount.) So he and his wife went out and bought a "cute" new Mini. They had it less than a week and took a killing on it when they sold it. He said it scared them to look out the side windows and be level with the hubs and hub caps of the vehicles they are used to driving.

Funny enough, despite my own deep addiction, or maybe because of it, I try to steer people away by making clear the sheer irrationality and fiscal irresponsibility that is required to participate.

A good test to see if you are qualified for Classic Car ownership is to come home from work every Friday set fire to a $100 bill and then have a few beers. If that makes you feel happy, then this is the hobby for you. If it does not, take the wife out for dinner instead...you will both be happier!

In reply to NOHOME:

Good Point. And if you're willing to burn a K every Friday you might be happy with a large boat.

NOHOME wrote: A good test to see if you are qualified for Classic Car ownership is to come home from work every Friday set fire to a $100 bill and then have a few beers. If that makes you feel happy, then this is the hobby for you. If it does not, take the wife out for dinner instead...you will both be happier!

Hah! I'm glad I have good friends like this too. Was talking to my friend about classic cars and he said every two weeks I should bury $500 in my back yard and drink a few beers. If I think this is fun after a few months then buy the Nova I want.

I seem to lack the proselytic gene.

Many people seem to be more secure in any given hobby, the more people they can convert to thinking the same as they do.

Quite frankly, while I am happy to chat with any other fans, I don't care whether someone else enjoys the same pursuits I do, and certainly wouldn't presume to tell someone what I think they should do just so I'd feel that little bit more secure about my own choice of interest.

Yup! My brother-in-law.

He had an old El Camino when he first married my sister, I bought him an easy project El Camino last year and he's hooked ! !

Found him a set of vintage Cragars for it and he's over the top, went right out and bought some white lettered tires to go with the mags. It's going to be vintage perfect, can't wait to see it done.

When I met him, my brother in law's brother had a E38 M3 and a 1997 Porsche 993. He now has a 1967 Ferrari 330GTC, a 1973 BMW 2002 tii, a 1969 Porsche 911 S Targa, and a 1972 280SL.

We are still looking for a Series 1 e-type coupe in BRG with tan interior and a nice 300SL Gullwing. I guess you can call that a conversion. :-)

Unfortunately, I live in Oregon where most people think cars are evil incarnate and that we should all be getting around on trains powered by cow manure. Now if we want to talk about recumbent bicycles...

I have converted two people, I took them for a ride in my Datsun vinatge racer at track day. At first they were very alarmed at how much the car skated around compared to their settled modern cars but after a few laps really got to like it. One of them even bought themselves an old car for track days, On the opposite end is a friend who happens to be an SCCA National Champ and ex motorcycle racer like myself who gives me a hard time about my vintage motocross bike and to lesser degree old car..........he doesn't understand what I see in them. As for Oregon...............tell them driving the old car is much friendlier as it cuts down on all those container ships criss crossing the ocean with new cars and parts. Same thing goes for those bicycles too. In their quest for the latest greatest high end product bicycle plants across the globe are going full chat and their electricity is supplied via coal fired plants.........so you see driving that old car is better for the planet.

Tom